> Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 3: Tyrants, Terrorists, and Tiaras, Oh My!
>  by Down with Chrysalis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Episode 0: Season 2 Re-cap
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anypony remember the tale of the most unluckiest changeling in the world? The changeling who no matter what he did, he never caught a break? The changeling who rocked an awesome mane of spikey orange hair? The changeling who couldn’t fly or disguise himself? The changeling who found an awesome set of ancient armor that subsequently put a Dark Female Voice in the back of his head that kept telling him to break things? The changeling who found out he had a mysterious alicorn filly named Nightshade as a daughter that he determined to protect at all costs? The changeling who became a vigilante named the Hooded Offender and in the process became public enemy number one?

“If they don’t then obviously they didn’t read Season 1” interrupts the above mentioned changeling, AKA You.

Bugze! What are you doing?! You can’t break the fourth wall!

“I can when it’s a recap page, don’t you remember the Season 1 recap?”

Of course I do, but you might confuse the new readers I’m trying to ease in.

“What new readers?” you ask, “This is Season 3, who the buck starts on the third season?”

Well they might see this story in the New Stories section, or the Latest Updates section, or heck, even the Popular or Featured stories section and click on it.

“I highly doubt this will be featured or popular,” you snark.

Hush up you! The point is that the recap is to interest new readers into actually reading the other two seasons. And if they choose not to, then at least they can be caught up without reading 600,000 plus words of story.

“Yeesh, who has time for all that?”

Exactly, so let me finish.

“Well why don’t you just link the Season 1 recap and focus on Last Season? There was a lot that happened Season 2."

OK FINE!

You are Bugze the wanted changeling, a changeling who DOESN’T break the fourth wall and your season 1 exploits can be summed up HERE

Go ahead, read it, I’ll be here when you get back….

Are you done yet?

No?

How about now?

Okay, Okay, I’ll stop pestering

HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES TO READ THE SEASON 1 SUMMERY LATER

Oh, you’re back! Excellent! Onwards to Season 2: Debt to a Doctor. There were many adventures you had, and each one could be summed up in an arc title. For instance....

The Discord Arc

After receiving the Doctor’s note, you traveled to Canterlot by train in your El Hunko disguise. And lo and behold, Lady Luck’s cruelty struck early as your trained stopped in the dreaded Ponyville where the Deadly 6 lived. Guess who rode with you all the way to Canterlot?

“Spitfire in her form fitting Wonderbolt Suit?” you ask excitedly.

Sadly no, it was your most dreaded enemies. The Hick, The Filly-Fooler, The Pink Psycho, The Crazed Bookworm, Tacky McStabFlank, and Fluttershy.

“Well Fluttershy’s not an enemy,” you say.

No, but she does hang out with them daily.

“Good point.”

They all thought you were dead after the events of the gala, but you still worried about being found out. However, there were other things on their minds besides yourself, as the world seemed to be going to Tartarus all around you. And by Tartarus, you mean of course the warping of reality and the breaking of physics.

“Just think of what the inside of Salvador Dali’s Fun House would look like, then multiply that by 11.”

Luckily, you were able to avoid detection by your enemies as you exited the train. The next problem however, was getting into the castle.

“Actually, that part was easy, I just went in through the coffee cellar. The hard part was figuring out where the buck to go. That place is huge!”

Yes it is. You then dumped flour over your Offender Cloak so that if you were found out, you could pretend to be a ghost.

“Grandbuggy’s wisdom still shines.”

You eventually found the room where the Doctor told you to meet him, and there you found the Deadly 6 and Princess Sun Butt talking to Discord, the weirdest looking creature you’ve ever seen.

“I then totally convinced them I was a ghost…until the Pink Psycho blew my cover.”

Indeed, totally not your own stupidity.

“Hey!”

You were then roped into helping the Deadly 6 find the Elements of Harmony that Discord had supposedly taken. While going through a maze, Discord tried to brainwash you into becoming his best friend in chaos, but the DFV stopped him, much to his surprise. You also butted heads with the Bookworm, and then quite literally butted heads with the rest of them after failing the maze and walking back to Ponyville. They all turned to jerks…more so than usual, and started tossing your little girl around like a beach ball. So you kind of beat them up, just like the DFV wanted.

“Turns out they had been brainwashed by Discord. I’m not proud of what I did…”

After that, you ran into a sophisticated mare named Octavia who fangasmed at the sight of you. Turns out she was in love with you since you saved her life from the Diamond Dogs back at the gala. She had also become one of the Vice Presidents of your fan club, the Horde, with Fluttershy being the President. She then took you back to the Horde headquarters and you met several fancolts and fanfillys, and all their positivity caused you to become a hero once more.

“Also I kind of had to get out of there before a drunken Vinyl Scratch dragged me and Octavia into the bedroom…”

You say that as though it were a bad thing.

“I’m a good bug dang it! I’m saving it for marriage!”

Yeah sure, and I'm worth a million dollars. Regardless, you went back to Twilight’s house where she too had been Discorded, and you had to save her with an inspirational speech. You also helped Spike to his bed after he had burped up hundreds of letters, because apparently he was another vice president of the Horde.

After helping Twilight secure the rest of the girls, and a few apologies from each side, you all went to confront Discord…who then scattered all the Elements of Harmony. Guess who got to distract him while the girls went to retrieve them?The fight was spectacularly one sided. With you trying to attack, and more often than not failing, while he would land on embarrassingly themed attacks, which took their toll.

Things changed however when you were trapped and Nightshade popped out of the Inventory, Discord tried to mind control her, but with an angry roar, the DFV yelled for you to “get that thing away from OUR daughter” and flooded you with power. Slightly confused by this, you agreed and began to actually hurt the God of Chaos as Nightshade ran off, but things went too far when DFV took full control and tried to hurt innocents in the process, which Discord found distasteful.

"I did too! The nut was trying to use the Cowardly Trio as a stress ball!"

True. Anyway, after giving you both a painful beat down, you were saved by the Elements of Harmony. Discord tried to take Nightshade hostage, but your daughter is just as crafty as you, for she sprayed WD-40 into his eye. Before he was turned to stone, Discord pulled one last dirty trick. Making almost everypony forget that you helped bring him down, and instead make them think you were his accomplice.

“And the moral of the story is that Discord’s a jerk.”

Beaten and weakened, the Elements, sans Fluttershy, tried to use their rainbow of death on you. But your Fan Club came to save the day.

“Yeah, they surrounded the elements and hid me, and then the Doctor showed up. So I hopped on board with him. And it was then that my life started getting rough.”

The Early Ponyville Days Arc

Yes, the Doctor told you that in order to pay off the debt that Nightshade’s appetite had caused, you would have to be his spy in Ponyville for awhile. Since Ponyville is the native haven for your enemies, he gave you a set of his old clothes, including a white panama hat with a paisley hat band, a face mask, a billowing tan overcoat, and a pair of yellow-and-black striped pants in order to hide your identity. Also, he gave you a notebook used to contact him, and a Luna Plushie. You were then dumped right into the outskirts of Ponyville, where you ran right into Cheerilee.

“That Mare hates me,” you mutter.

Thinking quickly, you made small talk with her and came up with a new nickname, combining all the different actors who played the Doctor in the movie serials.

And thus, Baker Sylvester Tennant was born.

“Or BST for short.”

You found out that it had been a week since Discord’s defeat, and the Hooded Offender was once again Public Enemy Number One. Thankfully the Horde members were pardoned for being brainwashed.

“For the last bucking time! I DO NOT HAVE MIND CONTROL POWERS!!”

After encountering the CMC and introducing them to Nightshade, you were able to get lodgings in their clubhouse. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long until madness and mayhem came your way.

In your first few weeks, you did anything but be inconspicuous. You met Twilight Sparkle at her most insane, witnessed Fluttershy “murdering” a bear, and had to fight off the entire town over a hypnotizing doll. Your meddling however also ended up hypnotizing the princesses. Thankfully, the Luna Plushie turned out to be a very useful item as it could cause all those who looked upon it to fall into a peaceful sleep with wonderful dreams.

After all that mess, you went job searching, and aside from beating up ponies and being unlucky, you found your skills limited and botched every job interview.

“Apparently I’m good at Caramel hunting, no matter the season,” You say this with a wicked grin.

That doesn’t look good on a resume. And I almost forgot how much you like to mess with him.

"Oi! That jerk ate my Naco! He gets no mercy."

...Okayyyyy. Anyway lucky for you, or unlucky in your case, you were hired by the last pony you wanted to work for. Applejack. Or as you like to call her, the Hick.

“Turns out when she’s not trying to kill me, she can actually be pretty nice…uncomfortably nice.”

Whereas your disguises in the past never fooled her, due to reasons explained sometime during season 1, this time they did. You would later find out that the Doctor put a perception filter over you and Nightshade to make ponies not think who you truly were, unless you blatantly revealed yourself.

But at the moment, you were given a job and a place to sleep. Also you met the rest of her family. Big Mac, whom you call Big Red, became a good bro, and Granny Smith was a nice old woman.

At first, she mistook you for the Doctor with all your clothes, meaning she had been a companion. After the confusion was over, you found out that you reminded her of an old fiance Quick Fix, AKA, your Grandbuggy’s pony Alias.

After a few more conversations with her, you came to the realization that she was actually your Grandmother, for she remembered him leaving one day and her gaining weight for 9 months, but the memories were fuzzy.
You remembered a policy that said that if Changelings impregnate a pony, then the child has to be taken to the Hive and the pony in question either mindwiped or taken care of.

“Yeah, so apparently I’m a hybrid, and the Apples are my relatives. That explains why I’m so strong. Also I have the biggest extended family ever, on both sides now that I think about it.”

...

"Noe that I think about it, our family reunions are gonna be soo awkward. If I really am part Apple at least."

And why you can take so many beatings. Then again your the protagonist so that might explain it as well.

"I'm a what now?"

Oh nothing, nothing. Anyway, after this bombshell, you tried to ignore it seeing as how it was only speculation, as you worked on the farm. Nightshade also started going to school since she began to sleep less and less. While there she earned scorn from Ms. Cheerilee and made many friends and owned the local bullies.

“Some of her friends were colts, they immediately made my enemies list.”

“Daddy! Button and Rumble are just my friends!” shouts Nightshade.

Oh great, another character breaking the fourth wall when she doesn’t have the ability. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP GETTING INTO HERE!?

“Sure they are now, but in a few years they will become…teenagers,” you say in disgust, completely ignoring my question.

“Ugh, whatever, but yeah Mr. Narrator, I made lots of friends, and I learned of the glory that is Nightmare Night! Me and my friends decided to go as the classic movie monsters. Also I told those Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon jerks to shove it. Ms. Cheerilee didn’t like my cursing though, that uptight bi-“

MOVING ON!

Then came the day of Cider Season. You helped make and sell the splendid drink, and also kept making sure the Filly Fooler never got a sip, but in the process you found out that Applejack had a crush on you.

“I’m still conflicted about that. I mean, sure she’s pretty, and has a nice well toned body I would just like to-NO BAD BUG!” you shout and shake your head, “Sorry, but yeah, on the other hoof she’s tried to kill me on more than one occasion, and I might be related to her! I mean, technically she’s not a first cousin since we have different Grandfathers, so her mother and mine would be like half siblings, which would make us quarter cousins, which isn’t really a thing and I guess would kind of be okay, I mean…ugh…my head hurts.”

Your confused feelings aside, Cider season was almost ruined by the arrival of the Flim Flam Brothers and their evil hats of evil, which you destroyed. Their big machine, the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 also radiated evil, as you found out you really hate complex machinery.

“Skynet will rise if I don’t stop them all! EEEEVVVIIIILLLL!!!!”

In the ensuing competition, which bet the entire Apple Farm, you sabotaged the machine and saved the day.

“And thus, I halted Judgement Day.”

With them gone, everyone had free cider, and after sabotaging Rainbow Dash once more, you broke her spirit, causing her to cry. Feeling bad, you gave her your mug of cider, the last cup as it turned out. She immediately downed it like an alcoholic and began thanking you with affection as if you saved her life. And because of this, she began to have a crush on you as well.

“Grandbuggy always said that if you buy a girl a drink, she’d stick around for more than just the booze, I didn’t think he meant to this degree!” you complain.

The next day, you were given the day off for saving the farm, so you explored the town as you waited for Nightshade to get off school. You met Vinyl Scratch whom, after a misunderstanding, you found more information about the Horde. You claimed to be a member and learned of secret meetings, and how the Horde didn’t fall for Discord’s mind trick. Also, she started flirting with you, so you tried to avoid her seeing as what she tried to do a week ago, even though she claims she was drunk and embarrassed by it.

After Nightshade got off, you went shopping with her, and even got your Nightmare Night Costumes, with Nightshade being a mummy, and you being Subject Delta from Bioshock 2. The suit you got from some sort of strange trinket shop, but it was worth it. You then spent some quality time with your daughter and got banned from Olive Grotto, and Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.

“That place was creepy as buck! And it smelled like blood and mucus! What the buck is up with that!?”

You then went to let Zecora know that you were alive, seeing as how she saved your life after your run in with Smaug. Plus she lived pretty far away from everyling else, so you didn't need to worry about anyling over hearing your conversation. You also passed Applebloom going the other way looking pretty suspicious. But you just shrugged it off as a filly thing. 

Your reception was...mixed to say the least. She was happy that you were alive, but angry that you let others think you were dead, so she hit you over the head with a stick for awhile before hugging you. Also, she wasn’t affected by Discord’s memory trick...somehow.

"Yeah, Discords memory thing is kinda strange. I mean it works for almost the entire country, yet the ponies I'm closes too or really believe in me never seem to be affected."

I guess even chaos magic has it's faults.


"Just sounds like a plot-hole waiting to happen." You snark.

Oh shut up you stupid bug! Don't make me get the whacking mallet!

"Eep" You say as you shut up.

Good, now were was I...oh yeah! *Aheam*, you then got some healing potions, and some disguise potions, and bid her farewell, with her saying she would see you on Nightmare Night.

The Next Day, you were woken up by an ecstatic Applejack, who desperately wanted you to fix Applebloom, who had sprouted several cutie marks and couldn’t stop doing what they displayed.

After a failed Exorcism, you came to the conclusion that she drank the potion you saw her with yesterday, which she claimed came from Pinkie.
Being as rational as you could, you ran screaming through the streets all the way to Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie tried to throw you a party, but you stopped her, and started accusing her of poisoning Applebloom and trying to make the whole town into cupcakes.

"Yeah I may have jumped the shark there hehehehe." You say as you chuckle nervously.

If the shark your talking about is fifty feet tall, then yes you did. Anyway, horrified by the accusations, Pinkie believed you and asked for you to take her to jail. Before that could happen, Applebloom, AJ, Twilight and Zecora entered the town where the residents panicked and planted a truth flower. You forced Pinkie to confess, but nothing happened. You all started telling truths to the flower, but it wouldn’t sprout, until you said something that sounded like a lie. Thinking that Discord’s residual magic was to blame, and would only bloom to lies, you were forced to tell all your greatest achievements, which no one believed. Applebloom was cured, and since school was let out because of the panic, you watched over the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had accepted Nightshade as one of their own.

"Yep, so pretty much all my life achievements are now lies to everyling I know...yay. but I am glad for Nightshade, her and the CMC are great friends."

While watching them, you spoke more with the DFV who expressed concern over Nightshade’s safety with her new friends. She claimed she did love her daughter, but you remained skeptical. The CMC were a pain however, since you constantly had to keep them from hurting themselves in stupid ways while they tried to find their cutie marks. You gained some smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails after they tried to become anarchists and mad scientists however.

"Still haven't figured out where they got that dumb crate," you mumble to yourself dejectedly.

Also, you talked with a depressed Pinkie Pie. Some ponies became afraid of her when she confessed to being a murderer and the flower didn’t bloom, and thus thought she was telling the truth. Feeling bad, you decided to comfort her, and in the process were tricked into agreeing to go to a Pinkie Party.

The Party itself was actually kind of awesome, you met a lot of ponies who knew you and Nightshade by your extravagant behavior. Nightshade caught the eye of Spike, much to your chagrin.

“That punk better watch himself,” you growl.

“Oh for Pete’s sake daddy!” cries Nigthshade.

You chatted more with Octavia, who still believed in The Hooded Offender, Vinyl, who was djing, and Aloe and Lotus, the spa twins.

“Oh Dear Luna, Aloe. That mare is a predator, I’m telling you! With that sultry smile and seductive voice, and curvy flexible-NO BAD BUG!” You quickly smack yourself to rid you of those thoughts.

Yes yes Ero-Bug we get it, your saving it for marriage. Anyway, in the coming days you would find out that Aloe was attracted to you and didn’t care who knew it. Her sister on the other hand, neither liked nor hated you, she just warned you to stay back from her sister. You didn’t know that when you first met them however, though her constant winking should have clued you in.

During the party, ponies came to the conclusion that Nightshade’s mother had died, due to you claiming she lived on in your head, and you also publicly apologized to Pinkie Pie and set the record straight, after a bit more trolling that is, but she forgave you and called you her friend. You then sang karaoke with her as you and Nightshade devoured most of the food.

That night, you had a terrible nightmare, where a headless pony in a robe tied you to a table and called you Master. This pony told you that it was too late, and that “The Nightmare Comes.”

The thing is, the past couple of weeks, you had seen this message over and over again. Written in places you would look, and only you appeared to see them. Ponies themselves would tell you this only to forget what they said. You tried to ignore it, but it seemed to be getting worse if your dream was any indication. So the next day you went to the library, leaving Nightshade specific instructions on colts.

“If they hit on you, kick ‘em in the nards! I remember,” Nightshade says with a smile.

“That’s my girl,” you praise while patting her head.

After running from the rage of Caramel’s girlfriend Sassaflass, you researched your dream. You couldn’t really find any info, but you did learn more about Spike and his relationship with Twilight. Also, you found a book detailing how to Air Bend. After an offhand comment from the DFV, you wrote a letter asking Luna for help. Being the idiot you are, you didn’t think it through, so you tried to throw it away…only for the wind to carry it right to her in Canterlot.

“You can blame Lady Luck for that one. Most of this you can blame on her in all this stuff.”

Will do. But while you rested after researching, your daughter and her friends started getting up to no good. Nigthshade and her friends began a campaign of revenge pranking. The victims included all of the Deadly 6, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, Aloe, Octavia, Vinyl, Cheerilee, The Olive Grotto, and Freddy Fazbears.

“Also I found a book on Earth Bending. Oh, and don’t forget the biggest prank of all,” she says.

Also You. They left  cards of you confessing to prank on all their victims. Your daughter also left a note for you to meet her in the Everfree Forest as all the mares came looking for your blood.

When you found your daughter and her friends, you found them dressed up in their Nightmare Night costumes, running away from a hydra. Apparently they were going to scare you, but never got the chance.

You then had to fight the four headed hydra, whom you nicknamed King Ghidorah, during which the CMC didn’t run away and kept cheering for you. Because of this, you couldn’t unleash your Nightmare Cloak, and so took your fair share of abuse. After decapitating a few heads causing more to grow, you faced a 12 headed Ghidorah, who repeatedly swallowed you.

“I kicked him in the nards causing him to barf up daddy!”

“That was incredibly gross experience that I never what to go through again,” you say with a disgusted look.

You then ran away, stuffing all the girls into the inventory, where you hid in a cave full of treasure. After taking some, you realized you were in the cave of an old enemy.

SMAUG!

Recognizing your scent, he tried to kill you, but you gave him the slip by causing him to run into Ghidorah, and so ensued an Epic Kaiju Battle! To which you and the girls watched.

"It was bucking awesome to watch! It was the only way to get them off my back. After all it's Kaiju 101: The only thing that can beat a giant monster is another giant monster."

The Deadly 6 caught up, all displaying their pranked forms, and they themselves watched for a bit mesmerized. You eventually put a stop to the battle using the gold you...'burrowed' from Smaug in a technique that has been lost to all time and space.

When you all got back to town, you faced the wrath of the pranked who organized a mob to lynch you. You nearly let your Nightmare Cloak out on the behest of the DFV, only to learn the lynching itself was a big prank, albeit a cruel one. You chided everyone and set the record straight, and in the process, all of the CMC were grounded.

That night, you angrily argued with the DFV over her methods. Earlier, she had suggested killing the rest of the CMC since you didn’t want anyone figuring out you were the Hooded Offender. That, and her almost being unleashed during the lynching prompted you to threaten her. You warned that if she ever killed someone, then you would end your life, killing her in the process. Horrified, she tried to plead with you, but you would not relent, and so forced her to agree to the terms. For the first time, you heard a new emotion in her, Sadness and Fear, as she began to weep after what you threatened her with.

“Look, I’m not proud about what I did. I was angry at the time. I didn’t know better,” you explain.

Yes yes, we all know about your big temper. Anyway the next event in your life would be...

The Nightmare Night Arc

The next day, it was Nightmare Night, and so you dressed in your costume and walked the town in your awesome Subject Delta suit. You scared quite a few folks, but you also found out that your costume had a fully functioning drill and heads up display. That night, Nightshade went trick or treating while you took pictures with everypony. AJ and Rainbow Dash argued over you and Aloe kissed your cheek. Later, you and the rest of the town sang This is Nightmare Night, and the Mayor scared the Buck out of you in her creepy clown costume.

"Clowns are the demons of all things! I mean have you seen It?!

You then followed the foals, and they, and in turn you, learned the origin of Nightmare Night. A depressed DFV began lamenting the holiday, before apologizing to you. She told you that she not only cares for Nightshade, but for you as well, and that she was sorry for you having to make such a decision for them. She claimed she would try to change so you wouldn’t have to carry out your threat. You apologized as well, and asked who she really was, but before she could answer, Luna Appeared.

"She made the scariest, yet I will admit awesome, entrance ever! I swear I didn't even know it was her till she hit the ground."

She had gotten lost however, and asked you for directions. Instead, you bravely fled from her, leading her right to town. After the town gave her the cold shoulder, Twilight insisted on helping her, and you got roped into helping. Keeping your distance while “sneaking” around you found out that Twilight was going to help her fit in and that Luna was looking for you to help with your Nightmares. Twilight pointed you out, so you again fled, during which you found out your suit had come equipped with 3 plasmids, Inferno, Shock Jockey, and Telekinesis that rewrote your DNA to be able to use them. The glove on the suit, Nicknamed the Power Glove, became your channeler for all your new powers, and the HUD let you know there were other plasmids and vigors to be found.

With this info, you tailed Twilight and Luna to Fluttershy’s, where a big misunderstanding occurred. You tried to knock out Luna with the Plushie, but she was immune and instead thought it was gift. When she tried to talk to you about your Nightmare’s again, you fled, hurting her feelings. After they had left, you decided to check up on Fluttershy, who was scared of your costume, so you decided to show her your face to not freak her out, revealing your identity in the process. Realizing your mistake, you fled once more.

“Yeesh I fled a lot that night. Of course bravely fleeing is a very respected and admirable tactic in battle.”

What ever helps you sleep at night Bugze, anyway...

In town, Luna appeared to fit in, but some mistakes caused a riot and a cancellation of the entire Holliday. Crying, Luna walked away and threw your Plushie into the water. Nightshade collected it, and realized everyone had kind of overreacted, so she set out to cheer up the Princess and bring back Nightmare Night, while you panicked because you lost sight of her. You were running around like a headless chicken and it took the DFV to finally calm you down.

"Oi! When your daughter goes missing when the pony who wanted her hanged was in the area, you would freak out too!" 

Nightshade more than succeeded in cheering up Luna, because she actually listened to her. It turns out, that Luna felt guilty for how she reacted when she first saw Nightshade. She had thought she was the reincarnation of Nightmare Moon come to possess her once more and panicked. Upon reflection, she realized that Nightshade was just an innocent little filly, and her overreaction may well have caused the chaos of the Hooded Offender. Downtrodden, she believed that the citizens and children being scared of her was karmic punishment for her actions, but Nightshade embraced her and told her she was not a monster.

“Well she wasn’t, she was just scared. Plus, she felt super bad about how she acted,” explains Nightshade.

Luna felt joy return to her as she hugged Nightshade back. She agreed to return Nightmare Night, while Twilight witnessed the moment in happiness.

Which was nearly all obliterated when you showed up.

“Hey, all I saw was a foal lyncher holding my daughter, I didn’t know!” you exclaim.

With your helmet port glowing orange, you rushed forth to pummel the princess, even when Nightshade and Twilight begged you not to. When stopped by a force field, you sent an Electro Bolt directly into the Princess and the Bookworm, and learned that your plasmids could not be stopped by magic.

Nightshade stood her ground in front of them and begged you not to hurt them, but you rationalized that she was brainwashed, and charged up your drill. You powered it down though at the behest of DFV since the active drill could kill Luna, but you still charged.
And then you got your butt kicked by your own daughter. With immense power and glowing white eyes, Nightshade angrily Earth Bended you into submission, telling you to stop hurting ponies because of her. In her anger however, she crushed you with a boulder.

"Yeah, who knew Nightshade could do that huh? Also if it wasn't for my Subject Delta suit, I would be a green stain on the pavement."


Within your own head in the dreamscape, you came face to face with Nightmare Moon herself. It took you awhile to get it, much to the strained sanity of the mare herself, but you eventually figured out that the Dark Female Voice in your head was her all along…and she was actually kind of hot. Putting these thoughts aside, you both worked together to fool Luna and avoid detection. When Luna entered your dreamscape, she saw Nightmare Moon with a fake goatee acting like a stereotypical evil caricature. Luna set the record straight on her mistakes over the Offender and Nightshade, so you let her help you with your Nightmares, which she felt were caused by trauma. After a bit of humiliation towards Nightmare Moon, she woke you up where Nightshade tearfully apologized to you. You in turn apologized to her, Luna, and Twilight, and the four of you worked together to prank the foals and bring Nightmare Night back.

"Best. Prank. Ever. At least that night. I've done, and will do, better. Trust me." You say smugly.

You also learned from Luna that members of the Horde had been causing troubles, and that talks of Revolution had been reported, much to your horror. Also, she suggested that Nightshade begin magical training with Twilight since her power was great.

Before the night ended, you and Nightmare Moon came to a deeper understanding about each other. You learned about her fears of abandonment, and her hatred of Luna and her promise of answers to your questions.

"I didn't want a revolution in my name! A bunch of ponies who didn't do anything would get caught in the crossfire. So I had to do something..."

Revelations Arc

The Next day, after some awkward encounters with RD and AJ you went to the spa to relax with Nightshade. You downed a disguise potion and while there, you encountered Fluttershy and Rarity. While you tried to relax, Aloe the sultry masseuse tried to seduce you, but you were saved by her sister. Later you came to the conclusion that Nightmare Moon should have her own name since she is not a part of Luna anymore, and is her own being. You were then pulled into a closet by Fluttershy who forcefully hugged you to the floor and made you reveal your true identity. Because you had shown your face to her on Nightmare Night, she had fought the perception filter. She promised to keep your secret, and so you two began to talk Horde business, especially the news of Revolution. She promised to ask the other city branches for news and to call a meeting of the senior members of the Ponyville branch, and would let you know when the meeting was.

"I still can't believe I was found out! I mean if Fluttershy of all ponies could figure me out, then who knows who else does!"

You were only caught because of your own stupidly and you know it.

"Oi! I'm not stupi-"

Need I bring up how you were almost caught three times cause you were hiding in a box?

"..." 

Thought so, anyway..

Your meeting was interrupted by Rarity and the Spa twins, who mistook yours and Fluttershy’s position as something scandalous, causing you both to feel embarrassed. After a fright from your daughter’s mud make up, you put everyone to sleep with the Luna Plushie, leaving Fluttershy a note, and pretended nothing happened, causing them to think they had dreamt it.

After the Spa, you all walked outside, where you pushed Fluttershy out of the way of a crashing Rainbow Dash, breaking all your legs in the process. You were taken to the hospital where you were put into casts and forced to share a room with the Filly Fooler who broke your legs, as she had a broken wing. Technically you had saved her life by “catching” her, but you still felt grumpy at the situation, and didn’t talk to her much, even after she apologized. Both AJ and Fluttershy agreed to watch Nightshade while you were in the hospital, so you sat around and healed rapidly, which the Hospital staff claimed to be a miracle and made you agree to donate your body to science.

"I never agreed to that! I was under the influence of pain killers at the time!"

Later, after boredom, you found Rainbow Dash reading an awesome book aloud, and when she tried to deny reading, you told her to continue so you too could hear what happened. She complied and you two bonded over the joys of reading “awesome” stories. After another awkward moment, you two went to sleep, with you receiving a message on the horde meeting date and location via dragon flame before you drifted off.
Early in the morning before the sun rose however, you were woken up by an insane pony named Doctor Quacksilver, who was raiding medical supplies. He misdiagnosed you several times, before deciding to operate on you since your body was donated to science. Using methods you’re sure no sane being would ever used, you were knocked out and operated on.

“I’ll never trust hospitals again...” you say with fear.

While that was going on, Nightshade had her own adventure. After another whacky day at school, she went to begin her magical training with Twilight, only to be shown by Spike that Twilight had gone crazy again. After an ice cream eating contest with Spike, Nigthshade found out that Twilight was panicked about time travel, and thought the Doctor was involved. She convinced Twilight to stop the disaster she thought was coming before Dash was released since all of time and space was counting on it.

Twilight agreed, and so she, Nightshade, and Spike set out to organize the townsfolk. After a talk with the Doctor, who passed on a message to You, she hugged the three headed dog Cerberus into submission, and went with Twilight, Fluttershy, and Spike to the Gates of Tartarus. While there, she witnessed some strange creature escaping, and kicked SCP-173 into the nards, sending it back into Tartarus.

“That was a fun day,” she says with a smile.

"For you maybe, I was on a operating table...against my will!"

Man up you big baby, if your daughter can hug Cerberus and cause him to whimper, then you being opened up and examined is no problem.

"THOSE ARE TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS AND YOU KNOW IT!"

What, can't hear you. Too busy telling your life story. Now where was I...oh yes!

Around this time, you awoke and actually felt fine, better even. Quacksilver informed you about your strange insides and midnight colored blood, further proof that you’re a hybrid, but also told you that your wings always have and always will be functionally useless as you are missing critical tendons. Also, Nightmare Moon was drugged up to her eyeballs as she kept laughing and saying random things. She had tried to stop Quacksilver while you were out, so he shoved a needle full of sedative straight into your brain.

After Quacksilver was found to be trespassing and jumped out a window, you were wheeled back by Nurse Redheart, his ex girlfriend. As you went in, Dash was wheeled out, lamenting how she wasn’t able to finish the book. After catching up in the book yourself, Nightshade, Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy visited and told you about their day. Nightshade passed on the Doctor’s message about not attacking the Vigilante and then Twilight freaked out over a scratch caused by Spike. With reminders about the Horde meeting, everyling left.

Later that night, you were awoken by what you first thought was a ninja, but was actually Rainbow Dash, come back to read with you the final part of the story.

After a few interruptions, including one from the Doctor dressed as a ninja, Rainbow Dash was attacked by an ACTUAL ninja, Nurse Snowheart. She too thought Dash was a ninja, come to murder her patients as punishment for leaving her clan. Wielding an arsenal of syringes, she chased after Dash, and you, since you were thrown into a wheel chair. After a Freudian slip and a jump through the air, you and Dash ran through town, away from Snowheart and the posse of hospital staff, and a barking mare. You both read the Daring Do ending while running, but were cornered at Twilight’s Tree with half the town watching in curiosity. After coming clean about loving to read and not being a ninja, everything was diffused with your help. Unfortunately, the crazy barking mare pushed you into Rainbow Dash, where you inadvertently had your first kiss.

“I WAS WEARING MY MASK! It’s a technicality!” you scream.

Oh really, then you didn’t feel or taste it?

“Of course not, I especially didn’t feel how warm and soft it was, or how it tasted like Spicy Rainbows, but at the right temperature!” you say with shifty eyes.

Uh-huh, moving on, RD earned the scorn of several other mares, and you went home while Twilight still remained insane.

You then spent the next two days doing back breaking work due to a, what you suspected to be, a jealous AJ. In that time, a still drugged Nightmare Moon found kinship with Catmare while you were reading a Batmane comic book, and decided she would take on the name Selena. You went along with it, and thus decided to call her as such. After that, you finally arrived at the Elite Horde Meeting, which was held at Berry Punch’s bar. While there, you met Magnum, Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s father, Bulk Biceps, the bouncer, Lyra and Bon Bon and other members. You were also introduced to the burning sensation of Jack Spaniels, and found the Frost plasmid which you downed. 

At the meeting, Fluttershy spoke about how Revolution was in the talks by the Fillydelphia branch of the Horde, and that the President of that club, Flag Burner, was radical and called her weak. Everyone comforted her, but then the idea of revolution was seriously debated with pros and cons. Deciding to stop this train of thought, you dressed as the Offender and told them that you would not have a war started in your name, and that you were personally going to have a talk with this Flag Burner.

"The dude was walking into territory where he shouldn't go into. I was gonna snap him out of it before he did something too stupid. By force if I had too!"

Unfortunately, Twilight and the other Deadly 6, sans Fluttershy, showed up and wrecked the meeting. They had been following Spike since they thought he was too young to go to a bar, but stumbled across you and the Horde Members. A very stern argument occurred, and you nearly got through to Twilight, but Discord’s lingering magic backfired on her, causing her to not listen to your words. After a few instances of you and Twilight firing plasmids and magic at each other, a fight broke out…between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The catfight was incidentally over you, or rather, you dressed as BST, and somehow they ended up in a pool of mud, much to yours and Thunderlane’s delight. 

At this moment however, Twilight snapped and figured that you dying would fix every problem and save the future. After she tried to strangle you, you ran with the Horde upstairs and into some guards where a barroom blitz occurred. Using the Luna Plushie, you stopped the fight, and set it up so that no one really remembered why they were fighting. You then ran back to your shed, picked up a few things and left a note for Nightshade and the others. You left your daughter behind, realizing that it might be dangerous where you were going.

You headed towards the train station, talking with Selena the whole way about how you would give up being BST and move on after Fillydelphia. You talked about why you were going to have to end it soon, and how it would be better for everyone with you gone. Unfortunately, you were talking aloud, and the Deadly 6 thought you were talking about killing yourself, so they teleported into your train car and staged a horrible intervention. You convinced them you were in the witness protection program by essentially telling them the truth.

"I figured since my persona was tearing apart a friendship, even if it was my sworn enemies, I should disappear. I couldn't handle being the cause of a friendship breaking, no matter the ponies in it. I was gonna grab Nightshade and ditch town later, but of course they found out and that change my plans to coming up with that lie," you explain.

After convincing them, they all left, promising to watch Nightshade as you traveled to Fillydelphia, hoping that you could end the revolution before it started.

"If only I knew what was gonna happen, then I would have never gone in the first place," you see with regret and guilt in your eyes.

Die Horde Arc

As soon as you arrived in Fillydelphia, Selena warned you that you were being tailed. After loosing the tail via acting insane (or normal in your case), you started to look around the place. You saw that their were Heart's Warming Decorations being set up, but you were confused as to why since it wasn't close to being said holiday. However after you reading a newspaper you find out that the holiday was coming early this due to Luna's freedom from the moon. 

"I still don't know if that was a good idea, but oh well it happened."

After that you put on your Hooded Offender Cloak and you cornered a pony who was tailing you (again). However before you can get any answer's from him you are drugged and knocked out. 

"I gotten drug so many times by now it's not even funny. I still have the needle marks to prove it too!"

You awake a few hours later in a dark, damp room. It was there you would meet one of your most dangerous foes...

Flag Burner.

"Ugh, just the mention of his name makes me cringed. It brings back so many bad memories. I still remember what he was wearing that fateful day. One things for sure, he was just as crazy, and dangerous, as me. At least...he used to be..." You trail of from that sentence with a guilty look.

Yeah, yeah, yeah be depressed later. 

Anyway, Flag Burner was not alone however. He was had a normal earth pony with him, a mare named Coco Pommel. Soon Flag had tested you to see if you were the real deal, and when you proved you were via your glowing orange eyes he became ecstatic. He began to go on and on about how he was gonna change the world by taking down the princess. How he wanted to change them by ripping down the soceity of the now and replacing it with his view of equality. Soon he started going on about a bloodbath, and that's when you drew the line. 

You called him out on it, saying how that's not what you wanted and that the Hooded Offender didn't want a revolution. Flag Burner simply denied everything you said and went to say how you've been 'hypnotized' by Celestia's watchdogs (the Deadly Five and Fluttershy). You soon start to get dizzy as Flag ravels that the wine you were drinking was drugged and you once again fell unconscious.

"I'm telling you! Lady luck can't go one day without getting me drugged somehow! This is like the fifth time that's happened!"

Yes well, anyway.

You awake again, this time your limbs are shackled to a cot in a dark cell with Coco putting a damped rag on your forehead. You try to convince her that what Flag is doing isn't right and that alot of innocent ponies are gonna get hurt. And it looks like it's almost gonna work...till a needle is jammed into your throat. Apparently Flag ordered that no one can speak to you unless it's him, so her numbed your vocal cords.

"Oh great, here come back some unpleasant memories," you comment.

Soon Flag walks in and orders Coco out. When she's gone Flag goes off about how he's gonna go through with your (*cough*his*cough*) vision. You, even with numbed vocal cords, deny that it's your vision. Flag Burner responds by starting to choke you while saying how if you won't join the cause, he'll just replace you. With that he leaves you to rot in your prison.

"Now this may sound stupid, but this is were Flag messed up. I mean he's already a crazy fruitloop, but he should have ended me here instead of leaving me. Cliched villain mistake number twenty-three."

Yeah, well unlike comic book villains, this one was going to actually do some harm. Luckily for you, and thanks to Selena's dream walking skills, Coco helps break you out. Now reformed, guess that's the best term to put it, she decides to stay behind to make it seem like you escaped without her help. You thank her, cause a nice big explosive after putting her asleep with the Luna Plushie, and you escaped. 

After meeting up with Flash Sentry (here to investigate a guards murder) and convincing him that your here to help stop whatever Flag's planning, you both head to the guard station. You pretend to be Flash's prisoner and you both get in and meet Shinning Armor in a interrogation room. After explaining what's going on, Shinning doesn't quiet believe you. That is till Flag Burner (dressed up like you) projects a live video from the Hoofball Stadium. He shows off the supposedly dead guard, Iron Shield, and makes him confess his mistakes. Then he does the unthinkable...

He executes him live, in front of everyling. In front of you.          

"The bucking jerk was gonna get it! He killed someling on my watch! I was gonna make him pay dearly, and make him regret ever starting this revolution! HE WAS GONNA BUCKING PAY!" Your eyes glow orange as you think back to the horrified look in the stallions eyes before his death.

Bugze, calm down. It's all in the past. This is now, and it's just a recap.

"*sigh* Your right...I'm sorry"

No problem, now were was I...oh yes!

With hatred pouring through your veins, you beat back the guards in the station and raced towards the stadium, stopping rioting ponies along the way. Once you reached the stadium you were surrounded by Horde Fanatics and Guards. You summon the Nightmare Cloak and beat your way into the stadium. But not before you are given aid by three changelings. The female of the group knowing your old drone number. They distracted the guards while you ran into the stadium. When you get in there you confront Flag, but he merely shrugs you off and escapes. You stay behind so you can destroy the bomb that was meant to go off. After you dispose of the bomb you chase after Flag as a all out riot hits the streets of Fillydelphia.

"It was pure chaos. Everywhere I looked ponies had gone mad. Attacking each other, robbing and looting stores, it was pure chaos. I stopped what I could, but I was focusing on Flag. I finish him, and this whole mess ends."

You eventually find Flag, but before you can do anything his four elite guards attack! They were all benders, one for each element. You never got the names of the wind and fire bender, but you know the water benders name was Aqua and you nicknamed the earth bender Rocky. At first the benders were beating your butt, and with one massive combo they almost got you. Of course they didn't count on one thing...

Phase 3. 

With your five Nightmare Tails you were unstoppable. You managed to knock out three of the benders, but Aqua managed to escape. But you have a feeling she'll be popping back up in your life sooner or later.

"You planning something aren't you DWC?" You ask with a questioning face.

What?  No no no no no no. Now be quiet, I'm almost down with this arc.

Anyway, it was time for the final battle. You beat Flag Burner down pretty well, considering the mass difference in power levels between you two. You manage to tell him that the true meaning of the Hooded Offender is to be a Nobody. To just be another face in the crowd (from that day forth you called your Hooded Offender Cloak the Nobody Cloak). But Flag still wouldn't listen, and he even managed to nick you across your eye, giving you one heck of a scar. But by the end of it Flag had lost, and soon he would be brought to prison to face his crimes...at least that' what you hoped.

The next thing you know there were explosives, thousands of screams. Next you saw nothing but red, and then...nothing. When you regain your senses you realize you've killed Flag Burner....and you swore never to kill.      

"That was the darkest day of my life, and I will never forget the look on everylings face when I...did what I did."

Yeah yeah, onto some less depressing stuff...

The Past Returned Arc

After your actions in Fillydelphia, you escaped the enraged Shining Armor, and became distraught.

The Doctor materialized behind you and apologized, but in your anger you lashed out at him. Thinking that it was all his fault, but he was able to talk you down. He told you that nopony had died because he had evacuated the buildings that exploded. In fact, your interactions with the situation caused everything to become much worse, since the only pony that could not be saved was Iron Shield. Now that you executed Flag Burner, your bounty was tripled and you were now wanted for Murder. This made you feel even worse, and you realized that you should’ve trusted the Doctor. He also told you that the scar over your eye was caused by Orichalcum, a magic cancelling substance and that it would never go away. Selena believed you would carry out your suicide pact and begged you not to. 

"The scar's a consent reminder of what happened in Fillydelphia. Also it looks pretty cool." 

You realized that such a thing was cruel and decided to end that pact, instead you struck a promise bargain with her to never kill again. She swore that she would keep your promise and protect you from such actions ever again. You then realized that Flag’s men were sent after Nightshade, so you have the Doctor drop you off in Ponyville, where you beat them down and tell them their leader is dead. They claim they want Nightshade to be their symbol of revolt, but you refuse. You then tell Octavia to call a meeting since you are disbanding the Horde.

The next day you were reunited with your Daughter, who had been in Canterlot for a Hearth’s Warming Eve play with the rest.  She was worried about your scar, but you gave her the banned videogame you stole in Fillydelphiha and she runs off to Button Mash’s house to play. The Elements found about the Offender’s actions they, and were horrified. Fluttershy especially since she knows it was you. You try to tell her your side, and in the process reveal Selena’s existence, not that she’s Nightmare Moon, but still now she knows. You also learn that the radical Horde cultists go by the name The Crimson Knights, and have an insignia of a bleeding sun upon their hoods now.

You then went to Button’s house and conversed with his mom while the CMC and Button played the game. They found it horrifying, except for Nightshade, but she went nuts when she found out that Trixie had voiced some characters and began exclusively killing them while yelling with her eyes glowing white. You put a stop to this as the actions in the game gave you flashbacks to what you did. You then set up traps and defenses around your shack before you wrote a letter to Cadance, explaining what happened.

"What? You can never be to careful these days, so I figured traps would be a good idea...at least until Applejack finds out. Then she'll probably kill me for setting traps on her land hehehehe," you laugh nervously at the end of your statement.

In Canterlot, Cadance chose to still believe in you, after receiving your letter, but the only one who would listen to her was Luna, who knew what dark influences were like, and so decided to save the Hooded Offender, whom she believed she created. Celestia still felt the need for your capture as you had caused billions in damages, and Shining was still angered and shocked over what happened, as he saw what happened to Flag as he was killed, including seeing his eye fly out and his body crushed under the collapsing burning building. Cadance, having no real authority, decides to help you with information which she gives you via letter through magical tube. But beyond that, it’s up to you.

"AKA, I got myself a mare on the inside. A double agent! A mole in the system!"

Weeks later, you have tried to forget Fillydelphia by doing day to day work. You do this so much, you lose track of the days and find yourself stuck in the middle of Hearts and Hooves day. You’ve always hated this day ever since the popular kids at your old changeling school and your date set you up to be embarrassed at the dance. With several love sick mares banging at your door, you let them all know you weren’t in the mood, not on this day. Being a Grinch, you burn all your Daughter’s Hearts and Hooves cards from her classmates and walk around town being grumpy. You tell your story to Big Red, accidentally being overheard by the rest of town. Later, the CMC try to hook up Big Red with Cheerilee and decide to put you through speed dating, starting with Fluttershy. Due to Nightshade’s poor planning, all of your potential dates show up at once, including Aloe, RD, AJ, Vinyl, and Octavia. Having had enough, you storm off angrily saying things and Nightshade overhears what you did to her cards.

“It was at that moment that I decided to prank Daddy hard!” Nightshade says with a snarl.

The girls created a Love Poison thinking it was a potion, and gave it to Cheerilee and Big Mac, who immediately fell in love and acting dopey. 

Nightshade added her own take afterwards and gave all of the punch to your stalkers, and they all set out at once to find you. And because Lady Luck is cruel, Pinkie Pie found the punch and passed it to everyone she met.

You then found that almost the entire town, male and female alike, was in love with you and they hunted you down like a dog.

"Yeah, this year has been pretty weird. Not only do I get lots of attention from females for the first time in my life and have to turn them down due to my situation, but then I get an entire town after my love. I'm sure Grandbuggy would be proud."

Thankfully, you found help in all the local children and an army of Colts, and your new Bro Undercover Flash Sentry, who had been sent by Celestia to look for suspicious activity concerning the Offender. He wasn’t very good at stealth. You found that by destroying personal belongings, the curse would be lifted, so you sent your minions forth and they obeyed. But not before you were forcefully kissed by Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, the latter forcing you down through the power of The Stare. 

"AJ and RD wanted to share me. I mean, they said so themselves. Not that I wouldn't mind sharing two exquisite athletic mar-No Bad Bug! And Fluttershy is normally sweet, but that stare was frightening and I couldn't move. Although her fur was soft lips were warm and tasted...NO! VERY BAD BUG!"



You're going to be alone the rest of your life. Anyway You eventually halted the effects of the poison by an impromptu musical number with Flash and Pinkie Pie that bashed on love and broke the spell. And thus, everything was better, except for Big Mac and Cheerilee who had been forgotten about, thus they got married and consummated that marriage. After arguing with your daughter in public, Big Red knocked you out and took you home, where you came to an understanding with your stalkers.

"What can I say? I still hate the bucking holiday, but I'll be a little less grumpy when the holiday comes around...maybe."

That night, you decided to finally introduce Nigthshade to her mother within the dreamscape. However once all three of you were there, you encountered a shadow copy of yourself who claimed to be the True you. He berated you for not doing what you were meant to do, like killing and taking all the mares you wanted, and decided he would take your body. Thanks to the combined efforts of yourself, Nightshade and Selena, you were able to banish your Shadow who wailed a failing to prevent the Nightmare. With that done, Nigthshade and Selena met properly, and it was a touching scene. They got to know each other better and swore to see each other in the dreamscape as often as they could.

"I am thou, thou art I. I remember him saying that. The whole experience reminded me of a Persona game to be honest." You say remembering the experience.

A few weeks after this, you have developed a bromance with Flash. You also encounter Twilight in a comic shop looking for a gift for Spike. You give her some pointers, and find out she’s upset with Rainbow Dash for all her bragging. You give your opinion on how you’d react and she contemplates it. You then decide to hang with Flash for the day. Flash had earlier spoken with Twilight that someling was causing accidents to which Rainbow Dash was helping with, that were all directed towards BST. For that reason, you were watched over a posse that you didn’t know you had. Subsequently, you witness a new Vigilante save a mare while Rainbow Dash was busy bragging. You don’t like the idea of a vigilante appearing, since look what happened after you became one. 

"A new vigilante meant someling who can become another Offender, which could lead to another Fillydelphia. I wasn't gonna let that happen."

That night, you go to the last Horde meeting dressed as the Offender. After a brief argument with Fluttershy who suspects Selena of making you cause the accidents around town since green slime was found nearby, you set the record straight and order them to disband. As you leave the Bar however, you are set upon by Mare Do Well and drive her off, but not before telling her to give up her ways, lest she become like you, which seems to confuse her.

"What's up with the Horde meetings I go too always getting interrupted? I don't have a tracking device on me do I?" You say this as you check your body for one.

The next day, you go with Flash to the spa, after embarrassing Big Red over his relationship with Cheerilee, which is sort of complicated. While there you encountered all the Mane 6, who were pouring over the latest Gossip of Gabby Gums. You don’t pay too much attention, but RD doesn’t like the attention given to Mare Do Well. Also, you know Nightshade and the CMC work for the paper and you try to avoid the skinny colt with the camera as much as possible. After scaring the kid off, your disguise potion almost ran out, so you got dressed and left.

Meanwhile, Nightshade and her friends came across several stories they published, embarrassing ponies. Including posting a picture of you undisguised that Featherweight got at the spa.

Diamond Tiara, who is losing her mind thanks to a prank by Nightshade, believes that Spidermane is out to get her, and becomes paranoid, wanting every photo of him. Thanks to some embarrassing stories, and another encounter with Mare Do Well, you are roped into helping Rainbow Dash bring down the vigilante through a ruse. She had you pretend to be the Hooded Offender and lead Mare Do Well into a trap so that she could rescue her and become a hero again. 

Thanks to puppy dog eyes, you relent. The plan goes off and you invade the ceremony thrown for the vigilante, drawing her out with a song when no one noticed your “evil” deeds. You lead her to the trap, and once the plan goes south, you try to escape, but not before Rainbow helps you and people think you’ve brainwashed her. It is then revealed that there are 5 Mare Do Wells. You are then surrounded by the them and the different fandoms of Rainbow Dash, Mare Do Well, and even Baker Sylvester Tennant, who are mostly remnants of your colt army during Hearts and Hooves Day. A fight breaks out and quickly dissolves into a flame war of fandoms. 

"Why can't I do something as the Hooded Offender without starting a bucking riot!? Is it to much to ask to have a peaceful chat with these ponies?" You ask.

When the guards show up, you bail through the sewers, with Rainbow following. Within the woods, your identity is revealed, along with the rest of the Mare Do Wells who are the rest of the Elements, and everything is explained. The reason they did it was to knock Rainbow down a peg, and that they used your idea to Twilight. After everything is explained, you all stop the flame war in town, but not before the CMC come forth and apologize on a rooftop for their lies as Gabby Gums. An angry DT tries to stop them, but Nightshade accidentally throws her off the roof, to which she is horrified by. Thankfully, Spidermane shows up and saves her, claiming everyone gets one before zipping away. The next thing you know, you get knocked out by Bulk Biceps since he is the older brother of Featherweight, who you tormented earlier. After failing to kick his nads in, Nightshade heads home.

"That guys on some sort of drug I'm telling you!"

Later you walked into your shack and encountered the three changelings from Fillydelphia. The female is their leader and goes by Sin, the other two are twins named Biff and Tannen. You know they are from your old unit because they remember your old drone number. They try to get you to come along by forcing the mind meld, but Selena stops them. You tell them to Buck off and that you’ll talk with them tomorrow. After two more fall into your traps outside, a big one named Mongo and another female named Vicky, they agree.

"I wanted to beat those changelings senseless, but I held back since I didn't want to drag the town into this. So I did the next best thing, threaten and force them off my property!"

The Next Day, Nightshade feels sick, so you take her to a doctor. When you leave and come back, you find her being foalnapped by the changelings, so you chase after them, gaining a mob along the way as they enact keep away with your unconscious daughter. Eventually, they run into the Everfree and you blindly follow, not noticing that the sky is full of Dragons for the Dragon Migration, and random fire is shot out, causing your mob to stop their chase in fear.

You corner your old hive mates in a cave after having accidentally setting the forest on fire, and are ambushed. You are punched and taunted until a horrified Sin tells them to cease, since she knows your power. You punch them into the walls anyway while she tries to sweet talk you, but you take your daughter back. With her secured, you listen to what she had to say. She then explained that they have come for you and that they need your help looking for the Queen and the Hive. They had been unbound to the Hive for over Two years after the Invasion, and Sin had followed you for most of that time. You had heard a changeling noise during Pinkie’s Party, but you had chosen to ignore it. Also, she found the others in Fillydelphia and helped you since you were the only one that could save the ponies, and thus their food supply. They foalnapped Nightshade because they desperately needed your help, even if the others wouldn’t admit it.

Because you are the grandson of a former Senor Member of the Hive, they sought you out in hopes of finding him and any information Grandbuggy had. You decided that maybe you would help them, but on your own terms, but then you found out who they really were. Sin had avoided you for the last two years, staying in the shadows, because she was afraid of your new powers. She reveals her pony alias as Cinnamon Sugar, one of your old tormentors in the hive, and one of the ones responsible for the dance. 

Her name sparks memories of the others and what they did, and you savagely beat them even taking control of their functions with the Insect Swarm plasmid. After hurting them, Selena stops you from going too far and killing them, but Sin pleads with you that they need your help. She even apologizes for what she did. You know she meant it too, but in your anger you don’t accept the apology and leave. Behind you you hear the beaten changelings cry out about Dragons. You see a group of smaller dragons set upon their injured forms and Sin pleads for help, but you just walk away and leave them to their fate. As if in Karmic Punishment, you are knocked out by gas vines soon after and pass out in the dark.

"I don't know if they survived or not, nut even through I hate them...I hope they survived. For my own sake at least..."

Dragon Quest Arc

After awaking in the woods, you realized you had absolutely no idea where you were.

Also, the guilt of what you did hit you. Sure they were jerks, sure they were bullies and brutes, but Sin had tried to apologize…and you left them to die. You didn’t do it yourself, but you put them in the position to be killed. With these thoughts in mind, you tried to find your way back to Ponyville, getting even more lost. Nightshade still slept like she did in the past due to the Changeling venom, and Selena kept her company, so it was as if you were all alone, until you saw Spike walking with a hobo stick.

Thinking that he was running away from home, you tailed him till he arrived at a river ferry run by a donkey and learned that he was on a journey of self discovery. You decided not to stop him, but rather to shadow him to make sure he didn’t get hurt. Unbeknownst to you or Spike, Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were also tailing him in a homemade dragon suit. They followed in sadness and determination to save Spike, since they, and the rest of Ponyville believed you and Nightshade had died in the Forest Fire you set.

"Yeah, so remember when I said I wouldn't fake my death. I apparently did so without even knowing I did. So it's totally not my fault this time!"

Sure it isn't, anyway...

You, not knowing at the time, moved on without any disguise on. Spike eventually found the rest of the dragons hanging around an active volcano. He found a group of” teenaged” dragons, you don’t know what that counts in Dragon Years, and tried to fit in. You would later find out they were the dragons you left your old Hive Mates to be eaten by. You also witnessed Smaug himself hanging around a Cliffside cave, and found a scraggly fake beard. 

Unfortunately you were tossed off the mountain by one of the teens since it was dragons only. At the bottom however, you made a new friend. Crackle, the six legged goofy looking dragon seemed to like you, and working with her, you were able to hide on a bush on her back as she took you up and into the volcano. From there, you witnessed Spike go through hazing rituals, and even saw what you thought was Crackle’s cousin. You also pilfered some treasure from Smaug so as to pay back the Doctor so you could finally leave Ponyville. When you saw Spike again, he had been accepted into the group, claiming he could live there forever, but when they suggested smashing Phoenix eggs, he faltered. Also through miscommunication, the Dragons believed that Spike was actually a Casanova of Pony mares and held him in high regards. You thought so too until Selena made you realize how stupid you were. The leader of the group, Garble, then had them pick Spike up and follow him.

"I decided to follow the little guy since I was worried about him. Not to climb a freaking mountain! Luckily I had a ride to the top."

As the dragons flew off, you followed on Crackle. You arrived just in time to see Spike defying the older dragons as Crackle’s cousin was revealed to be 3 mares who would defend him. After two of them tried to hit on the girls, a chase began, and you intervened. Donning your cloak once more, with your Subject Delta armor on underneath you defended the girls and Spike from the teenaged dragons. Thanks to your armor, and even intervention by Crackle who still hadn’t forgiven Garble for dumping her, you were able to incapacitate the dragons, even after they dulled your drill. As you threatened Garble however, he called for his Daddy.

Guess who that was?

“Smaug, freaking Smaug! Oh no, it couldn’t have been any other dragon, no, it had to be the dragon that already tried to kill me twice before!” you rant.

Smaug wasn’t too happy that the thief that constantly ruined his nap, scarred his eye and stole his treasure was beating on his son, so he decided to kill you.

After a failed attempt of hostage negotiation, where you got a bit greedy and demanded half of Smaug’s gold, you were flung headlong into an epic fight.

In the ensuing battle, you had Crackle take the girls and Spike back to Ponyville with a conflicted Twilight vowing that she and you would have words eventually. Your armor protected you, but it didn’t last long and was destroyed, so you had no choice but to unleash The Nightmare Cloak and let Selena take over.

With the both of you letting it all out, pulling no punches, you were able to severely beat down the dragon in your second round. You then began to choke Smaug by sending the Nightmare Mist into all of his breathing channels, almost suffocating them, until Garble’s cries for his father caused you and Selena to come to your senses and stop.

Smaug was reunited with his son as you chided yourself for almost killing again, especially when Smaug revealed that he was never actually going to hurt the girls way back when, but scare them. Smaug, bound by his Dragon Honor, let you take half of his treasure for beating him fair and square, and for sparing his life. You told him what his son and his son’s friends were doing, and he grounded Garble for wasting valuable Phoenix eggs. After taking your share of the treasure, you contacted the Doctor, preparing to pay him. But things didn’t go that smoothly.

The Doctor was actually angry at you for what you did to Smaug, and wanted you to give the treasure back and not accept it as payment. You angrily told him you wanted to go back to Appleloosa and engaged your Nightmare cloak in the confrontation. This caused the TARDIS to spin out of control and a few things to explode, but you arrived in Appleloosa just like you wanted. Before the horrified Doctor or Derpy could stop you, you ran out of the TARDIS and into a Nightmare.

“Nightshade….let’s go for a bit. I’d rather not relive this” you say in fear.

“OK Daddy,” says the oblivious Nightshade as you both leave the fourth wall alone.

Huh...a year of them doing that and it takes this arc to get them gone....I know what I'm putting up outside the studio.

The Nightmare Arc

You had arrived at Appleloosa, but it was dead. The buildings had been burned down or destroyed, and no living thing could be seen. In the center of town was a memorial plaque with the names of every single pony in Appleloosa, and five of the Deadly 6, including Fluttershy, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. Scratched onto the memorial was Nightshade. The memorial was to those who died at the hoof of the Hooded Offender. You couldn’t believe your eyes. On the back of the memorial, was a scratched on message that begged for forgiveness for becoming the Nightmare. With tears in your eyes, you wept in confusion, before your Shadow appeared before you to chide you. You told him to go away, but instead he invaded your mind and forced you to look through a perspective. YOUR perspective. The town had been destroyed, fire was everywhere, and so were dead Appleloosans. You found Nightshade, dead and buried under your home and was lost to grief, and the DFV furious for what occurred. Fluttershy appeared and tried to comfort you, but your anger and loss broke your mind, destroying both you and the DFV, and forming a new identity. 

You became a being of Anger and Insanity. The Nightmare. You killed the Elements of Harmony starting with Fluttershy and from there, you turned your attention to the rest of the world. Selena pulls you from this perspective into the dreamscape, where you still wept in shock as Shadow berated you. Eventually the Doctor was able to wake you up, and you saw what the Shadow said was true, the world was on fire. As you ran back to the TARDIS, you didn’t notice the sad look that befell the Shadow’s face as he looked at the Monument.

On the TARDIS, the Doctor showed images of the cities all over the world. The one the Nightmare killed. You asked how it could be, and the Doctor finally told you the Truth. This was what he had been preventing by putting you in Ponyville. He had made up the Debt so that you would listen to him, and took measures to ensure this never happened. He never told you because of the horribleness of it all. Still, he was confused how this was possible since he had destroyed this future, and found his answer with some research. This was an alternate dimension where the Doctor had died and not shaped history. A world where you never left Appleloosa, leading to years of hiding, and the eventual disaster that killed Nightshade and turned you into a monster.

Your anger had damaged the TARDIS and sent it through a rift in Reality, and the Doctor needed parts to fix it. The last city in Equestria not destroyed by the other You, was Canterlot.

As you all landed in Canterlot, you found out that the city was under martial law, and many ponies had taken refuge in the crystal caves. One of the parts the Doctor needed was within the Castle, so while the Doctor prepared, he sent you and Derpy to do reconnaissance with Princess Platinum cards, where you spent them up in a comic book shop, gaining a future telling comic like Boingo in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Later You, The Doctor and Derpy snuck over there, witnessing a battalion of Griffin Mercenaries. Upon entering the Castle, you snuck through the halls and witnessed a War Room with the Three Princesses, all battle damaged, and Discord. Also, there was some strange Centaur thing named Tirek there that gave you the chills. They discussed their plans for murdering the Nightmare and in turn giving rule to the two as desperate as they were, and Discord and Tirek agreed. You also learned that Cadance really wanted you dead after killing Shining Armor. After Discord and Tirek left, you and your group was found by a half burned Cadance. Magical sensors indicated that you were the Nightmare. Deciding that the situation was awkward, you all ran away.

As you ran from the guards, you became separated from Doc and Derpy, having gotten past Celestia and Luna a few times. One of these times, you overheard how all the Changelings were dead. You also encountered a Dark Unicorn named Sombra who was teaching an army of foals and other unicorns dark magic, including Sweetie Belle. Other foals were being trained for war as well, and when they saw you, they were out for blood. Luckily, you gave them all the slip and found the Doctor and Derpy and hid in a room. What you didn’t know was Cadance was in their waiting for you. Having cornered you she interrogated you all, and came to the conclusion that you were actually Horde Members and were spies, despite your protests of innocence. Luckily a messenger came with news. 

Filldelphia had fallen in a “The Purge” like fashion. The Nightmare had made all the radical Horde members fight in a Battle Royale claiming that the last six would be his chosen. While they fought and destroyed the city, he sat and watched in amusement and popcorn. Those that did survive were killed because they were too injured, and he left.

A sickened Cadance realized that the Nightmare was much closer than they thought, and that Discord and Tirek were at the wrong city. Using this to your advantage, you teleported you and your group out of the room and searched for the royal vault. Along the way, you encountered Bon Bon, going by Sweetie Drops, who handed the Doctor and Orb and led you through secret passageways. She then opened a dimensional rift and disappeared, showing that she was from your world and was working for Torchwood. With her help, you all found the Vault. As the Doctor opened the vault, you witnessed covered stainglass windows, detailing your planetary genocide. Derpy comforted you, but as you blew your nose you found a window detailing the extinction of the changelings by a Pink Pony. No sooner had you seen this, then the Pink Pony revealed herself with a couple of tossed blades.

Pinkamena Diane Pie walked out of the shadows, covered in scars, and a metal prosthetic limb. Her hair was flat and her whole body a shade darker. She had survived the Nightmare who had beaten her with her own leg, but her old personality was gone, and she hated being called Pinkie Pie. Thinking that you were Horde members, she pulled out changeling blood covered blades and began to attack you. Luckily, the Doctor was able to get the item needed, a Dog Collar magical diffuser.

She pretty much kicked your butt and stabbed you a few times, and the Doctor kept you from using any of your Nightmare Powers for fear of them thinking you were the Nightmare. After awhile, you all decided to flee, only to be captured by her moments later. You stalled her by asking why she killed all the changelings, and she broke down and revealed that your former Queen and Hive had laughed when they learned what happened to the other Elements, so she ended them. She then advanced on you, displaying her arm chainsaw, but thankfully, your stalling worked, and the Princesses called her off. The Doctor then told them all the truth about who you all were and that you were the best chance of stopping the Nightmare. He revealed private information about the Princesses and Pinkamena, making them believe, and then he led you all back to the TARDIS. The princesses ordered Pinkie to follow your group and she did.

After getting back to the TARDIS, you found out that the Doctor was not only fixing the TARDIS, but making a Magical Diffuser to help against the Nightmare. You next had to find a Diamond the size of a polo ball, so you first tried to find it at Fancy Pant’s Manor. After going through Mission Impossible type situations, and witnessing Sapphire Shores herself changing and going to her final concert, you failed in getting the Diamond. Dejected, you went back to the TARDIS and realized you still had a satchel full of Dragon Loot, so you took out the required Diamond, only to find out it was rock candy. So your group decided to head to the Crystal Caves. You were stopped however by an intruding Pinkamena who volunteered to help by order of the Princess. Reluctantly, you agreed. Just as you were about to head out, an explosion rocked the defensive wall of the city, and the Nightmare You appeared. 

It had four glowing orange eyes, two long tusks, and sharp horns, 9 tails and a set of shadowed wings. He was also bucking bonkers insane as he laughed and talked to his Luna Plushie as if it were Nigthshade, even answering back in a faux voice. The debris from his entrance knocked out Pinkie who saved your lives, so you stuck her in the Inventory.

The Doctor begged Derpy to stay behind in the TARDIS and be safe, and you and the Doctor ran towards the mines. Meanwhile, the Nightmare destroyed several battalions of guards and the Flim Flam Brothers Giant Laser Canon, taking it for himself. You saved Sapphire Shores at the entrance to the caves, causing her to be smitten with you, but after she went through, the way was shut, so you had to find another entrance. When you reached the caves through Blueblood’s illegal basement tunnel, you witnessed the rest of the civilian population partying like it was the end of the world to Sapphire Shore’s music, because it really was, even as others held their own vigil for the dead. 

As you and the Doctor searched for the Diamond, the Nightmare fought Sombra and his army of Dark Magic users, until only he and Sombra remained fighting. After acquiring the Diamond, you and the Doctor fled the caves, when more debris from the fight almost crushed the Doctor, who was saved by Derpy. 

After a tender moment between the two passed, which you took pleasure in ruining and embarrassing them with, the three of you ran back towards the TARDIS. The battle with Sombra ended with the Unicorn dying by his own fear and fading away, but then came the arrival of Tirek and Discord. You also found a note where the TARDIS used to be, showing that the Princesses had taken the time machine believing the Doctor to be dead.

The Doctor angrily marched you all back to the castle while the Nightmare fought the two gods. You didn’t intervene as you feared that Time Guard rules were in effect, and that touching your other you would cause you to turn into a gelatinous blob.  You also encountered a Horde cultist that revealed to you the names of the last Horde Generals who were helping cause devastation for the Nightmare. Saving that info for later you moved on.

At the castle the Doctor put his hoof down and let them know he was in charge and to let him work on his gizmo, which would severely inhibit the Nightmare’s healing factor, giving everyone more a chance to kill him.

As the Doctor worked and the battle raged on, you spoke with the Derpy and Cadance about the future and the past. Cadance began to suspect who you really were, but the Doctor finished his invention. Pinkamena volunteered to put the collar on the Nightmare, promising that she would not fail. She took with her a weapon of last resort, a pure orichalcum blade. She thanked and apologized to you all before rushing forth into the city.

After dispatching the Bon Bon of this world and her Bug Bear, the Battle took a horrendous turn when the Nightmare stole Tirek’s power, giving him another tail, before he executed him. With the Centaur Dead, Discord tried to psychological beat the Nightmare, but failed before he too was executed. He then killed more griffins before he became serious when a knife thrown by Pinkamena stabbed into the Plushie.

You watched the battle between her and the Nightmare, and though she stayed fast and vigilant, she was no match. With her Oricalcum blade, she severed two Nightmare tails, gouged out one of his eyes and a horn from the Nightmare which she rammed into his gut, but still he pushed on. A weakened Pinkie was helped by a squad of guards led by Commander Fleur De Lis and her husband Fancy Pants, who had decided to make their final stand rather than wait and die in the caves. As they fought, Pinkamena was separated from the Pure Orichalcum sword and the collar, and Fancy Pants was killed saving Fleur. She too was mortally wounded as Pinkie tried to sneak attack the Nightmare, only to be caught by him. He ripped off her metal arm and chainsaw and skewered her with him. He then dropped her and taunted her as she crawled away. She stalled him though by asking him to wait, causing him to rant long enough for the dying Fleur to put the collar around his throat. 

Pinkie then used her final attack, her “Normal” front limb was a hidden prosthetic limb which she used to send a blade into another eye. As the Nightmare panicked over his eye not healing, Pinkie died laughing as she saw “Chariots” in the sky coming to take her to her friends. Saddened by what happened, the rest of you in the Castle tried to make an artificial power coupling but failed. It was then that the TARDIS reported some descending on the whole planet. The Doctor intercepted a message, and the “chariots” Pinkie had seen were found out to actually be Dalek ships.

The descended upon the planet killing anything and everything the Nightmare had not. The Nightmare felt they were more prey, and even with his diminished healing factor, he began destroying the aliens. The Princesses too were found to be immune to the Dalek weapons, and you were strong enough to destroy them. When they found the TARDIS, they became frightened and enraged since the Doctor of this Universe had died long ago. You, your group, and the Princesses decided to find the coupling before it was too late and fled.

While fleeing, you encountered a studious mare in the library, who kind of looked like Twilight, reading and not noticing the Daleks about to kill her. You saved the shy mare named Moon Dancer who thanked you immensely and told her to go to the safety of the caves. She did, but it didn’t matter, as the Daleks invaded the caves and killed everyling, including her and Sapphire Shores.

As you ran through the streets, several of the Horde Generals engaged in their own shenanigans. Ranging from fighting Daleks to the death, to ignoring everything and playing videogames, to trying to eat Blueblood and Daleks, and hiding away with a stolen supply of junk food and movies. Every single member ended their part in this story in different ways, some going to Valhalla, others to hell, and some who even said screw the afterlife and lived on as an immortal entity. The point is that the Horde Generals are a bunch of strange weirdoes.

After being confronted by the Nightmare, the Princesses held him off, but he sensed something familiar about you. The Princesses fought bravely, but even after pulling out the stops and destroying chunks of the moon, they had been weakened over the past year of fighting, and so they met their end, but not before burning and scarring the Nightmare for his troubles.

As you and your group ran, the Dalek leader Davros was heard from the Dalek ships, taunting the Doctor to come and play. You all found the signal for the coupling, but unfortunately it was in the Dalek mothership, high above the planet in space. Thankfully, the TARDIS had materialized itself thanks to the thinned reality, and so the Doctor began to fix it for temporary flight, while you and Cadance held off waves of Daleks. However, you were soon blasted by Nightmare energy, and the Nightmare had you and Cadance cornered, until Your Shadow physically materialized and sucker punched the Nightmare away from you, before offering you a hoof up.

It turns out, Your Shadow was actually the Nightmare’s Shadow. He was the exact opposite of that genocidal monster. The Nightmare’s rage had caused reality to thin, and Shadow had come to your world to stop you from becoming the Nightmare, believing that even the Doctor’s intervention wasn’t enough. He sought to either mentally break you, or kill you if that’s what it took. He even went so far to influence Flag Burner into becoming the new Offender, just to show you what you could become and to keep you from walking that path. After killing Flag Burner, you were horrified by murder, so he had partially succeeded, but your rage still remained, so he decided to take over your body, but he failed. Back in his world, Shadow decided once and for all that it didn’t matter anymore, and that he was going to hurt the Nightmare here and now.

Cadance also found out who you really were and became conflicted, but you left her with the TARDIS as you helped Shadow fight both the Nightmare and Daleks. The Nightmare overheard your conversations with him, and decided he would rather much enjoy killing weaker versions of himself, so he tried, but you and Shadow were able to hold your own, thanks in no small part to his previous battles and the diffuser collar he could not remove.

Eventually, the Doctor came with the TARDIS and picked you up, but not before some goat sorcerer blew up half of Canterlot thanks to the shenanigans of a Horde Changeling. Shadow stayed behind to distract the Nightmare, while the rest of you went to the main ship to look for the coupling. While there, Cadance interrogated you, and you came clean, but she couldn’t stand knowing the truth, and so lost her trust in you. The Doctor and Derpy encountered Davros and learned how this universe’s Doctor died, and how the Nightmare’s rage thinned reality, allowing the Dalek’s to escape the great time war. Their plan was to cause reality to break even more so that they could enter into your world and begin their genocide all over again.

Eventually, Shadow was thrown through space and into the mothership, while the Nightmare hitched a ride on a Dalek temporal shift. Realizing there was no other choice, you and Shadow unleashed your own Nightmare Cloaks. Seeing more than one Nightmare caused Cadance’s mind to break and recklessly fight with the Nightmare, not even attempting to coordinate with you two. Your battle rocked the ship, but you bought enough time for the Doctor to find the coupling. He was shot by Davros from behind, but you stopped him from killing Derpy. Luckily, the Doctor did not die, nor did he regenerate due to the mysterious orb Torchwood Bon Bon had given him. Unfortunately, he and Derpy and the TARDIS were struck by the Nightmare, causing them to faze out. All alone, you and Shadow and Cadance doubled your efforts. 

Eventually, Cadance abandoned the fight and teleported away when you tried to help her, and Shadow lost an eye as you fought the mangled and burnt Nightmare whose body began to fail him. Still, he was as strong as ever, and after a fight that took you out into the void of space and back, all three of you were broken. Utilizing one last maneuver, the Nightmare used his remaining tails to cause his hoof to vibrate at infinite speed, giving his fist the power of great destruction. Davros realized that such a punch would end all the Daleks with the frequency if used. And he did. His blow which was meant for you, struck Shadow as he jumped over your body. 

He ordered you to live and raise your daughter as his body was erased from existence. The punch was still powerful, and sent you flying through the ship and towards the planet in reentry. Your body was broken, but you witnessed the Dalek mother ships exploding as a wave spread out destroying all other ships and Daleks. With the last of your strength, you broke a health potion over your body like Selena ordered you to do and you passed out.

You flashed back to moments of your past, with inspirational words by Grandbuggy on the definition of a hero. You and Selena both decided that you will live, not just for yourselves or Nightshade, but for everyone. You regained consciousness as you fell and heard the TARDIS.
You hitched a ride on top of it as you were propelled into the sky towards the falling Nightmare, who’s hoof was still vibrating. The TARDIS launched you up and disappeared as you met the Nightmare’s punch with your own. You lost consciousness, but an immense explosion occurred. When you regained consciousness once more, you found the Depowered Nightmare as he slowly died. His insanity gone, he only sprouted regret. You decided to ease his passing with the Luna plushie in which he was reunited with this daughter in dreamland before his death.

With the Nightmare gone, the sun rose showing the destruction of the land caused by the Nightmare and the Daleks. You found Cadance and was happy she was alive, until she stabbed you with Pinkie’s Orichalcum blade, her sanity having slipped.

As you lay dying, Cadance argued with her broken psyche about her decision, but stopped when Selena refused to let you die. Pumping out all that was left of yours and her power, she staved off the effects of the magic canceling Oricalcum long enough for the Doctor to arrive. When Cadance tried to attack again, Selena expended nearly all of her life force to break the blade and blast her back. As the Doctor arrived you heard the distant failing voice of Selena telling to live for her and Nigthsahde.

Sometime later you awoke on the TARDIS where the Doctor had healed your wounds. You now carry a large chest scar, but you are alive. You learnt that Selena had sacrificed nearly all of her life force and magic keeping you alive, that she has gone into a comatose state. In your dreamscape, she is a shadow of her former self, but you make her comfortable, vowing not to use your Cloak until she’s healed, or risk the chance of her never waking up. You also find out that Cadance is on the ship as the Doctor intends to give her a second chance at life in your world with a new identity with Torchwood, since she was the only living thing left on the planet. The Doctor unfortunately spent so much time healing you that the walls of reality began to close, and he couldn’t stop the Nightmare from coming by going back in time. 

Angry at this, you lashed out at the Doctor as all your grief is projected onto him, but you two came to an understanding. He decided to drop you back home in Appleloosa, but your trauma kept you from going down. You forced the Doctor to promise to tell all his other secrets. He does so, but abandons you, saying it isn’t the right time for it. His last words to you are that he made a promise to your Grandbuggy and he intends to keep it.

Confused, weakened and still traumatized, you pondered these words, before you decided that you couldn’t go back to Appleloosa since Crimson Knights were still out there. You wandered North and Nighthsade finally woke up. Happy at seeing her, she sees the environment and your injured form and realized you were on the run again. Saddened over not being able to see her friends, she asked where her mother was, and you told her most of the truth. After a quick lunch spent with her, you remembered the beings who died that saved you and vow never to forget them. With your little girl in tow, you then walked into the sunset not knowing what came next.

Finding some way to save Selena...and hunting down every last Crimson Knight and their leaders so you can finally live in peace. Of course you didn't know that trouble was heading your way...in the form of a returning empire...and a shadowy king!

To Be Continued In the Actual Season 3 Episode 1
> Episode 1: Nightmares and Dreamscapes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equestrian Wild, 1 Month After the Nightmare Universe

The Nightmare stands over his oldest foes, and he dispatches them one by one. You are the Nightmare.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!”

“You took EVERYTHING from us!”

“GRAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!”

“But if that’s the way your kind wants to play, FINE!”

“I’ll see you in Tartarus Varmit!”

“No More Running!”

“NOOOOO!!!!”

“It’s time for YOU to live in fear for a change!”

“Why?! Why?!”

“Cause now that our dreams are dead!”

“Hoody…please…”

“All that’s left is a Nightmare…”
You stand over them and laugh to the heavens.

“THE NIGHTMARE HAS COME!”

“No…”
The blade goes through you again as you look into the eyes of the Princess of Love.

“The Nightmare is gone…”


You open your eyes and gasp as you wake up in a cold sweat. Your hair is damp, and despite the cool night air, you are burning up.

“It’s OK, It’s OK. I’m not the Nightmare, he’s gone. I’m not the Nightmare…” you say as you try to get your breathing under control. To confirm this you look around your location. You are in a tent that you purchased in one of the outlying towns at a trading post. Your daughter Nightshade is beside you in her sleeping bag with a smile on her sleeping form.
Your breathing becomes more controlled as you place a hoof over your chest wound which aches in pain.

“Uggh, you stupid thing, it was just a dream, now heal already!” you angrily whisper to it. It’s been a month since the other world’s Cadance stabbed you and the wound never fully healed, even after the Doctor’s care. That’s just the nature of Orichalcum, the magic nullifying substance that can kill the gods themselves.

Deciding not to wake your daughter, you stealthily exit the tent and walk to a nearby stream. Guided by the moonlight, you are able to traverse the trees that surround your camp right to the brook. You take a sip of the cool clear water before dunking your head in to cool off. You then puts some cold water over your delicate chest scar to numb the phantom pain. After having finally calmed down, you look at your reflection in the water.
The changeling with the wet orange hair staring back at you is the same one you’ve seen all your life, though the Orichalcum caused scars over his eye and chest make it known that he’s seen better days.

“Heh, all I need now is a big winding red tattoo over the right side of my body and then I can take on the gods of Mt. Olympus,” you chuckle to yourself, remembering one of your favorite games. You continue to stare at your reflection before a sigh escapes your lips.

“I’m not the Nightmare,” you tell your reflection. “I’ll never be the Nightmare. I’m a good bug…I’m a good bug.”

The smiling form in the water momentarily changes into a hideous four eyed, sharp tusked, horned monstrosity as you flash back. You strike the stream and disrupt the image.

“I’m not you…” you say weakly before turning around and heading back.

As you head back to your tent, thanks to your wet form, you begin to feel a chill.
“Brrr. It must be Fall already. Good thing I got Nightshade that coat back at the outpost, the last thing I need is her catching a cold.”

You walk back into your tent and see that she has not stirred. You stroke her mane lovingly as a smile comes to your face.
Nightshade knows how to dream-walk and enter other’s dreamscapes, but you had forbidden her from coming into yours for awhile, and for good reason. You would never forgive yourself is she saw what the other you did.

“Sleep tight my angel, I’ll have the bad dreams so you won’t have to.”

You then lay down on your own sleeping bag, and before you nod off, you meditate and enter your own mindscape. While normally a chaotic mess, there is a place where there is nothing but a bed and someone you owe your life to. Like Nightshade, the Alicorn on the bed is dark and mysterious, but unlike Nigthshade, this one might not wake. The mare formerly known as Nightmare Moon has also seen better days. Shrunken in both body and power, she lies upon the bed, breathing shallowly, but thankfully in a consistent matter.

“Hey Selena, you doing any better?”

She does not answer you, just like the other times.

“Well I think you’re doing better,” you say with a forced smile before sighing.
“I had the dream again. The dream where I was HIM. I wish I had your power to dream-walk so I could just seal these nightmares away.”

The prone mare says nothing.

“I mean, I know that I will never become him, not just because of the Doctor, but because you and I promised each other we wouldn’t,” you say as you place your hoof over hers.

“I know this, but I still dream of it. I don’t know, maybe it’s because there’s noling around to get it off my chest to. I mean, you’re in a coma, the Doctor and Derpy left me behind again, and Cadance…” you wince remembering what she did, “she’ll never remember it. And I just can’t go telling our Cadance or anyling else because I don’t want to horrify them, or they think I’m dead.”
You sigh once more as you look at the floor.

“I haven’t really talked to anyone besides Nighthshade or the occasional backwoods merchant for a month, and I can’t tell them what happened either. Also, I don’t know who to trust, and when there’s large groups you don’t know who’s who. Anypony could be an enemy…anypony,” you ponder as you rub your chest. 

“Sticking to the wilderness is rough, but I can’t stay in any town yet because I can’t afford to have anything go wrong. I can’t fight at my full potential because you might…” you shake your head as you can’t say the word. “Not only that, but this stupid wound keeps opening up. Nightshade, bless her heart “borrowed” a staple gun and some bandages in case I open up too much…”

You look to her again.

“But thankfully that hasn’t happened. I’ve bought a few supplies for Nightshade and I to help with roughing it. She has her own inventory now, courtesy of the other world, and she keeps track of her own things, except for food, I’ve put her on a diet. She wasn’t happy at first…actually scratch that, she’s still not happy about it, but it’s necessary living out here. Her inventory only had a few items within it and apparently the majority of it was filly clothes, I guess HE kept thinking he could buy back forgiveness. On the plus side though, now I have two Boomsticks for emergencies."
If that got through to her, you can’t tell.

“She wants to go back and see her friends, and I hate myself more and more when I tell her she can’t. At least she understands somewhat. Out this far gossip is slow but I’ve gotten a few rumors about the Crimson Knights. Nothing big has occurred thank heavens, but there have been secret recruitments. I’ve still got that list of names of the Generals from the other world, and chances are their counterparts are in similar positions, but we’re in no shape to hunt them yet.”

You place your other hoof over hers.

“I wish the Doctor would come back. He knows things, and now I know more than ever how important they are. He knew Grandbuggy somehow. He said so himself. Grandbuggy never told me about him though, and I feel like there’s always been a conspiracy over my head. I mean, even my Grandmother knew the Doctor, so what is going on?”

Still she says nothing, so you brush her hair out of her face.

“Selena, please wake up. I need someone to talk to, someone who understands. I need your help so that I won’t make stupid decisions. I need you back. I’m lost. So please, please just wake up.”

Despite your pleas, she does not awaken.
You sigh once more.

“One of these days you’ll answer. You just need your strength back. Maybe if I ever run into Quacksilver again he can do something, or maybe I can get a shadow magic transfusion or... something. I will fix this, I swear,” you say with a squeeze of her hoof, before you stand back up.

You begin to walk away, but look back.
“Oh, and tomorrow I’ll be helping Nightshade with her magic. Twilight taught her quite a few things, but she hasn’t been practicing since we left. I’m sure I’ll get hurt in the process. Hope that gets a laugh out of you somehow…” you say with a weak smile.

You turn around and then exit your mindscape before falling asleep, and thankfully, it is dreamless.


The Next Day
After having a light breakfast, and an even lighter one for Nightshade to which she complained about, you packed up your campsite and you had her do her magical lessons that Twilight taught her. Thanks to a month of no practice, she was rusty, but because she’s Nightshade, she was able to pick them back up fairly fast.
Her levitation spell was good, she picked you up about 20 feet and dunked you in the stream by accident, and so was her “Magic Missile” as you called it, which knocked you backwards into a tree.

“Why did Sparkle teach you that spell?” you asked.

“Twilight said that any unicorn in Ponyville that doesn’t know how to fire offensive magic is just asking for trouble,” she explains.

You kind of have to agree with this since that town seems to be a beacon for all things disastrous and chaotic. 
Nightshade then showed you a trick you’d only seen her do once, where in a flash of green flame, she was able to make her wings disappear and reappear. She did the same thing with her horn and you got to witness your daughter as every incarnation of pony. Although this still confuses you as she is clearly part changeling, but you have no idea how you and Selena created her. You decide to put these thoughts aside as you witness your daughter as an earth pony falcon kick a tree in half.

“Good job sweetie, you’re even better at that then me,” you praise, before Nightshade sweeps her head around, becoming an Alicorn again.

“Sweetie! Where? Are Scootaloo and Applebloom with her?!” she asks excitedly before looking around.

“No, no, baby, she’s not here, I was just calling…” you begin your explanation before seeing Nightshade’s happy face fall as she looks to the ground, “Never mind…”

“Daddy, when are we going to go back?” she asks sadly.

“Not until your mother and I are healed Nightshade" you half truth.

"I-Is she any better?" Nightshade asks.

"She's...comfortable Nightshade" you say hesitantly.

"Oh...well how come we don't go to a town and have a witch doctor heal her or something?"

"Because towns are dangerous honey, they always lead to confrontation, and we can’t exactly fight in our condition” 

“But I could fight for you, I’m strong enough. Princess Luna said so!”

You shake your head no as you place your hoof on her shoulder, “Nightshade, that is the last thing I want from you.”

“But I’ve done it before, I kicked the Hydra in the nards!” she whines.

“I know baby, and I still thank you, but I’m still wanted by all of Equestria, you aren’t. And I don’t want that to change. The last thing we need is a bounty on you as well.”

“Fine…”she huffs as she kicks the dirt, "I just wish mommy was better."

"So do I sweetheart, so do I..."

Wanting to avoid this conversation longer, you try to cheer her up.
“Alright honey, any other tricks you want to try?”

“Well I want to try flying, but the Filly Fooler never got a chance to teach me thanks to the Mare Do Well incident…but Ms. Twilight was starting to teach me how to teleport. I never actually got to try it out though.”

“Oh, well I can only barely help you there, I’m not too good myself,” you admit.

“Don’t worry daddy, I got this,” she says with a wave of her hoof before she scrunches her eyes together in concentration as power begins to build up in her horn.

“Don’t hurt yourself Nightshade, it’s a lot harder than it…” you begin before being cut off by a large flash as your daughter disappears.

“Nightshade!” you call out in alarm before hearing her voice cheer from behind you.

“I did it! I did it! Oh my gosh, did you see me daddy? Did you?!” she squeals in excitement.

“I sure did, great job honey!” you congratulate and give her a hug.

“Oh My Gosh, I can’t wait to tell Ms. Twilight! Watch me again daddy, watch me again!” she yells before powering up again with you still holding her.

“OK, but be careful honey, you don’t want to over…” and once again you are cut off. This time however, the white flash overtakes your eyes and you feel your body contort into nothingness.

After feeling your body rematerialize, you aren’t sure whether you’ve gotten your sight back again as all you see around you is white. Your body is cold and you realize why after a few blinks, you are completely surrounded by snow as a storm billows around you. After this realization, you realize that there is a sharp pain in your chest.

“Arrrrggghhhhh…” you grunt out as you fall to the snow covered ground as you see your Midnight Colored Blood dripping onto it. Your wound has opened again.

“DADDY!” you hear your daughter yell as she steadies you.

“Ugh, what happened Nightshade?” you ask her.

“I don’t know, I just closed my eyes, everything went white and then we were here and you were hurt again!” she says scared.

You grunt in acknowledgement before saying, 

“Honey, get the first aid, quickly!”

“Right!” she yells as she dives into her Inventory. You look at your wound and see that it it’s only the top layer that’s open, but it’s still bleeding and hurts.

“Got it!” she yells as she jumps back out. “Hold still, this is gonna hurt!”

“Hold still for wha…” 
*Cachunk* *Cachunk* *Cachunk* *Cachunk*  

You look down and see that Nightshade has put four staples into your chest, holding the wound together. You look up to your daughter, then back to your wound, then back to your daughter, then back before screaming at the top of your lungs to the sky.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! MOTHERBUCKER!”

“It’s OK daddy, I mediced you,”

“I MEANT I WANTED THE BANDAGES!!!” you roar while your chest still throbs.

“Oh, right!” she says as she dives back in. When she comes out, she is wearing her coat that you got her, along with a scarf, snow boots and your fake beard for warmth, making her look like a very short stallion. You wrap up the wound, not even taking the staples out. You then pat her on the head.

“Thanks Nightshade, great job…” you lie so as not to hurt her feelings. You then eat some Orange Buffo-Bombs to get a sugar rush and numb the pain, but the cold still hits you. In your inventory you pull out the only warm piece of clothing you have, Your Nobody Cloak.
With the cloak on, the wind and snow don’t pierce you as sharply, but you’ve got to get somewhere warm and fast as your reopened wound has left you feeling weak. 

“Alright Honey, can you teleport us back?” you ask.

She tries to gather magic, before holding her head “I don’t think so daddy, my head kind of hurts after doing that.”

“OK, so that option is out, I could try, but I need to know where we are. But all there is is snow, snow and more…hey what’s this?” you say as you spot a set of hoof tracks. They lead south into the storm, but they come from the North. Following them backwards, you crest a hill and see a massive dome over a sunlit city of shiny buildings made of crystal.

“What in the Buck?” you ask aloud as you see lots of movement within the city.

“Maybe we should go there daddy, the sun if over there,” she says through her fake beard.

“I don’t know, this seems oddly like the beginning of a horror movie, maybe we should see where the tracks lead,” you say with a shudder.
You turn around and from your vantage point and you see the prints lead down to what seems to be a train.

“Oh thank Luna, there’s our ticket out of here,” you say before spotting 7 figures against the snow.

“There’s a group coming this way daddy.”

“I see them honey, hang on a second,” you say as you activate your Sight Beyond Sight Telescopic View, causing you to feel even more weak.
In your view however, you see 7 ponies you’d rather not see at the moment. You unzoom and cry aloud.

“OH COME ON! REALLY?!” 

“Who is it Daddy?” asks Nightshade.

“It’s the Deadly 6 and Shining Armor! They haven’t spotted us yet, but they’re coming this way,” you say as you hold your wound in pain, and in doing so, you realize you’re dressed as the Hooded Offender, “and the hits keep on coming,” you growl.

You and Nightshade both weigh your options.
Either run for the Mysterious Spooky Looking City, Fight the Elements of Harmony and the Captain of the Guard that hates you in your weakened state, or freeze to death. None of these options are good, and you both know who to blame as you both yell to the storming sky.

“BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!!!”

WHAT DO?

> Episode 2: Press X to Flee (Crystal Empire Arc Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kichi’s Comment


After you and your daughter curse your longtime ethereal foe, you look down upon your more physical foes and see they have stopped. With the wind, you can’t quite hear what they say, but you do hear a familiar scared voice say,

“Did you hear that?”
Nightshade hears it too and her eyes light up.

“Daddy, that was Spike. Spike’s here too!” she says with glee.

“That’s nice honey, but we can’t catch up quite yet, we still got to figure out what to do,” you say annoyed that your daughter is excited about a boy.

“Oh, I know!” she perks up as she stares into some point behind your shoulder.
“Alright players, it’s time to choose what Daddy should do next. Press X to let Daddy run to the spooky city, or Press Y to let Daddy go to the Meanie 6.”

“Uhh…Nightshade honey, what are you doing?” you ask as you look over your shoulder and see nothing, “And who are you talking to?”

Her face scrunches up in a pout as nothing happens, “Well…Pinkie tried to teach me something she called “Breaking the Fourth Wall” but I don’t think I did it right.”

You facehoof at that. “Honey, I don’t want you dabbling into whatever voodoo Pinkie practices OK?”

“Alright then,” she says as she sees the group moving again, “So what do we do? X or Y?”

“Ummm…” you say as you look at the snow that’s billowed up over your legs in the short time you’ve been standing. An idea comes to you as you look to your daughter with a smile and say




Kropsling66's Comment


“Neither. Quick Nightshade, get in the inventory, I have an idea.”
She does so without hesitation, although she leaves it open a bit, as she asks, 

“OK, now what?”

You fall to the ground and start rolling around, “Now I’m going to roll around in the snow and make my cloak all white.” After doing just that, you lay flat on the ground spread eagled.
“Now all I have to do is lie here and let them walk past, and once they do, we hop on the train and get the Buck out of here.”

The Box trick didn’t work in the past, so camouflage has to work. If it doesn’t, then I’ll know I’m terrible at stealth, you think to yourself.

“Oh, it’s like that Call of Duty 4 mission ‘All Ghillied Up’” Nightshade says from the Inventory.

“Quiet, they’re coming,” you whisper to her.

As you lie down with your face in the snow waiting for them to pass, you listen in on their conversation.

“Be on your guard, we don’t know when he’ll attack,” you hear Shining Armor say.

Buck, did they see me? You think in panic.

“Way ahead of you Shining, I felt a magical disturbance once we got off the train, as if somepony was searching for me,” you hear Twilight say.

Buck your awesome sense Twilight! 

“Let’s just say that the Empire isn’t the only thing that’s returned,” Shining says, his voice even closer than before. “Something keeps trying to get in, we think it’s the Unicorn King who originally cursed the place.”

That sounds ominous, you think as a gust of wind and snow covers up more of your head, making you lose track to what Twilight was saying. For the next few moments you can’t tell where they are.

Please hurry, it’s getting cold here you think, fighting the urge to move. Your chest wound isn’t helping either.

“Do you have a plan B Daddy?” Nightshade whispers to you.

“Yeah, run as fast away as fast I can,” you whisper back at the wrong time.

“Did anypony hear that?!” asks the startled voice of Twilight from directly above you.

BUCK!!!

“It’s probably just the wind Twi,” you hear AJ say above you as well.

“I don’t think so, it sounded like a voice and it was close,” she says.

Suddenly you feel a hoof step directly onto your back where your exit wound was. It doesn’t give you as much trouble as your front, but still, it’s a tender spot.

“AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!” you scream in pain, blowing your cover and startling the ponies above you.

Wasting no time, you use a burst of Air Bending to launch you up and away from the group, causing a small blat of snow to hit them, as you land further up the hill. You look down on the group who are scrambling.

“What in tarnation was that?!” shouts Applejack.

“Twily, are you OK?” asks Shining.

“Yeah I’m fine, just startled,” she answers.

“Did anypony get a good look at it?” asks Rainbow Dash.

“We didn’t,” says Rarity as she, Fluttershy and Spike hug each other in fear.

“I did, it was white and scary and it flew away like a ghost up there,” Pinkie says as she points to your location.
They look towards where Pinkie is pointing and only see your form causing them all to huddle together and gasp.




SnapDrakeGames' Comment




BrownDog77's Comment




Kersey475's Comment



"I-I-Is that him?" you hear one of them ask. "Oh no, oh no!"

"King Sombra! By order of the Crystal Empire, I command that you leave this place at once!" Shining Armor screams.

King Sombra? you think for a moment, before seeing Armor’s horn lighting up.

“You know what, Buck it!” you say as you turn around and run up the hill.

"He's... running away," you hear Twilight say. “Shining, is that normal?"

"No," Shining replies. "It most certainly is not. Something's not right."

Suddenly, you hear an otherworldly groan permeate the air. You stop and turn around.

“What was that Daddy?” asks a scared Nightshade, her head sticking out of the Inventory.

“I don’t know, probably not anything good,” you say as you look down and see the group looking around in fear and confusion as well.

Suddenly behind them you witness a large puff of dark smoke appear that has two green glowing eyes attached to it. The others witness this also and begin screaming as the Smoke Monster goes directly for Spike.

“Spike No!” screams Nightshade.
The darkness stops and turns its eyes towards you and Nightshade, giving Shining Armor a chance to scoop the dragon up in his magic and run.

“Oh thank goodness,” Nightshade sighs while you stare horrorstruck into the eyes of the monster.

"Ccccrrrrryyyyyyssssttttaaaalllllssss..." it seethes at you before chasing after the others who are running in your direction. Adrenaline spikes through you body, making you forget about the pain in your chest.

"Alright, Buck this noise! RUN B!%$# RUN!" you scream as you run to the city away from the freaking ghost.
You run without looking behind you towards the magic dome and pass through the barrier, which feels vaguely familiar, and get blinded by how bright it is.

“AAAAHHH!!! Blinded by the light! Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night!” you scream as your vision goes white from the sudden sunlight.

As your eyes adjust you see that you are standing on grass and there's no sign of snow anywhere within the barrier. You lean against a crystal obelisk to catch your breath when,




TheRutherford's Comment




SnapDrakeGames' Comment



Nightshade sticks her head out of the inventory and asks,

“Are we safe now Daddy?”
You look around the sunlit area and see no sign of the smoke monster or the Deadly 6.

“Yeah, I think we are. For the moment at least,” you answer.
Nodding her head, she leans half her body out of the bag and looks around

“Wow, it’s really nice and warm in here huh Daddy?”

She is correct, the weather is as nice as any spring day in Ponyville, and a huge improvement to the snowy death outside the dome.

“Yeah, but let’s move before anything else happens baby,” you say as you look out through the dome into the storm. You delight in the sight of the empty wastes, free of any enemies, the only movement being the swirling snow and the six colorful dots... running... right towards you.

"Oh buck, not again!" you cry as you run further away from the dome. You hide behind a large spike of crystal, just as the Deadly Six make it into the shielded city. You see them pass through panting and begin to talk before Shining Armor dives through and with black crystals sprouting out of his horn.

“Huh. Those crystals seem familiar,” you think aloud. You see him hold his head as he tries to summon magic but can’t as Twilight and the rest help him up.

“Dang, can’t hear what they’re saying. I’ll have to get closer,” you say as you begin to sneak over before Nightshade pops up with some clothes in her hooves.

“Wait Daddy, now that it’s not cold, maybe you should change into your Tennant costume so they won’t fight you.”
You pause and realize she’s right, you should change, but not into Tennant.

“I can’t be Tennant anymore Nightshade, they think he’s dead,” you explain.

“So? They thought the Hooded Offender was too before you came back,” she says.

“Yeah, but there’d be too many questions asked about Tennant just showing up here, but you’re right, I can’t be dressed as the Offender right now. Get me the El Hunko suit.”

She dives back in and comes out with the disguise you haven’t worn in over a year. It’s kind of dusty, but the alternative is a painful fight.
In your dashing disguise, you make your way from crystal to crystal to hear what’s going on.

“So you can't use your magic at all?” you hear Twilight ask.

“No Twily, whatever Sombra did to make these crystals grow on my horn is stopping me from doing anything” Shining Armor answers.

“Oh thank goodness, now I have less a chance of dying if he catches me,” you say aloud before something else he said registers with you. “Wait, Sombra? Why does that name ring a bell? Is that what that smoke thing was?”

“I’ve heard that name too…” Nightshade says with her thinking face on, and with the fake beard she looks adorable doing so.
You know you’ve heard the name before, and those eyes…you swear you’ve seen those eyes before.
As if by thinking about them, you witness the Smoke Monster leering in outside the dome. It is behind the Deadly 6, Spike and Shining, but you swear it is looking at you.

“Well, we’re definitely not going back out there anytime soon,” you say with a shudder.
The others don’t seem to notice as they all look to the city, which doesn’t look as creepy now that you see it in full sunlight.

“Aha!” Nightshade says having an epiphany, “I remember now, we learned about this in school.”

“You learned something in school?” you ask amazed.

“Yeah, it was after Nightmare Night, Ms. Cheerilee told us about how the Princesses fought an evil Unicorn named Sombra in a crystal place and then they all disappeared.”
Her explanation sparks your memory and you remember how you know the name and eyes.

“Sombra was that Unicorn that was using Dark Magic in the otherworld!” you say aloud. 

“Otherworld?” Nightshade asks curiously.

“Umm…I mean…in the past” you stumble before continuing. “Your mother told me about him. He was an evil guy that enslaved a whole empire.”
You also remember how long he was able to last against Nightmare You on his own, and that was when he was in a physical form.

“And thanks to Lady Luck, we just HAD to be teleported right into the middle of his return…” you groan.

“Actually, I think I might have done this,” Nightshade admits.

“Well of course, you teleported us, but it wasn’t your fault it was so badly random.”

“No, I mean my magic brought us here because that’s where my thoughts were.”

“Huh?”

“Remember when I said I wanted to show Ms. Twilight my teleportation? I think my magic homed in on her and that’s why we teleported here.” 

“Oh…so that’s why Sparkle said she felt like something was searching for her…”

“I’m sorry Daddy.”

You pat her on the head, “It’s OK honey, there’s nothing that can be done about it now.”
You glance at the glaring eyes again before you notice the group of 8 heading into the city.

“Ugh…why do I always have to follow these ponies?” you groan before turning to your daughter.
“Nightshade, duck down in the inventory for awhile while I stalk them, they might recognize you if they see you.”

“Aww but I wanted to say hi to Spike,” she groans.
You grit your teeth at that as you think.

Nightshade, I went through a lot of trouble saving his life from older dragons, don’t make me have to hurt him.

What you actually say is,

“I know, but now is not a good time, especially with that thing around,” you point to the smoke who glares at you and Nighthade.

“Yikes, that is creepy. OK Daddy, I'll go in there now, but I want to say hi to Spike later,” she says.

“Don’t forget, they all think you’re gone too,” you explain.

“As Nightshade, but not as Doctor Beardface,” she says as she puts on a gruff voice and strokes her beard.

This gets a slight chuckle out of you, “Yeah Dr. Beardface, hopefully you can.”
With a smile she fully goes into the Inventory as you get closer to the group. Not that you wanted to, but the only path to the city is the same way they are taking, and you don’t know what else to do.




SnapDrakeGames' Comment




BrownDog77's Comment



You ended up losing track of the group you were stalking thanks to your own fear and stupidity. Instead of keeping an eye on their destination, you instead began to look at the dull multitudes of citizen ponies and jumped to conclusions.

"Huh. Everypony here is so...emotionless," you said to yourself, glancing around. "It's almost as if they're all... possessed...or part of a cult...a horror cult oh buck I'm trapped in a horror game!"

"Daddy, I don't think that makes any sense," Nightshade said, as she popped out of the Inventory and tapped you on the shoulder.

"Nightshade, we have to hide, now! Quickly! Before their jaws start unhinging!” you said aloud before running in random directions screaming at the top of your lungs.

After that bit of unproductiveness, you realize that the citizens haven’t really paid any attention to you, even after all your screaming.

“Huh, guess they’re not so much a cult, as they are boring…” you conclude.

You then take a look around your surroundings and realize you don’t even know what this place is called, let alone where The Deadly 6 and friends went.

“Well I’m lost. If only there was a place where I could get some information…” you ponder before looking at the building in front of you which says ‘Library’

“Well that’s convenient,” you say as you walk inside.

Inside, there are books everywhere, but you ain’t got time to read. You walk right up to the Librarian behind the desk and ask,

“Hello Miss, I’m kind of lost, what’s the name of this city?”

"Um...this is the Crystal Empire?" she asks you.

"I have no clue, is it? You're the citizen aren't you?"

"I...uh...think..." she says with a confused look before holding her head in pain.

“Are you OK?” you ask.

“Oh yes, I’m sorry. Yes, this is the Crystal Empire. Welcome.”

“An Empire huh? How can just one city be an Empire?” you ask.

“I…well…” she begins before holding her head again.

“OK, never mind. How about this, do you know anything about some black smoky unicorn with crystal powers?"

"Y-you mean King Sombra," the librarian asks, shuddering with fear. "H-he was our ruler, many years ago. I... I don't remember what he did, but it was horrible."

“OK, that just proves what I suspected…” you mumble to yourself.

"Odd thing, though, you aren't the first pony to ask," the librarian says. "A purple unicorn came in earlier. She asked some questions then went back to the palace with Prince Armor to see Princess Cadence."

You freeze. "Wait... did you just say Princess Cadence?" you ask.

"Um... yes?" she replies.

The magic of the barrier felt familiar to you, and now you know why. Cadance is here. You have to see her.

“Where’s the Palace?” you ask.

“It’s…in the largest structure in the center of the Empire?” she says unsurely.

“K, thanks, Bye!” you shout as you run out the library and down the street towards the massive building before you come to a stop and clutch your chest in pain.

“Argh! Oh you Bucker!” you growl at your chest, the numbing effects of Adrenaline having disappeared. You pull your clothes aside and see that your bandages are stained Blue with your blood. 

“Agh…I need a doctor and some real stitches before I bleed out,” you say as you wrap some new bandages around yourself. You call out to a nearby stallion.

"Hey, you there, do you know where the nearest doctor is?" you ask.

"I-I'm not sure. Maybe at the palace?" he suddenly winces as if his head hurts, "Ugh..."

"What, you guys don't have a hospital?” you ask.

The mare standing next to him asks, “What’s a hospital?”

“What is this, Medieval Times?" you cry exasperated

"I-I don't know..." she says as she holds her head.

"Yeesh you ponies are useless," you huff as you make your way to the big palace.


When you arrive at the palace, you walk right through the door and into its vastness.

“Yeesh that was ridiculously easy, every other place I’ve broken into I’ve had to stealth it up or knock ponies out. The Crystal Empire has some sucky security.”

Not only that, but there doesn’t appear to be anypony around. The place seems deserted.
You are thankful for this as you search for a doctor or medical room or something as you check the many countless doors you come across. And boy are there a lot of doors.
It gets to the point where you are finding absolutely nothing helpful.

“Hello?! Anyling Home?!” you cry out, your voice echoing through the corridors. “Injured visitor needs medical attention!”

No one answers, so you sigh and continue checking doors, even as your chest begins to flare again.

“Ugh, not again,” You groan before looking into another room and seeing something shiny. It is a large ornate mirror in the shape of a horseshoe.

“That’ll help” you say as you walk over and look at your wound in the reflection of the glass.
The wound is nasty, with your blood seeping out, even through the staples. Using the mirror, you wrap yourself in bandages once again, a little more tightly this time as you grit your teeth in pain.

“Once you’re closed up, I’m going to have to invest in some sort of chest armor so this never happens again,” you groan.
You notice your face in the window and how pale you seem to be getting. 

“Some Orange Juice wouldn’t hurt either,” you say.

Suddenly your reflection in the mirror…changes. One second you were looking at your familiar changeling face, the next, it was different. The face was flatter, your horn was gone, and your hooves looked like weird claws.

“What the Buck?!” you cry as you quickly stumble back from the mirror, falling to the ground.
You look back up and see your reflection is normal.
You get back up and start walking backward towards the door.

“OK, creepy creepy mirror, get away from me and your ominous voodoo,” you say as you enter the hallway and begin to close the door, giving the thing one last glance.

You shake your head, “Well that was weird…now where’s the bucking Medic at?”


After a few more moments of room exploration, you make your way upstairs and you hear a groaning. Going into stealth mode, you sneak up into an elaborate room with a throne, and at the end near a balcony, you see a familiar face.

“Cadance…” you whisper as you begin to make your way to her, when you get closer however you stop.
She is haggard and her mane is disheveled with her horn casting a glow. Her form triggers a horrible memory.

The Nightmare is Gone…

Your chest hurts even worse than it did before and you groan out loud in pain, remembering the feeling of having your friend skewer you. Your groan catches her attention as she opens her eyes and looks towards you. Quickly, you get behind a pillar and begin to breathe heavily as tears run down your face and blood seeps out your wound.

“Hello?” she calls out, “is someone there?” 
Her voice sounds weak and strained, and a part of you wants to comfort her, but the fear keeps you from exposing yourself.

“It’s not her, It’s not her,” you whisper to yourself as you try to catch your breath. 
You hear her sigh, so you look around the corner and see her closing her eyes in concentration again.

Oh thank goodness. I’m in the clear I’m… when suddenly from the corner of your eye you see an orange figure walking in from another room.

“Oh you got to be kidding me…” you moan as the figure walking in is none other than your Best Bro Frenemy Flash Sentry.

How come everywhere I go, this guy is always around? you wonder. Not that you hate the guy, it’s just that trouble for you always happens when he’s around. 
You watch as he walks up to Princess Cadance.

“Is everything alright ma’am?” he asks.
“Ugh…it’s nothing, I thought I heard someone…” she says weakly and points in your location.
You see him start turn his head, so you quickly hide.

Oh No, he can’t see me can he? you then notice that the nearby wall reflects the image of a wall mirror and you can still see him staring in your direction.

Can he?

What Do?

> Episode 3: Quit Ruining My Stealth Plans Lady Luck! (Crystal Empire Arc Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment




SnapDrakeGames' Comment




You continue to stare at your Bro’s menacing face in the double reflection as he continues to stare at you.

Oh Buck, Oh Buck, Oh Buck! What do I do? What do I do?! You panic in your mind

As you do you notice that Flash hasn’t moved or said a thing as he stares, and you jump to the most logical conclusion.

OK, his vision must be based on movement like a T-Rex. If I don’t move, breathe or blink, he won’t be able to see me… you conclude as you hold your breath. He’ll look away any second now.


Several Minutes Later

WHY THE BUCK HASN’T HE MOVED?! You angrily think as you start to turn a shade of blue with your lungs screaming for air. In that time, Flash has neither flinched, blinked, nor taken a breath as well since you can see him turning blue also.

This intense battle of wills comes to an end however when you see the reflection of Cadance look up and ask.

“Flash? What’s wrong? What are you staring at?” before she looks at your reflection.

The combination of lack of oxygen, bloodshot eyes, hearing her voice and looking into her eyes causes you to gasp in shock and fall over as you flash back to that horrible day.

“Gggyyyaaaaghhhh *cough* *cough* Intruder!” you hear Flash yell, and see him struggling to get his breath back as a confused Cadance looks on.
As you yourself get your breathing under control, you angrily rant.

“Oh Goramnit! Buck you Lady Luck! This plan was foolproof! In fact, most of my plans are, but they always get foiled by you you sick sadistic…” your rant is cut short as you see Flash running towards you.
You hold your hoof up and dramatically shout

“Sssstttttoooooppp!!!!”

“No way, I got you!” he says as he leaps.

“Ssssstttttoooopppp!!!!” you yell again.

“Like heck I – “ he starts before crashing head first into the wall mirror’s reflection, shattering it and causing his eyes to roll around in his head.

“Oh My Goodness!” shrieks Cadance as Flash turns around on wobbly legs extremely dizzy.

“I-wasit…watermelon-frisbee…” he mumbles as he sees you again, this time, not your reflection.

“You…stupid…mud pony…” he warbles before charging you again on unsteady legs.

“Sssstttttooooppppp!!!!”

“Never…I’ll fly like an eagle till I’m fr- “ he shouts, before he trips and faceplants right into the pillar beside you.

“Ooooo,” both you and Cadance say with a wince.

“I told you to stop you closet racist” you tell him as you pull his face off the pillar.

He looks up at you with a dazed look, “I have a bird, his name is Rodney…” he says goofily.

“Well you tell Rodney you got knocked the buck out!” you tell him.

He nods, before he vigorously shakes his head. His scowl returns and he stands back up and drags you around the corner, allowing Cadance to see you.

“Alright Intruder, Who Are You?!” he demands with a tough voice as if he didn’t just smack his face twice.

“I’m…well…” you stutter before Flash comes completely out of the fog and his brain fires more neurons.

“Wait a minute, I know you don’t I?” he says interrupting your thoughts. “Hey I do! You’re El Hunko, the dashing stallion that played at the Gala and smashed my guitar. What are you doing here? How are you here?"

He doesn’t recognize me? Thank Luna. Flash good buddy, I think you just gave me my way out of this, you think and muster up as much professional spy-grade swagger as you can. It's not much, I mean this is You we're talking about, not Con Mane. But if you do this right, it might just save your buggy butt.

"Mr. Sentry... you know why I'm here." you tell him calmly and evenly as though you had all the answers.

"Uh... no. No I really don't." he tells you blankly "Mind telling me?"

"I... am the solution." you state cryptically.

"The solution to what?"

"Problems."
Flash raises an eyebrow, and you can tell he's about to speak up. You can't let him, and so you channel your inner movie nerd and start belting out every dramatic introductory one-liner you can think of as a heroic theme begins playing in your head.

"I was sent here for a reason. I've come back to you now, at the turn of the tide, to help stem the tide of evil. For I am the light that lucks in the shadows. I am the hero, who has no name. Mine is a terrible power and a heavy cross to bear. I do this not for me, but because I must. The werewolves attack randomly throughout the cereal... on guard, where is our ship?!

"YOU'RE NOT MAKING ANY KIND OF SENSE!" Flash screams, gripping at his mane like he could tear it out at any second "You're just TALKING in CIRCLES about NOTHING!"

"Wrong." you say "I'm talking about everything! Or at least...everything that matters."

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Flash screams and roughly pushes you up against the pillar.
“Enough Nonsense, What are you doing here?!” he demands as he puts pressure on your chest.

"Ow! Owowowow- OW! "Get off of me!" you cry in pain. With a burst of strength, you push him off of you. You stagger forward on your hooves, clutching your chest. It seems your wound has opened even more. 

“I need a medic!" you scream as blood slowly gushes onto the shiny floor and you realize your plans have failed you yet again.

Cadence, catching sight of the whole affair, raises an eyebrow. "Blue blood?" she whispers to herself as she sees it drip to the floor. As she watches it fall her eye twitches and she mutters, 

“Stab, Kill, End it now…” before she winces and holds her head.

“What was that?” she wonders aloud before looking back towards you.
Flash meanwhile freaks out thinking that he wounded you. 

"Oh Sweet Celestia, oh I'm so sorry sir," Flash quickly says as he sees the blood. He steps towards you. "Do you need some help?"

"No! Stay away from me!" you scream, flinching back. "Err- I mean no thank you. I'm, um, looking for a doctor."

"And from the looks of it you really do need one," Cadence says as she steps forward, to which you involuntarily step back from. She notices this and sees that you are quite scared and hurt. She turns to the Orange Pegasus and says "Sentry, back away. He's obviously quite wounded.”
He nods and does as he’s commanded 

“Mr. Hunko, the medical wing is down the hall and to the left. Would you like an escort?"

"No, that's fine," you wheeze, turning away. "Th-thank you, Princess." You start to stumble out, before she calls out.

“You’re welcome sir, get yourself fixed up, but come back as soon as you do, we would like to know why you’re all the way out here and so severely wounded.”

“Yeah, will do, bye!” you grunt, leaving the room before you can say anything that might give you away.

"Hmm... And he sounded so familiar," Cadence says to herself. She then thinks back to the random stabbing urge from earlier. "Ugh. Cadenza, you're probably imagining it. Snap out of it."

“Cadance, what are you doing? You need to conserve your strength,” says a worried Shining Armor as he comes into the room, the black crystals still on his horn.
She shakes her head, and turns away from your retreating form, suddenly feeling even more tired than before as she heads towards her husband.

“And what was all that yelling I heard?” he asks.

“A wounded civilian sir,” explains Flash.

“Wounded Civilian?” he asks confused.



Several Minutes Later, you leave the coveted Doctor’s room, which wasn’t as helpful as you would have liked.

What do you mean you don’t know if you’re a Doctor or not?! 

I…uh…can’t remember… he said holding his head.

But your cutiemark is a stethoscope, doesn’t that mean you’re a Doctor?

“I…uhhh… 

Oh for the love of… you grunted with a facehoof.

You then raided any useful supplies, such as more bandages, and a sticky flesh balm which you used to stop your wound from bleeding. Even though it kind of itched putting that cream into your chest, it worked, so you wrapped yourself up again and downed some painkillers.
As you left the room and the useless doctor, you began to head back towards Cadance before you realized that you really shouldn’t since you could blow your cover. Also, because it really is a chore having to speak with her as you keep flashing back to the other world. And speaking of the other world, you realize that Sombra was resurrected into that world, just like he has in this one.

“Oh no…what if the time stream and Lady Luck are trying to make the Nightmare still come?” you say aloud in worry. You then shake your head.

“No! I won’t let that happen. If Sombra doesn’t come back fully in this world, then he wouldn’t be around to fight a Nightmare Me, and thus a Nightmare Me couldn’t exist. Surely there’s some info around here about him. His fears and weaknesses…there has to be” you say to yourself in a paranoid manner before veering down a new hallway and opening random doors.

You find a lot of rooms with nothing but junk. One room even seems to be entirely devoted to Slinkies.

“I’ve only been up one set of stairs so far, why would this guy need so many slinkies?” you wonder aloud.


Out in the Snow Storm
The evil smoke monster sneezes…somehow, and an even more angry look crosses it’s eyes.
“Sssssllllliiiiinnnnnkkkkkiiiieeeesssss….” It growls.


Back to You
A shiver runs down your spine so you leave the room, but not before snagging a slinkie and handing it to Nightshade.

“Here you go honey, play with this for a bit.”

“Thanks Daddy,” she chirps as she starts messing with it, “But can I come out soon, I’m getting kind of hungry.”

“Be patient Nightshade, I’ll let you know,” you tell her as you close your inventory and open another door.





BrownDog77's Comment



In this room, you find a crate full of Flugelhorns. How do you know what a Flugelhorn is? You and Grandbuggy were once undercover at a Renaissance Festival in Las Pegasus. You both were eventually banned after Grandbuggy drank all the mead on tap and started hitting on the jousting mannequins, but not before you learned how to play the instrument.

“Huh, wonder if I still got it,” you say as you pick one up and blow into the mouthpiece. When you do, instead of the off key noise coming out, you instead hear what sounds like smooth jazz come out.

“What the buck?” you say startled before blowing again. Once again, jazz music comes out of the end of the horn.
Confused, you pick up another horn and blow into it. This time, a techno-like sound comes out, similar to Vinyl’s favorite music. Another horn you pick up has what sounds like a fiddle being played, and yet another one an electric guitar.
You come to the conclusion that these Flugelhorns are enchanted. Being the opportunist that you are, you stuff about 50 of the horns into your bag, leaving only a handful in the crate. 

“I could sell these things for a few bits. Besides, the ones I left should be enough, it’s not like anyling desperately needs any right now.”

Somewhere in the Empire, Pinkie Pie suddenly sneezes.

“Alright, so from I’ve found so far, Sombra liked Slinkies and Flugelhorns. Not sure what that information tells me, but it’s better than nothing” you contemplate as you head for another room.

This room you find out is a royal bedroom, with a massive bed and ornate lamps and vases everywhere. You whistle seeing how nice it is. You then notice some traveling bags near the bed and see Cadance’s and Shining Armor’s name on them.

“Oh Crud, I’m in their room,” you say panicked as you look around. Luckily, they are not there. Deciding to do some investigating, you dig through Shining’s Bag, but not Cadance’s since you respect her privacy. Inside, you find some warm clothes, but also some paperwork. Most of it is a mission statement detailing information on the Empire, but nothing about Sombra. Also in Shining’s bag, you find your most recent Wanted Poster.

Wanted, The Hooded Offender: 2,000,000,000 Bits for the Crimes of Assault, Property Damage, Arson, Mayhem, and Murder.

“Oh how sweet of you Shining, keeping a picture of me,” you deadpan as you toss the poster aside. You then get a great idea.

“Wait a minute. This bounty…If I pay it off, then they won’t want to capture me anymore. Surely I’ve got that much.”
You then dump out the vast majority of your treasure you took from Smaug onto the bed, which in turn, overflows all over the room. You then place your wanted poster in the middle of it, and with a pen, you cross out the picture of yourself.

“There, one official bribe at your service” you smirk. You didn’t dump all your treasure, as you decided to hold onto a couple of gems. Some Rubies, Sapphires, Pearls, Garnets, stuff like that. Still, you are sad to see the treasure go, but you got to do what you got to do.
Your stomach then growls and you feel a bit queasy. You look back to the bottle of pills you downed, and they warn about taking them on an empty stomach. You decide that it’s time to find some food for yourself and Nightshade. Running around a nearly empty palace isn’t exactly helping. And with that, you exit the castle in search of sustenance.




Kersey's Comment




Make sure your disguise is in order. Oh, and try not to act like you, hard as that might be.




Surprise Surprise, this town full of the weird spaced out ponies doesn’t exactly have any food places, or none that you can find. The closest thing you found was a fruit stand, and even then it was selling things like Crystal Berries and Crystal Peaches. You tried taking a bite, but since you aren’t a dragon, or Nightshade who just gobbles them up, you may have chipped a tooth.

“Ow! Oh come on, don’t you have any real food?” you ask the stall vendor.

“That is real food right?” he asks.

“No, I can’t eat what is essentially just rocks,” you complain.

“Wait…a non-crystal pony can’t eat uncooked crystal food,” he says as he remembers something.

“Well how in the heck do I cook crystals?”

“Um…I can’t remember. Maybe if you had a cookbook?” 

“Guh! You know, aside from the cool looking buildings, this city has been my least favorite place I’ve ever visited, and I’ve been to Detrot!” you huff as you walk away from the confused pony.

“Wait…you’re supposed to pay for those…right?” he says rubbing his head.

So now I have to find a cook book, guess it’s back to the library again.


As you walk to the library, you notice the sky flickering a bit, showing the winter storm through the sunlit blue. With a gulp, you double time it.

Back at the library, you don’t see the Librarian again, so you just wander around looking for a cookbook. You eventually find a sign that says Culinary and grab several cookbooks. 

3 Crystal Cook Books Added to Inventory.

Right next to your section is the History section. Seeing this you realize another thing.

“I’m in a library, information on Sombra would definitely be here.”
After mentally facehoofing, you head into the history section, but stop dead in your tracks when you round a corner and run straight into 6 certain mares. Just being this unexpectedly close to them, you let out a gasp of shock and they all look at you.

“Um, hello? Can we help you?” asks Twilight.

“I…ugh…” you sputter out as you briefly flashback and see her with her own horn piercing her chest.

“Are you OK there pardner?” asks Applejack, and you see her mangled body causing you to start shaking and look at the ground while pulling your hat down.

They are confused by this, but you keep your head down and try to calm yourself.

Calm down, calm down. It’s not them. They’re alive. They don’t know who you are, and they are alive. Just don’t act like yourself. You’re just a normal pony in the library, looking for a book. Just a normal pony looking for a book.

“I am just a normal pony looking for a book,” you say aloud to the ground.

“Oh, this poor crystal pony seems worse than the rest, we have to find that book so that we can stop King Sombra girls,” Twilight says.

They start to move around you, but they suddenly stop as Rainbow Dash suddenly says.
“Hold up! Haven’t we seen this guy before?”

I am not a normal pony looking for a book! I’m public enemy number one about to be found out! Abort! Abort! 
Your traitorous legs however don’t obey and you just keep shaking.

“I don’t see how, the Crystal Empire has been gone for a thousand years,” says AJ.

“No seriously, I swear I’ve seen this guy before,” RD continues.

“Now that you mention it, his dashing attire does seem familiar,” says Rarity.

“Yeah…it does…” says Twilight as her face scrunches up in remembrance.

Rainbow Dash then gets in your face and demands, “Alright pal, who are you?”

“I-I-I-I-…” you warble, before you flash back and see yourself ripping her wings off and her screaming in agony.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!” you scream as you jump backwards into a bookshelf, startling the others. Several books then land on your head.

“Ow! Ouch! Oof! Ow! Ow!” you cry out as each one hits you, before one final heavy tome hits you and you momentarily go limp.

“Ooooohhhhh….” You moan as the 6 get closer to you.

“Oh my goodness, are you alright,” you hear the familiar sweet voice of Fluttershy. 
You look up at her and then you regret it. Her neck is at an unnatural angle and her eyes are dead.
You look to the rest surrounding you and see their twisted forms from what the other you did. The only one without dead eyes is Pinkie, but she just scowls as she holds her severed arm in her other hoof.

Tears come to your eyes as you quickly throw the heavy book on your head at them and dart away as fast as you can, wailing in sadness as you do.

“What in the heck was that?” asks Rainbow Dash.

“A poor soul you just harassed Rainbow, how could you?” chides AJ.

“Hey, I thought he was a spy or something, I didn’t know that would happen!”

“Sh-should we go after him?” asks Fluttershy.

“No, we don’t have time for that. We have a whole Empire to save. Luckily that pony gave us just what we needed,” says Twilight as she holds up the book you threw, which is A History of the Crystal Empire. “Once we stop Sombra, that stallion and every other poor crystal pony will be saved.”


After hiding amongst the books and calming yourself down, (you took the rest of the pain pills to do this) you realize that the other world’s effect on you was greater than you thought.

“I really really need a shrink or someone to talk to this about. I can’t keep losing it like this.


After awhile though of just sitting in the library, you hear an announcement from the palace and you walk outside, as does every other Crystal Pony.
You hear Twilight declaring that something called the Crystal Fair will begin. You see some of the Crystal Ponies have surprised smiles on their faces, and you suddenly see fair shops being set up.

“They’re going to have a party while we’re in the middle of a crisis? Did Pinkie decide this?” you wonder as you make your way through the city. 

Along the way, you find some shops already have food out. Cooked food. So you start grabbing whatever you can get, Crystal Berry Pies, Crystal Corn on the Cob, and other treats. Both you and Nightshade gobble them down as you make your way back to the palace. The sky keeps flickering, which means something is wrong with Cadance. You may not want to speak with her, but you do feel the need to make sure she’s alright.

After avoiding Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash who all rushed out of the door and into the city, you made your way back up to the top floor where you see





Kichi's Comment



An even more distressed looking Cadance shivering as an equally beat looking Shining holds her close.

“Do you think Twilight will be alright?” she asks.

“Yeah, if anypony can find the Crystal Heart, she can” reassures Shining. “I’m more worried about HIM running around here actually.”
You gulp at this.

“Are you sure it was him?” asks Cadance.

“Who else could it be? All that treasure didn’t just appear there magically. Plus his picture was in the middle of it X’d out” says Shining.

“But how would he even have gotten here?” she asks.

“I don’t know, but that “El Hunko” guy you and Flash ran into might have something to do with it.”

“I don’t know Shining, he was just a wounded stallion.”

“Exactly. How did he get wounded? Also, he never came back and Twily said they saw someone in his garb at the library. It’s pretty suspicious if you ask me. That’s why I have Flash out looking for him.”

“Oh Shiny, I’m sure you’re over…ugh…” she sighs as her horn flickers and he steadies her.

Well my disguise is falling apart every minute I’m here, better find something on Sombra before it’s too late. 

You then give one more glance at Cadance. You still feel fearful, but she looks so weak and sick.

“Daddy, do you think we can do something to help Cousin Cadance?” comes a whisper to your right, and you nearly jump out of your skin before seeing that it’s just Nightshade, sticking her head out.

“Honey, don’t do that,” you whisper back, “We have to be sneaky and…” then what she says registers with you.


“Wait, COUSIN Cadance?!” you yelp aloud, startling Shining and Cadance. Mentally smacking yourself, you dive into a nearby vase before they can see you.

"Who is there? Reveal yourself!" screams Shining as he looks around.

"What is that about COUSIN Cadance?" you whisper to your daughter by sticking your head into the inventory.

"Well... It's something I was thinking about... If mommy was Nightmare Moon and Nightmare Moon was also Luna, and Luna is Cadance’s Aunt, that means Mommy is also Cadance’s aunt, right?" 
You nod following the surprisingly well thought out theory and Nightshade continues.

"Well... If Cadance is Mommy’s niece, that makes her my cousin, right?"  

“Ummm…wow, that does make sense…” you say as your mind has been blown.

“I know right? Which means that Cadance is your Niece, and Shining Armor is your Nephew in law, and Princess Celestia and Luna are your sisters in law,” chirps Nightshade. “See, I did learn stuff in school.”

“Well uh…technically your mother and I aren’t actually mar…” you begin before seeing Nigthshade’s confused face, “Never mind. Just stay in here and be quiet honey.”

“Okie Dokie.”

You then pull your head out of the bag and say aloud, “Huh, so in some weird Six Degrees of Kevin Hay-Bacon, I’m Shining Armor’s Uncle?”

"Fat Chance!” you hear a yell above you. You look up and see the very angry face of Shining Armor looking into the vase, “Nopony is my Uncle!”

"Gaaaah!" you scream and jump out of the vase.

"Stop!  Don't move! You are under arrest!" shouts Shining.

"Wait, Wait... I'm innocent" you say.

“Innocent my behind! You mysteriously show up during this top secret mission wounded and skulking around my wife and my sister, and you claim to be innocent?!” he shouts as he steels his tired eyes at you.

"Come on! I was here by accident!" 

“Stop lying! You’re him aren’t you?!”

“Um…who?”

“The Hooded Offender! Who else would’ve left all that money in our room?! Who else would come here making my life difficult?!”

“N-no way, I am El Hunko, dashing agent of…”

“STOP LYING! I know it’s you!” he shouts.

“Shining, do you even hear what you just said? There’s no way this guy could be Bugze,” says Cadance.

“Thank you madame, at least someone is still ration…”

“If anything he’s probably one of those Horde Members doing Bugze’s bidding.”

“Oh come on!” 

“N-no, it’s got to be him…right?” Shining turns as he says to her.

“Do you honestly believe that?” asks Cadance.

“Yes…No?” he then starts rubbing his head, “I’m not sure…”

Oh thank the Doctor for this perception filter. Still, I gotta go…

“Shining, you’re tired and confused. So am I. I’m sure if we just asked this stallion calmly and rationally, then he’d tell us. Besides, you shouldn’t fight without the use of your magic.”

“You’re right,” he says with a sigh. “Alright you, explain who you are right…” he says before turning back to you, but you aren’t there. You took your chance while they were talking and bailed.

“That sneaky well dressed jerk!” shouts Shining.

Cadance then sighs tiredly. “I’m sure Flash will find him…please don’t leave my side…”

He sighs before rejoining his wife. “Alright Cady, but still, something’s up with this El Hunko, I know it…”
Having discretely listened to this conversation, you made your way back to the throne room where you see




BrownDog77’s Comment



Spike looking over a hole in the middle of the throne room that wasn’t there before. Around the throne are dark crystals, like the ones in Shining’s horn.

“Ooohhh, come on Twilight…” he says nervously looking down into the hole, “Please come back already.”
You then hear him sniffle as he begins crying.

“Daddy, we have to go talk to him,” says Nightshade popping out of the Inventory once more.

“Nightshade, how many times do I have to tell you, you have to stay in there,” you chide her.

“I know, I know, but I heard Spike’s voice, and it sounded so sad. Please daddy, go over and cheer him up, please?” she says giving you puppy dog eyes.

“Oh alright fine, but only me, you stay in your room young lady.”

“I will, just make sure he’s ok” she says as she ducks down.

Sighing once more, you walk into the room and say aloud.

“Hey, you there.”
He immediately stops sniffling and turns around in shock.

“Are you alright?” you ask.

“Y-*sniff* yeah, I’m fine, why do you ask?”

“I heard you crying.”

“I wasn’t crying. I just had something in my eye” he defends to which you just raise an eyebrow at.

“W-wait, I know you don’t I? Yeah, you were at the gala last year. What was your name again? La Beefcake?”

“El Hunko, and yeah, I remember you too Spike” you say as you shake his claw.

“Oh, well good to see you again, but why are you here, this place only just came back?” he asks.

“I’m a traveler of sorts, and I kind of accidentally ended up here, it’s a long story.”

“I bet, did you see that smoke monster out in the snow?”

“Yeah, which is kind of why I’m here, trying to figure out a way to get rid of him.”

“You’re not the only one,” he says sadly looking towards the hole.

“Now come on kid, tell me, what’s got you so down?” you say as you put a hoof on his shoulder.
He puts his head down and looks back into the hole, which you notice has a staircase going down into it.

“Twilight Sparkle my...my friend, she went down those stairs and she hasn’t come back up. I’m afraid something bad may have happened to her. I can’t lose another friend…” he says in a scared voice.

“Then why don’t you go down and check?” you ask.

“S-she told me that she had to do this alone, that it was her assignment. I can’t mess this up for her…” he says uncertainly.

“Well that’s dumb of her going down alone, where did this staircase even come from?”

“Twilight used Dark Magic on the throne and it just kind of opened up.”

Oh Great, that’s all I need, Twilight having even stronger magic to try and kill me with.

“Listen kid, if she used dark magic, then whatever’s down there has got to be dangerous, she really shouldn’t be alone.”
Spike looks up to you and gains a determined look on his face.

“You’re right! She means too much to me, I can’t let her be alone!” he shouts, before running down the stairs.

“Wait! I meant you should probably get a guard or something!” you yell as you chase after the determined dragon.

Oh Dear Luna, you better not get hurt Spike, otherwise Nightshade will never forgive me.

When you finally catch up to the dragon, you both see Twilight Sparkle standing in front of a door crying her eyes out.

“Twilight, Twilight!” Spike yells, but she doesn’t answer.
When you both get closer, you see that her eyes are an unnatural state of green.

“OK, this doesn’t look creepy at all,” you say sarcastically.
As Spike begins to shake her out of it, you look into the open doorway. You feel a strange sensation wash across your mind, and suddenly, there is only blackness.

"What is Going On?"

WHAT DO? 
> Episode 4: A Carnival of Fears (Crystal Empire Arc Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Within the Darkness you call out.

“Hello? Spike? Twilight? Anyling?”
Your voice echoes as you twist in every direction, seeing nothing. A watery sensation washes across your eyes, briefly giving everything a green tint. You hear a sudden sharp gasp of air in the darkness, and then silence.

“OK, just what the buck is going on here?”

Suddenly a doorway appears to your right, and you hear voices coming from it.
You open the door and inside you see…



Kersey’s Comment



Your Grandbuggy…and Granny Smith…making out…intensely.

“OH SWEET LUNA NO! IT BURNS!!!” you cry out as you shield your eyes, which literally begin smoking, from the horrible scene of your grandparents smooching as if they were in high school. You immediately shut the door and kick it away. The door disappears into the darkness, and you give a sigh of gratefulness.

“The Buck was that?” you ask aloud, but nothing answers.

Once your eyes feel like they’ve stopped burning, you hear a familiar sound and look behind you.




ErisedtheinkMoth’s Comment



The TARDIS materializes in front of you and you happily run towards it as the Doctor steps out.
He doesn't look quite himself as he's a bit disheveled. His tie is undone and his hair is a frazzled mess. He looks around, rubbing his neck and shoulder before noticing you.
You run up to him and grab his shoulders, practically yelling into his face.

"Oh thank Luna! Doctor, you gotta get me out of here, I just saw…”
He stops you, silencing you with a hoof to your mouth and contemplating his next words with a solemn look. 

"Bugze, I'm afraid I've got some bad news from the future." he says slowly. "You're really not going to like this."

"What? Why?!" you ask "What do I do in the future? How bad is it? How many ponies die because of me?!"
The Doctor just shakes his head and looks you in the eyes. 

"It isn't you Bugze, it's about Nightshade."
You feel your blood go cold. 

"Oh no. What happens Doc? Please don't tell me she dies! Anything but that!" you plead.

"Oh, she's alive. It's just she's-"

"She's what?! In a coma? Turned to the dark side?" You scream as the endless possibilities flood you mind, none of them good.

"She’s hot," The Doctor tells you.

"W-what?" you stutter.

"Oh yes, your little filly grows up to be quite a looker, and quite a lot of ponies have found themselves smitten with her." The doctor explains. "Colts come knocking at her door to shower her with gifts and beg her for a date, and even some of the other mares step up to try their luck. Not that Nightshade minds however, quite the opposite; she actually enjoys all the attention and affection they give her."

"Nngh... I- what?" your brain tries to pull together a rational thought through all your fatherly protective instincts "She... and... Boys are... with my baby?! Does she at least still kick them in the nards!" you ask, grasping at one final straw.

"Well..." the Doctor averts his gaze from yours "She certainly does something with their nards."

At this your mind snaps. But rather than snapping in anger, it's shattering into a thousand anguished pieces. How could this have happened to your little Nightshade, and where did you go wrong as a parent? Was it because you let her watch all those adult anime?
There's only one thing you can scream as these thoughts pervade your mind.
"NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"


As you do you hear a sound of shattering glass behind you. You look back to the Doctor and see that he and the TARDIS are gone. Investigating where the shattering sound came from, you come across a glass wall, and it is has pieces missing. On your side, painted on the ground are the words, Mental Blocks. On the other side of the broken glass is the words True Fears.

“That looks ominous,” you say before your surroundings change and you find yourself in another location.




The Rutherford’s Comment




Kropsling’s Comment




Solarkness Comment



It’s the castle where you first hid 2 whole years ago after the invasion. You have nothing on you, no disguises, no inventory, nothing.
“What’s going on?” you ask aloud and look around.

In front of you are two old thrones, one with a banner for the sun above it, the other the moon. You look up and see the sun shining through the crumpled roof and the trees of the Everfree. 

“How did I get here? Wasn’t I just in the Crystal Empire?” you ask confusedly. “Yeah, I was helping Spike look for Twilight, where is she?”

As if to answer your question the throne room doors behind you are thrown open, and in run the Deadly 6, all armed with the Elements of Harmony. You realize you have no disguise, and you feel powerless and speechless as they surround you in a circle.
They all leer at you with psychotic smiles as they all begin to float with glowing white eyes.

"There he is girls! Lets end this once and for all!" says Twilight.

“B-but I…”

"I have been waiting a long time for this!" says Rainbow Dash.

“N-no wait a min…”

"This for all the trouble you caused us Varmit!" says Applejack.

“Just hold on a sec…”

"For all the ruined parties and broken promises this is personal!" says Pinkie.

“Can’t we talk about...”

"Fluttershy do you have a problem with us taking your ruffian friend down?" Rarity asks.

“N-no, Fluttershy, talk them out of…”

"Oh no Rarity I don't mind. He isn't my friend any more. He is just a worthless stupid bug" Fluttershy responds cruelly.

Your eyes water a little after that, “F-Fluttershy?”

They all rise further in the air above you and chant,

“Death to the Bug!”

"Girls please don't." you weakly beg. It does no good though for each of their Elements shine with colorful magic and the beam shoots right at you.

"SOMELING HELP ME!" you scream as loud as you can. And something answers your pleas.

Before the beam strikes you a dark shadowy mist flies forth and washes over the 6 Mares and stops their Friendship Beam. When it clears, they are all gone.


“Wh-what?” you ask aloud before hearing metallic steps behind you.

“Useless…” you hear a dark female voice say.
You turn around ecstatically and in between the two thrones you see the voice’s owner.

“Selena!” you cry out happily to the armored Alicorn before you. “You’re all better! And you have your own body too? Awesome!” you cry out as you get close to embrace your healed friend. “I’ve missed you so much, thank you for saving my life, thank you for…”

“Silence you worthless bug!” she shouts as she blasts you away from her. You fly back into a cracked alter, damaging it further. You look back at her with hurt and surprise over what she just did.

“S-Selena, why…” 

“My name is NOT Selena you maggot, it’s Nightmare Moon!” she cries out angrily. “Now that I have come to my full power, I no longer need a useless whelp like you. And now I will finish what I started over 1000 years ago. I shall cast Equestria in eternal night!” she shouts as lightning bolts crash around her.

Above the hole in the ceiling, you witness the moon cover the sun, bathing everything in darkness.

"Selena don't do this, you’re good…you’re my friend,” you stutter.

"I was never good! You were never my friend! You were just a host for me. A weak little bug that has no purpose in life!” she snarls hurtfully.

“N-no…we have a daughter, be both love and protect her…” you say trying to get through to her.

“Nightshade was never meant to be with you. She was born only for me, to rule Equestria by my side,” she chides. 
You try to say more, but your voice hitches in your throat when you hear another voice.

“That's right "Daddy" we don’t need you anymore…” from the shadows walks forth your daughter, wearing similar armor to her mother, with her eyes glowing a fierce white.

“Now that we are more powerful we will rule not only this country, but the whole world Muhahaha!” she declares.

"..no.." you say with wide eyes and tears running down your cheeks.

“Now begone! We have more important matters to attend to that do not involve you....ever again” says Nightmare Moon as she turns around and walks into the darkness.

“Nightshade…” you whimper.

“Save it cockroach, I’m done with you…” she says as she walks away.

"Nightshade... don't leave me," you weakly call out. "Selena... why? I thought you were my..."
You then break down bawling upon the floor.

“This can’t be happening…this can’t be real…” you cry over the loss of your family.
You then hear more crying coming from the darkness.

“N-Nightshade?” you call out with a sniffle. 

“Daddy…why?” you hear her say sadly.

“Nightshade!” you shout as you get up and run forth. You keep running until you run into a mirror. It doesn’t show your reflection, but rather a view into another place, and you see why Nightshade is crying.





Kichi’s Comment



You see a mountain of bones arranged into a throne within the throne room of the Canterlot Castle. Chained onto the throne are several malnourished, saddened looking mares, including Aloe, Vinyl, Octavia, Fluttershy, and the rest of the Deadly 6. Pieces of the TARDIS are everywhere and in front of the throne stands Nightshade with tears running down her face. The figure upon the throne is the worst of all. It’s The Nightmare…only somehow worse, for his tails are now shadowy breathing serpents with glowing eyes.


"Daddy, please...What happened to you?" asks Nightshade.

“I grew up honey,” the Nightmare answers in a demonic voice. “I stopped being the puny little crybaby the ponies and Lady Luck thought I was. I became what I was always meant to be…”

“NO!” you cry out as you bang upon the mirror.

“Daddy, you’ve killed so many…” she cries.

“They all had it coming. Every. Last. One.” He says evily.

“Nightshade!” you cry out, yet she doesn’t hear you.

"But why do you need to torture Miss Twilight and the others? Did you not have enough after what you did to Cadence,Celestia and Mommy?" she cries.

"No... It's not enough...It never will be enough. They wanted a monster, so let them have a monster!" he shouts.

"But Daddy..." 

"Choose Nightshade... Them or me..." he says as he rises up threateningly.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” you shout and slam into the glass, yet it doesn’t break.

"I... I'm sorry Daddy but this isn’t you..." Nightshade says in a sad tone, taking up a defensive stance.

"I see...” he says before turning and looking at you. “So be it..." he says darkly.
The snakelike tentacles of his then rush forth towards a screaming Nightshade while he stares at you and laughs.

"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!"

“NNNNNOOOOO!!!!” you scream as everything goes dark once more.



SnapDrakeGames’ Comment




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment



“Daddy? Daddy? What’s wrong?” You hear her voice say from a mile away. 

“Honey?” your voice echoes in the darkness.

“Daddy?” she says again sounding closer.
You feel the eye sensation once more, and once again, you hear a distant gasp.
Suddenly, the darkness crashes around you and you find yourself back in front of the spooky door next to Twilight again. You even hear Spike calling out,

“Twilight! Twilight!” trying to snap her out of her daze. You look behind you and see Nightshade sticking her head out of the inventory with a worried look.

“Baby!” you cry as you give her a smothering hug, “You’re still alright!” you cry.

“Yeah, I’m fine Daddy, but are you OK? I kept hearing Spike calling for Twilight and you and I heard you crying.

“Y-yeah I’m fine, just had a horrible day dream I guess,” you tell her as the visions you had begin to fade just looking at your smiling girl. You then look back at Spike and Twilight, who seems to be coming out of her funk.

“Uh-oh, get down honey before they see you,” you tell her and she does so. With her hunkered down you stick your face in the inventory and say one last thing.

“Nightshade, I love you and I’m glad you’re alright…just promise me you’ll never go to the darkside…”

“I promise Daddy,” she says.

“Also, never use a harem anime as a realistic depiction, nor as a baseline of expectation for a healthy relationship,” you add.

“Umm…OK?” she says as you hug her once more.

“Alright, see you in a bit, love you,” you tell her as you pull your head out just in time to see Twilight groaning.

"Ugh- Spike?" Twilight asks. "What happened?"

"I don't know," Spike says. "You didn't answer me when I called and I was really worried and I wondered if something terrible had happened, and then El Hunko said that I should take a look so I was racing down here and-."

"Wait, back up. El who?" Twilight asks. Then she notices you. "Yaaa!" she cries out in surprise. "You! You're that pony from the library!"

"Yes. Yes I am," you reply, even though your close proximity to her makes you feel uneasy still.

"Hey, wait a minute! Rainbow was right! Now that I think about it, we have seen you before- at the Grand Galloping Gala!"

"Yes, yes, yes you saw me at the Gala," you confirm, still a little unsteady. "Luna's beard, that was frightening."

"But- how are you-" Twilight sputters.

"I'm a traveler of sorts. I wasn't supposed to end up here, but I did," you respond, avoiding eye contact. "Hey- know any therapists?"

"Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville," Twilight replies. "I work Thursdays."

"That's not what I-"

"Ponyville?" Spike murmurs, catching your attention. You find him staring at the empty doorway. 
"How did I get- No! I don't wanna go! Please Twilight, don't make me!" he cries out with tears in his now glowing green eyes.
Twilight hurries to close the door, snapping Spike out of it.

“The Buck was that?” you say aloud in panic.

"King Sombra's dark magic," Twilight mutters, studying the doorway. "A door that leads to your worst fears!"

“Oh….oooohhhhh,” you say as realization dawns on you and what you just went through.

“Spike, are you OK,” she gently says to him.

"We were back in Ponyville. You said you didn't need me anymore," Spike mutters sadly. "You were... sending me away."

"A fear that will never come to pass. I'm never sending you away Spike," Twilight reassures her assistant, snuggling him close and having a tender moment.

"Ooh, hey! I'm not intruding on anything here, am I?" you awkwardly interrupt. Twilight glances up.

"Oh right. You. Thanks for helping out Spike and all, but I think you can head out now."

"What!? No way!" you reply. "I mean, aside from the fact that there’s boring ponies and smoke monsters outside, I'm not just gonna let you go off and do something this dangerous by yourself. If you didn't have Spike here you'd still be lying on the floor crying your eyes out. You need help with this one, and I wanna stop that Sombra guy too."

"But- Princess Celestia said this was something I had to do myself!" Twilight responds.

"Yeah. That's stupid," you reply. "I mean, this is like an empire full of ponies. Creepy amnesiac ponies, sure, but ponies all the same. Why in Tartarus would anyling purposely make it harder for themselves when the stakes are so high? Is she just so high and mighty she thinks she can gamble with thousands of lives?" you angrily rant.

“I-it’s not like that,” Twilight tries to defend.

“Well it sounds like it to me, and you shouldn’t blindly follow what she says,” you answer back.

“Well for your information, I’m taking Spike with me, I know I can trust him,” she shoots back making Spike smile. “You on the other hand are basically a stranger.”

“Really? You don’t want my help?” you say in frustration.

“If you want to help, then go up top and help my friends distract the Crystal Ponies. They can’t find out that we don’t have the Crystal Heart yet, they’d lose their spirit and...”

“The Crystal Heart?” you ask.

“It’s a very powerful artifact that the Crystal Empire needs in order to stop Sombra,” she tells you. “We didn’t realize this until now, so we have a faux one in place till I find it.”




BrownDog77’s Comment



"So wait, you want me to go up there and cause multiple distractions that might result in property damage just so you can keep your little mistake a secret?"

"Is that a problem?" she asks.

"Nope, just checking, I'm sure I can handle it," you say with a smirk.

“Thank you,” she says.

“And you’re sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

“No, I’m not failing my test,” she says 

“OK, fine! Be stubborn. I’ll do what I can, but you two be careful,” you tell them.

"We will, now please, get going," she tells you.

"Alright, but there is still one more thing I must do before I go..." you say mysteriously.


Several Minutes Later.

You lie on the staircase leading to the throne room, which went really far down, and watching as the slinky you snagged walks down.
You look back down to Twilight and Spike at the bottom.

"ISN'T THIS INCREDIBLE?! IT'S GOING TO BE SOME KIND OF A RECORD!"

"Is that really necessary?" Twilight shouts back up.

"Everyling Loves a Slinky, You gotta get a Slinky. Slinky, Slinky, Go Slinky Go!" you sing ignoring her.

On the very last step however, the Slinky stops.
Spike groans as you shout.

“AAAWWW MAN! Can you believe it?! It was right there!” You then look to them while playing with the Slinky.
“Think I can do it one more time?”

“NO! Every minute we waste, is another minute Sombra can break in and enslave us all!” she shouts at you, causing you to flashback to the otherworld, seeing her lifeless body.
You shriek at this image, and book it up the stairs, much to the relief of Twilight.




Kersey’s Comment



After reaching the top of the stairs and walking out of the palace once more, you begin to think aloud.

“So, I gotta keep the weird amnesiac ponies distracted huh? Shouldn’t be too hard, these guys are more boring than plain toast,” you mutter before seeing several Crystal ponies run by, laughing and smiling and shining brighter than before.

“OK, I stand corrected,” you muse. 

You follow the ponies and see many carnival games and events everywhere.
You resist the urge to join in on the fun just yet, because you got a job to do. You see Applejack herding ponies away from a statue or something hidden under a tarp, and you conclude that that is where the fake heart is. She appears to be having a hard time keeping a growing group away from it.

“You can see it later pardner, how about you visit the kettle corn stand?” she says leading a stallion away. Then a mare comes forth and tries to look under the sheet.
“Say now, the jousting competition has started over there,” she points nervously.

Seeing that she is overwhelmed, you jump into action.

“But ma’am, we’d really love to see,” a group starts before you menacingly land in front of them.

You channel your brief experience as a bouncer from a past  hive mission and shout.

“There is nothing to see here! Go back to your miserable pointless lives!”
The Crystal Ponies seem startled, and so does AJ.

“What in Tarnation?” she declares.

“But we want to see the heart,” a stallion says.

“Yeah, and I want a Celestia’s Secret magazine featuring Spitfire, but that’s probably not going to happen pal!” you snark back causing him and his group to miserably walk away.

“Well that was rude,” mutters AJ. “Who are ya?”
You quickly look at her and turn your head before you flashback.

“Hey now, you’re that pony from the library,” says AJ.

“Eyup, I’m El Hunko, and I’m here to help” you say, not looking directly at her.

“Name’s Applejack, and why are you helping? You seemed so scared before?”

Still not looking at her, you respond, “You try getting chased by a smoke monster and not be a little freaked out, anyway, your friend Twilight asked me to help.”

“Well alright then, but maybe you should tone it down, these ponies are easily spoo…”

“GET OUT OF THERE! AH AH AH!!!" You shout running at a mare who tried to peek under the tarp, causing her to run away screaming.

“Hey wait, I just said,” tries Applejack, before you scare away a young filly pony.

“You go near it and I will burn all your toys!” The little filly runs off crying because of this.

“Hey! That’s enou…” shouts AJ as a whole group converge on all sides.

“Oh you wanna play rough?” you shout as you grab a chair and whip from a nearby lion cage, “Then let’s play rough!”
The Crystal Ponies’ eyes all light up with fear.

“No, Wait!” shouts AJ.

“BACK! BACK YOU SHINY SAVAGES, BACK!!!” you shout while pushing them back with the chair and cracking the whip.
This causes the Crystal Ponies to have traumatic flashbacks to when they were forced to work in the mines as slaves, and they all run away screaming in fear, losing their shiny color.

“That’s right, run!” you cackle at them before having the chair taken out of your hooves and being knocked across the head.

“The Buck is wrong with you,” chides and angry AJ, and you are forced to look directly at her.
“That was a very mean thing to do,” she rants, and you begin to see her as a dead body once more causing you to shake in fear.

“Now get out of here before I Buck you upside the head,” she threatens, and in your fear you run away from her.
After fleeing, you catch your breath near a food tent, you place the whip into your inventory

1 Lion Taming Whip Added to Inventory

You then think about what just happened.

OK, maybe I did go a little overboard on the whole bouncer situation. Heck, I got fired during the Hive Mission for practically the same reasons. Still, I can’t talk directly to any of them for long, and especially not when they get upset or angry. I think it’s best if I just stay away from them.

Even as you think this, you hear a crash and a cry as you see Fluttershy sailing through the air and into a tent with Rainbow Dash following soon after.

You give a sigh, “Well, so much for that plan,” you then go over and hear them talking about their jousting plan. 
Apparently, they need a few more matches, yet Fluttershy is vastly underpowered and keeps getting blown back.

“Well that isn’t fair,” you think, before smirking evily.

The next round when they set up, you see Rainbow running right at Fluttershy, who runs with her eyes close.

Using your telekenisis plasmid, you mutter,

“Would you kindly hold it!” causing Rainbow to become locked in place.

“Whoa, what the…” she says confused, before the blindly flailing Fluttershy smacks her in the face with her jousting pole launching Rainbow into the stands. 

You hear the Crystal Ponies cheer, and even hear some say that it’s finally an interesting competition as they toss Rainbow back onto the field. She wobbles dizzily while Fluttershy apologizes profusely. You smirk, before you again flashback and start shaking.

“Oh come on, I can’t even see them in pain? Why can’t I stop being scared?” You rant as you walk away.


After passing by a bunch of vendors and stalls, Nightshade pops her head out.

“Ooooo, A Carnival! Can I try some games Daddy, can I?” she asks excitedly.
You sigh before looking at her.

“No Nightshade you can’t.” Her lip begins to quiver, 

“Why not?” she whines.

“Because all carnival games are scams, look at that one,” you point to where a Big Red sized Crystal Stallion throws a ball at some milk bottles extremely hard, only for it to bounce off of them with a metallic *tink*

“You see?”

“Oh…well that’s no fun,” she says.

“No it is not, and the last thing I need is you getting mad and kicking these wannabe Flim-Flam’s in the nards over not getting a toy”

She then pouts, “Is there anything I can do for fun?”

You then see a sign that says Petting Zoo and smile.
You leave Nightshade in the pen with the other children as she runs around hugging and squeezing all the frightened animals.
A Wombat of all creatures scurries around trying to avoid her.

“Come back here you cute and cuddly bucker! You’re love gives me power!” she shouts.

You chuckle and go to some nearby vendors and buy a carnival feast fit for a King…or at least a hungry Nightshade. You get Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Crystal Fruit Pies, Crystal Kettle Corn, Deep Fried Twinkies, and a triple X soda.

After prying her away from the poor wombat, she sees the food and squees so loud, crystal dogs nearby begin barking.

“Alright honey, take this to your room and watch a movie while daddy works now OK?”

“Okie Dokie Artichokie,” she says before taking her feast into the inventory.
You smile and sigh before the lid pops open and a can of some kind comes flying out with a shout of 

“EVIL!”




TheGamingReaver’s Comment



You pick up the can and see that it says Crystal Spinach on the can.

“Huh, how did that get in there?” you wonder aloud.

You then have an awesome thought as you remember some animated serials about a sailor pony who would always eat spinach and get super strong and save the day.

“This would make me even stronger than regular spinach, because it’s got crystals,” you say aloud hoping that that makes sense.
“Better save this for an emergency,” you declare as you place it in a coat pocket.


Crystal Spinach added to Inventory

You then look up and see that the sky begins flickering more so than what it was. Whatever Cadance is doing, she’s failing. You see some of the Crystal Ponies get scared and lose their shininess, and you realize they still need distracting.





ErisedtheinkMoth’s Comment.



"So the crystal ponies need to be entertained huh?" you mutter to yourself as you think back to your time posing as a carnival performer with your Grandbuggy, which is where you learned about all the games being rigged. 

"I've got just the thing!" you proclaim and get to work commandeering a stage.

"Come one, come all! Step right up to test your strength fillies and gentlecolts!" you announce as crystal ponies gather around to see what the latest attraction at the fair is all about.
"You sir!" you point to a random stallion in the crowd with your showmare's cane you stole from a booth. He points at himself as though asking if it was indeed him you were talking about. 

"Yes you, step right up. You look like a well toned stallion. Rippling biceps, washboard abs, glistening thigh- NO! BAD BUG! I don't even swing that wa- I mean...ahem,  how would you like to impress your friends with a feat of strength and fortitude?"

In the crowd you don’t notice Rarity and Pinkie Pie taking a look at what you're doing.
"Did the book say anything about this being part of the celebration?" Rarity asks Pinkie as the pink mare bounces up and down.

"I dunno, but it looks like fun!" Pinkie says as she chows down on funnel cake.
The stallion nods his head vigorously as you're about to unveil the challenge.

"Well then I present to you... the most formidable, the most frightening, the most daunting challenge ever faced by ponykind!" you rev up your flair for the dramatic and whip the tarp off of the challenge. "The dreaded... UNOPENED PICKLE JAR!"

The crowd gasps, but not in the astonished sort of way, more of the gasping-in-horror sort of way. Memories resurface of their time under King Sombra's rule, and the color drains from their coats.

In the days of King Sombra, the dark lord would taunt them with the chance of freedom from his mines by presenting them a challenge; open a jar of pickles and be set free, but if they failed, they'd be sent back to the mines to work without rest. Even if they weren't exhausted and weak, they would still have had no chance, for the jar was enchanted to never be opened.
Brave ponies would try for hours sometimes to wrestle the cursed lid off the jar, even till their hooves bled from the effort. Seeing the instrument of their torture presented to them once more brought their fear back with it, and it all boiled down to what happened... right now.

"It's back! Run! Run from it's pristine, glassy shell of pickle-filled doom! Run for your lives before it takes you back to the mines!" one terrified crystal pony screams at the top of his lungs, causing the rest of them to begin panicking.

"The horror! The horror!" shriek a trio of vaguely familiar crystal flower ponies.

“OK…the Buck?…” you deadpan watching the chaos.


Meanwhile,
A looming shadow outside the city watched in glee. "Yeeeeessssss..." it hissed "Picklessssssss."


Back to the screaming ponies.

“Sir, Sir! What have you done!” yells out Rarity.

“I don’t know, I was keeping them distracted and then the whole world went crazy,” you say back flabbergasted.
Rarity and Pinkie then both come up on the stage and scrutinize you, causing you to avoid eye contact.

“Alright Mr. Hunko, I believe that you owe us some answers,” she says.

“You know my name?” you ask surprised.

“After you ran away in the library, I thought about where I’ve seen these wonderfully stylish clothes before, and I remember them from the Gala.”

“Yeah, you were really fun there, and you kept pranking Blueblood” says Pinkie.

“Thank you again for that darling, but that just raises the question, why are you here?”

“I don’t know, there was a teleporting accident and I just ended up here,” you say to the ground.

“Alright, but why are you avoiding us? Flash Sentry is asking around for you, so what have you done?”

Oh Crud, I forgot about Flash!

“I…I…”

“Hey!” calls an upset voice.

You look and see Rainbow Dash with a black eye fly up to you.

“Somepony says they saw you hold me in place with magic during the jousting competition!” she angrily yells.
You look from her to Rarity and back, flashing back, and you take off crying and screaming once more.


“What the Buck? Get back here you…” she calls before being stopped.

“Dashie, wait, you stay here,” says Pinkie.

“What? But that cheater is the reason I got a shiner!”

“I know, but something’s bugging him, and I’m going to find out what,” says Pinkie determined as she hops after you.

“But I…” Rainbow starts.

“Come now darling, I’m as curious about that dashing stallion as you are, but right now we need something to cover that up. This way, to the salon!” Rarity cries, dragging Rainbow.

“OK, but they better not mess with my hair!”






BrownDog77’s Comment



You bust through into an empty tent and start slamming your hooves against the ground.


“Gorramit to Tartarus! Why?! Why?! Can’t I stop?!” you bawl, and in doing so, your fears from the door spring forth, causing you to cry even more.

As you lay there, you suddenly feel a gentle hoof touch your shoulder.


“There there, everything’s going to be alright…”

You look up and see Pinkie looking down at you sympathetically.
You back up away from her quickly.

“S-stay back!” you cry out.

“Hey hey, I’m not going to hurt you, none of my friends will, there’s no reason to be afraid of us” she says as her image flickers and you see Pinkamena in her place.

“P-please, go away!” you shout.

“Everything’s going to be alright, you’ll see.”
The words coming out of the other her’s mouth causes you to finally snap.

“No it won’t Pinkamena! I Failed you! I Failed you all!” you shout as you look to the ground.
“Failed us? But the Crystal Ponies are still distracted and Twilight is still doing her job. Also, I go by Pinkie, only my mom calls me…”
You look back up at her.

“You’re sacrifice was for nothing! All you saved was my puny little life! And I can’t get over it!”
She looks at you strangely when you say this.

“I just wish there was someling that I could talk to, somling who would understand, but they’ve either abandoned me or are…gone…” you say sadly.

“I can listen to you, just tell me” she says bubbly.

“I can’t, you wouldn’t understand.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” she asks.

“Because…because…” you struggle before suddenly you see her perk up.


“Is it because you were transported to by a time travelling alien to another universe where your counterpart turned into a giant monster and destroyed the whole world before you could save it and now you feel super sad about it?” she guesses causing your jaw to drop to the floor.

“How…how…” you stutter.

“Oh I just guessed,” she says cheerfully as she crumples up a sheet up paper that says DWC Notes on it, before eating it.

“I…I…” you stutter before you shake your head.

“I think I may have simplified it, but you can tell me if you want to get it off your chest. Talking about problems always makes me feel better.” she says with a smile.

You look at the smile and sigh. You do need to vent. But first things first.

“OK, but I need you to Pinkie Promise me that you will not tell anyone else about what we talk about in this tent.”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she chants.

“OK, but just so you know, this isn't going to be fun to hear.” you say as you look back to the ground.

She just nods at this, so you begin.

“You’re right, I was taken to another universe, and the other me destroyed it and everyone on it.”
Her smile lessens, but she nods her head again.

“The other me was plagued by loss, and he took his anger out on everyone…It was horrible.”

“OK, but why do you freak out so much when you see my friends and I?”

“Because they were his first…”
She gulps at this.

“They chased him down, like they had so many times before, only an accident happened that took someone he loved away, and he brutally ended them…”
Her smile vanishes.

“Everyone except you. The other you survived, and it drove her mad. She became a killer almost as bad as him…except that she was on our side. Towards the end, she sacrificed herself and weakened the other me. It’s only because of her that I was able to triumph over him. I told her I was going to go back in time and stop all of it from happening…but I didn’t…” you say with tears in your eyes.

“I didn’t go back in time…Pinkamena died for nothing” you then start crying again.

“I can’t get the images of your friends dead out of my head, it was so horrible. I failed them too. I failed everyling…” you moan before you are wrapped up in a hug.

You cry hard into her shoulder as she pats you on the head for a good long while. After you get it out of your system, you hear her ask.

“Better?”

“I don’t know…” you tell her.
She pulls back and looks at you, although you still see her as Pinkamena. 
A surprised look comes over her face as her eyes widen, but then she looks at you meaningfully.

“Listen, don’t go blaming yourself for what happened in that other world, to my other friends, or the other me.”

“B-but I failed…”

“No you didn’t!” she chides. “You survived didn’t you?” she asks and you shake your head yes.

“Well if the other she had any shred of me still in her, then she would count it as a win.”

“But…”

“No buts, you are alive. Yes it’s sad that nopony else made it…really sad,” she says with a sniffle. “But that Pinkie sacrificed herself and she saved the life of a friend. You were her friend right?”

“Um…kind of I guess?”

“Then don’t blame yourself for what happened to her. She wouldn’t want that, I know because I wouldn’t either.”

“B-but the others…”

“You didn’t do it. The fact that you’re sad about that proves you’re not a monster. So there’s no reason to be scared of my friends,” she says.


Well, not for those reasons anyway, you think.

“And if you couldn’t go back in time, then that’s not your fault either, so stop hurting yourself over this and look to the future” she says before putting her hoof on your shoulder.
“I’m not saying don’t forget about the past, all I’m saying is don’t be afraid of it. The other me and her friends are in a better place now, and I know they wouldn’t blame you,” she says with a sincere smile.


You see this smile on Pinkamena’s face and she fades back into Pinkie.
You tear up a bit more, this time to due to relief as you hug her again.

“Thank you…thank you for that…” you sniffle, finally having some of the weight off your mind.

“You’re welcome Hooded Offender. You’re welcome,” she says as she pats your back.

“Oh you have no idea how long that’s been weighing on…WAIT WHAT?!” you cry as you jump back from her.

“What? What’s wrong?” she asks.

“You just called me the Hooded Offender!” you shout.

“Well duh, that’s who you are isn’t it?” she says.

“B-but how I…” you then look down and see your tear soaked mask down your neck and your hat lying on the ground.

“NO! My El Hunko Disguise! It’s compromised!”

“Yeah, you cried really hard when you dug your face into my shoulder,” she says.
You then take up a defensive stance.

“Alright look, I don’t want any trouble alright?” you growl at her.

“Hey, I’m not going to give you any trouble, I just got through giving you a motivational speech after all,” she says. “And don’t worry, I won’t tell anypony who you are.”
You look confused at this. 

“Y-you won’t?”

“No, I Pinkie Promised I wouldn’t tell about anything that happens in this tent, and I never break a promise to myself,” she says dutifully.

“Oh…OK…so are we not gonna fight?” 

“Nah, I don’t feel like it right now,” she says nonchalantly.
You lower your guard at that, but you keep your eye on her as you put your hat and mask back on.

“So…uh…why didn’t you freak out when you saw who I was, don’t you and the others hate my guts?” you ask.

“Well truth be told Offender, I’ve never actually hated you.”

“Huh?”

“Sure you’re a big meanie mcgrumppants a lot of the time, but you’re not that bad.”

“Wait, really? You could have fooled me, what with all the beatings and torment.”

“Hey, to be fair, you do fight us a lot. But that’s how it goes, we fight you, you fight back, we don’t see each other for awhile, and then rinse and repeat, why do you think I take it easy on you so much?” she says.

“You were taking it easy?!” you shriek flabbergasted.

“Well Duh! I wasn’t going to hurt one of Fluttershy’s friends too badly after all. I don’t want to break you like Dashie or Jackie because Fluttershy says you’re nice.”

“Then why don’t you support her or tell the others to stop hunting me?” you demand.

“Because that’s how the story goes,” she says with a shrug. “We five fight you, while Fluttershy objects and nopony listens to her, then we go on with our lives until you show up again.”

“What? That’s your explanation?”

She sighs, “Look, I don’t much care for it either, but that’s just how the story goes. There’s nothing we can do to control it. Maybe that will change sometime in the future, but until then just know that I don’t hate you OK?”

Still confused by her logic, you just sigh and nod since she isn’t attacking you, and she did make you feel better…a little at least. 


“Alright, but just know that I still will fight you if you come after me,” you warn her.


“I know, and I will too, but maybe I’ll take it even more easier on you huh? Would you like that?”


You smirk, “Don’t make it too easy for me, I like a challenge.”

She giggles at that.

"See, you're not so bad. And remember, you may have killed that terrorist guy during Hearth's Warming Eve, but you don't look like a mass murderer to me. So don't worry about becoming a monster. Fluttershy doesn't think you're one, and I'll give her the benefit of the doubt."

You look down at the mention of Fillydelphia, but you nod in apppreciation.

“Also you still need to go and face the others and not be scared of them. You especially shouldn’t fear Fluttershy at all, she’s been your friend through thick and thin alright?”

“Yeah…I will…” you mutter. You know she’s right and you should face them. You know you’ll still feel apprehensive, but maybe it won’t be as terrifyingly bad as it was…maybe.

“Anyway, I have to go distract more ponies till Twilight comes back, that Meanie Pants Sombra is just waiting to get in” she says bounding for the door.

“Pinkie,” you call out causing her to stop and turn her head.
“Thanks,” you say with a smile to which she returns.

“Hey what are friends for?” she says before bouncing out.

"Friends?..." you mutter before shaking your head. You then sit there in the tent and contemplate what just happened.


“OK, Pinkie knows that I’m El Hunko, but according to her own promise rules she can’t say anything. Still, it’s nice to know that at least one of Fluttershy’s friends listens to her and won't murder me outright. I should probably go talk to her, because Pinkie’s right, I shouldn’t fear her, or any of the others…I just got to get it over with... I hope.”

You sigh and walk out into the fair looking for Fluttershy and the others. You eventually spot them as they perform tricks for the Crystal Ponies. You steady your breathing and begin to head over, when all of a sudden, the ground begins shaking hard and the blue sky turns into the raging storm.


“OH NO! OH NO!” Ponies begin shouting around you.

“HE’S COMING BACK!”

You look behind you and you see a wall of dark mist, now with a stallion face and horn coming towards you and laughing. You then add to the panic.


“Bucking Tartarus! It’s the Smoke Monster from Lost! Run before we all start degrading in quality and make less sense! RRRRRUUUUNNNNN!!!!!” 


WHAT DO?

> Episode 5: I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost (Crystal Empire Arc Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You run with all the other panicking ponies in a mad mob as you start yelling aloud in your fear.

“I can’t let the Smoke Monster get me, otherwise I will be surviving in the wild, there will be plot holes in my life that will never be answered and characters will randomly appear and disappear and never be mentioned again, and there will be alternate universes and flashbacks and…”
You stop dead in your tracks as a horrible realization hits you.

“OH NO! My life already is LOST!” you scream as you hold your head in horror before turning your anger to the skies.

“Buck you J.J. Haybrams and Haymon Lindelof!” you scream to the heavens over how bad that show got.


You then hear a dark “Muhahahahaha!” behind you and you see the dark mist with an evil face gaining ground.

“Agh, focus Bug!” you chide yourself, “We can worry about good shows that ended up sucking later, I haven’t forgotten about you Heroes, but right now, I have to focus at the matter at hoof.”

You look up and stare the chuckling smoke down, hoping inspiration hits you. Unfortunately for you, no one offers any. Thankfully, the magic bubble once more appears and stops the monster’s progress. With a little breathing room you begin to think about solutions.




Kichi’s Comment


"Gaaahh... I need to do something!! I need to tell someling or thing or king... King... Wait... What was his name? King... Sombro?" you ask aloud as the monster pounds on the bubble.

Just then an image flashes in your head of the dictator with a white luchador mask on and groaning at your favorite professional wrestler Tiger Millionaire.

“Although that would be an awesome fight, I don’t think that’s the right name,” you say as you shake your head from that image.
"King... King... Sombrero?" you think aloud.


Your mind then flashes to the dark unicorn in a big Sombrero and an awesome moustache dancing in front of a stunned Celstia, Luna and Cadence with a pair of maracas.
“El hombre del sombrero nos envió! El nos contó historias asombrosas!” he prattles while mariachi music prattles in the background.


“No, that doesn’t sound right either... King... King... Smokey?" 


An image of the undead king shows him sitting on a bean bag chair in a hazy room with beads on the door and shag fur on the wall. He has a tie-dyed peace shirt on and his eyes are blood shot red.

“Like…you ever thought about how Clark Canter and Supermane are never in the same room?” he asks as smoke comes out his mouth. Across from him, some Dude you’ve seen around the Ponyville Bowling Alley answers back.

“Whoa…Far out man…”

This image too is pushed out of your mind, but this time it’s because you hear a growl of

"CRRYYYYYSTAAAAAAALLLLSSSSS...." from the beast behind the bubble.


"He sure likes that word a lot…King Crystal?" you ask before you again see another image.


The evil stallion stands in the desert with an awesome goatee and hat on, as well as glasses.
He throws a bag of crystals at your feet.

“Now, say my name…” he says menacingly.

“I don’t know your name. Can’t you give me a hint?”

“You already know my name, you said it earlier,” he says smoothly.

“I know that, I just can’t think what it is right now!” you shout back.

“You’re Faust Damned Right” he says with a smile.


You shake your head from this thought since you really really hope he isn’t Heisenburro. But still, it’s bugging you that his name is on the tip of your tongue and you can’t figure it out.

"Maybe the doctor knows how to stop a smoke king?" you think before you take out the Death doctor notepad and write

"Doctor, need help, a thousand year old smoke king has come back... How can I stop him?" 
After a couple of seconds there is an answer
"The Doctor you are calling is busy or out of order, try again later or call another doctor" it says making you facehoof.


"Okay... I can't get help from the Doctor, and Twilight is not going to let me help, Cadence is busy, I can't tell Fluttershy the truth, and her friends are not going to help me... I can only do one thing... Search for the wise words of my Grandbuggy" you think aloud.



Flashback

You were sitting on the riverbank fishing with your Grandbuggy, and it was boring because the fish weren’t biting. You had a goofy grin on your face as you were thinking about the pretty bug you were going to ask to the Heart’s and Hooves dance. Grandbuggy meanwhile tried to instill his wisdom to you.

"Stop Daydreaming, this is important!” he grunted, knocking you out of your thoughts. “Remember this because this could help you in the future. If suddenly you are in the middle of a crystal city and an evil smoky king with dark magic tries to enter, what you need to defeat him is very easy, you only need..." he continues, but you stop listening as you picture your crush and you dancing together.

"Are you listening to me? It could be important!" Grandbuggy says when he catches your goofy face again.

"Bah! That is a problem for future me! Also, what are the chances that that could happen?” you said smugly.



Present Times

"Curse you, young me!" you groan and look to the shield that the evil king is trying to destroy.
"Maybe I can try to talk him? He seemed nice when I met him in the other dimension...when he was training children in the dark arts…teaching them to kill…and told them to cut my head off.”
You then rub your throat at that thought.
"Or maybe not... Where are the Ghostbusters when you need them?" you groan.

Just as soon as you think this, the magic bubble pops again, and with a chuckle, the smoke monster makes his way in once again.
“Well, I guess there’s only one reasonable thing to do…”




First Off
Scream like a little girl!
“EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!”





“EEEEEEEE!!!” you scream like a little filly, causing the smoke monster to momentarily stop and tilt it’s head at you in confusion. Using this distraction you run away, screaming as unmanly as possible. As you flee, you can’t help but think.





Run, at least for now. You don't stand a chance against a dictator made of mist and fog, and especially against an enemy you know absolutely nothing about (which should be the main reason, but I'm sure you'll find some hilarious, illogical reason for fleeing).




BrownDog77’s Comment





“I don’t stand a chance against this thing, it’s made of mist and fog and smoke! What the Buck can I do to even hurt it?! I don’t even know this guy’s name, much less how to hurt him! I’m bucked!”

With your body and mind panicked, you continue running, flailing your limbs wildly.
And as you do, you keep bumping into running screaming crystal ponies, knocking them down and causing them to lose color as you try to save yourself.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!”
“WHY?! WHY?!”
“NOOOOO!!!” they shout as you knock them over.


This is all your fault!” you yell to them. “If only you would’ve stayed distracted!”
Even as you say this, you hear the cries of a lot of non ponies, and the panicked young gasp of your daughter behind you in the saddlebags.


“Daddy, What about the animals!” Nightshade shrieks worriedly.
You look back and see that the Petting Zoo is still locked and all the cuddly wombats, rabbits, kangaroos and other non-talking creatures whimpering in fright of the coming dark monster.


“FFFFFUUUUUZZZZYYYY…” the monster hisses with a sick smile as it makes it’s way towards the trapped creatures.

“OH, I HATE THIS CLICHÉ!” you yell as you rush back to the pen, break it open with a Falcon Punch and free them all, with Nightshade grabbing one of the Wombats and taking it into the inventory with her.

Reluctant Wombat Added to Inventory

“Run you lesser mammals, RUN!!!”
You then look back into the angry smoky face of the former dictator.


“Mmmaaahhh fuzzzziiieess!!!” he growls at you in anger. His smoke limbs then lift a large chunk of crystal out of the ground and tosses it at you.


“EEEEPPP!” you shout and just barely get out of the way of the projectile.
You then run further into the city, looking to break his line of sight.





Kropsling66’s Comment



As you seek cover form King Something-or-another, you run in to the rest of the Deadly 6. They run past the screaming Crystal Ponies up to you, and you don’t know whether it’s because of Pinkie’s Pep Talk, your impending death via smoke monster, or some combination of the two, but you don’t flash to their other forms.

"Hey you, La Chumpo, What's going on?" Rainbow Dash asks.

"He's here! King Zombing!" you reply.

"You mean Sombra?"

"Whatever! He is here right now! I took away his fuzzy goodness and now he’s going to kill us all!"

“Fuzzy goodness?” asks Fluttershy.

“Yes Fuzzy Goodness! Now quickly! You girls gotta take him out!”

"What ya want us to do?" Applejack asks.

"We’ll go get Twilight and use the Elements to send his dark butt back to Tartarus" you say pointing to the chuckling smoke as it picks up a popcorn stand and pours all the contents of it into it’s mouth.  Strangely the 5 mares all give you a sheepish smile.

"What's wrong? Why are you giving me that look?" you asked

"Well you see... we... don't have them" Rarity replies causing your eyes to go wide.

"WHAT?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE THEM?!" you shout in surprise.

"Well you see we asked Twilight if we should take the Elements with us, but she said no since it might make her fail her test. So we hopped on to the train and came straight here leaving behind the best bad guy busting weapon we have. THE END" Pinkie pie says as she finishes with a bow.

"ARE YOU GIRLS CRAZY WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW?!" you shout using your royal voice.

“Uhh…”
“Umm…”
“Aahh…”
“Hmm…”
“Well…” they each ponder before they all shrug their shoulders at you.

"We got nothing. Guess the Crystal Empire is doomed" Pinkie Pie says nonchalantly with a smile.


Lucky us. Wait a minute the girls screwed up on something. My luck is beginning to turn around! You think happily, before mentally slapping yourself back into thought as a dark red crystal pops out of a nearby storefront causing Crystal Ponies to scream.


“OK then. If that’s the case then what we all have to do is make sure these civilians are safe!”

“Where in tarnation is safe at this point?” asks Applejack.

“Anywhere that’s not near King Spooky over there.”

“But surely he’ll follow us,” says Rarity.
You look up to the laughing monster as it chases a group of ponies and sigh. 

Why is it always me? You wonder before turning to them.

“I know, which is why I am going to distract him!”
They all gasp.

“You’re going to distract him?” asks Fluttershy in a scared manner.

“Yes, so that you can get them to safety.”

“But that’s too dangerous, aren’t you just a fancy traveler?” asks AJ.

“Yeah, if anything, we all should just gang up on him. The Crystal Ponies can look out for themselves,” says Rainbow.
You turn and give her an angry glare which causes her to twitch back.

“Do you want their deaths’ on your hooves?” you ask her menacingly.

“I…uh…”

“Look at them, they’re all scared like sheep. They are panicking and acting irrationally. If you fight him and leave them without guidance, they are going to get killed in the crossfire,” you growl at her.
They all look at you in shock at what you’ve said.

“Believe me, I know what that guilt feels like, and you do not want to experience it.”
Rainbow nods her head at this.

“You’re right. Girls, let’s get these ponies back to the palace ASAP!” she shouts and flies off, and the others follow, but not before Applejack turns around and asks.

“What you said…how do you know how something like this feels?”

“Because I’ve seen it once before, and I never want to see it again,” you answer before turning around and heading towards King Sinatra.

OK, so the civilians are taken care of, and this guy is still mad at me for freeing the animals, now all I have to do is distract him…distract him.
You get a brilliant idea and yell up to him.


“Hey, King Zamboni!”
He glares down at you and stops chasing the group of Crystal Ponies he was after.

“FFFFFUUUUZZZZIIIIEEESSS!!!” he growls.

“Yeah yeah, I took away your little pets, but let me ask you this, how strong are you?”

“Sssstttrrrooonnnggg?” he seethes.

“Yes, for a puff of smoke, you have no problem picking up giant crystals. So naturally, you no strength challenge should be an issue for you right?”
He confusedly nods his smoky head.

“Well in that case, can you master the greatest challenge of all time?” you ask as you bring out the jar of pickles from earlier.

“PPPPIIIICCCCKKKLLLEEESSS!!!” he cries out happily.


“That’s right, the unopened pickle jar has stumped scholars for generations, can you master it?” you ask tossing him the jar to which he catches in his mist.
Using his dark tendrils he starts trying to open it, gaining a strained look on his face.

“Hah, even the great and mighty King Roomba can’t open it. Noling can, not without the assistance of a rubber glo…” you begin before being interrupted by a pop.
You see that he has opened the pickle jar and is laughing in triumph.
“Oh…Buck…” you swear.


The dark king then lifts the jar to his mouth and begins to drink the pickle juice and the pickles themselves without chewing, causing you to gag a little bit. After he finishes he lets out a satisfied sound.

“Ahh…refreshing. Now I can speak normally again now that my throat is no longer dry,” he says before looking to you.

“I think I liked you better when you were doing cavepony speak.”

“Now as I tried to say before, I AM GOING TO RIP AND TEAR YOUR GUTS FOR NOT LETTING ME PET THE FLUFFY CUTE LITTLE CREATURES!”

“EEP! LOOK A DISTRACTION!” you yell pointing behind him to which he turns around, causing you to run in the opposite direction.

“Hey, it still works!” you cry aloud.

“Get Back Here!” he yells in a demonic voice.



One Benny Hill Chase Later

After running from the ghostly foe, dodging into alleyways and store fronts, you manage to give him the slip.

“OK *pant pant* just gotta catch my breath and…”





to quoat DBZ abridged piccolo, DOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE!



“DOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE!” shouts Applejack from behind you, interrupting your thoughts. You quickly turn around.

“What?! What are you doing here, aren’t you supposed to be…” you yell back to her.

“I said Dooo-“ she shouts before you are crushed by a carnival game booth from above.

“Ha! Gotcha you little sucker!” growls King Simba.

“Mr. Hunko, are you OK?” asks Applejack as she runs over to your debris covered form.





SnapDrakeGames’ Comment




Everything gets wobbily as you stick your head out of the wreckage.

“I like pudding pops…” you warble.

“Say what?” asks AJ.
You shake your head, but your vision is still wobbily. Even still, you see the Deadly 6, except for Twilight, standing around you.

“I-I thought I told you to protect the civies…” you groan.

“We already did, they’re back at the palace with Flash Sentry, great distraction by the way,” says Rainbow Dash, before she gets a serious face.
“Now we do it my way,” she says. The rest nod in agreement, leading a charge towards the tyrant. Sombra grins in amusement at this, smoky energy pouring from his eyes as he launches a great ball of magic at the group. It explodes knocking some of them to the ground.
Pinkie Pie lands right next to you.

“What are you doing? He’s smoke, how do you think you can solve this?”

“Punch at it until it goes away? You know, like you always do?” says Pinkie.

“Hey, I don’t ALWAYS punch away my problems,” you defend, to which she just raises an eyebrow.

“OK, maybe 99% of the time…but still,” you say as you start unburying yourself.

“Ya, but we had to save you H.O.  you got crushed. And so long as there’s a bigger bad Enemy Mine takes effect and we've got your back!" she cheerfully says as she helps you up.


Further away, Rainbow recovers and launches herself into the air. She darts towards Samba, her wings simply becoming a blur as she darts towards the unicorn. He lights his horn again, and Rainbow gasps as her wings become encased in crystal. The deadweights drag her down, and she plummets to the earth. He then snags her in his telekinesis, before launching her into a crystal house.


"Rainbow Dash! Yaaah!!!" With a cry of rage, Fluttershy darts towards the tyrant.  With a flash of light, the ghost teleports to the left, evading the initial strike. Fluttershy lands acrobatically on the ground, before springing towards his new position. He grins, and releases a blast of magic that catches the pegasus off-guard, blasting her into an abandoned fair booth.


Pinkie and Applejack step up, the former tossing a variety of cupcakes and pies at the tyrant.

“Choke on the frosting you dingbat!” she shouts angrily.
The tyrant catches them in his telekinesis before they can do any harm, and a quick spark of magic incinerates the pastries. Spotting Applejack charging towards him, he grins. Lighting his horn, he allows black crystals to climb up his forelegs, forming crystallized gauntlets. He raises a hoof and blocks Applejack's first strike.

“Dagnabit!” cries AJ.
He swings his other foreleg around, clocking her from the side. 
"Stupid mudpony," he growls as he uppercuts the mare, sending her backwards, sprawling to the ground. 

“Shut up Flash!” you automatically yell, even though he wasn’t even remotely nearby to say that speciest comment.

"And as for you!" Alahambra cries as he turns towards Pinkie. The mare gasps, and raises her party cannon, but he fires a chunk of crystal from his horn, which slams into her, knocking her to the ground.
He then gives a maniacal cackle, before a jet of magic rushes past him, barely missing him. The tyrant turns to see Rarity on her hooves. Rainbow and Fluttershy rush forwards from the wreckage of their impact sites, and Pinkie and Applejack pry themselves from the ground. As one, the five friends charge towards the fallen King. He gives another cackle as he lights his horn. A blinding flash of light later, and the mares are spread across the ground, smoke rising from their unconscious bodies.


"N-no," you mutter as in a flash of madness, the unconscious mares are swapped for corpses, bloodied and mangled. 
"No," you sob as Nightmare You flashes into Sombra's place. You close your eyes, trying to clear the image from your mind. Then you open them. 
"No," you say in a low, clear voice, your face twisted into a scowl of rage, tears leaking slowly from your eyes.

He laughs like some baritone clown until you hurl a chunk of crystal that strikes him in the back of the head. 

"Hey, Sauron-ripoff! Over here!" The unicorn turns around, only to receive a face full of Boomstick. 
He goes toppling away in a mass of solid smoke as you twirl the staff in your hooves. 

“So you can be hurt physically…good,” you growl.

He gets back up, his eyes lighting with fury as he fires a barrage of dark crystals at you. You slam the Boomstick against the ground, creating a shockwave that shatters the projectiles in midair. You launch yourself towards Sombra, who raises an enormous crystal in defense. 

"Falcon... PUNCH!" you scream as you throw a flame-covered fist that smashes through the crystal, shattering it into tiny shards. 
"Would you kindly GO BUCK YOURSELF!" you cry, activating the Bucking Bronco plasmid to suspend the mass of smoke in the air. You follow by leaping towards him. "Shoryuken!" you scream, catching the tyrant beneath the jaw and tossing him away. He crashes to the hard ground as you land steadily, ready to finish him.
Slowly, the smoke monster billows back to his full heighth from the ground.

"So," he says. "You've still got some fight in you after all, eh?"

"Bring it, Zambambo," you reply. The two of you charge at each other again.
He starts channeling magic in his horn while you run forth, jousting with the boomstick, and when you both connect, you both are launched away from each other.





BrownDog77’s Comment



You get tossed into a plumbing store where two crystal stallions are hiding. One in red overalls and another in green, and each one has an awesome bushy moustache.

“What are you all doing in here?”

“We-a gotta scared, and our turtles, they a-escaped,” says the one in red in a thick Romane accent.

“Well you’ve got to get to the palace now! A ghost is attacking!” you yell.

“A ghost? Well ahere, take-a this,” says the green one as he hands you what looks like a backpack with a vacuum cleaner attached to it.
“Works alike a charm,” he says before he and his brother both hop out of the building with tremendous jumps.

“Uh…OK then” you say as you go back outside to face your opponent.

“That staff, once I’ve killed you, I call dibs.”

“Buck you, it’s my Boom Stick! Anyway eat this!” you cry as you hold up the vacuum.
He begins to laugh, before suddenly he shrieks in fear as his essence, starting from his bottom half begins to get sucked into the vacuum.

“Ah, Ah! Stop that!” he growls out as he tries to float away from you.

“Not a chance Smokey!” you yell as you now chase the ghost around as HE screams for help.



Another Benny Hill Chase Scene (With A Vengeance) Later

You eventually corner him in an alley.
“Say hello to the 21st Century!” you awesomely say as you turn the vacuum onto maximum.

“No, NO!” he cries.
You laugh maniacally as he is about halfway through before the vacuum shuts off.


“Wh-what?” you cry out. You take off the backpack and look at some gauges, and the fuel one says empty.
“BUCK!” you yell before looking at the now free and angry Sombra.
“Eh heh…” you chuckle nervously. “You know it was all just a joke right?”

“GGGGGRRRRAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!” he roars at you.

“EEEEKKKK!!!” you respond as you book it out of there, putting the now empty ghost catcher into your inventory.


Ghost Catcher Added to Inventory


Before a misty tendril wraps itself around your throat. He then begins to slam you over and over again into the ground before tossing you into a building, where your vision goes wonky again.






the ghost busters arrive to save the day before being eaten by a giant marshmallow from nowhere and then exploding into white tasty gooeyness everywhere




But then magnificently, four stallions in brown uniforms and power packs stand protectively in front of you, as the catchiest tune in the world begins to play.

“Don’t worry Bugze, we ain’t afraid of no ghost,” they say before pointing their weapons at King Zimbabwe, causing him to roar in pain.

“Noooo, hoisted by my own ghostyness!” he wails.


Unfortunately, before they capture him, a large marshmallow stallion comes out of nowhere and eats the four heroes whole, before saying.

“Sorry fellas, but you’re being remade now, gotta make room for the hip new versions.”

“Why would you do that? They don’t need to be remade!” you cry.

“Well Applewood says they do…also, they’re all going to be Mares now.”

“What for?” you yell.

“For reasons,” the marshmallow giant says before laughing manically.

“NNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!” you scream, and in doing so, you wake yourself up.


Of course it was just a dream, the Ghostbusters aren’t real, and they are certainly not getting remade into a female only cast for absolutely no reason right…right?


“No what? Puny worm? No don’t hurt you again?” the dark mocks after hearing your shout.
Angry at his taunting and the horrible nightmare you just had, you have the perfect response to him.





Kersey’s Comment




GreyRebl’s Comment




FUS RO DAH! You shout, nailing the mist right in the face and sending it crashing into a building, with you following after.

You see Penumbra’s face light up with confusion.

"Dovahkin? Impossible! I wiped them out when I tricked them into doing full out war with the dragon protectors of the Cyrstal Empire!" His eyes narrow. "But I don't remember a dragon shout to be so weak. No... You are but a fake."

"Uh," you hesitate, taken aback by the incredibly rich and deep voice has. You just now realize it! But then again, you don't pay attention when it's a rush for the fate of the universe. "Wait, seriously? I thought it was about average."

The Smokey King ignores that comment. "No matter. If anything, I'm doing the originals a favor by wiping out this dishonor of a Dragonborn. Your dragon voice is so...buggy."

"Hey! Apologize to Luna's Canterlot Capslocks and everyling who uses it!" For a moment you forget that you are literally the only one in existence who does.
However, your rant only stops there as he lasers out an arc of dark crystals. You narrowly dodge over the crystals, only for the crystals to burst in shards. You flinch, and it is enough to hit you to the ground. As you struggle to get yourself up, more dark crystals surround you like a circular cage. A roof forms above you, which keeps you from parkouring out of it. Suddenly, you are like a monkey in a cage, ferociously trying to escape.

"Fus Ro Dah!" The cage cracks, but it isn't enough to break it as it regenerates faster than you can destroy. Even Worse, the crystal bars start to expand close every opening. 
"Wha? Oh, come on! Fus Ro Dah!" you try again. Same result.

King Limbo cackles at your plight. "I've faced against dragon shouts before, all that millennia ago. With a dragon shout as weak as yours, you’re nothing but cannon fodder in comparison to the true users!"
You try and try again out of desperation, completely abandoning your dragon shout and instead using your broomstick, causing you to bounce backwards against the cage each time. 

"Buck! Buck! Buck— Argh!" The stress and abuse becomes too much and you reopen your wound. You keel over as you shout in pain and frustration, 
"I just got this fixed an hour ago!" You resort to the power glove, even still, you couldn't break out, and the noise from repetition didn't mercifully silence Ghost King’s goading.


"Hm. So this is what the new 'modern' Dovahkin has to offer? Pathetic. Only a real live dragon would have a chance against me at this rate. Hah! Even then, that would be absurd. Dragons have degraded after so many centuries!"

At that, your eyes widen. As the crystal cage finally encloses every opening and blocks every bit of light, you think, 
Only a real dragon? Spike’s a real dragon. Now if only he could somehow help me right now, but I don’t know how he could when…


Suddenly the ghost looks up in alarm.

“The Crystal Heart?! Impossible! Sight Beyond Sight!” he cries as you see his eyes take on a telescopic look.

“Is that a bucking dragon whelp?!” he cries.

“Heh, thanks Spike…” you mutter.

“No matter, I’ll just,” he begins, but is cut off when





TheRutherFord’s Comment



Another flickering Bubble Shield forms a foot in front of your cage, slicing off the Dictator’s horn.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!” the smoke monster cries backing away from the bubble.
Your cage disappears because of this, but all you can do is hold your horn in sympathy.

“Oh yeesh! Why the horn?” you gag.

You start to remember more of your repressed memories of your younger life when the other young, sadistic changelings tried cutting off your horn all while chanting 
"Just The Tip!"

“No make the pain stop! I can't stand it!” you cry, holding your horn in phantom pain, and your chest in real pain.

Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, all bruised hear you yell and see you writhing on the ground as you continue to shout out in front of the bubble where Sombra floats, glaring at you.

“Hey there you are. Nice going dude, you’ve pushed Sombra to the edge of the city and…” Rainbow begins, but you don’t hear her.

“No more! How much more of the tip will you take before it is completely gone! I still need my horn for tasks. Please stop!”

“Um...Hey are you ok? No one is cutting off your horn. And is it really that bad? Rarity gets her horn filed all the time” pries Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash! How can you be so insensitive? A horn is a very sensitive part of a unicorn's body. Yes I get my horn filed, but that is similar to you preening your wings. While a horn will grow back, to have it cut is a very painful experience. He was obviously traumatized as a foal if his outburst are anything to go by. Poor dear. It would be along the same line as somepony ripping all of your feathers out. The main difference would be that he could bleed out from that” lectures Rarity.

“ Yikes! Sorry dude I had no idea. Although it looks like Sombra didn't manage to get through.

“Just the tip,” you whisper.

“What?” she asks.
You point towards the piece of Sombra's horn and speak loud enough for the others to hear.

“Just the tip.”
They look over to see the tip of Sombra's horn on the ground just inside of the barrier.

“Wow talk about cutting it close right girls?”
You proceed to assume the fetal position while whimpering.

“Well Sombra is out of the way for now, let's take El Hunko to the Medical Tent until he can calm down. We all should regroup with Applejack and Fluttershy there. Pinkie darling, can you carry him there please?”


“Oki Doki Loki,” she smiles cheerfully as she picks you up.
“Come on then grumpy pants, let’s get you a medpack and some juice.
You are then placed on the bounding mare as you four get away from the angry spirit since the bubble is still flickering.

You look up from her back and see the Smoke Monster regrow a new horn. Suddenly, you gain a massive headache, as your vision blackens and all you see are two green eyes.

“You cannot hide. I see you…” his demonic whisper says.
You fight your vision back to the real world and see the barrier flickering out again.

“RUN!”

The girls all look behind you and see the barrier fall, as the giant mass of smoke comes barreling through at high speeds.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!” you all shout, as you run to the palace.

“What do we do?! What do we do?!” shouts Rainbow.

“We gotta hope that Twilight has found the heart!” says Rarity.

“The heart…The Heart!” you cry from Pinkie’s back. “Spike’s found it!”

“Spike did? Huh, guess Twilight failed then,” says Pinkie.

“Well double time it then!” shouts Rainbow.



After a bit of running the four of you end up under the Crystal Palace, with the majority of the population, and regroup with Fluttershy, Applejack and Flash.
You slide off of Pinkie and clutch your chest.

“Where the buck is Twilight and Spike?!” you cry out, as the Smoke gets closer and closer.

“I don’t know!” shouts Flash, as he tries to sheppard the Crystal Ponies back.
The rest of the girls run off to hold the Tyrant back, but your chest hurts too much at the moment.
You look to the coming storm and see his eyes are trained up on top of the Crystal Palace. Following his line of site you look up…




Kersey’s Comment



…just in time to see Spike fall from the top.

“SPIKEY WIKEY!” screams Rarity from in front of the monster before being blasted back.

“SPIKE!” screams Nightshade from behind you.

“OH BUCK OH BUCK!” you cry as he falls, and in that instant, you notice near the top, Shining Armor picking up Cadance, who was too weak to even walk before and toss her over the edge.

“WHAT THE BUCK ARMOR?!” you cry as now two friends plummet to their death.
You whip your glove above you and cry out,
“WOULD YOU KINDLY STOP FALLING!” as you send out your Telekenisis, catching both the dragon and the alicorn in midair.

“What are you doing?!” shouts an alarmed Cadance.

“Saving you from your Psycho Husband, that’s what!” you cry.

“No, NO!” cries out Spike.

“Hey hey, it’s alright, I’ve got you little guy, I’ve got…”

“THE HEART!” he cries out while pointing behind you.
You hear a dark chuckle from behind, and you turn around.

You see the Smoke Monster compress into a solid being, becoming the Unicorn you saw in the other world, as he holds the Crystal Heart in his magic.


“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” he triumphantly laughs. “Long Live the King,” he smirks at you.


Cadance and Spike Facehoof/claw, followed by the Deadly 6, Flash and Shining Armor, and then the entirety of the Crystal Ponies, causing a massive slapping sound.


With everyone glaring at you, and the laughing Dictator you squeak out in a terrified voice,


“I’ve done bucked up…”


WHAT DO?
> Episode 6: Sombra Stole My Heart...Not In That Way! (Crystal Empire Arc Part 5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The now physically formed evil king stands before you laughing his head off, as he places the Crystal Heart over his breastplate where it becomes a dark shade of green.
“Thought you could hurt me again Amore? Think again you…” he says while looking at the heart, before laughing once more in triumph.

So now the one tool that could’ve been used to hurt the guy is corrupted, and it’s all your fault…




Kersey’s Comment



"AAAAAAHHHH!!!!! WHY AM I SO BAD AT BEING GOOD?!" you yell to the heavens.
“Seriously, I’ve bucked up big time, someling hit me for…” and your yell is answered, as Rainbow Dash tackles you to the ground and starts throttling you.

“You Bucking Idiot! You Stupid Bucking Idiot! YOU’VE KILLED US ALL!” she yells in panic as she slams your head against the ground. She slams you so hard, your chest starts bleeding again.

“Open wound!...Open Wound!” you gasp out, causing Rainbow to look down at you and back off.

“Sorry, sorry,” she says as she backs up into a group of the rest of the Deadly 6 (except Twilight) Cadance, Spike, and Flash Sentry who flies in with a glaring Shining Armor. “But still, look what you’ve done!” she continues
You look back over at the still laughing Sombra as Crystal Ponies begin shake in fear.

Wow, he sure likes laughing huh? You think to yourself before looking back to the group.





TheRutherford’s Comment



“OK, I know I’ve bucked up big time…”

“YOU THINK?!” they all reply back to you.

“Hey, I was just trying to save Spike and Cadance,” you respond before looking at Shining with a Stink Eye, “and in my defense, who in their right mind would throw their wife off of a balcony? That could have killed her!”

Cadence responds, “I have wings. I can fly. I was going to save Spike and the heart, Shining was just giving me a speed boost.”

“By throwing you like a javelin from the Equestria Games?”

“Yes. Exactly like that” she says non-chalantly.”
You can’t believe how she’s still defending being thrown off a building when she is still barely just standing up in her condition, and how noling else seems to have a problem with it.

“Was everyling else in on this? If so I would have liked to have been included. You have no idea how many times actually being let in on a plan would have prevented me from doing something overly stupid!” you yell back at them.

“Ahem,” you hear from the dark king behind you, so you and everyone turns to look at him giving you a quizzical look.

“What?” you ask back.

“I’ve just stolen and corrupted your only hope of salvation, why aren’t you quaking in fear?”

“Hold your horses, we’re in the middle of berating me for my stupidity!” you tell him which makes him raise an eyebrow.

“B-but I’ve won! You lost. I said Long Live the King all dramatically and everything,” he says sounding offput.

“But the King is dead,” you tell him.

“What are you talking about? I'm standing right here,”

You shake your head at this, “You said "Long live the king." The King died about six years ago if my memory is correct.”

Sombra raises an eyebrow at that “What king would that be?”

“The King of Pop.”

“The King of Pop? He ruled over Soda?”

“No, as in Pop music,” you correct.

“Oh you mean that horrid sounding trash those three Sea Horses popularized 1,000 years ago and got banished by that bearded idiot because of it?”

“Umm…sure?” you reply unsurely.

“They made somepony king of that?” he asks flabbergasted.

“Yep. His name was Michael Moonwalker. A truly talented singer, dancer, songwriter, and he even had a stint as an actor for a time. Sure he turned weird towards the end of his career, and all those disturbing claims made by parents…but you cannot deny he was loved by millions the world over. Of course in my opinion, he pales in comparison to the late King of Rock and Roll.”

“What?”

“The King of Rock and Roll. I can't say his name since his record label magically copyrighted his name, but he paved the way for most of the music you can hear today. He took Rhythm and Blues and put a twist on it and made Rock and Roll. Since then countless musicians have tweaked his style and allowed the music to involve to today's classic rock, heavy metal, etc.”

“I’m only half understanding what you’re saying,” says the confused Dictator, “they made ponies rulers of noise and elements and metal? Does the title King not mean anything anymore?”

“Of course it does, now let me tell you about the Kings of metal…”

“Is he seriously giving a lecture to that monster?” asks Rarity.

“How stupid is this guy?” says Applejack.

“Well to be fair, he does know a lot about music,” says Pinkie.

“No this is good,” says Shining causing everyone to look at him. “He’s distracting Sombra, now’s our chance to strike.”




Fireheart’s comment



“…and then he bit the head off a bat on stage. Now moving onto DIO, he was left on his own…”

“LIKE A RAINBOW IN THE DARK!” shouts Dash as she speeds past your ear and socks Sombra right in the nose followed shortly by Flash who gets him in the gut.

“Hey, I wasn’t done telling him about…”

“CHARGE!” you hear Shining yell behind you as the rest of the group, except for Cadance and Spike then run up and start raining blows onto the king and trying to take the Crystal Heart off of him..
“Oh…right, evil dictator, AAAAHHHH!!!” you yell as you jump into the beatdown.
You all beat and pummel the King as he keeps yelping in pain.


“AH! Pain! I forgot how much you hurt!”

“Die MotherBucker! Die MotherBucker!” you sing out as you prepare to give him a curb stomp, before you are all blasted away by a wave of dark magic.

“ENOUGH!” he yells. “Very clever of you, distracting me so your friends could attack. But it’s USELESS! USELESS! USELESS! USELESS!” 





Kichi’s Comment



"The King is back! And without the Crystal Heart no one is going to defeat me" he says with a sinister smile as you all see the Crystal Heart begin to emit a dark glow.
"Now! Kneel to me! Kneel to your King!" he shouts causing the crystal ponies to kneel in fear, but You, the Elements, Cadence, Shining and Spike still stand.

“Never Zod!-I mean Samba-I mean…whatever the buck your name is!” you shout back.

"We are never going to kneel to you! You are a false King! Leave the Crystal Empire now!" shouts Cadance.

"Dude, we have you outnumbered! Between us, Cadance Shining and El Hunko it’s going to be easy to defeat you!" Rainbow Dash boasts.

"If you are not going to kneel, you will have to be punished!" Sombra chuckles as his horn glows and a beam of dark magic flows out of the heart and awashes you and the group.
You look around after the beam and feel fine.

“Well that was pretty weak, what was that supposed to have…” you say before you look back at your group and that they all have a horrified/sad expression as their eyes glow green.
“Oh…”

"No! I'm not a turtle! Please Spitfire give me another chance! I'm not the slowest pony in Equestria!" screams Rainbow.

“You can’t take Applebloom away! We’re her family! I didn’t let the farm die! I didn’t let the farm die!” cries Applejack.

“Please no, come back little critters. Please don’t be afraid of me…” cries Fluttershy.

“I just wanted everypony to be happy…somepony, anypony, please just smile…” cries Pinkie.

“I worked so hard on these outfits for you all. Why do you hate me? Please don’t cast me aside,” blubbers Rarity.

“I don’t want to go…” says Spike sadly.

“No! Shining! She’s a Changeling! Let me out of here! LET ME OUT!” screams Cadance.

“Cadance, please don’t leave me. I didn’t know it wasn’t you! She tricked me! I love you…” whimpers Shining.

“Oh Sweet Celestia! Make the voices stop, MAKE THEM STOP!” screams Flash as he holds his head. “I didn’t steal anything I swear! Please stop screaming for my blood!”


“Wow…that’s depressing,” you mutter before looking back at the smirking King.
"Uhhh... Why is that I'm not in a nightmare?" you ask.

"You? Why must I put you in a nightmare? No...El Hunko, was it? Strange name, but still it's thanks to you that the Crystal Empire is again under my hoof.”

“Well don’t say it like that…” you whimper.

“Even after the melee we’ve just been through, I'm going to give a position working with me, you can be one of my generals,” he says making you choke.

“Wait, seriously?”

“Of course. Work with me, El Hunko, you are powerful and crafty. Together we can defeat those stupid princesses and expand the Empire all over the world!" he says like a businessman.

I can’t believe, I really can’t believe it. He actually tried to get me to join the dark side. You think.
OK sure, I hate the Princesses just as much as the next guy but still.


You look back at the crying whimpering group and remember the horrible images you were shown. And it was all thanks to him. You look back at him and sneer.
“No,” you mutter

"What was that?" he asks.

"I said...NO!" in the RCV making the King stumble back from the wind before correcting himself.

"A pity. I guess you are as stupid as you dress" he laughs before addressing the Crystal Ponies around him.
"Slaves! Take him!" he orders and the crystal ponies look between you and the tyrant, too scared to do anything.
"Grrr... If you want something done, you have to do it yourself,” he mutters darkly as he starts charging up his horn.

“HOLD IT!” you cry out.

“What? Why?” he asks.

“I’m kind of wounded at the moment, let me put some salve on,” you tell him pointing at your wound.

“Hmm, nasty wound. Orichalcum?” he asks.

“Eyup,” you respond as you put the salve on and then put the jar back into your bag.

“Alright, now, as I was saying, It’s time for you to,” he begins before you interrupt him by…





Kersey’s Comment



Grabbing random things in your inventory and chucking them at him.
“Eat Multimedia Madness!” you yell.

You chuck 2 of the Sherclop Holmes novels at his face, (you still haven’t read the other two yet) a bunch of Movie Reels at him, some of which wrap around his horn, and Checkov’s Pen which stabs him directly between the eyes.

“Gyagh!” he roars.

“Ooo, that’s gotta hurt,” you say.

-2 Sherclop Holmes Novels
-Checkov’s Pen
-Movie reels
Lost from Inventory


You then reach in and grab another item and are about to throw it when you realize what it is.
“Oh yeah, My Future Telling Comic…kind of forgot about you,” you say as you mentally facehoof. You look back to the cursing dictator as he tries pulling the pen out of his head.
“OK, just a peak,” you say as you open the comic book.
Unfortunately, most of the pages are blank, save for the words, “Future Changed,” upon them.
The only page that has anything is one that shows an Image of Spike standing heroically while the Crystal Ponies bow to him.

“The Buck? How do we get from this to that?” you wonder before being interrupted by a growl.
You look back and see Sombra has taken the pen out of his forehead.

“For that, your friends shall be crushed under my boots.”


OK, I gotta get this guy away from them until they snap out of it. Gonna have to hit him hard. I need a sec to charge up a mega hit from the glove, gotta keep him talking.
You know that this guy is hitting every major evil villain cliché, so no doubt he’d like to do a little more Evil Gloating.


"So... Now that you have the Macguffin of Ultimate Power or whatever, what's next on your evil agenda?" you ask.

"Simple, after I crush these interlopers and destroy the last of Amore's royal lineage, I will free my family!"

"You dastardl- Wait, free your family?!" you (and several other ponies) exclaim in shock.

"Yesssss. For too long the Crystal Ponies have kept my fellow Umbrum trapped under their Empire, but no more!"

"Well... At least your goal is sorta-kinda benevolent like in Star Trot into Darkn-" you start to say.


"Once my army of fellow shadow ponies are free, we will take our place as the masters of this world!"

"And there it is" you deadpan. “Would you kindly buzz off!” you yell as you send a massive swarm of bees at Sombra.

Before any of the bees reach him however, he sends out a wave of darkness using the heart and each one is encased in crystal.


“Mediocre…” Sombra taunts.

“Oh come the buck o-argh!” you start before being lifted by your neck by a shadowy tendril coming from his arm.

“Oh-*cough* I find your lack of faith disturbing right?” you gasp out.

“What are you talking about?” Sombra asks.

“What?! You haven’t seen Star Wars? Oh right, 1,000 years sleeping and all that,”

“Just die already you little…” he curses as the pressure increases on your windpipe.
You start seeing little black dots in your vision but then…





BrownDog’s Comment



From out of the Inventory, Nightshade pops out.
"Hey Buckface!" she yells, causing him to look to her.

“Why is there a child in your saddle bags?” he asks before forgetting all about that when Nightshade holds up the scurrying Wombat.
"*Gasp* Oh my goodness! He's so cute and cuddley with his little paws and nose," says Sombra in a Fluttershyesque manner with stars in his eyes, causing his force choke on you to stop.

"Catch this!" she then throws the wombat into Sombra's face.

"Oh he's coming right at my...Gyagh!" he cries as the Wombat starts clawing and scratching his face up harshly, allowing you to back up.
"Why fuzzy wuzzy?! Why?!" he cries. 

“*Cough* thanks Nightshade, now get back in the…”

“Quick daddy, use this!” she interrupts you handing you the slinky.

“What am I supposed to do with…” you begin before a light bulb chimes in your brain. 
You look back to Sombra who grabs the Wombat and throws him away, with tears in his eyes.


“I just wanted to love you you ungrateful marsupial.”

"Hey, don't be sad, take this," you say as you give Sombra one end of the slinky.

"My Slinky!" he cries out in happiness, "I would watch this thing go down my stairs for hours and hours and..." he rambles while you stretch the slinky to it's limit.

"Hey Moron!" you yell, causing him to look up. "Everyone loves a Slinky!" you say, letting go of the taught spring, launching your end straight back towards Sombra and gouging his eye out.

"GGGGYYYYAAAAGGGHHHH!!!! Why do the things I love hurt so much?!" he yells holding his bleeding eye.

“Nice one Daddy,” Nightshade says to you.

“I know right?” you respond.

“Now you hold him off, and I’ll go wake everyling from their Nightmares,” she says before bounding out of the Inventory and towards the group.

“Wait, NO! Get back in the…” you cry before get suspended in dark magic.

“Enough of this!” cries Sombra with one squinting eye, before he blasts you into a nearby building.





Kersey's Comment




RainbowPootis' Comment



As you crash through the building, the wind is knocked out of you and a cloud of dust rises all around you.

“Dang it Nightshade!” you groan as you get back up. You're about to go back into the fray when you notice that your purple top hat is now split open at the top like a soup can and your El Hunko suit is starting to tear. 

“No! My Duds! I won’t lose you, you’re too awesome to tear further!” you declare before taking them all off. You then grab out the Nobody Cloak and sigh.

“Well the situation is bucked either way. At least they won’t know I’m also El Hunko…except for Pinkie,” you say before donning your Vigilante Cloak once more.
You look at your reflection on a wall mirror.

“Huh, still looks awesome. Now all I have to do is…”but before you can do anything else, a large chunk of black crystal comes crashing down on you.
"...Buck," you moan from under the rock before even more pressure comes down on you as Sombra lands on the rock.

*CRUNCH!*
You feel your chitin crack beneath your disguise, causing your wound to bleed again.

“Ugh…” you groan in pain.

"HAHAHA! you even make that same crunching noise as I crush you beneath my hoof like a bug!" you hear him gloat.
Like a bug...
Like a bug...
like a bug.

You feel despair, just wishing for it to be over, before you remember, without you, who’s going to look after Nightshade?
A faint buzzing starts in the back of your head.
She’s all you have as family left.
The buzzing grows louder in your mind.
You remember a motto from you early days: The hive is your family, and the family, your hive.
The buzzing consumes your entire mind, as you become filled with the single minded thought to protect Nightshade.

"Any last words?" you hear him, as he presses the Crystal chunk further onto you.

"Did you know insects can lift over 20 time their own weight?" 

“Huh?” he asks.

“And in dire circumstances, a parent can lift an entire carriage up to save their baby?”

“What are you babbling about?”

“Well guess what. I’m Both!”
Your body protests, but you push the Crystal up hard enough that it punches the surprised stallion in the face hard enough to launch him through a wall. The whole time, consumed by the urge to protect nightshade.
You get up panting and hold your wound again.

“Ugh, I ain’t got time to bleed!” you cry as you decide to do something incredibly stupid.
You hold your power glove to your wound and breathe out.

“Would you kindly cauterize?” and an intense pain wracks your chest as you burn your own flesh.
You double over in pain and cry. You look back down at your wound and see that it still remains, but the bleeding has stopped for now.
You pop some pain pills, still hopped up on adrenaline and look to the hole you just made.


Sombra appears in it angry, but then a look of confusion comes over his face.
“Wait a minute, who are you? Where’s El Hunko?” 

“Oh he’s safe for now, which is more than I can say for you,” you mutter.

You then whisper "Would you kindly Mix it up" which activates the "Mix-Up Smash" mode on your Power Glove. You adjust the dials to "Insect Swarm" and "Electro Bolt" 

He growls, “And who are you then?”

“I’m the Hooded Offender you stupid B@$%@#&, and according to the world at large, I’m worse than you,” you declare, causing him to look confused.
You then point your Power Glove hoof forward and declare.

"Yo Smokey, Don't you know that smoking KILLS?!"
This causes a swarm of Twittermites to come at the tyrant, scathing him off-guard. He attempts to just imprison them in crystals again, but the Twittermites violently electrocute him allowing you to rush in, adjust one of the dials from "Electro Bolt!" to "Incinerate!", point the Power Glove point-blank at his face, and yell,

"Hasta la BYE BYE!"
This fires an electrified ball of fire that explodes in Sombra's face sending him flying through the building and into another one. It also sends you smashing back through a building and you mutter,

"Not to self: Explosives are NOT a close-quarters weapon..."


You then hear gasps behind you and you turn around and see your group out of their Nightmare Funk, standing with Nightshade, who has disguised her horn, making her look like a pegasus.
The ponies look at you in shock.

“H-Hoody?” squeaks out Fluttershy.

“Bugze?” Cadance whispers. 

“Oh hey, you’re all out of your funk,” you say.

“Yes, this filly came and rescued us,” she says pointing at Nightshade.

“What was your name again?” asks Spike, “You seem really familiar.”

“Oh, I’m…Dark Shadow,” she says after some hesitation.

I knew that Thesaurus would come in handy, you mentally cheer, before being brought out of it by an angry Stallion.

"What are YOU doing here?" demands Shining.

"Just clearing the air" you reply.

“I knew it! I knew it was you that left all that money!” he yells.

“You’re welcome by the way, now you can stop hounding me right?”

“Like Tartarus I will, you can’t just buy your way out of this!”

“Oh come on, can we worry about this later? Thought we were in crisis mode at the moment?”

“Grr…fine, but we are not done talking,” he relents.

“Hey, what happened to El Hunko?” asks Fluttershy.

“He’s fine, I rescued him and sent him away for his own safety.”

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?!” demands Rainbow.

“Oh I’m sure El Hunko is just fine you guys,” says Pinkie with a wink to you.

“OK, enough of the small talk, I’m here to help, and we have to stop Sombra!”

“Good luck with that!” declares the Tyrant from behind you.

You turn around and see the heart glowing bright.

“Oh son of a…” you say before Sombra hits you with a powerful blast of dark magic that sends you soaring towards the top of the Crystal Palace.

“I’m blasting off again!” you yell as you crash through the roof of the palace and smash into a cluster of crystals.

“AAAAHHH!!!” you hear a feminine voice scream as you land on something soft.


As you open your eyes, you see that you are lying on top of Twilight.
“Oh, hey Twilight, are you alright?”

“Yeah, sure I’m…” she starts before opening her own eyes and seeing you.
Her eyes widen momentarily before they take on a look of annoyance.

“Oh it’s you. Of course you’d be here, what a surprise,” she deadpans.

“Well hello to you too,” you reply indignantly.

“Please get off of me,” she snarls.

“Oh, right,” you say as you do so.

After she gets up, she asks, “What’s going on out there? I heard explosions and yelling, IS SPIKE ALRIGHT?!”

“Calm down, yeah Spike is alright, I saved the little guy,” she looks relieved to hear that, “Unfortunately Sombra got the Crystal Heart and is kicking our butts.”

“Oh No! Wait…did you have anything to do with this?” she accuses.

“No…Ok yes, but I had a good reason,” you reply.

She facehoofs at this. “I don’t want to hear it, we have to get down there and stop that evil pony before it’s too late.”

“Alright, good plan.”

“But you and I are definitely going to talk after this. You’ve shown up yet again to a random crisis nopony else knew about.”

“Hey, I saved your life the last time,”

“True…” she begrudgingly says, “But on the other hoof, your weird dragon friend can’t take a hint and won’t leave my house.”

“Crackle?” you say surprised.

“Yes, she got it in her head that you would pick her up, and she refuses to go away.”

“OK, you can’t blame me for that one, she’s her own dragon.”

Twilight just sighs, “Alright, we’ll argue later, now hold on,” she says as she grabs your arm.

“N-no wait, I’ll just jump out the…” you start before she teleports in front of a battle between Sombra, the other Elements, Flash and Shining, while Spike, Cadance and Night Shade stay back.

“Well don’t just stand there, come on!” Twilight demands, while you try to undizzy yourself.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” you tell her as she joins the battle.


You take note of the battle and see that it is a mostly physical one, since only Rarity and Twilight are able to use their magic against the Dark King. And still, he is not going down. 

Cadance walks up to you with Nightshade and Spike.
“Bugze, I’m glad you’re here,” she says weakly, “but shouldn’t you help them?”

“I will, I’m just planning out my attack.”
You need to help punch him, but you need an extra oomph to put him down. You need a more powerful punch.




TheRutherford’s Comment




“Without Selena I can't use my Nightmare Cloak so there is no real way to give myself any more power. Too bad I don't have anything that can help with that like from those old timey cartoons… Hold on a tic!” you yell out before rummaging through the Inventory. Eventually you find it.
“Canned Crystal Spinach! I can eat this and become even stronger!”

“I don't think that will work,” Cadance says doubtfully.

“Of course it will. It always worked for the Sailor Pony.”
You quickly realize that you need a can opener, which you don't have.
“Nooooo! Defeated by a lack of can openers! Why?”
Suddenly a Pink Hoof appears in front of your face with a can opener.

“Just use this one!” chirps Pinkie.

“Thanks Pinkie!” you cheer and begin opening the key to your salvation.

“Pinkie, where did you get that from?” asks Cadance.

“Oh I always have can openers stashed away. In case of can related emergencies.”

“O...K....?” says Cadance, not as used to Pinkie’s antics as the rest.

While they talk, you open the can and lift it to your mouth, under your hood.

“Well here is to Spinach and all the good it can do. Maybe this will help convince Nightshade to eat her veggies,” you say as if toasting someling.


“No it won't Daddy,” says Nightshade pointedly.

You give her an incredulous look, before turning back to the can, “Anyway...”
You chug down the canned vegetable which taste better than you thought it would considering that it came from a thousand plus old can.

“Now for it to kick in.”
You wait for about five seconds for it to kick in to no avail.
“What's going on this always works in the cartoo-
You suddenly feel invigorated and extra strong as you hear music playing in your head.

You have unlocked Spinach Power-You gain a temporary increase in Strength, Coordination, Mental Fortitude, and even Luck when you consume Canned Spinach.

“Well Blow Me Down,” you say with an accent, before you rush forth into the middle of the battle.


Sombra, being busy fending off the others, doesn’t notice as you charge forth like a train until he feels your green fire encased falcon punch hit him right in the stomach, sending him flying back into the side of the palace.

“gggggooooohhhhh” he wheezes out since the wind was knocked out of him.

“What in tarnation?” cries out Applejack.

“Easy there HickiBilly, I got dis!” you say before you rush forth towards your downed foe.

“Why are you talking like a pirate?” asks Twilight.

“Sailor, not a pirate!” you yell back, closing the distance to Sombra.

“Oh, what hit m…” is all he gets out before you begin an ULTRA COMBO upon him.
All your moves now come equipped with a green flame encasing them, you chain the attacks, not letting up as you mercilessly pummel the King. Rapid Falcon punches, chained No Shadow Kicks, and Multiple Shorykens, and Stalliongrad Blizzards later and you have beaten him dizzy and confused. 

He lashes out blindly with his magic and strikes you in the nose, causing you to punch him away and hold it.

“I-whaza-hail to the…” Sombra drunkenly says as he sways around.

Amazingly, during all that, the Crystal Heart stayed on his breastplate. You realize you need to loosen it up, maybe with something sharp.

You turn around and see all the others looking at you in awe. You don’t see anything sharp in sight…except…





BrownDog’s Comment



"H-hey, what the buck are you..." cries out Shining Armor as you pick him up.

"Returning the favor!" you say as you launch him like a torpedo at Sombra.

The former Dictator comes out of his beatdown funk, but is so stunned and confused by Shining Torpedo coming his way, he lets his guard down, and Shining's horn is able to stab Sombra in the chest right in the Crystal Heart, loosening it from his control. Sombra screams in pain, and Shining wobbles back towards the group holding his head.

“Bull’s-eye!” you roar out, before holding your own head as someling slaps it. You look back and see it is Cadance.

“Why did you do that?” she chides.

“What?! His horn was useless for magic, so I put it to good use,” you tell her, before looking back at the king.
“Now if you’ll excuse me…”
You then rush forth and begin to pound on him once more.




TheRutherford’s Comment



During your beatdown you manage to knock the Crystal Heart out of his magic grasp and it falls to the ground as you launch him through a house and down the street. As you come up to attack again, he lunges out at you with a hoof drawn back. You catch it and hold it back before you start to come off your Spinach trip.

“Oh no no no! Not now!”


Spinach Power has ended.


“Buck you lady luck,” you mutter before chuckling at the angry face of Sombra.
As the power and energy you used has gone out you start feeling the strain and soreness take their place. Sombra sneers at you as he jerks his hoof out of your grip and punches your face with the other.


“My turn,” he sneers as a layer of crystal covers his hoof like a gauntlet before he sends it smashing into your face with enough force to shatter the crystal and send you smashing into the Mane 6 like a bowling ball before charging after you.
Cadence is about to jump in when she spots the Crystal Heart. Seeing her chance to save everypony, Cadence grabs the Crystal Heart and runs to the palace with it.

“She got the Crystal Heart from Sombra! Look everypony! The Crystal Princess!” the Cyrstal Ponies all cheer out.
Sombra looks up from thrashing Applejack with your body with a look of panic on his face.

“NO!!!” he screams out as he tosses you away, dissipates into a shadow, and zips in front of Cadence, causing the alicorn to shriek in surprise, but Sombra uses this opportunity to grab the Crystal Heart from her before blasting her point-blank with a dark magic blast.

“Cadance!” you and the rest call out as she skids and smashes into a corner. Sombra presses the Crystal Heart into his chest and starts to merge with it once more, the Crystal Heart turning a dark shade of purple as his dark magic corrupts it, increasing his own power as his eyes glow solid green with power.

“Never Again AMORE!” he roars out as he conjurers a Crystal Spear, “NEVER AGAIN!” he roars as he throws the spear at her.

“NNNNNOOOOOO!!!!” you and countless others yell.
You all hear the sound of someling getting stabbed, but as you run forth, you see.

“SHINING!!!” Cadance cries out as she holds her husband who dove in front of her, the spear in his gut.

“Big Brother!” Twilight screeches.
You watch as they all gather around Shining, and you can’t tell if he’s alive or dead, as the one who did this to him chuckles darkly,

"Heheheh, so the foolish stallion threw away his life to protect a weakling like you? Pathetic, he would have made a good slave. Oh well, I'll just have to kill you all the-"

“No… NO!!!” you yell out as you make a beeline for the monster, but he just nonchalantly backhooves you away.

"Oh what's this? The 'Hooded Offender' was it? Ohh, you must be thrilled to see one of your enemies dead at your hooves. Don't you feel great to see his blood all over the groun-"

"YOU MOTHERBUCKER!" you cry out in you hate as you get back up and your hooves begin to have a dark mist swirl around it. "How could you? How could you kill him? He was Cadance's husband, the love of her life. And you killed him!"

"So? He was an obstacle to my plans so I got rid of h-"

"So....I'M GONNA KILL YOUR MOTHERBUCKING FLANK TO MAKE IT UP TO-Grah!" you yell in indignation before being stopped by a rising fire in your heart.

"Oh, is that so?" Sombra replies with smug disinterest "How will a weakling like you kill an all-powerful shadow god like-?"
His monologue is interrupted when a massive waves of Killer Intent start to radiate from you. Your hatred flows through and out of you as you feel the Nightmare Cloak forming… but something is different. The Power. The Rage. It’s gushing out of you too quickly!

“AAAHHH!!!” you cry out as the power floods you painfully, you can feel it trying to burst free. Suddenly a large demonic bat wing painfully bursts through your chitin shell and back of your cloak.

“Hoody!” Flutteshy cries out as she notices your transformation first.
Another wing bursts through your back causing you to let out another roar of enraged pain with enough force to shake everything nearby.

"WHAT IN TARNATION?!" Applejack yells as the rest of the Mane 6 look at you in terror as your mutation continues.
You look at your trembling hooves and see claws sprout from them and tusks start to jut out of your jaw. As you feel the Nightmare painfully transforming your body, one clear thought comes through to you as you feel your mind slipping into dark rage,

“NO! Selena! I have to stop! If I don't I-AAAAAHHHHHH!!!” before the pain, anger and power flood through you.
Recognizing this potential threat Sombra firmly throws a hoof forward into the ground, crystal-bending a massive crystal that levitates in front of him. He then uses his power to hurl the massive boulder at you and you're about to dodge out of the way when you see a dark filly running towards you. With the power surging through you, you can't hear what she's yelling, but you can see that the boulder would surely crush her too-

"Nightshade!" you yell as you use the last of your sanity to push her out of the way before the boulder crushes you.

"DADDY!" Nightshade cries out.

"Hmph, That takes care of one potnetial threat." Sombra smirks, "Now where was I-"

“GGGRRRROOOOAAAAHHHHHH!!!!”



POV Change: Nightshade

As Ms. Twilight and Auntie Cadance try to fix Mr. Armor, you notice the others looking to where your daddy started fighting the Evil Pony. You notice a look of horror on their faces, and even on the Evil King’s as well.
Your daddy is writhing in pain as shadows begin coalescing around him and he cries out, and saying your Mommy’s name.

“Oh no, no no!” you cry out in realization as you rush towards him. Daddy had told you that he couldn’t use his Cloak powers while Mommy was sick because he could hurt her.
“DADDY! STOP! YOU’LL HURT MO-” you yell before he suddenly dashes forward and pushes you out of the way before being smashed by a giant crystal boulder.

"DADDY!!!" you scream as Sombra says something, but it's cut short as you all hear a monstrous roar and the crystal boulder explodes into millions of tiny pieces as you throw up a hoof to protect your face.

When you all look, you see a terrifying figure in your father's place. Six Nightmare Tails flail wildly around him, medium-sized tusks jut out of his face, sharp claws upon his hooves, two shadowy looking wings and he is bigger now. Bigger even than Applebloom’s brother. A jagged line runs down his chest and pulses red as does his scarred eye with the other glowing its usual orange. His breathing is ragged and sounds like a grunting beast.

“What sorcery is this?” Sombra asks with a quiver in his voice.

“Daddy! Listen to me, you have to stop using the cloak or Mommy will…” you try one more time to stop it, but he suddenly charges at Sombra with an animalistic roar. Sombra manages to revert into a shadow in time and Bugze ends up barreling through him and into a crowd of Crystal Ponies, knocking them everywhere.
Sombra crystal-bends a pillar of sapphire after him, but he whirls around and smash it with a Falcon Punch before charging at him again.

"This again?" Sombra smugly states as Bugze blindly barrels through his shadowy form and smashes into a building, "You can't hurt what you can't touc-ACK!"
Sombra's gloating is cut short as a Nightmare Tail (NOTE: The Nightmare Tail can still grab and hurt Sombra even when he's in shadow mode) lashes out and grabs the tyrant by the neck before whipping him high into the air, then slingshotting to viciously smash Sombra into the ground face-first. When Sombra gets back up, he's suddenly rammed through a building by Bugze as Crystal Ponies try to flee the building in terror, some getting hurt by the debris.

“He’s doggone lost it!” Applejack yelps.

“He’s hurting innocent ponies trying to hurt that jerk! We got to stop them!” says Rainbow.

"Wh-what has that evil witch done now!” Fluttershy yells angrily.

As your daddy continues recklessly fighting the evil shadow tyrant in a berserker rage, you realize one thing,

I have to stop this! I have to stop Daddy! If I don’t Mommy, the Elements, Spike and Everyling else will get hurt!

“Buck You Lady Luck!” you groan.

WHAT THE BUCK DO YOU DO?

> Episode 7: Nightshade to the Rescue! (Crystal Empire Arc Finale)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A fog settles across the ground, and all is silent. The woods are dark and scary, even through the boarded up window you’re looking out. The cabin is old and musty, but it is dry. It’s been a day since it all happened, and in that time you’ve stood vigil, waiting for something to change.

“*Gasp* *cough cough*” you hear from behind you.

You turn around see that the injured changeling upon the old broken sofa is awake.

“Ugh…where…where am I?” he asks with droopy eyes.

“DADDY!” you cry out as you rush towards him and throw your arms around his chest, being careful not to touch his wound.

“N-Nightshade?” he asks.

“Yes Daddy, it’s me,” you say as you hug harder, to which he returns, “Oh thank goodness you’re awake...”

“Yeah…um…Nightshade?”

“Yes Daddy?” you ask breaking the hug.

“Where are we?”

He looks around the room seeing all the old busted and rotting furniture.

“I don’t know exactly…” you admit.

“Whose house is this?”

“I don’t know that either, I haven’t even left this room since we got here,” you reply.

“Are we still in the Crystal Empire?”

You shudder as you avert your eyes from his, “No…we’ve been here for over a day.”

He seems confused by this and he tries to get up, but groans in pain before lying back down on the couch.

“Ugh, I feel so drained and sore,” he then looks to you, “Nightshade, what happened?”

“What do you mean?” you ask.

“How did we get here from the Empire? What happened with that Sombrero guy? What happened to Shining Armor?”

“Y-you mean you don’t remember?” you ask in hesitation.

“No…” he moans as he rubs his temple. “All I remember was seeing Armor getting hurt and then…nothing.”

You look down again and whisper, “You got mad again…”

“What?” he asks.

You look back up, “You got mad again daddy…” you say as you can’t help but feel tears start to form in your eyes.

His eyes widen in shock.

“D-did I use the cloak?” he asks in fear.

You close your eyes and nod.

“O-Oh no…no no no no…Selena…” he starts whimpering over this revelation.

“Mommy’s fine…I think…” you tell him.

“Sh-she is? How do you know that?”

“I went into your mind after…what happened. I know you told me not to, but I had to be sure. I saw her on a bed sleeping. She looks smaller now…” you whimper since your mommy used to be really tall and her mane ever-flowing.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Th-that’s because of the sickness,” he tells you, “B-but she was still breathing?”

You nod as a tear slips out your eye.

He gives a sigh, before his eyes become sad again. “Nightshade, baby, I’m so sorry…”

“It was scarier this time Daddy. YOU were scarier. The things you did…” you trail off remembering how it all ended.

He looks to you and sees the fear in your eyes. His own eyes take on a look of guilt.

“Nightshade…I’m sorry, but I need you to tell me everything that happened,” he says with a hitch in his throat.

You nod your head at this. You know he’s right, he has to know, even if there are some parts you’d rather forget.

“OK Daddy,” you say sadly. “After Mr. Armor got hurt, you lost it.”

He nods his head for you to continue.

“You had 6 tails, sharp teeth and scary wings and claws, and you kept trying to hurt that Smoke King…and Crystal Ponies kept getting hurt because of it…”

Daddy becomes pale after you say this, but you continue.

“That’s why I decided that I had to stop you before it was too late…”




1 Day Ago, The Crystal Empire




Kichi’s Comment



"Daddy! Noo!" you shout, but he either ignores or can’t hear you as he begin to destroy things trying to get to Sombra.

"I knew it, he is a monster!" says Applejack.
The others are speechless as they watch, until you tackle Ms. Twilight

"Please! Save him! Save my him!" you plead.

"I... What do you want me to do? He is a mons..." she begins before you interrupt her.

"No! He is my da-HERO, he’s the best hero a little filly could have. Sure he’s got a lot of bad luck, puts me in danger sometimes and is constantly on the run…”



Hey! He says from the couch.
Let me finish, you chide.




“…but he is my hero and I love him!” you declare.



Oh, ok then, thanks honey
No problem



After you declare that you hear a rumble as a building starts to collapse. The Evil King comes flying out of the structure, followed by your father as Crystal Ponies scream and run.

“Cease this Monster! My Empire still needs slaves and structures!” roars the King as he shoots crystal projectiles at him. 

“GGGRAAAAGGGHHH!!!” he roars as he swipes the projectiles away, which hit bystanders in the crowd. 

You look back at the skeptical mares and say, “I still stand by what I said! He’s not in control right now! Please!”
The others then turn to look at Ms. Twilight. She looks back at them nervously before looking back to you.

"What? What do you want me to do? You see how he is right now, I can't stop that... I can't stop him. And who are you anyway? You’re not that same filly he had. He must have brainwashed you. Right? Right?" she asks the others.

"Ermmm... Err... Ummm..." the others mumble not even answering.



Oh For Buck’s Sake, I Can’t Mind Control Ponies! *Cough Cough*
Easy there Daddy.



"And even so, why ask me? What can I do? I... I failed. The Crystal Empire is going to be destroyed... Princess Celestia is never going to forgive me" says Twilight as she looks crestfallen.
You all then hear an explosion and a scream of pain from a bystander.


“Seriously! What the Buck are you?!” shouts Sombra who is answered by another mindless roar.


“I’m a failure…” Twilight moans.

"No!" you all hear behind you. You look over and see Mr. Armor holding his bandaged stomach while Cadance and Spike and Flash look after him.



“H-he’s alive?” 
“Yes, cousin Cadance healed him just in time. But he was still really hurt.”



"Shiny, no! You need to rest!" says Cadance.

“I-I will,” he groans, “But first things first. Twily, you CAN do this.”

"What?" she asks.

"You still can succeed. You are Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and the best sister I could have. If someone can save this situation, it's you,” he proclaims.
You and the others then turn to her.

"He’s right sugar cube. You’ve saved our lives many times" says Applejack.

"Yeah, even if your plans seem crazy, you are the one that actually has plans! Let's kick those jerkwad’s faces in!" says Rainbow Dash

"Yeah! And later I can throw a ‘We recovered our nemesis from a crazy tantrum’ party" cheers Pinkie.

"I... Okay girls... you’re right,” she says finally getting her self confidence back. 

“Alright alright, you’re all pumped up, can we actually get going here?!” you shout impatiently.
Twilight then looks to you and her face becomes more serious.





Kropsling’s Comment



"Aright we will help him under one condition," Twilight demands to you

Oh come on! Really?! You angrily think.
"What is the condition?" you ask.

Please don’t be bad, please don’t be bad… 

"He comes with us back to Ponyville" Twilight says.

Yep, it’s bad…


"WAIT WHAT? WHY?!" Everypony asks in unison.

"Are you loco in the coco Twilight?" Pinke asked

"Look everypony I don’t like this plan any more than you do. I would rather take him to Canterlot and put him behind bars but this is our only chance of getting some information out of him. For starters why is he here? Why do we keep bumping in to him? Where did he learn those spells? And lastly who is the mother of that Alicorn filly he has?!”


"Maybe it's just lady luck that brings him here and we keep on seeing him?" Pinkie guesses causing you to stare at her.

“How the buck does she know so much,” you ask to yourself.

“Whatever the reason, we should take him in,” Twilight says taking her eyes off of you.

“OK, I agree on fighting him, but look how freaking big he got! He’s gone superbeast! How the heck we supposed to take him with us!” asks Flash.

“You don’t understand, it’s not his fault he’s doing this!” yells Fluttershy. “He’s being manipulated by an evil evil witch. Once we stop him, he needs our help!” shouts Fluttershy.

“What are you talking about Fluttershy? OH NO. Is Sombra a Witch King?” shrieks Rarity.

“I say if there’s anything left of him after we beat him we can bring him in,” snarls AJ.

“I actually know his name,” says Shining Armor, “It’s Bug-.” He starts before Cadance interrupts him.

“Time for some rest Shiny,” she says knocking him out with a spell. She then wipes her forehead and sighs while mumbling, “Woo, that was a close one.”



Did they really start arguing while I was rampaging?
Ugh, yes! Stupid Inaction Mares...




“Alright, Everypony Shut the Buck Up!” you yell causing them to look at you harshly.
“Yes Fine, we’ll go with you, just hurry up and help already you dingbats!” 
Twilight smiles at that and says


"Good to know. Let’s Go!" as she leads the charge.

“Don't worry Hoody I will look save you from that Evil Mare,” Fluttershy shouts

“When we capture him I’ll finally get to throw that party I’ve always wanted to throw for him,” Pinkie chirps as she rushes past.

“Stopping two monsters in one day, Ah Yeah!” Rainbow Dash cheers.

“Gonna Rock You Like a Hurricane!” shouts Flash.

“I have a bad feeling this,” Applejack grumbles.

I hope he doesn't use me as a shield again. Rarity stresses.


“I’m going to stay her and look after Shining, Good Luck Girls!” yells Cadance.

As the mares rush forth towards the two combatants you stand back and think

My daddy is going to ground me for this.




N-no I’m not Nightshade.
But I sent several mares after you to beat you.
Yeah, but you did so for good reasons.
So no grounding?
No grounding
Yay…



As the Mares close the distance to them, you hold back and watch.




Kichi’s Comment




TheRutherford’s Comment



The Fight is actually more of a chase though, since Sombra keeps running, jumping, and turning to Smoke trying to get away from your Daddy. Your Dad meanwhile is smashing everything in his way in fury.

“SMASH!" he shouts out in a guttural tone, breaking a merry go round and tossing it at Sombra.

"Daddy, please stop! Don't do that!" you shout out to him, but again, he doesn’t hear you.

"What destruction, what power... All lost in a mindless beast, but maybe what this beast needs is a master!" Sombra shouts as he tries to conjure a collar around your father but every time he tries, his magic seems to be absorbed, making daddy’s eyes grow brighter.

"What is this? How is this possible?" groans Sombra.

“With this guy, you learn to stop asking questions!” yells Rainbow as she sucker punches Sombra in the face,

“Grah!” he roars.

“And Roll with the punches!” adds on Flash as he kicks Sombra in the gut.

“Oof!” the king cries out as he is knocked away.


“GGGRAAAGGGHHH!!!” your father roars as he tries to jump towards the king, but a blast of purple magic sends him back.
A lasso comes out and clamps over his mouth before a party cannon is shoved in his face.

“And boom goes the dynamite,” says Pinkie as she activates the canon, blinding him with confetti.

“Hoody! Remember who You are! Don’t listen to her anymore!” Fluttershy shouts at him, but he just roars again.

“Rainbow! Flash! You take care of Sombra, we’ll take care of the Offender!” shouts Twilight.

Sombra stands up, “You send two useless Birds after me?! I am the bigger threat her you stupid-.” 

“Shut up you speciest Horn-Head!” shouts Flash with a kick to his face.

“Oh you’re one to talk!” shouts Rainbow who punches Sombra in the horn.

“He’s evil! Stop making me sound worse!” Flash shouts.

“RAAAGGHHH!!!” Sombra roars as he punches both.


Your dad meanwhile keeps wildly thrashing at Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Applejack as he tries to find Sombra.


“Stand down Offender! Stand Down!” Twilight roars, but the all she gets in reply is a roar from your father.
You then look back to the Sombra fight and see him send out a massive wave of dark magic out of the heart.

“Holy Heck!” shouts Rainbow who barely dodges it.

“Oh, this fight isn’t slowing down at all!...Wait a minute,” you say as you suddenly get an idea.


"Papa wa mō motte inai baai wa mochiron, tabun kare wa seijō ni modori, teishi shimasu! (Of course, if daddy doesn’t have a enemy anymore, maybe he will return to normal and stop)" you exclaim. He has to stop soon before the others and mommy get hurt.
With that in mind, you run towards the evil king.
Along the way, she finds some items in all the wreckage and debris.

“Daddy’s Inventory? How did this fall off?” you say aloud.
You look at the doorway to your home and see that the belt strap hole is torn. 

“Must’ve happened when Daddy got bigger,” you think before putting the Inventory into your own, He’ll want it later.


Daddy’s Inventory added to Inventory



Here you go by the way, you say as you hand him it.
Thanks baby…is that duct tape?
Eyup, it fixes everything




You also find several other things your father threw at Sombra and pick them up.

“Mine now.”

-2 Sherclop Holmes Novels
-Checkov’s Pen
-Movie reels
Added To Inventory

You also find something else in the debris as Crystal Ponies run past you in fright.

“Hello there…” you say with a smile.
After picking up the scattered items, you run right to where all the action is.
With your dad’s rampage, and Sombra’s fight, the two sides are now closer to each other.

“Better stop this quick,” you say as you deactivate your disguise and become an Alicorn again. You build up power in your horn and shout
“Magic Missile!” sending the spell right to the back of Sombra’s head while he was distracted by Flash.

"Gaah! Who dare attacks me from behind? he shouts as he pushes Flash and Dash away with a dark wave as he tries to find who attacked him.

He looks around behind him, but all he sees is the destruction your daddy has caused, fleeing crystal ponies and a bunch of trash. Including your new tool, The Cardboard Box.

“Sure it never worked for Daddy, but I’m smaller and less conspicuous in mine,” you think.


“Where are you coward?!” he yells before your father lets out a blood curdling roar.
Through the holes in your box, you see that his fight with the mares has come within viewing distance of Sombra, and he has seen him.

“Oh not this thing again!” grumbles Sombra.
While he’s distracted, you lift the box up and send another magic missile into his head before hiding again.

“AAAHHH!!! Alright, you little sneak, I’m going to…” he shouts before his eyes land right on you and your box.

An alarm sound is heard as his eyes widen.

“Oh Buck!” you mutter as he lifts the box off of you with magic.

“There you are!” he yells in fury as he prepares a spell with his horn.
You narrow your eyes at him and prepare your own spell, but before you can fire yours, you are suddenly tackled out of the way by a yellow blur.

“Look out!” Fluttershy cries as debris from the missed spell rain on you two.

“Thanks Fluttershy, but I had him, I was gonna-.” You start before Fluttershy yells at the king.

“You were going to hurt an innocent little filly you Monster!”

“Innocent my flanks!” he roars as he bends a giant boulder and throws it at you two.
You try to save Ms. Fluttershy, but she holds you in fear as it gets closer.

Luckily however, two shadowy tails push you out of the way of the boulder.

Sombra looks to his left and sees your daddy, only 20 feet away as he roars out.

“SSSHHHHAAAADDDDEEEE!!!!” before rushing forth and clawing the king up the chest, leaving a cut.
“Gyagh!” the king roars.


As they move further away with the other Elements and Flash following, Fluttershy turns to you happily and says,

“Did you see that? He remembered and protected you!” 

“Well of course he did, he’s my Daddy,” you tell her.

“No, this means that Hoody is still in there, fighting against that evil evil strumpet! There’s still hope!”

“Wait what? What strumpet? Who are you talking about?” you ask in consusion.

“Don’t you worry, we can all still fix this. Once we get rid of her, EVERYTHING WILL BE BETTER! HA HA HA HA!!!” she says as she charges back to the battle.

“…What?”




Seriously, what is she even talking about?
Your father facehooves and just shakes his head.
She’s misunderstanding the situation…and yeesh, is Fluttershy really going that overboard?
I don’t know, she said it in that Yuno Gasai Yandere kind of way.
Your daddy shivers at that.





As Beast Daddy charges forward again, Sombra crystal bends a series of crystal spears that impales him in multiple places, but this only temporarily slows him down before he smashes the king with his nightmare tails (the wounds instantly healing) and continues attacking.

Sombra dodges an attack by Pinkie Pie, before sending out more waves of darkness, which push the others back, but again do nothing but get absorbed by your dad.

“Something’s got to hurt you!” he yells as he bends projectile crystals from both behind and in front of daddy. He manages to block and dodge most of them, but one of the projectiles hits him right in the glowing jagged scar on his chest.


“GGGGRRRRAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!” your Daddy roars out in pain as he doubles over and growls out like a wounded animal.

“Aha!” shouts Sombra, “So you do feel pain!” he shouts as he sends more Crystals at your father, but he just rushes through them, protecting his red glowing scar with two of his tails.



Sombra crystal-bends a wall of diamond in front of him which he  can't smash through in spite of all his wailing on it, but then he unleashes the Psycho Break Smasher (Upgraded Psycho Crusher where you launch yourself spinning forward while covered in the Nightmare Cloak to smash through anything in your way (even buildings and mountains) in a large streak of midnight flames) to smash through the diamond wall and smash Sombra through more buildings.




Psycho Break Smasher? He asks.
Well that’s what it sounded like you said. You were all like, ICO BRAYT SMASHER!!!
Oh…




As your father continues to destroy more property with the Elements and Flash on their tails, you realize the clock is ticking and you need to end this!
You put your thinking cap on as you come up with a plan.





BrownDog’s Comment



Alright Nightshade, you've got to stop your daddy and that Sombra guy and save everypony. But how?
You start thinking about how to beat Sombra.

"From what Ms. Cadance was trying to do, I need the Crystal Heart for something…which means I have to get it off the Sombra guy while the Elements distract Daddy."

You look up in realization.

“This is gonna be tough. That jerk is powerful. I’ll need back up. But who’s left? The scaredy cat crystal ponies? Fat chance. And Mr. Armor is injured, and Cadance is weak. So who else can…” you trail off as a light bulb goes off above your head.

You run back to the crystal palace, returning to the guise of a pegasus and see Cadance rubbing Armor’s head with tears in her eyes as he sleeps. You then focus on the one you came back for.


"Spike! Spike!" you yell as you run to the teary eyed dragon as he watches his Big Brother figure hanging on.

"W-What is it?" he asks.

"I need you to help me get the Crystal Heart away from Sombra! Once he's defeated, then Da-The Offender will stop fighting him."

"I-I don't know if I can Shadow...I'll just fail again and everypony will get hurt..." he says sadly.

"What are you talking about?"

"Twilight told me to take the heart. She said I had to be the one to save the day...but I fell. And because I fell, that El Hunko guy caught me, and the Crystal Heart got taken by Sombra and now everypony is getting hurt...it's all my fault..." he sobs.
You see the dragon getting down, so you put your hoof on his shoulder

"No no no Spike, don’t say that! If anything it's my fault," you tell the dragon.

"How?"

"I'm the one who had da-El Hunko catch you. I was scared that you were going to get hurt, and he caught you because I yelled out your name. It's not your fault! I sure as Buck wasn't going to lose a friend, so quit blaming yourself and help me save the day!" you drill.
He sniffles once more before wiping his eyes.

"You're right. I'm sorry. Thank you." He then looks at you in determination. "I lost a friend recently. She was...awesome." You then look at him in sympathy remembering that he still thinks you as a Unicorn is dead. "She was cool, tough, determined, and really really cute. You remind me a lot of her," he says causing a blush to come to your cheeks.




HE SAID WHAT?! Nightshade, I don't think you should hang out with him anym...
Oh For Pete’s Sake Daddy, Calm Down!




"And I won't lose any more friends! So what's the plan?"

You cough to get your mind refocused, and say "Well, You're a Dragon Right?

"Um, yeah,"

"Well let's go light a fire under that Sombra Buck! The quicker he's dealt with, the quicker the the Offender will stop...I hope,"

“Alright then,” he says before looking to Cadance.
“Cadance, I have to help them, but I’ll be back!” he says.

“Be careful Spike! Twilight can’t have another brother get hurt.
He nods at this and then the two of you run towards the sound of roars, screaming and destruction.



As you and Spike get closer you see all the Elements and Flash try to subdue your rampaging father, and as they engage him, Sombra takes his chance and stabs another crystal into your father’s glowing weak point.

“HHHHRRRRAAAAA!!!” Daddy cries as his scar and red eye pulse rapidly.
He then begins to thrash all those around him, giving them all bruises and cuts.


“He…Hurt…Daddy…” you seethe through clenched teeth and run up ahead of Spike.
"Shadow, wait!" he calls out.


As Daddy lashes out at everything in sight, Sombra slips away by becoming smoke and gets on a roof. He watches as your father sweeps them aside harshly, knocking over and hurting countless civilians as he looks for the king in mindless fury.
Sombra chuckles and begins to charge up an attack with multiple crystal spears, intending to take out both your dad and the Elements in one attack.

"Death to you my annoying enemies!" he roars as he tries to bend the Crystals...but they don't move.
"What the buck?" he says as he tries to throw the floating crystals, but fails.
Suddenly, the spears launch themselves at him making a cage around him.
"What is going on?! Who can surpass My crystal bending?" he cries out before the crystals explode, launching him off the roof and further away from Daddy and the mares.
After getting up from the attack, Sombra looks around in confusion, before seeing you standing before him, gritting your teeth.

"I don't know," you tell him, "How about an even more kickflank Bender?"



You Did What?! Nightshade…
Daddy, remember when I told you I could fight?
Yeah, but…
Well I Can Fight!




"No one is greater than I!" he roars as he sends a large crystal at you, to which you stop in midair.
You then glare at him angrily as your eyes begin to glow white.

"Guess again Buckface!" you yell as you launch the rock back, to which he dodges.

"Impossible!" he cries out.

"No it's not. You made me angry! You hurt daddy, you hurt Mr. Armor! And because of that, my Mommy might get even more sick! And it's all YOUR fault!" you yell as your eyes glow even more fiercely. You then bend a piece of road from behind him and slam it into the back of his head, making him fall closer to you.
He gets up and glares.

"Why you insolent little... You're the one who threw that ungrateful Marsupial in my face!" he yells pointing at the scratches on his snout as he recognizes you.

"Yeah, but he didn't finish his job. Your face still looks like a butt!" you taunt.
His eyes slit as he fires a blast of dark magic at you, to which you dodge.

“You’re too slow!” you taunt causing him to growl.
You then earth bend a fist from the ground which uppercuts him into the air. Launching yourself upwards, you Falcon Kick him to the ground.
“Come on! Step it up!” you yell bending the ground from beneath him and launching him at you.
“FALCON KICK!” you roar as you strike him right in the face, knocking out a tooth.

“OH! You little Bucker! You little B!&$#!”

“Watch your filthy Bucking Mouth!” you yell as you earthbend a boulder and are about to crush him, but he turns to smoke to get away.
He stays as a smokey spectre and laughs at you as you bend crystals and boulders through him, to no effect.

“Oh Buck Me!” you growl as you continue bending at his laughing smoke form.



Meanwhile



Kersey’s Comment


Daddy feverously darts his head around looking for Sombra, when suddenly a Rainbow blur hits him in the face. 



Whoa Whoa Wait A Minute!
What now?
How did you know this was happening if you were fighting Sombra?
Daddy, I’m telling the Story, Quit Questioning it.
But…
Shush




Before daddy could roar, he was hit in the face with a trio of blue kicks before a raspy tomboyish voice taunts him from above,

"Up here ugly!"
He lashes out his nightmare tails only for her to dodge them.
"Hah! You have wings but you can't even fly? How path- WOAH!"
But the speed of the tails increase causing her to noticeably struggle more to dodge them until,

*splat*

Pinkie throws some pies into his face.  He shakes it off only for his cleared vision to be greeted with one white and a pair of orange hooves from a team punch from Rarity and Applejack.
That hits him under the chin so hard that it knocks him onto his back. Before Daddy can get up, he feels a lasso around his neck and restraining magic on his other limbs. He tries to lash out with his Nightmare Tails only for Flash Sentry to dive in and kick him in the face, keeping the attention of the tails on him as Pinkie Pie helps Applejack with the lasso and Rarity assists Twilight with the restraining spells.

"Keep it up girls, we almost have him!" yells Twilight before she looks around.
“Wait a minute! Where’s Sombra?!” she yells out.
Everypony looks to her as she says this and they pale.

“He was just right there!” says AJ pointing to a broken roof, “I thought Flash was handling him.”

“Me?! I thought Rainbow was covering him!”

“You’re not blaming this one on me pal!” she yells. 

Having enough of this, and taking advantage of their lack of focus,  your dad let out an angry roar as his tails whirl and flail around like a demented propeller knocking the ponies away. Once free he quickly follows it up by getting to his feet and grabbing 6 disorientated ponies in each of his tails, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie,Twilight and Flash, and starts banging them together repeatedly like crash cymbals before spinning them around like a swing ride and using the momentum to violently smash them all onto a pie cart, shattering it in an explosion of pastries and filling.

“SSSMMMMAAAASSSSHHHH!!!” he roars as he then tears into the ground with his claws and tears out a savage piece of the crystal road and holds it over his head before advancing angrily on the six pie-covered ponies who look up and terror as he’s about to smash them when suddenly Fluttershy flies in front of him with a full-powered Stare and declares,

"HOW DARE YOU MAKE HOODY HURT MY FRIENDS!!!"
He stops momentarily as the Stare hits him full force and his arms shake with the chunk of road in them.
“WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER, SO ARE YOU MISSY!!!” she yells.

His eyes begin to glow more fiercely as his arms stop shaking as he roars directly into Fluttershy’s face, making her fall back into her pie covered friends.
Before anything else happens though, he hears one word. One word from far away that catches his attention.

“OW!”

His head whips around in frenzy as he throws the boulder away, ignoring the others.

“NNNIIISSSSHHHHHAAAAYYYY!!!!” he roars before taking off, barreling through houses and buildings.




OW?
Yes, OW.
Why did you say that?
Well…






BrownDog’s Comment



After fruitlessly bending crystals in an attempt to hurt the Smoke Monster, you try to kick him, but that doesn’t work either.

"I am going to end you little Filly!" he yells, sending out a wave of dark magic which grazes one of your wings.

"OW!" you yell out as you fall to the ground.
He takes this moment to grab you by your arms and hold you up to his face and in the distance you hear a guttural


“NNNIIISSSSHHHHHAAAAYYYY!!!!”


"Stupid little pegasus! You can't catch the wind!" Sombra mocks you.

"Oh I'm not a pegasus you idiot," you say as you take the enchantment off of your horn for a moment, "I'm an Alicorn!"

"WHAT?!" he yells in shock and surprise.

"And I know I can't catch the wind, but HE can!" you say smugly.

"Wha-AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!." he begins before roaring in pain as a large plume of Green Fire engulfs his smoke.
Spike continues the barrage, giving the smoky king no chance of escape as he drops you, with you becoming a pegasus once again.
Before Spike's flames can consume him entirely, he becomes physical once again, earning a few burns on his body, before throwing up a crystal shield.

"THAT'S FOR MY BIG BRO YOU FLANKHOLE!" Spike roars out before firing his breath again, heating up the crystal Sombra had encased himself in, causing groans of pain to come from inside.

"Good job Spike," you yell out as you hug him.

"N-no problem," he says blushing.

"Alright, cover me!" you yell as you rush forth and pick up the crystal casing, and break it open.

"You little monster!" yells the singed king. "I will personally tear off your wings and-*CRUNCH* EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"
He whimpers as you kick him right in the nards with a flame encased hoof, causing Spike to wince in sympathy.

"Wrong! I'm going to be the one ripping things off!" you growl.

"OH SWEET CELESTIA!" cries Spike holding his own nards.

"No, I meant the Heart Spike! The Heart!"

"Oh...that makes more sense," he says as he stands by your side over the king, puffing smoke out of his nose intimidatingly.

“You puny little Dragon, I will pluck your scales I’ll, Gyagh!” he chokes as you you bend a crystal cage around his chest.

“Shut your mouth!” you order as you take a sharp piece of crystal and stab it where the Heart meets his flesh.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!” he cries in pain as you mercilessly start prying the heart up from his body. The sections that come loose, even start turning their normal shade of blue.

“Quit Screaming Pansy!”




Whoa…YOU beat Sombra?
Well I HAD him beat, until YOU came in, 





You get it partially off, as you and Spike begin to cheer… before your Father bursts through a nearby building and tackles the near defenseless tyrant into the sky.

“NNNIIISSSHHHAAAYYY!!!” he roars as they fly off.

"DANGIT DADDY! Come on Spike! Before it's too late!" you yell as you and the dragon rush forth to where they landed.




Whoops…My Bad…






Kersey’s Comment




As Sombra and your Dad land in the middle of a residential neighborhood, your father charges at Sombra, but he manages to get to his feet in time and punch a crystal-spike-encased hoof forward right into your father's chest wound. Your father lets out a roar in pain as Sombra smirks in sadistic triumph and twists the crystal spear as he seeps more smoke into the wound, but your father lets out an enraged roar as he wraps his two front hooves in Nightmare Tails, and wails on Sombra with a barrage of rib-breaking hooks before launching him into the air with a jaw-breaking Shoryuken and then follows up with a Falcon Missile to the spine which sends Sombra smashing through some buildings and into the thankfully abandoned "Projects district".


In the distance you see Sombra stand up and shout.

“ENOUGH!!!” as large swirly plumes of smoke form around Daddy and cover the area in a midnight-black mist. You then see Sombra  launch himself into the sky while transforming into three balls of midnight smoke that swirl around the air. Once they reach a high enough altitude they collide, causing the smoke to re-materialize back into Sombra as he back-flips in the air with a smirk before covering himself in a crystal shell and uses Smoke Thrusters to blast himself down to Earth like a missile and cries out

"Tyrant's Purge!"
Before igniting the mist in a magical explosion upon impact directly on daddy’s back that utterly levels the Projects.


You and Spike shield your eyes from the explosion and when you look back, you see dirt and smoke starting to clear. You see the Evil King standing in a crater and no sign of your father.

“D-daddy?” you whimper.

“Th-that is what you get you dull creature,” pants Sombra. “This Empire is mine! If it gets destroyed, it will be by my hoof, not-,”
When suddeunly, from below the ground,your dad bursts forth. His scary wings are broken, and one of his tusks is cracked off, but other than that, he is still Beastly and mad. 


“HOW?!” roars Sombra before he is knocked into the air with a Shadow Shoryuken. While Sombra is in the air, Daddy turns into a nightmare mist and swirls up at the airborne tyrant before he starts rapidly teleporting out of the smoke around Sombra and striking at him with his hooves and tails, increasing speed and frequency with each teleport. 
After a frenzied barrage of hits from every direction, he uses 4 tails to hold Sombra in place before raising the 5th and 6th tails and slamming them into his face to launch himself into the air. When the 4 tails are at maximum stretch, he wraps the remaining two around his rear limbs and slingshots into Sombra and declares,


“WWOONNAATIIC FFRREENNZZYY!!! ("Lunatic Frenzy!")


Before smashing into Sombra's chest with a massively powerful double-stomp that launches the Crystal Heart right out of his chest and causes blood to spurt out of his mouth as the tyrant is sent smashing down through the Crystal Castle.

You and Spike watch where the heart lands, and you tell him.

“Now’s our chance Spike, hurry!”

“OK!” he says as he follows you.

When you arrive at the palace you see the Former King struggling to stand.
His clothes and armor are torn and raged, his face is black and purple and cuts line his body. A crowd of Crystal Ponies forms around the area, and you see the Deadly 6 and Flash coming through the crowd.

Then Daddy lands down in front of the King and you notice something. His Nightmare cloak is starting to glitch. It keeps fading in and out, as if the power is sputtering.

“Mommy…” you say in realization.

“How…How in the name of the 9 levels of Tartarus have you beaten me? I had the Crystal Heart... I was a god... You're just an insect! How could this be?!"


"I... Bug… You... BUG FOOD!!!" your Daddy roars out in a semi coherent sentence as he begins to advance.

“Daddy Please! He’s Beat! Stop now before it’s too late!” you shout.

This time, he looks to you, and you can see his eyes and chest flickering as the light keeps trying to die out.
He gives you a questioningly growl, before laughing catches both your attentions.


“HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” Sombra insanely laughs before sputtering off.

“I get it now…I finally get it. The power…the rage…” he then looks to you. “You had a power source. A Battery!” he then looks back to your Daddy and starts laughing again.

“You’ve been draining an Alicorn’s life force for power! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” 

Every pony looks at the king and back at your father in scrutiny.

His laughing causes your father to growl again as he rushes forth and grabs the king by his shoulders.

“I know your secret! AHAHAHAHAHAHA! I know what you’ve done! You ARE worse than me! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” the Broken King rants.

“FFFFOOOOOOODDDD!!!” your father roars in the king’s face.



“Daddy Stop!” you cry out, but he doesn’t hear you, just like before.

What happens next horrifies you to the bone. You watch as the monster your father has become unhinges his jaw like a snake and opens far too wide to be normal. Inside are rows and rows of sharp teeth.
The former Dictator screams in fear as he is shoved into the gaping maw. His cries are muffled by a sickening crack as the lower and upper jaws close together.
The monster then begins to chew. Crunching bone noises are heard as the monster continues to chew on the fallen king. Smoke attempts to escape out of the jaws, but they are quickly sucked back in.




“I…I…?”




“Oh Buck…Oh Buck…” you mutter as you watch this spectacle in fear.
Spike stands next to you watching in fear as well.

All around you ponies scream, faint or even throw up.

The Deadly 6, Flash and Cadance behind you are shocked as well.

“H-he ate him…” mutters Twilight.

“No way…” gasps Rainbow Dash.

“What in the…” says a confused Flash.

“That’s…*hrk*” gags Applejack.

“Wha…I…” sputters Rarity.

“Gross…” says Pinkie.

“Th-that evil evil witch! She’s turned Hoody into a Cannibal! Oh I will get you, I WILL GET YOU!” yells Fluttershy in anger.

“B-Bugze…what have you become?” says a sad sounding Cadance.

“Shadow…what’s happened to him?” Spike asks you.

“I don’t know,” you answer.


After what seems like an eternity, the chewing stops. The monster tilts it’s head back, and a large gulp is heard, followed by a belch. The flickering of the Nightmare Cloak stops as it stays consistent once again.

Still grunting, it begins to look around until it’s eyes fall upon you.

“D-Daddy?” you choke out, but he doesn’t appear to understand you.

He looks around and starts growling at all the horrified ponies. But you hold your hooves up.





Fireheart’s Comment





“Daddy, it’s over! We’re safe now, I’M safe now! Sombra’s gone. Please…come back to me…”

He looks to you and his breathing becomes slightly less ragged. But the whispers of the others catch his attention and his eyes harden.
You aren’t sure, but you swear you see a flash of green within the red and orange eyes before he growls at the others.


You try to walk forward, but Spike puts out a claw holding you back.

“No don’t it’s too…” he implores, before you whirl around in fear.

“Spike! Let go of me before he…” you warn before the Creature roars once again and charges forth.

This time he is running right at Spike.



“NO DADDY!” you roar as you earth bend a pillar right underneath him, launching him away.

“Run Spike!” you yell as Monster Dad gets back up and charges again.

“But what about-.” He begins.

“RUN!”

You see the Deadly 6 try to run forth, but you have to end this now!

You whip up a sand storm to blind him momentarily as Spike runs off, which also stops the Deadly 6.

You then rush forth into the sandstorm and find your father slashing at it, so you bend Crystal Manacles out of the earth that attach to all his legs.


“Daddy! Please Stop, Go Back to Normal!” you yell, but the beast instead keeps roaring and pulling at its restraints. 

“Daddy Please, I don’t want to fight you!” you scream. You know he won’t hurt you, but he’ll hurt everyone else and mommy if he continues.
He breaks free from two restraints, and you reluctantly begin to bend another attack, when from your left, a large blue glow begins to form.
You look over and see Spike holding the Crystal Heart above the pedestal Mr. Armor is against as it floats out of his claws and begins to rotate.


“The Dragon! He’s Returned the Heart!” shout the Crystal Ponies.
Cadance then walks forth and yells.

“The Heart is returned, Quickly! Fill it with all your love and we shall banish this darkness!” she commands.
And all around you the Crystal Ponies begin to concentrate and the heart begins to turn brighter and brighter and turn faster.

“GGGRRROOOOAAAAGGGHHHH!!!” your farther roars, breaking yet another restraint, and you can see that the growing light from the heart is slowly shrinking his tails.
Whatever is about to happen, you can’t let him get loose.
You jump onto his back and hold him down with all of your bending might.

“You’ll thank me later Daddy!” you yell as he tries to escape.
As you do, your disguise fails and your horn reappears.
You hear a gasp to your left and see your dragon friend staring up at you while everyone else is concentrating.

“Nightshade?” he gasps.

You realize that from his vantage point, all he sees is your horn. Below you, the demonic wings retract into Daddy, and you can feel his regular buggy shell again. You give a smile to the dragon.

“Hi Spike. Great Job Saving the Day, I’m proud of you,” you congratulate.
Hearing that, he faints. As he does, a massive wave of magic comes from the heart and comes straight for you and Daddy.


You feel a massive wave of magical energy flow through you, making you feel amazing as your whole body starts to sparkle but it hits your Dad like a massive slap,


“GGGYYYYAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!” he roars in pain and is launched up into the air.

You hold on for dear life to his neck as you are launched far into the air and away from the Empire, going further and further into the sky.
As you do, you feel your Dad shrink into his normal form as all of the Nightmare Cloak disappears.

“Oh Bucking FINALLY!” you yell as your speed begins to slow.
“Daddy are you OK? Daddy?”

But he doesn’t answer. Slipping his hood back, you see that he is out cold.

“Oh just PERFECT!” you grumble.

You take a moment to look all around you and you see that you are high above the mountains, and snow is everywhere.

“Wow, what a view,” you say in awe before gravity takes ahold of you again. “Uh-Oh…”
Before you fall, you look up to the air and yell,

“Buck You Lady Luck!” before you and your unconscious father fall to the earth.

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” you scream as you plummet.

You try flapping your tiny wings, but they do a whole lot of nothing to stop your descent.

“Come on work you stupid bucking things!” you yell.

As the ground comes closer and closer, you desperately begin to charge magic in your horn for a teleport spell, and thanks to the Magic Wave, you don’t have headache anymore.

“TAKE ME SOMEWHERE LESS SCARY!” you yell, and seconds before you hit the ground, you and your daddy disappear into a flash of light.




Present Time

“And then when I could see again, we were in this room. I put you on the couch, took off your cloak and wrapped you up in bandages,” you explain.

Your Daddy just looks at you in shock as his mouth hangs open.

“Then I just waited for you to wake up, but you didn’t for a whole day…” you recount, tearing up again. “I haven’t gone anywhere else in this house, because I wanted you to wake up. To see if the both of you were alright…” you sob.

“Nightshade…” he says, tearing up himself, before pulling you into a hug.

“I’m so so sorry baby…” he sobs.
You cry into his chest as he rubs your mane. You lose track of how long you both cry with each other.




POV Change: Bugze

You can’t believe what you’ve just heard. Not only did you lose control, not only did you endanger countless lives, but you…ATE a pony.
Your gut clenches as that fact hits home.

I’ve lived my whole life as a vegetarian, and the first time I eat meat I eat a pony? What have I done?

With your gut still clenching, you realize how warm you feel as a sweat breaks out on your forehead.

And not only did I do all that, but all in front of Nightshade to boot!
After all the time trying to keep the otherworld’s events away from her, and I go and do this…
You think as more tears flow from you.


And now I’ve killed Two ponies. But at least I didn’t EAT Flag Burner. But now the Deadly 6, Cadance, Spike, that Entire Empire think I’m a monster.

Why Can’t I just be good? Why can’t I be a better father? Why? Why?


All you can say over and over again is, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” as you stroke the mane of your daughter who you traumatized.


After a long while of mutual crying, Nightshade picks her head up.

“Daddy…you’ve got to be more careful.”

“I-I know,” you mutter.

“That Sombra guy was evil and mean, but not even HE deserved that,”

“I know…” you mutter.

“But even still, he had bad things coming to him…but you hurt a lot of ponies who didn’t do anything Daddy,” she continues.
You put your head down.


“You didn’t mean to, but they got hurt. If it weren’t for Spike, I don’t know what would have happened.”

“Nightshade…I’ll…”

“Daddy, you have to promise me that you won’t become that monster again,” she interrupts.

“I-.”
“PROMISE ME!” she yelps.

You don’t want to become that monster again, and you don’t even remember any of it. You had no control.

“I…I’ll try honey,” you mutter.

“Try?” she asks sounding indignant.

“I couldn’t control it. I don’t know what happened to make me black out and become… that…but I’ll try baby, I really will. I promise. But I don’t know if I can stop it…” you confess.

She nods, “OK…good enough” before hugging you again. She then breaks away, and pulls out some water. She gives it to you and the remainder of the pain pills and a bit of leftover Pie you got in the Crystal Empire.

“Take these Daddy, and get some more sleep. You’re still weak,” she says.

“I’m fine, I’m-.” you say trying and failing to get off the couch. You then sigh and take the pills.

“I’m supposed to be watching out for you,” you tell her.

“Well not right now you’re not, now get some sleep daddy. I need you all better,” she says as she lies down next to you with a yawn.
“I need you better…” you says as she starts trailing off to sleep.

You hold her close as you feel yourself slipping back into unconsciousness.

“I love you sweet heart…I love you so much.”

“I love you too Daddy…Always.”


Your vision goes dark as you enter your dreamscape.


You make your way into a special chamber and check for yourself the status of the Mare in the Moon.
Selena still sleeps upon the bed, still weakened and shallowly breathing…but still, she is alive.
Her sheets have been disturbed and are crumpled around her though.

“Probably when Nightshade visited,” you mutter as you straighten the sheets and tuck her in properly.
You then rest your hoof on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry…I could’ve hurt you…I could’ve…” you choke out before looking down in shame.

“I couldn’t control the powers without you, and I almost used them all up…I’m sorry…” you confess.

“Can you forgive me?” you ask with your head bowed.

For a moment, you think you hear a sudden intake of breath.
You look up to her face quickly.


“S-Selena?” you ask.

But like before, the Mare doesn’t answer you and just continues breathing.

You shake your head at this.

“I’m just hearing things…” you mumble.
You then sat by her bedside, until the deepest of deep sleep claimed you.



THE NEXT DAY

You awake in the darkened rotten house. There’s not much light coming in from the boarded windows, but through the cracks you can see fog.

You feel for your sleeping child, but your hoof touches nothing.

“Nightshade?” you call out to the empty room. When no one answers, you begin to panic.
“NIGHTSHADE?!” you yell as you sit up, immediately regretting it as the room begins to spin.
As you try to undizzy yourself, you notice a piece of paper stuck to your chest with Duct Tape.

You take it off see it’s a note written in crayon.

Dear Daddy,
If you’re reading this then I haven’t gotten back yet. You were still sleeping, and we ran out of food. I’ve gone out to find some. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, and I’ll bring you some vegetable soup to make you feel better. Love you Daddy,
Nightshade.

P.S. I left at 12:05, so don’t panic.

You look around to figure out how she knew what time it was, and beside you on an old rotting table is a working clock which reads 12:15

You sigh in relief.
“She’s only been gone 10 minutes…only 10 minutes.”
You still feel concern since you have no idea where the both of you are, but after what she told you about her fight with Sombra, you know she can fight well….but still…

“If you’re not back in another 10, I’m hobbling out looking for you,” you declare to the empty room.
You then spy another piece of paper sticking out from under the cushion you are sitting on.
You pull it out, and see it is an envelope. The weird thing is, it’s addressed to you.

“What the…” you mutter before opening the envelope. Inside is a letter in some very familiar writing. The same writing that accompanied your Gala Tickets and Awesome Scarf.

"My Friend..." you mutter as you start reading.


Dear Bugze,
Sing it with me now, YOU BUCKED UP! YOU BUCKED UP! YOU BUCKED UP!
Seriously, what the Buck? I look for you for over a month, and it takes the return of an ancient civilization to see you again? You’d be great at dodging jury duty let me tell you.

Anyway, as I said, you done goofed. Not only do you screw up a classified mission and empower an evil dictator, but then you go Savage Saddle Rager and tear up the Empire and EAT the guy? That’s a new low for you buddy. And now none of your alias’s are secret anymore. Pinkie knows you’re El Hunko, Fluttershy knows you’re BST, and Cadance knows you’re the Offender, Congratulations. And don’t even get me started on all the gold and treasure you left behind. Thought you’d pay off your bounty huh? Well guess what, that money was used to fix the Crystal city you broke. On the plus side, you’re bounty reward stayed relatively the same because of it, on the flip side however, now you’re broke, beaten, and still wanted. And let me tell you didn’t make any friends with those Crystal Ponies. Cadance is ruling them now with Shining, so at least they’re in good hooves. And dear sweet Twilight actually ended up passing her test because she let others save the day, isn't that lovely? But enough about them, let’s talk about you.

You’ve got to be more careful Bugze. You’re in a harsh part of the world right now. A scary part of the world. That town near you isn’t all the Sunshine and Rainbows it claims to be. Be wary of everypony you meet Bugze. Not just here, but everywhere. Any friends you have from the Deadly 6 down to your old chums back in Appleloosa, there is no on that you can Truly trust. Remember Bugze…Trust No One.
Good Luck,
A Friend.

You look up from the letter. “OK seriously, who is this guy? How does he keep finding me?” you ask aloud, but no one answers.
You then look over the letter again.

“And what town is he talking about?”

You then shake your head from these thoughts.

"I'll deal with that as it comes," you say aloud before reflecting.

"I can't believe I actually ATE that guy...I didn't even know you could eat a ghost or whatever the heck he was..." you moan as you hold your stomach.
"That's probably why I'm feeling sick...I can't be a monster again," you say sadly, "there's too many in this world already..."


POV Change: Nightshade

When you awoke, your Daddy was still sleeping. You still love and will always love your father. That monster wasn’t him, and if you have anything to say about it, he won’t become it again. But right now, he is still weak and sick.

You remember that Sweetie Belle got sick once, and that some Vegetable Soup was what she ate to get better. Seeing as how you don’t have any, or any other food for that matter you decided that it was finally time to do some exploring. You doubted that this old house had any, and you really didn’t want to investigate the rest of it since it’s creepy, but there is a path outside in front of the house. It might lead to a town or something.

Leaving your sick father behind, you grabbed a few gems, wrote him a note and walk down the road.


A Few Minutes Later

As you walk through the foggy forest trail however, you notice a small figure ahead of you.

“H-hello? Is someling there?” you ask.

As you get closer, you see that it’s a grey-white filly with a blond mane. She waves at you and walks into the fog.

“Hey Wait! Do you know where I can get some soup?!” you call out as you run forth.
When you get to the spot where she was, you can’t see any trace of her.
“Where’d she go?” you wonder.
You then make your way down the trail for a few more yards, and you catch a glimpse of the filly again.

“Hey!” you cry and dash after her.

After a quick dash through some trees, you suddenly find that the fog is gone and the sun is shining brightly, which momentarily blinds you.

“AAAHHH!!! Stupid Sun Light!” you grumble before looking around.

You see what looks like a party going on in a small town, and a bunch of ponies milling about celebrating and eating food.

“Where the Buck am I?” you wonder aloud.

From your left comes a grey stallion with a black mane and a cheerful smile upon his face.

“Ha Ha! Why hi there little filly, and welcome to Sunny Town!” he says excitedly.

The thing about this full grown adult stallion however is that he has no Cutie Mark.

“The Buck?” 

WHAT DO?


> Episode 8: Smiling Faces, Smiling Faces Tell Lies...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kichi’s Comment




TheRutherford’s Comment




JoeyJumper’s Comment



"Welcome to Sunny Town, little filly!" says the stallion with a creepy smile.

“Sunny Town?” you ask still a little taken aback by his lack of a cutie mark.

“Yup, our own little corner of paradise. My name is Grey Hoof. What’s your name?” he asks leaning in.

“Uhhh…” you mumble backing away from him. “My name is…” you look over yourself trying to remember what name you used in the Crystal Empire. You don’t know why, but you don’t feel like you should give your real name to this guy. But as you look over yourself, you notice something.

Oh buck. I didn't disguise myself yet! You mentally panic. You turn towards the stallion, who is still giving you that creepy smile.

Maybe he hasn't noticed my wings yet. I will keep my wings against my side until I can disguise myself and then…

"Oh, and what does it mean when you have wings and a horn?" Grey Hoof asks.

Buck!

“I-it’s because I’m an alicorn,” you stutter.

“Allie…Corn? Huh, never heard of one of those before,” he ponders.

“Wait really? Princess Luna, Celestia and Cadance are all alicorns.

“Huh, never heard of them either,” he says with a hoof to his chin.


Wow, I must have teleported us clear out of Equestria, guess I don’t have to worry about disguising way out here, you think.
You then see him squinting in thought, and you feel like it’s time to change the subject before he asks for your name again.

"Yeah... Well... I didn't know there was a town out here in this forest. I was only searching for ingredients for vegetable soup and stumbled on this place” you explain.
He perks up hearing this, 

“Well we’re awfully glad you did little filly, we love company.”

“Well…do you have any vegetable soup, or any ingredients? I really need to get back to my daddy.”

"I’m sure somepony around here does, and of course you can go when you want but maybe you can stay awhile? Today is the anniversary of our town. We have wonderful games" he says pointing to several activities 

"Yes but my daddy..." you start

"We have lots of ponies that would like to meet you and we even have wonderful shows" says Grey Hoof pointing to a stage that has a clown pony making tricks with balloon.
You shiver slightly seeing the clown. 

"That’s nice and all but the problem is that my daddy is waiting so..." 

"And we also have great food!" he adds pointing to a table that has a great quantity of Carnival Food on it.

"Food?...” you stop as your eyes widen. “I suppose I can stay a little and- CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!!" you shout leaping at the baked good on the table.



One Pig Out Session Later



After awhile of eating every bit off non-healthy food you could find.

“Buck My Diet! I helped save the Crystal Empire. I deserve this dang it!”

And stuffing what you couldn’t finish into your inventory for later.


Tons of Carnival Food Added To Inventory


You decide to head out.

“Maybe Daddy will get better with lots of cake,” you ponder as you try to exit, before being stopped by Grey Hoof.

"Do you like the party little one?" he asks.

"Errr... Yes? It is kind of the first place I’ve been where noling reacts to my eating habits…” you say looking back at the blank flank adults who continue on with the party as if nothing’s happened, “…like at all. But my daddy is a little ill so I'm going to need to check up on him." 

"Of course. I will not stop you, you are free to leave when you want, but maybe you can play a little? Come on, what’s a couple of minutes?" he asks.

"I-Well... I'm not sure…" 

"Come on, only a couple of games. You are after all the second guest of honor today.”

"Second Guest of Honor? But you just met me" you say confused.

"Yes but we’re a small town and we LOVE visitors. Come on, I’m sure you and the other Filly that came here would love to stick around for a bit,” he pleads.

“Wait, other filly? Do you mean that blonde maned one that kept running away from me in the fog?”

“There’s no fog, it’s a nice sunny day here in Sunny Town. We have no other weather,” he happily says.

“Yeah, but-.”

“And no. The other filly was yellow and had a pink bow in her red mane, oh she was so charming,” he says.
That description makes your eyes widen in shock. 

“Applebloom?...”




POV Change: Bugze


You sit there on the couch, waiting for the ten minutes to be up so you can go look for Nightshade. And since all you have is time at the moment, you sit and reflect, rather irritably on your situation.





Kropsling’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




“Well this really sucks. Not only am I wanted again for the damage I did back at the Crystal Empire, but now even more ponies hate my guts…probably even my friends.” From what Nightshade described, Cadance, Fluttershy, Flash, and even Pinkie Pie seemed scared of what you did. This thought just makes you more angry.


“ Really this is getting bloody ridiculous! Why can't I just have a normal life without having someling trying to kill me?!” you shout.

“Everyling keeps on saying that it was my fault for everything!..Well some of the damage was me, but I didn’t plan for any of this!” you snarl.

“I mean after the wedding they all attacked me and never even gave me a chance to explain myself, and it’s never stopped!  Also when I try to have a normal life the next thing I know I get attacked or do something good which causes me to get in trouble!” you growl feeling cheated. 


“All I wanted from The Doctor was information but I didn’t get any! All I got was more questions, a lifetime of nightmares and regret with only an apology and abandonment to seal the deal!” you bellow.


"And for the last Bucking Time, Why does everyling think I Can Brainwash others?! I’ve said it a hundred bucking times that I can't do that. Why can't they get that through their thick bucking heads?!” you yell as you slam the table.

As you slam your hoof after venting the pent up anger you’ve been carrying, you notice a faint orange glow upon them and you realize that your eyes are starting to glow causing you to panic.

“N-No, no no no! Calm Down Bugze, Calm down…” you say aloud as you start counting to ten and breathing slowly.

“Calm down, Calm down…” you chant because you do not want to use your cloak and hurt Selena.
After getting to ten, you see that the orange glow is gone and you let out a sigh of relief, before shame washes over you.



“Gorramit. I’ve got to keep myself calm. I lost control when I got livid back at the empire, and everyling else paid for my stupidity…” you chide.

“I mean, I can’t even remember any of it happening, and it’s all because I got angry. I hurt all those ponies, alienated my friends/frenemies, Ate that guy, and almost drained Selena to death…why? Why is this happening?” you ask as you choke up. A few tears form in your eyes as you look down in sadness.

"This is hopeless everyone hates me… even Cadence, I know she does. I have no friends or allies. Noling who can save me when I screw up,” you wallow in self pity. “All I have left is Nightshade…and even still I frightened her…I forced her to fight me…” you sniffle.

“All I can do now is make sure that I don’t get angry and lose control again…which is going to be hard seeing as how it’s me. Dang it, I knew I should have gone to more than one of Twilight’s stupid Anger Management classes.”

You then look at your hooves, “I have to change up my fighting style. I have to get better at regular fighting so that the Cloak won’t be my immediate go to. I can’t be that monster again…” you conclude.

You then sigh, “OK, I can’t keep dwelling on the past like this. I have to just move forward as best I can. Right now, it should almost be time to go look for Nightshade.”
You then look up from your hooves to the clock and see…






GreyRebl’s Comment




“IT’S ONLY BEEN ONE BUCKING MINUTE?!” you yell.
“How is that even possible?! Does self pity make time go slower?”
You then gaze intently at the clock, and it does seem as if the second hand is going super snail speeds just to mock you.


“Are you trying to test me clock? Because I will not be bested. They say that time is a constant, that goes in directions unfathomable to intelligent beings, and that it's an unstoppable force with no end. But I have traveled through time. I have been to an entirely different universe! I have been the bug who has waited many long months for the next installment of Fallout! I have survived against the rush and demands of battle! So I will endure 9 more minutes of your treachery!”

After saying that epic speech to the clock, the second hand has only moved 3 spaces, and seems to pause again.

"Gah! I can't take it! How am I going to wait 10 minutes?!" you cry admitting defeat.
To mock you further, the second hand seems to go backwards.

“Ugh, Buck You Father Time! You’re almost as bad as your daughter Lady Luck!” you curse. 
You then scan through the room for something, anything to relieve your anxiety. You eye catches The Inventory and all the things you have stored in it.

"...I guess I can catch up on my reading,” you say as you pull out one of the Sherclop Holmes novels. “Good thing I didn’t throw all of them out,” you say as you begin to read.



POV Change: Nightshade

After Grey Hoof told you about the other filly, you began to search through the town.

“It can’t be Applebloom…can it? What would she even be doing out here?” you wonder as you wander around.
“I’ll get back to Daddy soon, but I have to check this out.”





BrownDog’s Comment




As you roam, you see two ponies a mare and a stallion talking to the right. The stallion gives her a red jewel and she blushes. They then start making lovey dovey noises to each other.

“Bleh, get a room you two, everyling can see you,” you chide as you walk past rolling your eyes.
You wander past a house and hear a mare crying from inside, but you ignore it since you know it’s not Applebloom.
As you wander the town and see all the party festivities, still having no luck with the vegetable soup, another thing pops out at you besides everyling’s lack of a cutie mark.


“Where the buck are all the kids at?” you wonder. All you see are adults, but no teenagers, and no kids like you. Not even babies.
A shiver of dread washes over you for some reason, so you start double timing it looking for the yellow filly.
You then stop and think about your situation more clearly.



“What am I doing? Daddy needs his food. Who knows what he’ll get up to by himself,” you worry.



Back with Bugze

You look up from your book.
“Dang, that Baskerville Hound is creepy,” you say before looking to the clock and seeing only 2 minutes have passed.

“Oh Come On!”



Back to Nightshade

“Even if that filly is Applebloom, what am I going to do? She thinks Unicorn me is dead and I can’t let her know otherwise. I already broke that rule with Spike…oh I hope he’s OK…” you worry before shaking your head. 

“Still, if it is her, I’d like to see her, even if it’s just from a distance,” you say as you look through the crowd of adults.
“Although finding her is going to be like looking for a needle in a-.”

“Nightshade?!” asks a familiar, albeit shocked voice from right behind you. You quickly turn around and see one of your fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders across the road from you.


You resist the urge to Squee in happiness over seeing one of your friends and are about to call out her name…until you realize again that you’re supposed to be undercover. You realize it’s too late to disguise yourself, but as the filly runs closer, she looks confused.

“Oh wait, I’m sorry, I thought you were somepony else,” she says as her face looks crestfallen.

“Oh it’s OK, I get that a lot,” you tell her, trying not to break down and hug her and blow your cover.

“But land’s sake, you look almost like a friend of mine. She was a unicorn, not an alicorn like you, do you have any Unicorn family?”

“N-no, not that I know of,” you tell her.

“Ah shoot. Well anyway, My name is Applebloom and…WAIT A MINUTE!” she cries out startling you.
“Are you a princess?!”

“Umm…”

“Cuz every Alicorn I ever met was a princess. And you’re a Blank Flank like Everypony else here. Do you rule this place? How old are…” Applebloom starts listing off before you shove your hoof in her mouth and stop the questions.

“One question at a time Applebloom,” you groan.

“Oh, sorry,” she says taking your hoof out of her mouth.

“And to answer your questions, No I am not a princess…at least I don’t think I am,” you admit since you don’t know how royalty works. 

Mom’s a Princess, so what does that make me? You think before focusing back on your dear friend.

“Yes I’m a blank flank and no I don’t rule this place, I only just got here like you did,” you tell her, “And I’d like to keep my age to myself, thank you very much,” you tell her. You’ll be 3 in a few months, but that’s not something you want to admit.

“Oh, alright then. Sorry for jumping to conclusions and stuff. By the way, I didn’t catch yer name,” says Applebloom.

“It’s uh…”

Quick, Think of Thesaurus, Think of Thesaurus!


“Evening…Shadow?” 

DOH! I already used Shadow before! Stupid Stupid Stu-

“Well it’s nice to meet you Evening,” she says with a smile.

You stop your mental berating and smile as you lunge forward and hug her.

“It’s nice to see you aga-I mean, meet you too,” you tell her.



After parting from the hug, she asks, “So Evening, what brings you out to Sunny Town?”

“Well my Daddy is sick and we ran out of food, so I went out looking for vegetable soup and kind of just ended up here. How about you?”

“Well, I was out visiting my friend Zecora for awhile, and then when I was coming back, I kind of wandered off and…”

“Wait a minute! Zecora’s Hut is around here?!” you scream.

“Well, around here SOMEWHERE I kind of got lost. How do you know Zecora?” she asks.


“My Daddy knows her. So are you telling me we’re in the Everfree Forrest?!”

“Eyup,” she says.

“Holy Heck! So Ponyville isn’t too far away then right?”

“Well I don’t know how far away it is. I got lost. I didn’t even know there was a town out here. Certainly not one made up entirely of Blank Flank adults.”

“Yeah…these guys around here are kind of creepy. I can’t put my hoof on why though,” you say in contemplation.

“Neither can I. I asked one of them about it, and they acted like they never even heard of a Cutie Mark before,” says Applebloom.

“Yeah, they didn’t even know what an Alicorn was or even who the Princesses were,” you add.

“Now that IS odd. How can a place called Sunny Town not know who Princess Celestia is?” 

“Exactly, and where are all the kids at?” you ask looking around, “Why aren’t they partying?”

“I don’t rightly know…but now that you mention it…” Applebloom shivers as she looks around.

You realize now that you’re not the only one thinking things are creepy, and now might be the time to leave.



“Yeah…well anyway I haven’t had much luck finding veggie soup for my daddy, but now that I know Zecora is somewhere around here, then that settles that. You think you can lead me back to where she was?”

“Um…maybe. We probably should leave before it gets dark, but I have to see what that filly wanted.”

“Filly?” you ask.

“Yeah, there was this pale Filly I saw in the woods. I kept following her and I ended up here,” says AB.
Your eyes widen at that. 


“Did she have a yellowish mane?” you ask.

“Yeah she did. Why? Did you see her?”

“I did! She led me right to this town a little while ago while I was in the woods.”

“Huh, she must have doubled back when I gave Roneo his jewel for Starlet.”

“Who?” you ask.

“That stallion that’s with that mare over there,” she points to the couple with the red jewel.

“Oh, lovey and dovey, gotcha,” you say as you motion for her to continue.

“After I gave it to him, I heard crying coming from inside his house, and there was a mare in there named Ritta. She was crying and wailing about something happening again and again, and she was holding a crank for some reason. I just let her be” Applebloom explains.

“Weird…so this filly led both you and me here huh? She’s got to be here somewhere…”

“Well I thought I saw her walk back into the woods near Three Leave’s house, but then I got distracted because I thought that you were…” she starts before closing her eyes and looking at the ground and sighing before looking back up. “But yeah, she just went over there.”

“Well what are we waiting for then?” you ask.

“What about your soup?” she asks.

“Eh, my daddy will be fine for another few minutes,” you say as Applebloom leads you down another path into the woods.





POV Change: Bugze


“Man, screw Moriarty,” you mumble as you look up to the clock.

It now says 12:15.

“That’s…NOT…POSSIBLE!!!” you whine at the clock before picking it up and shaking it.

With your hooves around it, you realize something is off. You turn the clock around and see that it is missing several gears and pieces.

“This thing has been broken the whole time?!” you shout as you throw it across the room and against the wall, shattering it.

“OK, calm down Bugze…calm down…” you say as you get your breathing under control.

Once you do, you look up at the door.





Kersey’s Comment




“Screw it,” you mutter before heading to the door, or rather shuffle as you still feel incredibly weak. You pause as you see how foggy it is through the window. 

“Huh. Looks creepy outside…and chilly,” you say before digging into the inventory.

You pull out the Power Glove and put it on. 
“Would You Kindly Be Prepared?” you say as your glove switches to default mode Shock Jockey.

You then decide to put on some clothes, but pause. El Hunko’s suit and hat are kind of damaged, but at the same time, you don’t want to wear your Nobody Cloak or your Tennant outfit.

You decide that it’s your only choice, but with the damage the clothes have sustained, it looks like El Hunko has hit some hard times and become a Hobo.

“Ugh, what I wouldn’t give for a can of beans right now,” you mutter.

Now as Hobo Hunko with your Power Glove at the ready, you open the door.





BrownDog’s Comment



As you walk out the front door and into the fog, you find a box.

“Huh? What’s this?” you ask.

On top of the box is a letter, just like the one you found inside.

P.S. Couldn’t exactly fit this under the couch in there, but you know me, I don’t leave a letter without a little helpful gift. And this one is particularly Groovy. Enjoy, and good luck.
A Friend.

“Ugh, if I ever find the Doctor again, I am going to ask him about who the Buck You are ‘Friend-O’”

You then look in the box and gasp. For inside is a Diamond Tipped, Stainless Steel Beauty of a Red Chainsaw.

“Whoa…it’s cool and all, but what the heck am I going to do with this? Become a Lumberjack?” you ask aloud.

Stuffing the Chainsaw into your bags


Chainsaw Added to Inventory


You hobble down the path in the fog, you realize how silent and creepy everything is.

“I am a tough bug…I am a tough bug…” you say to yourself unconvincingly.

Eventually you see a small figure up ahead.

“Nightshade?!” you call out, but the figure continues to walk away.

“Alright…just a trick of the light, nothing sinister at all…” you say aloud trying to convince yourself. It fails.


After following what you think is your daughter’s hoof prints, and the sometimes appearing Filly Figure, you wander into a brightly lit town where a bunch of ponies are throwing a party.


“What the buck? Where did all this come from?” you ask aloud.

“Well hi there sir, and Welcome to Sunny Town! My name is Grey Hoof” says a stallion.

You look at the guy quizzically because he has a creepy smile. Your mind screams Stranger Danger, but you force yourself to talk to him.


“Hey buddy, you seen a little dark purple-bluish filly come through here?” 

“Why yes I did. Such a charming little Allie Corn girl. I told her to go ahead and participate in the festivities and I think she did,” he says smiling.

You sigh in relief and look around at the food on the tables and your stomach growls.





Kersey’s Comment




You realize that you are absolutely bucking starving. It’s understandable since the last thing you remember eating was that Spinach two and a half days ago.

“Go ahead, help yourself,” he says.

“Well, don’t mind if I do,” you say happily walking to the nearest table.
You then begin to shovel food into your mouth. From cakes, to pies, and everything in between, you keep gourging and gourging with no sign of stopping.

“Huh, I’ve never had this big of an appetite before. I know I’m hungry, but dang, I’m eating just like Nightshade before I put her on her diet.”

You then guzzle a nearby Butterbeer, (SWEET!) before belching loudly.
“Maybe 2 and a half years of having an Alicorn in my head has finally caught up to me,” you say giddily, as you are handed a pie by a smiling mare.

“Huh, what a nice bunch of ponies, guess I was being paranoid for nothing…wait…where the heck are all their cutie marks?”



POV Change: Nightshade.


You and Applebloom followed the trail that led to the North Exit of the town, and immediately found yourselves back in the woods, with fog surrounding everything.

“This place sure is creepy,” AB mumbles.

“Yeah, I mean it was just sunshine and warmth and now it-THERE SHE IS!” you shout pointing to the mysterious filly as she wanders the trail.

“Hey!” shouts Applebloom.

“Get Back Here Missy! Who the heck are you?!” You shout as you both begin chasing her.
Eventually the trail ends a dark spooky looking house which is even more run down than the one you left Daddy at.
Applebloom reaches the door the filly went into first.


“Shoot, it’s locked!” she says after pulling and pushing on the door a bit before looking around.
“Hmm…there might be a key around here some-.” 

“HEYAH!” you shout as you Falcon Kick the door off it’s hinges.

“…That works too,” Applebloom says as she follows you inside.

Inside, the house is dark and rotten, and completely quiet.

“Hello? Anypony?” you say aloud, your voice echoing.

“Um…sorry about your door, we’re not going to hurt you,” says Applebloom.


Suddenly, you both see movement over by the fireplace. You both look to each other and nod before heading over to it.

As you walk up, you both start feeling a sense of foreboding. You both peak in the fireplace and don’t see anything but an earthen floor inside it.

“What the…” you mutter before Applebloom interrupts.

“Hang on, there’s something here,” she says as she starts moving dirt away.

You see something pale white in the darkness, so you light up your horn. And when you do…


“No…NO…” cries Applebloom in terror as she backs away.
You immediately latch onto her and cry out,


“What the Buck?!”
For inside, partially burned and buried is the skeleton of a little filly.

“AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” you both yell in horror as you hold onto each other.




POV Change: Bugze

Your ear twitches as you sense that something is wrong. That Nightshade is scared.

“Oh Buck! What am I doing stuffing my face? What am I…Uh…”
You put down the pie you were about to eat, and realize that the whole town seems to be getting darker and all the ponies have disappeared.


“Where did everyling go?” you ask before looking at your pie and seeing that it is full of maggots and rotten.

“Oh Luna No!” you cry as you throw it away and start retching.


Suddenly, you hear a distant haunting sound as the fog rolls in, and the houses around you begin to…change. Pieces of them appear to burn and melt away, as they rot and wither away.


“What the Buck, What the Buck, What the Buck?!” you panic as you back away from all the structures, and stand in the middle of town as all around you, the town transforms.
You now stand in a Nightmarish Fog Covered Darkness as the siren ends. You light up your horn, but it barely illuminates your field of vision. At first, there is no more sound, aside from your own terrified gasping.


But slowly, you start to hear a sound coming from inside your Inventory. You reach in and pull out Cadance’s Message tube, and it is crackling with erratic Static Noise.

You then hear inequine groans and shuffling coming from the darkness as the static noise increases.


“WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON?!” you shout.



WHAT DO YOU DO?


> Episode 9: The Trotting Dead
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







BrownDog’s Comment



POV: Nightshade.

“Oh Why? WHY?!” cries Applebloom onto your shoulder.

“I-I…” you try to come up with an answer but you can’t. The bones of the poor filly stand out against the darkness. She couldn’t have been much older than Applebloom judging by their size.

Suddenly, you both hear a distant siren as the room around you appears to darken even more.
You have no idea what’s going on, but one thing’s for sure though, you have to get the buck out of that house. You steer Applebloom away from the bones in the fire place and start heading for the door.


“W-we gotta tell some guards or some town ponies or…” you pause as you see it’s even darker outside than it was when you went inside.


“H-how’d it get so dark?” sputters Applebloom.
You are about to answer, when from behind you, you hear…





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment



"I'm sorry..." a small hollow voice says behind you two. You and Applebloom whip around to see the same blonde filly you had both followed into town, only her form is barely visible, almost like she's made of air. The only thing that shows clearly are her two great yellow eyes. 

"You found me... finally somepony has found me."
Applebloom can only gape in horror at the ghostly filly, so you step up to do the talking. 

"What are you talking about? What the actual buck is going on here?!" you demand, and the ghost meets your angry gaze with a cool, hollow expression.

"My name is Ruby. I was murdered by my friends and family in this town for receiving my mark." she says and motions to the magnifying glass on her flank. Both you and Applebloom feel horrified by this sentence, but also the way she casual said it. She said it as though all sadness she could have felt had turned to simple acceptance with the passage of time. 

"I only wanted to help Roneo find his jewel for Starlet, but when I came back to them, all they could do was glare at me and my mark. Then they dragged me in here, and burned me until... until everything went cold and dark."
Your stomach feels like it drops at that. 


"Th- they killed you for earnin' yer cutiemark?!" Applebloom gasps "But why? Why would they- your own family! How could they do that?!"

"It made me different. They thought it was a curse." Ruby tells you plainly "But they didn't know the meaning of curses. Not until it was too late."
At that moment you hear a dry shambling and cracking outside the rotting walls of the house, followed by the most inequine moans you'd heard in a very long time. You and Applebloom look back to the smashed open door as you hear an unearthly voice call

"Join... us."

"What the buck was that?!" you shriek as Applebloom whimpers and you two hold onto each other.

"It’s them…please help me break this curse." Ruby begs the two of you. 
"Only Mitta tried to stop them, and they locked her away for it. She cried…oh how she cried. Now even she suffers in torment.”

“The crying mare…” Applebloom says aloud as her eyes widen, before Ruby continues.

“I was so mad at them for what they did, I didn't understand why they would kill me for being different, and somehow my soul lashed out at them when I died. It brought Him here and turned them into...things. But surely 800 years is long enough to have suffered, more than enough even. I've waited so long for somepony who could see me to follow me back and help me release them. Will you help me?"

You're skeptical about the whole thing; ghost's haven't been too trustworthy in the past. Heck, you just had to fight one two days ago because it made your Daddy turn into…that thing.
You shake your head from these thoughts and are about to question the Filly further, but Applebloom doesn't give you a chance to argue. 

“What do we need to do?" she asks and wipes the tears out of her eyes.

"Take my remains." Ruby tells you and points to the bones in the fireplace "I'm certain they are what bind me here. Take them away from this place and bury them. I can only hope it's enough to break the curse."
You nod your head and grab a nearby sheet that hadn't completely molded away. With it you and Applebloom quickly dig through the ashes and start piling the bones into the makeshift bodybag, making extra sure not to miss any, not even the smallest tooth. Finally the ghost of Ruby tells you that you have all of her, and you bundle up the sheet. You then open up the Inventory to put them in, before a putrid odor exits and gags you.

“What in the…” you gag as you dump out a pile of rotten, slimy, blackened food onto the ground.

“Oh Luna, what is that?” Applebloom gags.

“With the illusion broken, the truth is revealed. The dead do not need to eat…” Ruby says.

“Wait, so all that food I ate back at the carnival was...” you begin to ask before Ruby finishes.

“Dead like me.”
After hearing that, you and Applebloom both lose your lunches behind the rotten couch.

“Oh Sweet Mommy, I’m never eating food again…” you whine as your stomach has betrayed you. With both your gut and your Inventory clear of rotten food, you and Applebloom carefully lower her bones into it.


Ruby's remains added to Inventory.



You and Applebloom then head to the door as Ruby follows you. You tug your Inventory tighter around you and share a look with Applebloom. 

"Are you ready?"
Applebloom gulps as more groans and voices come from outside the house. 

"As ready as I'll ever be."
You nod your head and tell her to stay right behind you no matter what.
You take a deep breath and put and face the open doorway, but a pair of glowing eyes catches your attention just before you exit. For the first time since you saw her, the ghost of Ruby doesn't look so empty and solemn anymore. In fact, you could almost say she looks... hopeful. 

"Be careful, the rest of the town will not be eager to let you leave. Do not let yourselves be taken." she tells you before fading away, her last few words echoing into your mind, "Thank you both so much, and good luck."


Applebloom sniffles at this. “We’ll set this right…I swear…”

“You’re Gorram Right we will,” you add as you grab her hoof.

“Keep your eyes peeled,” you tell her before looking forward, “Now let’s go!”


You both then cautiously exit the house. Sure enough, it is pitch black outside, with no light source anywhere to be seen, and a heavy fog all around you. You light up your horn and Applebloom sticks close to you as descend the cabin stairs. As you reach the dirt, you notice in your limited light that the trail still exists.


“Alright,” you whisper, “All we have to do is stay quiet and hope noling sees-.”


“Join us…” you hear from right behind you.





BrownDog’s Comment



You both freeze, eyes wide, and turn around. Right behind you is a rotting carcass with pure black eyes.

“The Mark…she had the mark…” it mumbles.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!” both you and Applebloom scream as you both turn around and run back towards the town.

“What was that?!” yells AB.

“A Bucking zombie or something, I don’t know just run!” you yell.


As you near the town, you see one of the things dig it’s way up from the ground in front of you, and you both stop.

“Please…don’t leave us…” it moans.

“This is what Ruby turned them into?!” Applebloom yelps.

“Apparently! Eat Rocks Ugly!” you yell as you push your hooves out in front of you…but nothing happens.

“What?!” you cry as you try to bend again, but only succeed in throwing a baseball sized rock at the thing, which does nothing.

“I don’t think it worked!” shrieks AB.

“OH COME ON! I just beat a goram Smoke Monster, but I can’t bend against a Zombie?! GAH Stupid Fleeting Powers! Buck You Lady Luck! Just Buck You!” you yell in frustration as the thing gets closer. Some moaning from behind you let’s you know you’re getting blocked in.

“Wh-what do we do?” asks AB.

“I don’t bucking know! I can’t just kick the dang thing, if I get too close, it might bite me! That’s Zombie 101!” you say in fear.

“C-can’t you fly us out?” 

“NO! I can’t fly! Oh Buck, Oh Buck!” you shiver in dread.

“Can you do magic?!” shrieks AB as they get closer.

“…” you facehoof yourself.


How do I always forget that?


“MAGIC MISSILE!!!” you yell as you send a bolt of magic at the zombie in front of you, which knocks it back and blows a hole in it’s chest.
You both run past and see that it’s still twitching and trying to get up.


“It’s still alive!”

“I NOTICED!” you yell back. “But don’t worry, once we get to the town we’ll be...” 

You both enter the town and see it is rotten, as dark as the forest, and more moaning and unnatural sounds are heard.

“…safer…” you mutter with scared eyes.


“AH! What do we do? What do we do?!” Appleboom starts panicking. You bite your lip. You are as scared as she is, but now’s not the time to panic. You panic, you die. So you turn to Applebloom and say

"We gotta survive and bury Ruby's body, that’s what.” She stops panicking after you say this and she nods. You both then hear more moaning from behind you.
“Come on let's get going."



POV Change: Bugze


You still can’t quite comprehend what you’re seeing. One second everything is bright and happy and sun shiny, and the next minute it’s dark, cold and horrifying.

“Where are all the ponies? Why is my message tube all staticy? Why am I alone in the dark? Why is everything becoming Silent Hilly?” you mutter as you spin around in the darkened mist, your horn light barely illuminating anything.

“And why was my food suddenly rotten and…” you have an epiphany about the other foods you ate.

“Oh No…” you mumble, intentionally losing your lunch. After a few more dry heaves, you look back up.


“Oh Luna, the only meal I’ve had in days and it’s all evil voodoo magic; it’s like I’m in a horror movie or something.” You then begin walking around in the fog, seeing that many of the structures have completely caved in on themselves and have not been cared for in years.

“Maybe I’m still sleeping back in that cabin in the woods and this is all a fever dream,” you say as you bring your hoof up to your mouth and bite it. Unfortunately you are not sleeping and that hurts.

“Ouch! Stupid bucking pain. OK, I’m not asleep. Oh, Nightshade where are you?” you whimper as you turn your head erratically. Suddenly to your left, you hear hoofsteps and turn towards the noise and raise your power glove in it’s direction.





Kersey’s Comment



Through the mist you see a few figures coming towards you. The static in your tube seems to rise and you want nothing more than to just blast whoever they are, but hold back.

I-I don’t know who they are. True this is a horrifying situation, but I can’t jump the gun here. They might be fellow lost souls who are caught up in this mess like me. And I absolutely bucking hate that cliché of accidentally killing an ally thinking they’re the monster/killer.
With this in mind, you tentatively call out,


“H-hello? Someling there?”
The figures in the mist stop after you speak and you can only make out their vaguely pony-like silhouettes. You then hear a warbling voice say

“Cold…so cold…”

“Lost…never found…never free..” 

“I-I’m lost in here like you. Do you know what’s going on?” you ask the voice.

“We can’t leave…we’ll never leave…and neither will you…”

“Wh-why not?” you ask fearfully, but they don’t answer. “Who are you all? Show yourselves!” you demand.

After you say this, they begin to move closer to you and enter your range of light. And when they do, you immediately regret it.





BrownDog’s Comment




For the figures that come out of the darkness, are walking shambling corpses.
Otherwise known as

“ZZZZOOOOOMMMMBBBBIIIIEEEESSSSS!!!!” you shriek in terror.


“Please…stay with us…Join us…” demonic voices say as they try to grab you.

“Buck No!” you yell as you juke and jive around the monsters, only to run nose first into a crumbled building.

“GORAMIT!” you yell, holding your hurt nose.


“Join Us…”

“EEEKKK!!!” you yell as you turn your power glove towards them.

“Would You Kindly Fry?!” you yell as you send out an electro bolt.
It hits the monster right in the chest…and it does absolutely nothing but make it jitter slightly.

“WHAT?! Why you no work electricity?!” you yell as you switch your plasmid to Inferno.

“The Mark…she had the mark…” they mumble.


“I don’t care! Would you kindly Burn?!” you yell, setting two of them aflame. They groan as they are consumed by flame.






Kichi’s Comment



“Yeah! How do you like that you bucking corpses? Would you all kindly burn! Burn! BURN!!!” you yell as you set three others on fire, two of them even falling over.
Your eyes then widen in admiration at the welcomed flames.


“Oh fire, how I’ve missed your loving warmth and cleansing mercy. If only the whole bucking world could be set aflame in your glorious…”
Your arsonistic tendencies die in your throat however, as you see the corpses are still moving, and they are moving right towards you.





BrownDog’s Comment



“Fire…why have you forsaken me?” you whimper.

“We Burn as She Did…Burn…Burn…” they say closing the distance to you.


“AAAAAAHHHHH!!! Would you kindly Stay the Buck Back?!” you yell, and thankfully, the Telekenisis pushes them back, giving you a chance to run.
Through the darkness, you see more figures walking through the mist.
You point your glove at them and send another round of telekenisis at them, but it only momentarily pushes them back.



“Buck! Would You Kindly have a little extra kick?!” you yell sending out a wave of Bucking Bronco. The wave levitates the zombies who thrash and bend in unnatural ways. It doesn’t kill them, but it gives you more room to run.
You want nothing more than to get out of there, but you need to find your daughter first.



“NIGHTSHADE! NIGHTSHADE!!!” you call out as more zombies shamble towards you.



After a few more moments of running, you find yourself completely surrounded on all sides.


“BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!” you curse as hundreds of zombies surround you.

“Buck! Buck! Buck!” you panic. Your mind goes into overdrive as you think of your options.


I could Fus Ro Dah them…but that’d only delay the inevitable. The Bucking Bronco only lifts a few at a time. I’m certainly not going to try and punch them, one bite is all it takes.

They begin to close the distance.


“Gorramit! What do I do?!” you yell in panic as you see Nightmare Mist seep out of your shell.

“NO! NOT THAT! Anything but that!” you yell as you force it to dissipate. “There’s got to be another way!”


“We’re gonna get you, We’re gonna get you. Time to go to sleep, Not another peep…” chants a demonic sounding mare voice.

“Shut up you B@$%#! I’m not going to die! I’m not going to die!” you shout back as you dig through your Inventory as quickly as you can, as the zombified towns ponies get closer and closer, some of them giggling evily.

Stink Bombs? No! Vice Grips? No! Chainsaw…”





Amethyst Blade’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment




“Join us! The party will be fun!” one says as it reaches it’s hoof for your back.
The laughing begins again from many of the zombies.


It is cut short however as a glorious sound fills the air, as well as the Zombie’s hoof.

The zombie looks from it’s severed limb to you as you smirk and bring your salvation down on his head, severing it.

The other zombies stop momentarily at this. You take this time to smile and say,

“That’s right…Who’s laughing now?”
You then take your wonderful salvation and start cutting a swath through the zombies.


“WHO’S LAUGHING NOW?! AHA HA HA HA HA HAAAA!!!!” you yell manically as you keep slicing and dicing, with the gore beginning to cover you. 

You send out a Bucking Bronco wave trapping those it was pointed at. You smirk at this as you begin slicing the hovering undead.
You cut so much, you give yourself breathing room from the rest as the zombies look at you.



“Oh you buckers tried to bite off more than you could chew with me!” you yell as you take out your duct tape and attach the chainsaw to your right hoof while switching the Power Glove to your left.

“You know, I’ve had a bad month. I failed to save another world, I’m haunted by deaths I did not cause, my most trusted friend and ally is comatose after she saved my life, I’ve alienated and hurt my friends and family, and I freaking ATE a guy a few days ago. All of this has made me feel guilt beyond measure” you finish wrapping the chainsaw to your hoof. 

“I’ve tried not getting angry, forgetting about it and bottling it all inside lest I hurt someling,” you say as you pull your Boomstick out.

“But you’re all already dead! So nothing I do to you will matter. I get to kill your magotty carcasses guilt free!” you shout. “So come at me you buckers! Let’s have a little stress therapy session!”



They then begin to start swarming you again as they all say things like

“Purge the marked ones,”

“Kill the heretics,” and

“I’ll swallow your soul…”
To this you hold your chainsaw up and declare

“Come Get Some.”

You then rush forth and skewer a zombie on the end of your chainsaw, before blowing it off with your Boomstick.

You spin around 360 degrees, cutting a circle of heads off.

You liquefy a zombie with the Boomstick and all your clothes get soaked in gore as you start laughing.



“Blood! Hope this isn’t Chris’s Blood!” you say in a stilted manner and laugh at your own joke.

“I’m really powerful, especially against living things! But you’re all dead, so I’m even more powerful!” you say as you spear three zombies all at once through the gut while blasting Bucking Bronco over your shoulder at the others.

You then jump towards the floating ones and cry

“Falcon Chainsaw!” and give them all a combination punch, slice.
You start to lose yourself as for the first time in a long time, you are actually having fun.


“Who’d have thought it’d take zombies to make me get out of my funk?” you yell will glee while sticking the Boomstick into a zombie’s mouth and blowing up his head. Then you cheerfully begin singing.





TheRutherford’s Comment




I feel so good, I feel so numb yeah!


You chainsaw uppercut a zombie and begin juggling him in the air with multiple blasts of the Boomstick. You then turn around and give a Chainsaw Crusher through another group.


Yeah! Mud bath, acrobat, a midnight drive
Everypony’s slippin', everypony survive



Your tube starts screeching in static.



Radio talk show try to project,
Everything you need when you gotta connect



Your crushing spin stops as you start taunting the shambling corpses around you.



Come on, come on, come on, you feel it!
Come on, come on, come on, you see it!
Come on, come on, come on, you wanna make it all right!



You notice a Zombie whose head you didn’t sever trying to get up. You pick it up in telekenisis and impale it on a lamp post.



Come on, come on, come on, you feel it
Come on, come on, come on, you see it
Come on, come on, come on, you wanna make it all right



The others near you before you burn the impaled one, giving you a bigger light source as you charge forth.



Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so bad I feel so numb yeah!
Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so good I feel so numb yeah!



You think that Selena would enjoy this if she was awake, and your thoughts turn to her.



Sugar sweet brainiac on your mind
Get into tomorrow man I gotta rewind
A green world, blue girl on my team
Gotta wake her up 'cause I dont wanna dream



You then refocus and start taunting the zombies again.



Come on come on come on you feel it
Come on come on come on you see it
Come on come on come on you wanna make it all right



You build up for a big Ice Blast.



Come on come on come on you feel it
Come on come on come on you see it
Come on come on come on you wanna make it all right!



You freeze a whole group of them and you run forth and start smashing the corpsicles.



Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so bad I feel so numb yeah!
Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so good I feel so numb yeah!



You then slash a zombie down his back before shoving your glove inside and filling his insides with ice and electricity.



Yeah! Bugze drags a coughing nail across your back
Everypony want it, gotta take it back



You kick the corpse into the others, which causes an electrical ice explosion, taking out several others.



Brain trash ice flash what is why?
Look into forever revolutionize



You then twirl your Boomstick around you and point it at your next victims.



Come on come on come on you feel it
Come on come on come on you see it
Come on come on come on you wanna make it all right



You pump your ice and electric energy into the Boomstick till it glows and hold it above your head as the Zombies try to mob you.



Come on come on come on you feel it
Come on come on come on you see it
Come on come on come on you wanna make it all right



And you slam the weapon directly into the ground, sending out an electrical ice explosion, with the Boomstick increasing the ice missiles’ damage, and taking out nearly all the big groups. You rev up your chainsaw and go to town on the rest.



Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so bad I feel so numb yeah!
Blacken the sun! What have I done?
I feel so good I feel so numb yeah!



You then notice that the whole group is in pieces around your hooves, and yell out triumphantly.



Where do I run! What have I done?
I feel so bad I feel so numb yeah!
Where do I run! What have I done?
I feel so good I feel so numb yeah!




As you finish singing, you sit and pant and look over all the work you’ve done. 


“I, *gasp* bucking *gasp* knew, *long gasp* that I could survive the Zompocalypse.”
You notice that the static from your tube is gone.

“Huh, must be a proximity thing,” you think as now everything is Silent as the grave.
You see all the mangled bodies and all the gore on you and can’t help but think.


Jeez, I really lost it there for a bit. But that was oh so satisfying…and shorter than I would’ve liked,” you pout. Suddenly from near your foot you hear,


“Hey!”
Startled, you look down and see a severed head trying to bite your foot.
“I’ll swallow your soul, I’ll swallow your soul, I’ll swallow your-gragh!” you interrupt it as you step on it’s neck and put your Boomstick in it’s mouth.

“Swallow This,” you say before blowing the head to smithereens.

You then twirl the stick and place it in your saddlebags like a bad flank.
You then see more heads twitching on the ground and speaking things like.


“Never free…Never released…”



You just shrug and say “Well, Rule #2 is always Double Tap. Gotta make sure.”
You then begin to make sure the dead stay dead.



A Few More Double Checks Later


You explode another head before a thought occurs to you.

“Wait a minute, aren’t I forgetting something?”

“The filly…the filly has cursed us…” one head croaks.
At the word filly, your eyes widen.


“OH BUCK! Nightshade!” you scream out. You got caught up having so much fun, you forgot about your little girl! 


Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You chide yourself.


*BOOM*

Suddenly, a large explosion goes off on the other side of town, with an accompanying fireball.
You jump to the obvious conclusion when explosions are involved.


“NIGHTSHADE!” you scream and run towards the fire ball. And as you do, the static returns and you realize there are still Zombies in this town.

“She burns…” a zombie moans and you slice through him as you continue running.

“I’m Coming to Get You Nightshade!”





POV Change: Nightshade


“Stay down you motherbucker!” you yell as you send another magic missile at another undead. Luckily it hits it right in the head and it goes down.
Another one comes from behind and you shoot it in the head.

“Huh, you’d think there’d be a lot more zombies for the Zombie Apoca-.”

“Watch out!” Applebloom yells.
You dodge a bite from your left and blow the Zombies head up.


“Ugh…” you hold your head as a slight headache starts growing from the many spells you’ve cast…

“Are you OK Shadow?” asks Applebloom.

“I’m fine, I just gotta take a second,” you say before a hoof pops out of the ground underneath you.

“EEEP!” you both shriek as you run.

Applebloom then opens a door to one of the run down houses and drags you inside. From what you can see, there are no zombies inside it.

“What are you doing, we have to-.”
“You said you need a second, well take a second! Otherwise we’re gonna be Zombie Chow,” Applebloom fearfully says as she closes the door.

“I just wanna go home…” she moans as tears leak down her face.





Kichi’s Comment



You hug your quivering friend as she blubbers and a few tears leak out of your eyes as well.

If only she could fight back as well she wouldn’t be losing it so bad. Heck, the only reason I’m not a jabbering mess is because I’ve seen scarier when Daddy…

You choke back this thought.

No, I can’t think of that right now. It wasn’t him…it wasn’t. 

Your thoughts are interrupted as Applebloom sniffles and pushes away from you.

“Thanks Evening Shadow, I needed that. And sorry for being such a mess,” she apologizes.

“Don’t say that, I think you’re acting appropriately for a zombie town,” you say.

“I-I know, but still, I feel so useless right now,” she bemoans.

“Don’t say that, both you and I are getting out of this, as a team,” you pump her up.
"But, what can we do besides run and use your magic?" asks Applebloom.

"Well... From what my daddy told me about a zombie apocalypse, we need to do a couple things.”

“Alright, what do we do?” she asks.

“First we need to secure all the food we can…but since all the food here is rotten and evil, we’ll just forget about that one” you say holding your stomach.

“Agreed,”

“Secondly, we need to find weapons and a place to hide,”

“Well we got a place to hide for now, but we gotta get out of here. And we ain’t got no weapons,”

“Well when we find my Daddy we’ll be better off, he’s got all kinds of weapons,” you reassure.

“And lastly we can’t trust anypony we randomly meet. They will most likely try to take your food, weapons, and hiding place and leave you to the zombies…at least that’s what The Trotting Dead says anyway.”


“What about escaping, burying Ruby and getting help like from Zecora, or My Sister and Her Friends, or the Princesses?” Applebloom asks.

"That’s...actually a better plan" you admit. “But first, we have to find my Daddy. I’ve almost got my second wind,” you tell her.

“Alright, just let me know when you’re ready and…hey, what’s that?” Applebloom points to a wall covered in newspapers. The papers are all yellowed and rotting away, but what catches your attention is the words scrawled over them.


There Was A Hole Here, It’s Gone Now…


“What does that even mean?” you ask aloud.

“I don’t know, but it feels really…spooky,” Applebloom says.
You then walk closer to the papers and see that some of the articles are still visible and seem to chronicle the town. You both read some of the headlines.


Be Happy, Be Equal, and the Mark will not find you

To Be Blank Is To Be Safe

Preserve the Status Quo


Then one catches both yours and Applebloom’s eye.



Terror of the Cutie Pox


“Th-the cutie pox?” she says shocked.
You remember the morning when she got that disease. That was a fun day.
You read through what’s left of the rotten article and gasp.

With no known cure, the pox had claimed the lives of countless hundreds. Those afflicted could no longer function in society and were given mercy. Nopony knows the origins of the disease, or how it is spread, but countless settlements decided to take a stance of solitude, and segregated to the Everfree Forrest.


“Th-they feared cutie marks because of the pox,” you say aloud to Applebloom.

“Th-that’s horrible,” she responds.
Another Article Reads


The Mark Has Been Destroyed. All is Well


And shows a picture of Grey Hoof, Roneo, and Starlet smiling, but behind them is a mare crying.
And the last article, right in the middle of the rest reads


We Didn’t Know. Sweet Celestia Forgive Us. She Won’t Let Us Leave. HE Won’t Let Us Leave…

You both shiver at this.



“So they killed her because they didn’t know how the Cutie Pox worked…” Applebloom says aloud.

“And she cursed them for their stupidity with the power of the Everfree,” you conclude. “But who the heck is HE?”
Applebloom just shakes her head.

“Once we get her out of here, we can end all of this, are you ready yet?”

“Y-yeah, I’m ready let’s-.”

*BOOM*

You both hear an explosion that rocks the very house you’re in. You both rush out the door and see a fire ball going off not too far away.
You jump to the obvious conclusion when fire is involved.





BrownDog’s Comment



“DADDY!” you yell out.

You have to get to him, he’s still weak, and will need help. Plus he’s yours and Applebloom’s only shot of getting out of here.
You grab Applebloom’s hoof and say,

“Come on! We have to get to my Daddy!”
She nods and you both start moving, when out of the darkness comes the corpse of Three Leaves


“The curse had befallen her this very night. She had the mark! She had to go!”


“MAGIC MISSILE YOU SICK BUCK!” you blast the undead mare and run past.



POV Change: Bugze


“When there’s no more room in Tartarus, the Dead will Walk the earth, but you’re walking too bucking slow!” you scream as you cut a zombie in half who was in your way. The thing is, it and more zombies are walking away from the fire.


“He comes…He comes…” the zombies moan as they shuffle away.

“I’m already here you piece of-.”

“Daddy!” you hear to your right.

“Baby!” you yell in relief as you see your sweet little girl running right at you with

“Applebloom?” you say aloud in confusion. Luckily she doesn’t hear you over the chainsaw.
Nightshade stops herself from glomping you as she sees all the blood and guts covering you.


“Oh Sweet Celestia Daddy Gross!” she gags.


“It’s good to see you too honey, I’ll hug you later, but…” you point out the gore again, “yeah…”


“Yeah, definitely hugs later, I’m just so glad you’re OK, and Awesome Chainsaw by the way” she says.


“Thanks, and you’re glad I’M OK? What about you? I was worried sick, and this is exactly why you don’t run off without me.”


“But you were sick and needed food Daddy! Aren’t you still sick?” she asks.


“Yeah…I’m kind of running on an adrenaline high right now, so I’ll probably feel it later, but right now I’m alright,” you tell her.


“OK, but we have to get out of this town Daddy. And why are all the Zombies walking away from us?”


“I don’t know, guess they’re too afraid of me,” you smirk.


“Mr. Please, can we please go now? We have to end this curse,” says Applebloom impatient and scared.

“Uh…who’s your friend honey?” you awkwardly ask since you already know the answer.


“What but you kno- I mean, this is Applebloom!” she corrects. “I met her here in town before everything went to Tartarus. She got lost in the Everfree”


“We’ve been in the Everfree this whole time?!” you shout in exasperation.


“Eyup,” Nightshade says.


"Why in the name of all that is holy do we keep ending up in this forsaken forest?! Is this some sort of punishment for all those times Grandbuggy and I set fire to everything?!"


Ignoring you Nightshade turns to the Apple filly.


“Applebloom, this is my Daddy.”


“Pleased to meet you Mr…” she trails off.


“Oh I’m…uh…” 


Buck, What Name Do I Give? I can’t say El Hunko because she’ll tell her sister about this. Plus I don’t exactly look like him with all this gore on me and how raggedy they clothes have gotten. Mr. Tennant is dead, She Might still have mixed feelings about the Hooded Offender, and I sure as heck can’t tell her I’m a changeling.

Buck! I need a new alias and disguise after this is all over.




“Let’s not worry about that right now Applebloom, but don’t worry, I’ll keep you and my daughter safe. I’m a uh…Hunter.”


“A Bounty Hunter?” she asks.
You were more thinking along the lines of Monster Hunter but, 


“Sure, Let’s go with that,” you say.


“Alright, but we have to hurry and bury Ruby before the monsters come back,” she says impatiently.


“Bury who know?” you ask.


“She’s a little filly that was killed by this town hundreds of years ago because she got her cutie mark and they believed those were cursed, so she cursed the town for their sins, but now she's a spirit and wants us to put her at peace by burying her bones and end this nightmare once and for all,” Nightshade says in a Pinkiesque manner.


“Yeesh,” you say processing all of that. "Crazy freaking town ponies. So this whole thing is because the spirit of some dead filly?"


"Uh-huh," Nightshade says opening up her saddlebags, "These are her bones, we have to put her in  a proper grave."


"Why don't we just, you know, salt and burn her bones right here? The Winchesters do it all the time," you point out.


"Daddy! She came to us for help! We are not burning her!" Nightshade growls at you and closes her Inventory while Applebloom just looks confused.


“Alright, alright, fine, but I need you guys to get in my saddle bags for safety. And no arguing honey. I know setting that explosion was cool and all, but I need you safe!” you order.



“Wait, I didn’t set off that explosion,” she says.


“You didn’t?” you ask shocked.


“No, I though you did that,” she points out.


“So wait, if you didn’t set off that explosion, and Shadow didn’t, then who did?” asks Applebloom



SHRNK



Suddenly, the three of you hear a sound of scraping metal coming from near the flames.


“He comes…” the shambling Zombies warble in…fear?


You see a Zombie come around the corner in front of the fire before a mass of bugs swarms it and ignites it, blowing it up.


“What in the…” you say in shock before you hear the noise again.



SHRNK



“He is here…” A Zombie moans before you all hear a sickening sound of metal on flesh and a metallic sounding groan.



A figure walks around the corner and in front of the flames, and your blood runs cold.

The figure walks on two legs, a bloody apron around it’s body. In it’s elevated legs it holds two things in it's Minotaur like hands. One, a squirming Zombie which it quickly rips the limbs off and throws into the fire. In the other arm, it holds a massive rusty looking blade.



“D-daddy…what is that?” Nightshade says fearfully as both the girls hug your legs.


It turns it’s metallic triangular head towards you and the static on your tube screams louder than before as it gives a muffled growl.


Your mind screams in panic as you shout to the heavens.



"OF ALL THE BUCKING VIDEO GAME BOSSES YOU HAD TO CHOOSE FROM LADY LUCK, WHY THIS BUCKER?!"


WHAT DO YOU DO?



> Episode 10: There Was A Hole Here, It's Gone Now (Bugze vs Pyramid Head)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kropsling’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




Even after your exclamation to the sky, the horrendous bipedal creature has only twitched it’s pointy head. It still stands there in front of the massive fire, and if this weren’t absolutely terrifying, it would look awesome.

“Wh-what is he Daddy?” Nightshade fearfully says.

“It’s freaking Pyramid Head! Pyramid Head! How the buck is he even real? What is he even doing here? He’s supposed to be in Silent Hill!”

“What’s Silent Hill?” asks Applebloom.

“One of the best survival horror franchises in video game history from a company that is stupid and hates making money.”

“Huh?” Nightshade asks.

“Yeah, they cancelled the latest reboot which would have been awesome, and instead made a Pachinko game,” you growl gritting your teeth before yelling to the heavens again.


“BUCK YOU KONAMI!!!”
Across from you, Pyramid Head throws his own head and arms into the air and gives a groan of rage as well.

“Yeah see what I mean?” you point to the agreeing monster.

“His vengeance swift…” a zombie warbles.

"What's that thing going to do to us?" Applebloom asks shaking with fear.

"I don't know and I don't want to find out" Nightshade replies.

“Well he hasn’t moved even after all my shouting, so maybe we should just stand still and see what happens,” you say.


After A Few Minutes of Standing Around Doing Nothing

None of you have moved a muscle, and neither has the monster in front of you.
"Why is it just standing there looking menacingly?" Nightsade asks.

"Is it trying to smell us like a Timberwolf?" Applebloom asks.

"With that pyramid thing on his head? I don't believe he has ever smelled itself. I bet he smells like a rotting corpse,” you reply.
This causes him to look directly at you and tighten the grip on his giant blade.

"I think he heard you dad" Nightshade quivers.


The figure then begins moving towards you, the Great Knife in his hands dragging a trench in his wake and the giant hoofball sized bugs around him begin attacking nearby zombies.

Oh Double Luna! Come on brain I need options now!!! you think in panic.






Be thankful its not an orne, it may still be instant death, but at least it can't fly, and doesnt destroy your soul.





As you he slowly and menacingly makes his way towards you, your brain fails you and all you can think of is that,

Well, it could be worse. We could’ve been facing an Orne. True Pyramid Head is surefire death, but at least he can’t fly. Though both do destroy your soul and- AAAGGGHHHH!!! Focus Bug! You mentally yell as it gains even more distance.


This is not the time to be thinking about a video game reference when there is a bucking video game character about tor bucking kill m-wait a minute, you interrupt your self-chiding as another though comes to you. 

How the heck is it possible for a video game character to be here in the first place? I mean, there’s no mistaking it, he looks exactly like how he does in the game. This…this must be a dream, or a fevered delusion or something. Videogame characters can’t exist in the real world.

After this thought though a swarm of the bugs around him latch onto a zombie pony and explode it, causing more Zombie gore to splatter you.

OK, maybe I’m wrong. But those bugs weren’t even in the game, they were in that…relatively OK movie adaptation, but still…

You give an audible gulp before turning to the two children at your feet.





Kichi’s Comment



"Okay... We need to defeat Pyramid Head... any ideas?" you ask.


"Uhhh... my sister don't let me play violent games. If Sweetie Bell was here she might have known. She hangs out with that Button Mash guy a lot because she’s got a crush on him" says Apple Bloom.

"She does? Oh...that explains why she gets huffy when you play 2nd player next to him" Nightshade contemplates.

"Yeah... Wait, how do you know Sweetie Belle and Button?" she asks.

"Uuuh... Daddy, how you defeat Pyramid Head in the game?" she asks changing the subject.

"Well…you never actually defeat him…” you admit.

“You don’t?”

“No, all his battles you just hold on long enough till he leaves, or kills himself when he’s two beings. You never actually strike the killing blow,” you say.

"So..." Nightshade says putting two and two together.

"Run!!!!" you shout.
All three of you run from the advancing monster towards the entrance to town. The zombie numbers are way lower thanks to your earlier stress therapy session, but they are still around, so you juke and jive around them.


“Alright girls, just a little further then we can-WHOA!!!” you yell as you dig your hooves into the ground, and grab the girls. In front of you where the exit to town used to be, the ground has collapsed into a chasm so deep, you can’t see the bottom.


“OH COME ON!!!” you yell.

“How did this get here?” asks Nightshade.

“It’s the game! It’s just like the game!” you yell.

“No escape…no freedom…” the zombies chant.

You turn around and see a group of three Zombies in front of you, before all their heads are lopped off at once by the rusty knife.
Pyramid Head then walks over the corpses as if they were nothing, and with your back to the chasm, there’s nowhere to go.





Kersey’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




“Back up, Back Up, BACK UP!” you cry as you repeatedly slam the Boomstick into the ground to keep Pyramid Head at a distance. It seems to work a little as the shock waves make him stumble back a few steps, but it doesn’t look like it’s actually hurting him.

“I said, would you kindly back up?!” you yell using Telekinesis on him, which might has well been a gentle breeze against him as it makes his apron flutter a bit.

He slams his blade into the ground to steady his balance, groans, and then continues walking, even through all the Boomstick’s shock waves.


“Girls…get in my bags, now…” you command, trying to keep your teeth from chattering.

“Alright, Come on Bloom,” Nightshade says as she opens the flaps and jumps in with her.

“What the hay, this is just like Mr. Tennant’s saddle bags,” you hear her say before she chokes p a little, causing a bit of guilt to wash over you.

“Where in the heck do you even buy a bag like this?” she asks, trying to regain her composure.

“I have no idea, but hold that though” says Nightshade as she sticks her head back out.

“Daddy, look at me,” she yells.
You take your eyes off of the bipedal butcher and look at her.

“Baby, I told you to-.”

“You CAN’T get angry,” she commands.

“Honey I-.”

“DON’T USE THE CLOAK!” she shouts causing you to wince. “Fight for and protect us, but don’t hurt mommy. There’s enough monsters here already, I don’t want you to become one of them,” she says. You nod to her before she ducks back down. You then give out a sigh.



“Getting chewed out by my own daughter huh? I guess I deserve it,” you mutter before looking back to the poster child of Silent Hill.


“OK, Calm Down Bugze, you’ve fought tougher. You just gotta hit it till it dies. Sure he may be the manifestation of punishment for the wicked, and nigh invincible and you can’t actually beat him in the game, and…UGH Focus Bug!”

As he closes the distance you say, “Wait a minute, I don’t need to be punished, I’m not a wicked spirit, you shouldn’t want to attack me like these Zombos,” you tell the metal headed monstrosity.


The horrifying Executioner stops and points his finger out at you and groans.


“OK fine, I’m not an angel, but come on who is?!”
The monster then roars again and to this, you rev up your chainsaw and point it back at him, 

“Alright fine, Let’s Go!” you yell as you rush the monster.

“Chainsaw Punch!” you yell, but your skewering punch is blocked by the great knife, which shuts it off. 

“Buck!”
Pyramid Head then grabs you by the horn and lifts you up.

“Would You Kindly Let Go?!” you yell as you shoot electricity into his helmet. You hear a groan and he drops you. But before you can do anything else, his leg shoots out and punts you hard, sending you flying.


“Oof!” you exclaim as you land a few feet in front of the chasm.
He then starts making his way towards you at a fast walking pace.

“Oh, is that all you got? Well guess what?! I’m tougher than Sunderland, I actually know how to hold weapons properly!” you yell as you start up your chainsaw again rush the monster.


You dodge a swing from the Great Knife, which cuts a gash into your already raggedy top hat and slice at his legs.
You hear another groan as his blood flies, but the chainsaw doesn’t cut all the way through his legs, and only leaves a gash.

When he swings the knife again, you dodge under and slice him across the chest, causing him to grown, but this time he headbutts you. And Armored Shell or not, that pointy helmet hurts.



“Agh!” you cry out and hold your face, which gives him time to swing the knife again. You jump back just a little too late and he slices you across the right shoulder.

“AAAAHHHH!!! Mother Bucker!” you yell holding your bleeding shoulder.
You back up from the monster as your shoulder starts to heal, but all of a sudden you feel a crawling sensation on your back. One of the bugs is on your back.
“Get off of me!” you yell as you hit it with your boomstick. Unfortunately, hitting a bug that can explode with a boomstick is not very wise, and the resulting explosion sends you flying right at ol’ Pyramid Head.



“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!” you yell as you are launched, and your head him in the gut, and your horn goes through it. He groans, but grabs you by the back of the neck and throws you into the dirt.

“Oh…I hate boss battles…” you moan in the dirt.

As you get up to face your superior enemy, you hear a cry in your head.





GreyRebl’s Comment



Please!

“Ah! Who said that?!” you yell out
It is like an echo. You hear it, but it is a deafening voice in your head. You try to locate the source, and your old changeling senses lock onto immense feelings of sadness, anger and regret.


Let them go… she sobs. Let them be free…


"Who are you?! What's going on?!" you shout back toward the voice. A voice that sounds like it came from a little filly.
The voice doesn’t answer however, but you notice Pyramid Head groaning and roughly shaking his helmeted head. Suddenly, you recall how a filly cursed this place.


"She’s trying to talk to him?" you think aloud, before remembering what Applebloom and the Zombies said. “She wants to end it, but he doesn’t…”
Pyramid Head groans and then starts to swing wildly. You roll away from a slash that could behead you effortlessly. Not wanting to run away, you slam the Boomstick to the ground, while giving it a boost of Ice Plasmid causing a shock wave of ice all around you. The monster doesn't even flinch!
It slices its blade towards you, but you manage to hop away just in time.


"Phew! That was close!" You then see a small piece of your top hat fluttering in front of you. "Way too close!" you cry out.
With a grown, Pyramid Head begins to trudge toward you.


"Oh no you don't! Would you kindly eat lightining!"
The shot of electricity to the helmet doesn’t seem to hurt it, but it knocks it back and causes it to slip on the ice. You then jump into the air, summon a barrier, and give it a shielded body slam. The town of zombies hears a resounding smack, which proves its power. You immediately roll away across the ice to avoid a wide swing from the rusty blade.
In a low pouncing position, you smirk. 

"How do you like ice, blockhead?"



It replies by slowly standing up. Too slowly. Impatient, you lob fire balls at it. The flames explode in an exotic wonder, but it only illuminates the monster as it progressively stands upright. The flames instantly vaporize parts of the icy ground and forms a bit of mist.

Suddenly, you hear a short boom, the polluted air disperses as though air pressure broke, and the huge thing is gone! You feel the Killing Intent. Your eyes widen. With a yelp, you dash forward just in time for the huge monster to land from its jump and plunge its rustle blade into the place where you just were! It's landing causes the ground to shake.

Holy buck it shattered all the ice! You mentally scream as the entire area is suddenly free of frozen and slippery ground!
Your clothes whip along with the winds from the shockwave as bits of dirt and ice flies into your open shocked mouth.


“You couldn’t do that in the game, or the movie! You’re cheating!” you yell out to it indignantly.
He responds by lifting his blade out of the ground and coming at you much faster than before.


"Well, buck."





BrownDog’s Comment




POV Change: Nightshade


Inside the Inventory


“Are you sure you’re daddy is OK? It sounds bad out there,” says Applebloom.

“Yeah it’s fine, he can take a beating. We just gotta make sure he doesn’t get angry and everything will be fine,” you tell her.

“Okay…” says a confused Applebloom. “But seriously, what the hay is that Pyramid Head? It was hurting the zombies, I don’t get it.”

“Hmm…” you think as something clicks in your mind. “The zombies kept talking about Him coming remember? That newspaper said the same thing,” you deduce.

“Wait…so he’s the one Ruby brought here?” asks Applebloom.

“Maybe? Let’s ask,” you say as you open up your own Inventory and talk to the bones.

“Hey! Ruby! Ruby!” before a voice behind you says.

“Yes? What do you need? Why have you not buried me yet?” she asks.

“We’re working on it,” you tell her. “But first, what in the buck is that Pyramid Head guy out there?”
She looks downcast at this.

“Oh…him…” she says sadly. “He is a spirit of punishment. He comes every day to punish the Town for what they did to me. To punish the wicked. But they’ve suffered for so long by his hands. Once I’m at rest, he will be gone as well…I hope.”

“So for the last 800 years, he’s cut up the zombies?” asks Applebloom


“Yes, and at the beginning of every day, they are reformed, forced to live about the day they did this to me, and are slaughtered every night. He won’t listen to me anymore. He won’t stop.”

“Wait, if this thing is supposed to punish the towns ponies then why the heck is this thing attacking my dad for then?” you ask.

“It is?” she asks confused.

“AAAAHHHH Motherbucker!” you hear from outside the bags.

“Unless he’s yelling for his health, I’m pretty sure,” you tell the ghost.

“But he only attacks the wicked…is your father pure of heart?”

“Yeeeeaaaa….No not really,” you admit, “but he’s not like bad either.”

“Then your father must flee! He cannot beat him!” Ruby says in panic.

“AAAAAHHHH!” you hear Daddy shout in pain.

“Uh-Oh,” Applebloom mutters.

“But we can’t flee. The town is surrounded by these chasms now. We can’t get out!” you exclaim.


“The chasms appeared for you? Your father must have a dark past…” she contemplates and you just rub your head nervously. “But there is a way out, I could show you, I-NO!” she screams as she begins to fade out.


“What? No, you can’t go yet!” you yell to her.

“I don’t have enough energy to remain in the physical plain. I’m returning to the mind…” she frantically says as she reaches out towards you and Applebloom, but fades completely.


“Oh No! Now what do we do?” asks Applebloom.

“Mind…mind…THE MINDSCAPE!” you squeal.

“Huh?” asks Bloom.

“She went back into the Mindscape, so we have to follow her. We have to fall asleep!”

“I’m too scared to fall asleep,” Applebloom says.

“Don’t worry, I got this,” you tell her.






GreyRebl’s Comment




POV Change: Bugze

You dodge another swipe from the great knife, but he follows it up with a punch, which hits you right in the head, sending you skidding along the ground.
Suddenly, Nightshade pops out of your saddle bag. 


"Daddy! I have an idea on how to beat this! But I need something real quick!"
It takes a second to get yourself out of your stupor before you shake your head and focus on the monstrosity before you. "Well, not like I have any better ideas. What do you need?"

"I need that plushie that make ponies fall asleep."

Your eyes widen. "No. No!" You give a stern glare into the saddle bags. "You can’t fall asleep in Silent Hill, the mind is where they’ll get you the mo-.”

“Never mind, found it!” she says as she dives back down into the bags, followed shortly by a soft snoring. 

“NO!”
You hear the Silent Hill monster's heavy footsteps, approaching you steadily.

In fear, you shout, "Oh, Buck! Applebloom! Quick! Wake her up!" When you hear nothing from the filly, you try again. "Apple Bloom! You need to! Right now!" you cry urgently.
It’s then that you hear that there are in fact two snoring sounds coming from the bag.


"Bucking Lady Luck!"




POV Change: Nightshade

Applebloom jerks her eyes open. 

"Bwah?! Huh?!"

"Oh good, your here!" you say in good cheer. "Welcome to the world of dreaming!"
Your friend stares at you in shock. Not like you can blame her. After all, all around you, the dreamscape is nothing but metal, rust, and blood. Fresh ooze litters the floor, and morbid cages hang around the massive room. 

“This place is horrifying,” AB says.

“You’re telling me,” you say, “Normally dream land is much nicer…”


Suddenly, you all flinch as you feel something... Dark and foreboding. A presence coming from the center of the dreamscape. You and both look and there it is: Pyramid Head. It groans at you. 
Behind it is a cage that contains the ghost of a filly that you know, who seems to sleep peacefully under the guard of the monster before you. The thing looks as though it is...expecting you.


Applebloom whimpers soundly. "H-how are we going to get through him? What are we going to do?"

"It's easy to create things in your own dreams, so there's the how. Just wish what you want to appear."

Applebloom gives out one last shudder before falling silent. 
"I just wish all of this to end...to be with my family" she finally utters.

You give a sympathetic look. "It will," you say with a smile, as you put a hoof onto her shoulder. “And your family will be with you,” you add.
The country filly sniffs, before turning to face you with a nod.

You smile, and she smiles back. Mysteriously, between the two of you, you both feel warmth from one another. A warmth similar to how you feel around Daddy and Mommy, and how Applebloom feels towards Applejack and Big Mac. A feeling of family. This confuses the both of you, but at the moment it’s as if your presence is giving the both of you holy aid. Applebloom stares resolutely at the monster with a pyramid head, a new light in her eye.



What the heck was that? How can Applebloom feel like my family? You think, still confused.


However, you shake your head and begin to focus on the task at hoof. After all, your daddy is still fighting out there!


"And as for what we are going to do..." You summon a plethora of cute and cuddly sheep. "Throw cute things at it!” you yell as you start chucking the sheep at Pyramid Head, which explode against him with calming blue waves of emotion, causing it to groan.

“Really? That’s the plan?” asks Applebloom as she summons a cute piglet and throws it at the stoic monster	

“Yup!” you yell as you throw a basket of puppies.
Well, it worked on Sombra. Why not now? you think.


And as the both of you keep throwing every overly adorable thing under the sun at the creature, the cage around Ruby begins to fade.




POV Change: Bugze


You land in the dirt once more, having taken the blunt end of the knife on a back swing that struck you in the scar on your chest, causing you to nearly black out from the pain.
Out of desperation, and running out of better ideas, you went back to spamming fire balls.


"Burn, burn, burn! Come on already!"
You half expect the flames to have no effect, just like the last few times, but, to your surprise, Pyramid Head stumbles. You can only stare wide eyed as you begin to see its skin actually scorch! Unfortunately, the injuries began to recover just as quickly.
Still, you are ecstatic! "Nightshade! I don't know what you did, but keep it up!" you shout. With new hopes and renewed confidence, you charge back into the fray...


"Air bending edition: Flaming Psycho Crusher!"
...And slam right into Pyramid Head as it finally, oh so finally, screams in genuine pain!


“Oh, not so invincible now are yah? Take this!” you yell as you strike it repeatedly with the boomstick, causing a groan of pain every time you do so.

“Falcon Chainsaw!” you yell as you skewer the monster with your chainsaw. A great roar is heard as the blood splatters everywhere. Wildly, it grabs your wrist with one hand and punches you in the face with the butt of the knife, sending you backwards, and unskewering it. It plants it’s sword in the ground and leans on it as it barely keeps it’s balance. It’s wound starting to heal.






Quick! Throw a Pokeball at it!... Only to realize you don't have one.





“He’s low on HP…Now’s my chance!” you yell as you reach into your bag and grab something.

“Pokeball go!” you yell as you throw the object. The empty bottle of pain pills strikes the metal helmet and does absolutely nothing.

The helmet lifts up and looks at you in a tilted confused matter.

“D’OH! Pokeballs aren’t real…and even if they were, wrong game!” you yell. 
“Heh heh,” you chuckle in embarrassment before taking up a fighting stance

“Guess I better end this now while he’s weak,” you think.



Meanwhile


POV Change: Nightshade


After being bombarded by everything cute you two could think of, the cage behind him disappears completely, and Ruby wakes up. Pyramid Head groans, and instead of retaliating or doing anything else, he simple walks off into the darkness.


“Huh…thought he’d put up some sort of fight at least,” you say aloud.

“Yeah…that seemed too easy,” says Applebloom.

“Thank you,” Ruby as she hops off the bed.

“Ruby, are you alright?” you say as you rush to her.

“He never hurts me,” she says. “He came because the others hurt me. He does this all for me, even if I don’t want him to anymore” she says.

“I know that feeling,” you admit since you know how overprotective and scary your dad can get.

“But how come he didn’t try to fight us after all the cuddly things we threw at him?” asks Applebloom.

“Yeah, I thought he was tougher than that,” you say.

“Because he does not hurt the innocent,” Ruby explains, “and your shared blood is a powerful bond, even in this place.”

“Shared blood?” you ask in confusion.

“Yes, the blood of your family,” she explains.

“But, we’re not related, we only just met,” says Applebloom, “And I think I’d know if an Alicorn was my kin.”

“I…uh…” you try to say something, but that earlier feeling comes back to you. Then a flash of that photograph you found in the apple’s attic comes to you. The one where Granny Smith was with a stallion that looked like your Daddy’s Unicorn disguise.

What does it all mean? You think as you hold your head.
Ruby meanwhile says

“Whatever the case, your bond was powerful, now I will tell you how to get out,” she says.

“Yeah, OK,” you say, glad to get back on track, “What do we have to do?”

“To the west of the town, there is an old tree stump where I used to play with Mitta. It should still have a way out.”

“Alright, tree stump, got it,” says Applebloom.

“But hurry, He’s still out there with your father,” she says.

“But we just beat him with fluffy goodness, he’s probably weaker now.”

“No, he is now fully in the physical realm, body and mind. He’s even more powerful!” shrieks Ruby.

Your eyes widen at this. 
“Buck!” you cry as you grab Applebloom and fire up your horn, trying to wake up past the plushie enchantment.

“Good Luck,” says Ruby as you both begin to fade.






BrownDog’s Comment




POV Change: Bugze


Pyramid Head’s wound begins to close up even faster as he looks at you and groans in rage.
You rev up your chainsaw and rush towards him.



“Alright, that’s enough, in the game of life, Chainsaw is Always Better than Sword!” you yell as you swing your blade, but faster than you can see, his blade intercepts yours before it strikes true. 
You hear the motor sputter and die, and a horrendous metal on metal sound…and your chainsaw’s chain breaks and flies off, making it useless. He stands back up, fully healed, and you feel the mass amounts of killer intent and power radiating off of him. It’s greater than it was before.

“GORAMIT!!” you yell. You then point your Boomstick at him, but he grabs your hoof before it connects, and starts squeezing.

“Gah!” you shout in pain. “Would you Kindly Get Zapped!” you yell as you send Electricity into his hand.
He groans, but it only causes his grip to get tighter, and you feel your bones start to crack.


“AAAHHH!!!” you scream. He then begins to smash your face with his helmet over and over again. You feel your nose break, and lip cut as the sharp surface bashes you. He stops after a few hits and your vision is blurred and dizzy.


“Oooohhhh…” you groan as you witness him raise the knife over his head, preparing to swing it down on you.


“NOOOO!!!” you yell as you hold the broken chainsaw hoof up.
You see the blade coming down, but then it stops abruptly. 
Confused, you see a tendril of shadow coming from your chainsaw wrapped hoof.

"What in the..." you say as you suddenly hear a distant anguished angry cry.

Pyramid Head himself then groans in anger at this development, but you take the opportunity to throw the blade back and stumble him. Then you use the tendril like a whip to slash the arm holding your other hoof. He lets go and groans.
You then take a step back and mutter.


“OK, gotta calm down, no more cloak, no more…huh?”
The thing is, none of the rest of your cloak has appeared, and your eyes aren’t glowing.


“What the…how...?” you mutter as the tendril fades away. You don’t have much time to think about this though, as the Monster Roars and comes towards you again.


“Daddy, you can’t beat him! Run! Head West!” you hear Nightshade’s voice from the saddlebags.
As she says this, Pyramid Head comes at you in a skewering move. Thinking quickly you








Use "Mix Up Smash" to combine "Incinerate!" and "Bucking Bronco" to blast Pyramid Head high into the air with a lava geyser, allowing you ample time to RUN!!!



Use “Mix Up Smash” combining Incinerate and Bucking Bronco with a cry of, “Would You Kindly let out some hot air!” This blasts him into the air with a  lava geyser. He roars at you from the top of it, but he is still itching for a fight.

“Alright, Buck It!” you yell, realizing that even in videogames, there are just some bosses you literally cannot beat, and you bravely flee in what you hope is the West.


When you reach the edge of town, again, all you see is the empty abyss chasms. You look into your saddlebags, placing the chainless chainsaw in it as you do. You see both of them awake, albeit a bit bleary eyed, and no worse for wear, so you ask.


“Alright Honey, what am I doing? There’s nothing here in the west!” you implore.

“Ruby told us to find her playing stump. You have to find the stump daddy!”

“Okay…” you say unsuredly as you start looking for said piece of wood.

“This way…” a feminine voice calls out to you.

You look to your right and see a zombie…but it’s different. It’s body is pulsing red.


“Her stump is over here,” she says and begins to shamble really close to the edge.
You feel like it’s a trap, but the roar of your monstrous friend catching up leaves you with few options.
You run over to the edge and see the red zombie pointing down.
Hanging to the edge is a big tree stump, with roots that reach out and onto the other side of the chasm.


“Thanks,” you say to her, “But why are you helping” you ask as Applebloom and Nightshade stick their heads out to listen.

“Because I couldn’t save her the first time. I will not fail her again…”
You hop onto the roots and start crossing before turning back.

“Who are you?” you ask.

“Mitta…my name was Mitta…now go! Save her soul, save your own lives…” she says.
You nod and cross over to the other side, and into the Everfree.



As you run through the woods, you realize that even though you are out of the town, Zombies are still everywhere.

“Oh Come On!” you yell as you run through the woods, no longer trying to fight them without your chainsaw.

“Don’t leave…Come back…” the zombies moan, but you ignore them as you run.


Eventually you escape the tree line and find yourself in a meadow, the sky is black and devoid of light.

“We’re out of the woods, quickly, give me her bones,” you say as both the fillies hop out.

“Oh no! Cries Applebloom as you look up and see that the meadow is completely surrounded by zombies. And coming right through the middle of the ring and towards you is the Metal Headed Executioner himself.


“Give me a break already!” you yell as you and the girls continue to dig. He gets closer and closer to you, and you whip out the Boomstick and start hitting the ground, helping to make the hole bigger. Nightshade, even starts using her bending, whatever little she can at the moment to speed the process up.


With the hole big enough, you put the sheet with the remains in and start covering up, when a massive roar behind you makes you look up.
He has his knife held above his head and is about to swing it down on you. 



“AAAHHH!!!” you yell and are about to dodge…when you notice he is just standing there. You look behind you and see that Applebloom and Nightshade have covered the hole up, and are looking with amazement in front of you.

You look back and see a pale little filly in front of you holding a hoof out towards Pyramid Head.



“It’s OK, it’s over now,” she says to him gently. He starts lowering the blade to his side.
“I’m not angry anymore. Let them have peace…” she says to the hulking figure.

He looks at her then at all the surrounding zombies and then you and starts to groan.

“Please…no more…” she says.
The groan dies in his throat as his shoulders slump. A breeze then begins to blow the fog away.


All around you the zombies begin to disappear, as smiles begin to wash over their faces and sighs of relief…of peace come to them.


“We’re sorry Ruby…thank you…” the echoes of the town whisper before they are carried away.
All around you, you hear the siren from before, and you notice that the lights from the Moon and Stars are starting to shine through.

Pyramid Head looks up to the coming lights and then to you, and then to the filly again.
He kneels down and reaches his hand towards her head, to which you all tense at…but he gently tussles her mane and pets her.

“Thank you,” she says to him.


He then stands back up, turns around and walks back into the fading fog, dragging his blade with him. When the mist disappears, so does he, as if he had never been there at all.


“It’s over now…” the filly says before turning around and looking at you three.





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment



“Thank you all so much. Now we can all finally rest in peace. Farewell.”
And with that, she fades away with a smile on her face.


You let out a lengthy sigh and fall to the ground. Nightshade and Applebloom cheer and hug as you all happily laugh together since it’s all over.


"That was insane! Awesome, but scary too! I can’t believe I survived against Pyramid Head" you pant as the three of you celebrate over still being alive.

"Ah just wanna go home and forget about this." Applebloom says as she collapses next to you, the adrenaline finally wearing off.

"I hear that" you agree with her as you start cleaning your clothes of gore by rolling around on the ground.

“Hopefully Applejack will be back from the Crystal Empire by then, she’s been gone two whole days with her friends, helping with the clean up. I want to see her badly,” she says as her eyes start drooping.
You wince, realizing what the clean up means, but you shake your head as the Apple Filly begins to doze off.

"C'mon honey let's get your friend Applebloom home and then get as far away from here as physically possible."


She doesn’t answer you, so you look back to her.

"Nightshade?" you whisper, though thankfully Applebloom nearly asleep. You see Nightshade walking off towards a large rock planted in the ground a few yards away.

"Hang on Daddy, I just have to do something first." Nightshade says, and stops in front of the rock before rearing up and slamming her hooves into the ground. The rock begins to shake and rattle as she starts prying it from the ground, a bit of strain on her face. Eventually the rock comes free, and she pants as she holds it.


“Stupid Bending, be more consistent,” she grumbles before walking over to the grave and planting the rock in front of it.
She stares at it for a few seconds before slamming her hoof into the surface. Again and again she hits the rock, sending tiny pieces chipping away with each impact. Finally she stops and steps back to admire her work.
On the once flat surface of the rock, there's now a carving of a magnifying glass with a few words roughly engraved below it that read,


Ruby.
Free to be different, free to be special
Loved for who you are


As the three of you sit there in silence under the moonlit night, a sense of peace is felt. Applebloom finally succumbs to sleep, so you pick her up and put her in the inventory.


“Come on Honey, we have to get her home,” you say as you yourself start feeling fatigue set in now that your adrenaline isn’t pumping.

“Alright daddy, but after we do, we’re finally getting you that soup you need,” she says as she gets into the inventory.

“Alright baby, whatever you say.”



From the meadow, you found a path and began following it north. Thanks to the stars in the sky, you know which direction it was. Every minute you walked though, you realized how truly exhausted and weak you actually were. 2 days of being bed ridden, only to fight like a maniac high on adrenaline is not healthy. So you shambled like one of the corpses you had fought for awhile, until you saw a light up ahead. As you got closer, you found it to be a very familiar house.


“Zecora…” you weakly call out before collapsing on her doorstep.
The door opens, and the Zebra Shaman walks out.


“Now who is it out here?” she says before stopping and staring at you.
“Oh, oh no, oh dear,” she says before kneeling down next to you.

“Oh poor traveler covered in gore, 
what has brought you to my door?” she asks.


You look at her and smirk.
“Someone who’s life whom you do give a buck,
Someone who really really hates Lady Luck,”


What Do You Do?
> Bonus Episode 10.5: Silent Sunny Town Alternate Endings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silent Sunny Town Special Ending 1: To Infinity and Beyond

Requirements: Nightshade Finds the Red Jewell instead of Applebloom and doesn't give it to Roneo


“Oh no! Cries Applebloom as you look up and see that the meadow is completely surrounded by zombies. And coming right through the middle of the ring and towards you is the Metal Headed Executioner himself.

“Give me a break already!” you yell as you and the girls continue to dig. He gets closer and closer to you, and you whip out the Boomstick and start hitting the ground, helping to make the hole bigger. Nightshade, even starts using her bending, whatever little she can at the moment to speed the process up.

With the hole big enough, you put the sheet with the remains in and start covering up, when a massive roar behind you makes you look up.

He has his knife held above his head and is about to swing it down on you. 

“AAAHHH!!!” you yell and are about to dodge…when all of a sudden, a large light appears from overhead.

Pyramid Head looks back up to the light as do the Zombies, before green lasers start firing out, disintegrating him and the trotting dead.

The light then lands in front of you, and you see that it is actually a U.F.O.

A ramp opens, and a grey bipedal alien with huge black eyes walks out.

“Well hey there, thanks for all the help,” you say with a big grin as Nightshade and Applebloom hug it.

It speaks to you in a metallic sounding alien language, but thankfully there are subtitles in front of you.

“Subject Bugze, we have finally found you. What is your prognosis on this forest?”

You speak in the same warbling alien speech with subtitles.

“This forest sucks! Let’s burn it and leave nothing alive!”

“Yay!” Nightshade, Applebloom and the Alien all cheer.

You then enter the ship with the two fillies and fly high into the air, before more ships appear and shoot death lasers onto the forsaken forest, while Zecora shakes her hoof at the sky in anger.

“To think that I forgot about our life long mission to evaluate evil planetary forests,” says alien Nightshade wearing her science uniform.

“And to think I forgot I was an infiltraton robot designed to walk among the natives,” warbles Applebot in her robot voice.

“Evil forests will make you see many things professor Shade,” you say in your natural grey alien body once more. “Even make you think you’ve gone on grand adventures of violent shenanigans.”

You then put your hand on her shoulder.

“That is why our job is so important…” you say as you all watch the massive fire below.

"Now let's have TACOS!"

"YAY!!!" all the aliens and your group cheer.





Silent Sunny Town Special Ending 2: Lady Luck

Requirements: Bugze digs too far.

“Oh no!" Cries Applebloom as you look up and see that the meadow is completely surrounded by zombies. And coming right through the middle of the ring and towards you is the Metal Headed Executioner himself.

“Give me a break already!” you yell as you and the girls continue to dig. He gets closer and closer to you, and you whip out the Boomstick and start hitting the ground, helping to make the hole bigger. Nightshade, even starts using her bending, whatever little she can at the moment to speed the process up.

“I think it’s deep enough daddy,” says Nightshade.

“NO! We have to be sure! Deeper!” you yell as you slam your boomstick into the hole, “Deeper! Deeper! We need to go dee-*CRACK* WHOAH!!!” you yell as with one final burst from your staff, the ground below you gives way, causing you and the girls to fall.

“Oof!”

“Ow!”

“Oomph!” you three exclaim as you all hit a spotless metallic looking floor. 

You look up and are greatly confused.

“What in the…” you say in confusion as you look at your surroundings.

You are in a brightly lit room with video monitors lining the walls. Levers and Buttons are everywhere.

“Daddy, what is this?” asks Nightshade.

“I don’t…” you start and see a bunch of monitors of your adventures, and failures. On the middle most monitor, is a shot of you in Sunny Town singing and going to town on all the zombies, and in front of it, there is a chair with the words,  Lady Luck written on it.

“No…” you get up as you walk forward and see levers in front of the chair being moved, before the chair swivels around and you see…

A small dog with a headset on.

The dog happily barks at you.

“Awww…” says Nightshade.

“She’s so cute,” says Applebloom.

“So it was you all along?” you ask…but strangely the words come out it in Neighponese.

The dog barks happily and wags it’s tail.

Realizing that your whole life has been orchestrated by a dog, you fall to your knees as the dog whines and comes up and starts licking your face.

“Aww, how could I stay mad at you lady luck?” you say as you cradle and pet your ultimate nemesis who whines in happiness as Applebloom and Nightshade join in.





Silent Sunny Town Special Ending 3: Party

Requirements: Bugze keeps running and running and doesn’t bury Ruby, and doesn’t kill a single zombie.

As you juke and jive through the woods, you come across a house and enter it, slamming the door behind you. As you try to catch your breath, suddenly all the lights in the house come on and a shout of 

“SURPRISE!!!” is heard.

You are startled at first, but smile when you see that all your friends have arrived and are applauding you while standing under a banner that says, Congratulations.

The Elements of Harmony, all the Princesses, Shining Armor, the CMC, Nightshade, Selena herself in the flesh, Grandbuggy, The Doctor, Derpy, Flash, Braeburn, Little Strongheart and others from Appleloosa, Big Red, Granny Smith,  the members of The Horde, Flag Burner and his Knights, Trixie, Spitfire, Sapphire Shores, Aloe, Lotus, Pinkamena, Smaug and the younger dragons including Crackle, Zecora, Dr. Quacksilver, Lightning Chaser, your Diamond Dog Minions, Sin and the rest of your old Hive Mates, Queen Chrysalis, the non zombiefied Towns Ponies of Sunny Town, Pyramid Head, King Sombra, Nightmare You, and the Daleks.

“Awww you guys…” you stutter and blush over all the effort they went through to do this.

Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena then put out a cake in front of you, before Pyramid Head himself walks out of the crowd and cuts you a slice…accidentally cutting the table in half in the process.

You and every last one of your friends then start laughing as all is right with the world.

THE END
> Episode 11: Return of the Whacking Stick...with A Vengence!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Wait for her reply. Assuming she lets you, go in and try to rest and recover from the horror of fighting zombies and a demonic monster.



Zecora just stares blankly at you as you lay there awkwardly waiting for her to respond to your cry for help. You start to sweat nervously as you think,

Why is Zecora taking so long to respond? Is she asleep standing up or something? Oh no...did I offend her by rhyming to her or something?! Oh please Luna let that not be it! I've had a long enough night as it is! I swear to Luna if I did offend her I'm gonna kick Lady Luck’s flank! *sigh* I guess I'll just wait for her to respond.

With that thought in mind you continue to stare up to Zecora and wait for a response.

And stare...

And stare...

And stare...

And sta-

No! Not again with the bucking staring! I thought I was done with that! Buck it I'm goanna say something!

With that thought and your hatred of long awkward stares aside, you open your mouth and say,



Kichi's Comment



"Sorry for coming this late at night...or early in morning, not so sure about what time it is. Been stuck in the Everfree for awhile. Anyway we need your help."

This seems to snap Zecora outta it as she says,

"Of course my pony friend, just enter and to you, my help I will lend."

She helps you up and leads you into her hut. As you are walked in you chuckle nervously before saying,

"Zecora, it's me, Bugze, your one and only very changeling friend,” you say as you take your hat and mask off.

Zecora's eyes widen in recognition as she says in surprise,

"My changeling friend Bugze?  Is that really you or our my eyes deceiving me? For a tragedy I did hear, of how your Tenant persona did disappear.”

You don’t notice a glint in Zecora's eyes as she has you rest against a nearby table as you nod your head and say,

"It's me, really. You are not going to believe what happened t-why are you taking that wooden pole out and walking over to me menacingly?"

Zecora doesn't respond to your question as she continues to walk towards you while smacking the pole into the ground. You gulp nervously and you begin to scout down the table in fear as you say,

"Wait, Zecora please think about what you’re about to d-*Pow* *crash* *Bang* OW!"

You begin to rub your head in pain as a couple of bumps start to form on your head from Zecora's attack.

"Owww...why'd you hit me on the head?! I'm injured enough as it is!" you whine.

Zecora only huff's in annoyance before she says,

"After the news of what happened to you I was worried and sad and in pain, and this is your punishment for making me worry about you again!"

You get a sudden feeling of deja vu as you feel like this happened before...that is until she smacks you again.

"OW! Stop it with the whacking already! I'm sorry, but I didn't plan any of that! There was  a fire and then the Doctor showed up and that stupid Nightmare that was coming! I blame magic and wibbly wobbly timey wimey things!"

Zecora gives you a deadpanned look before she huffs,

"Start talking, and your story better be good,  And do not lie to me, I am in no mood."

Zecora turns around and is about to say something else, but before she can turn back you start to feel what little adrenaline left leave you.

"Hey Zecora, I'ma pass out now. See ya in the mor-*thud*"

Zecora turns around in shock to see your passed out form on the ground. Zecora shakes her head before she starts to pick up your body.

Meanwhile in The Inventory

Applebloom wakes up and looks around to see that Shadow was sleeping. Another thing she noticed was that not only was the strange inventory very familiar, but also the room of the strange filly and her daddy. She looks over at her and see a blanket wrapped around her. She gasps at the sight because if it was not impossible, the filly was almost an exact replica of Nightshade. Apple Bloom sighs sadly at that thought and is about to go back to sleep when she hears Shadow mutter,

"zZzzzZz Watashi wa anata ga sukina otōsan (I love you Daddy)."

Applebloom's eyes widen in shock as she gapes at Shad-no Nightshade's form in shock. Applebloom's eyes narrow in thought as she thinks,

I-it can’t be... Shadow's really Nightshade?!

“zzzz…buck you lady luck…zzz…”

I-it is her! I don't know how she's still around but she is! Oh I’m so glad she’s not dead, she thinks in happiness as she hugs her sleeping friend, feeling the wings under the blanket.

 And she's a Alicorn...so that's a thing...wait, does that mean Diamond Tiara was right? She thinks with a shiver as if Tartarus had just frozen over.

But wait a minute! If Nightshade's here then that means...

Appleblooms eyes widen even more as she whispers out loud,

"That must mean her daddy is really Mista Tennant! I hafta tell Applejack! I’ll have to tell everypony. They’ll all be so happy!"

With that said Applebloom tries to get up and out of The Inventory, only for Nightshade to hug her tightly in her sleep making it impossible to escape without waking her up. Applebloom sighs as she gives up and thinks,

Well I guess I’m in no real hurry. I am still tired, so I’ll just tell them all tomorrow.

And with that Applebloom falls into the land of dreams once again.



AdmiralTigerclaw's Comment



In the Dream Realm

Applebloom’s eyes slowly open as she appears...in sompony's bedroom? Applebloom looks around in confusion until she sees...Nightshade looking over a mare in a bed? Applebloom can't help but gasp as she say's out loud,

"Holy Celestia...it's really you! NIGHTSHA-"

"SHHHH!  Momma's very sick," she shushes.

Applebloom looks at Nightshade in confusion then back to the mare in the bed.

She looks like an older, darker colored Nightshade. She’s slightly bigger than Applejack, and her mane is dark blue. She almost looks exactly like Princess Luna.

Applebloom looks from the Alicorn lying in the bed and back to her newly returned friend.

"But we're in the dream realm, right? How can she be your Momma?"

Nightshade sighs in annoyance before she turns around and says,

"I said shush! I can explain a little, but you have to promise me you can't tell a soul. Okay?"

Applebloom nods her head dumbly as Nightshade turns back to the sleeping mare.

“I’ll be back later mommy,” she says as she hugs the prone mare before turning back to Applebloom.

“Let’s not talk here,” she says as she takes Applebloom’s hoof.

The room fades, and the environment changes to that of a junk food island.

“This is one of my happy places,” she says.

Applebloom looks around slackjawed and then back to Nightshade.

“Ok, if I wasn’t sure before, I am now. You are Nightshade aintcha?”

She sighs and says, “Man, I really suck at hiding my identity,” before looking back up to the Apple filly with a smile before saying, “Yeah, it’s me,” she says.

Applebloom rushes forth and hugs her friend.

“I knew it! I just knew it! Oh Nightshade, you’re not dead!” she cries out.

“Yeah, I’m sorry for you all thinking that by the way,” Nightshade apologizes.

The two fillies break the hug and Applebloom asks,

“It’s alright, but seriously, why would you and your daddy pretend to be dead? We thought the changelings got you.” 

“Well, Daddy didn’t plan it out, it just kind of happened that way. You know how he is with fire.”

“Oh yeah, but why haven’t you come back? Where have ya’ll been?”

“On the run again…like always,” Nightshade says sadly.

“From who? Who were you…oh wait, does this have something to do with that whole witness protection thingy?”

“Huh?” 

“Twilight was talking about how your daddy told her you were under different names for your own protection. During the funeral, she thought it was sad that we never knew your true names.”

“Oh…well yeah, I guess it has something to do with that.”

“But I’m sure that if you come back, my sister and her friends can help protect you and,”

“Sorry, but we can’t go back Applebloom, I’m sorry. I have to stay with daddy and mommy. They need me.”

“Oh…”

“And Bloom, I’m gonna need you to Pinkie Promise me that you won’t tell anypony else that we’re alive.”

“But-.”

“No buts, Daddy says we still have to keep it a secret, and I still trust him. So please Applebloom, promise me you won’t tell?”

The yellow filly looks down in sadness before going through the motions of the promise.

“Thanks AB.”

“Yeah…so you’re an Alicorn now? What’s up with that?”

“I…well...*sigh* I’ve always been an Alicorn, we just hid it so that we wouldn’t get attention,” she explains.

“Oh…and your momma in that bed?”

“She’s an Alicorn too. But again, don’t say anything about that.”

“But I thought you said she had…passed on when we were at school.”

“It’s…complicated,” Nightshade says rubbing the back of her neck.

“But what about…”

“Look Applebloom, maybe one day I can explain this all to you, but right now I’m not allowed to. Once you go home, we’ll be moving on again, so why don’t we just play now while we have the chance?” she asks pointing to the junk food landscape.

Applebloom looks around and then shrugs.

“Alright then,” she says with a smile.

“That’s the spirit,” Nightshade laughs as they go on a chocolate waterfall ride.

For hours within the dreamscape, the two fillies play, having fun and even doing some dream walking where they witness Zecora’s dreams.

She appeared to be singing on stage in a fancy dress, and her hair done up instead of it's normal mohawk.

After leaving said musical performance, Nightshade hugged Applebloom once more.

“It’s almost time to wake up, but it was good seeing you again Applebloom,” she says.

“It was good seeing you too Shade,” cries the yellow filly.

They then part, but Nightshade says one more thing.

“Bloom, do me one more favor when you get back home.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“When Spike gets back from the Crystal Empire, check up on him will ya? He went through some tough stuff…and he kind of saw me”

“What? What were you doing in the Crystal Empire?”

Nightshade’s face takes on a smirk as she says, “Spoilers,” as the dream begins to fade.

The Next Day



SnapeDrake's Comment



For a brief, fleeting moment you see a tiny, shriveled alicorn lying prone on a bed... and something about her isn't right. Then your eyes open, and you bolt upright. You're in Zecora's tree. Forest light streams through a window, casting a warm feel on what'd otherwise be a spooky hollow. You notice that the blanket that was covering you is touching your bare carapace, and that none of your clothes are on. Zecora hears you and turns away from her cauldron, and gives you a smile.

"Ah! My friend! Awake at last! I've brought you medicine, as asked." 

The Zebra sets down a cup of red liquid next to your bed. You eagerly grab the cup and drain it... though you instantly regret it as a strong taste sears through your tongue. You choke a little, doing your best to swallow the medicine. When it all goes down, you give a series of whooping coughs. 

"Augh! What flavor was that, Zecora, red liquid sorrow?"

"....No. Cherry," the Zebra replies.

"Perhaps now you feel less weary?"

You give a couple more coughs, and then pull yourself to your hooves. Incredible as it sounds, you can feel the exhaustion in your muscles slowly fading away. 

"Yeah," you mutter. "That really did the trick." You glance towards your saddlebags. Though faint, you can hear the sound of Nightshade snoozing away in there. "She’s still asleep," you note. "Good." Turning back to your Zebra friend, you say,"Hey, Zecora. I... I need some help. I feel like I'm trapped, like everywhere I turn there's this... big chasm all around me. Would you mind if I just, like... ranted at you for awhile?"

"If it would make a better day," Zecora rhymes,

"Than feel free to rant away."

"Good," you groan, “but you better sit down, this is gonna be long,” you warn.

She sits down on the floor as you start pacing and begin your rant.

"Things have... things have been complicated. A lot has happened since I last saw you. I feel that... I really couldn't explain it in less than 17,347 words, but I can try. I'm... Zecora I think I'm losing it. I went to this alternate dimension and saw just how messed up a bug I am. I saw myself through a cracked mirror, and... it was terrifying. I was always scared of my power, but now it outright disgusts me. I can't control it. I feel that now, everything I do is pointless. I'm just goanna end up a monster, killing everything around me and too far gone to give a buck. I... I'm already turning. Back in the Crystal Empire I... I ate a pony. He wasn't a nice guy, but still... that's inexcusable. I turned into a raving lunatic, a rampaging beast blind to the cries of my own daughter. That scares me. To think that I could do something like that... and even to someone I loved."

Zecora’s face remains neutral at this, so you just continue.

"That chasm I mentioned. It's closing in. All I've got now is me and Nightshade... and you, I guess. Any chance I had, not even at being a hero, but just at redemption in general... it's gone. Wiped away. I don't know what I can do. I can't go to town, I can't stay alone, because trouble always finds me, somehow. And what's more, what about Nightshade? I can't treat her like this. She deserves to grow up in a town, surrounded by friends and a good family. Now I've gone and thoroughly bucked up any chance of her having a future... just another tally on my list of complete failures.”

The Shaman still says nothing, so you continue.

"What haven't I mentioned... oh yeah. There's a terrorist group out there because of me. One that now threatens Equestria at large, and its entire innocent population, and I've made no progress in stopping them. And after the Crystal Empire incident, my mind-wife is on the very brink of death. Here I am supposed to be pulling her away from the abyss, and instead I'm just giving her a shove. Buck, I can't even fix my own mistakes. Is that truly too much to ask of me? To control my anger long enough for her to recover? Buck, I'm useless. Useless!”

You knock over a chair in your frustration and continue.

"I... It feels... It feels like someling has it out for me. Like... up there, there's some all powerful entity... no, a bunch of them, who've just decided to make my life a living Tartarus. They've decided that I deserve to suffer for some arbitrary reason, and now they're determined to kill me. Slowly. Hopelessly. They want me to die piece by piece, mind and body, and pin me down so thoroughly that I know I have no hope left. It's like... millions of creatures on this planet and I'm the one they decide to hate. They're up there, I tell ya. They've got a private club, where they get together and laugh at my misery, revel in my terror, discuss the best ways to leave me completely clueless and without a hope in the world. I can't do anything about it. I'm like a puppet on their orichalcum strings. My mouth is just a speaker- they're the ones doing the talking. I've got no control, no freedom, and there's no escape." Your eyes pass over the jars of exotic medicine lining Zecora's shelves. "Well... almost none."

Before you can say one more thing, Zecora suddenly darts forwards, wrapping you in a sudden hug. Your breath catches in your throat as you feel her hooves wrap around you, and as you feel the affection pouring off of her.

"I won't pretend to know how it feels. But life's in many ways a wagon on wheels. It rolls along the directed path. It can bounce and bump and tumble and crash. Unless you climb above the shelf. And seize control for yourself."

You smile slightly as you hug her back before saying,

"Thanks Zecora...I needed that."

Zecora smiles at you before breaking the hug and saying,



BrownDog's Comment



Also, Zecora has NEVER met Nightshade yet. Don't be rude, introduce her to your daughter.

“Now don’t fret my friend, for a part of you has already been healed. For when I just hugged you, that wound you did not feel.”

She points to the scar on your chest and you look down, and it doesn’t look ragged and disgusting anymore. You give it a poke, and while it’s still tender, it isn’t mind blowingly painful.

"Now your wounds I have healed, but your scar will still be visible and sore, but after that potion you drank, it shall bleed no more."

“Thank you, Thank you, thank you!” you cry out as you hug the striped medicine mare, “You have no idea how much that was hindering me.”

She chuckles before saying,

“Well someone needed to fix it, and who better than me? Certainly not the one who stapled and burned you awfully.”

You look back and see that the staples that Nightshade gave you, and the scorch marks from where you cauterized yourself have been removed and healed away as well.

“Heh heh, yeah…” you chuckle as you rub the back of your neck. Zecora just rolls her eyes as she walks over to a basket.

“Though your wounds are now scars, and scars can be sexy,

I’m pretty sure that you want to be as clothed as much as can be,” she says bringing over your El Hunko clothes. They smell nice and fresh, and even some of the holes have been patched up, but they still don’t look as fancy as they once did.

"I have patched them, and cleaned them of blood, but I really suggest, you get some new duds."

You smile in gratitude before you say,

"I know, and thank you Zecora. For everything."

“It was no problem, my favorite changeling. Now if you could, would you please explain something?”

“Yeah sure, what is it?”

“During your rant and your tale did unwind. You mentioned something about having a wife of the mind?”

“I did? Uh…” you stumble caught off guard.

“I did not understand what you described. Can you please tell me, or will I have to bribe?”

“I…Ok. But you can’t tell anyone else alright?” she nods at this so you continue.

“She’s not really my wife…but at this point I don’t know what to label her. You see…I kind of have…the soul or spirit or shadow of an Alicorn within my mind. She’s the reason I’m so powerful…and why I’m even alive after all I’ve been through. She’s been with me for about 2 and half years now, and somehow, I still don’t know how, she and I created my daughter.”

Zecora looks surprised at this, but you continue.

“Yeah…the thing is back in that other world, I got wounded with Orichalcum, and she nearly died making sure I stayed alive. Now she’s weakened from what she once was, and if I use my powers, I risk hurting her. So yeah…” you look back to the Zebra as she seems to be thinking.

“Okay,” she says.

“Wait? That’s it? Okay?”

“Well what else would you have me say?”

“I don’t know, maybe ask if I’m crazy or where she came from, or something?”

“Nah, tis not necessary for I know you speak true. Everything you’ve said has been emotional and passionate through and through, and it is not the craziest thing I have heard. Out in this forest, crazy is the word.”

“Well, wow,” you say surprised, thankful you don’t have to reveal she was Nightmare Moon. You giver another sigh before you ask,

“But yeah, as I said, she’s in a coma. Do you have anything that could help?

“I’m sorry my friend, but if she’s not a physical being, I am at a lost. I have never treated someone like this by Faust.”

You put your head down at this, “Well what do we do then?”

"Plenty of rest, and a relaxation as far as I can tell.  In a situation like this, you just have to hope and pray it will turn out well."

“*Sigh* way ahead of you there, but thanks anyway,” you say as you pick up your saddlebags. You then take a look inside The Inventory to see that only Nightshade is in there asleep. Getting worried about where Applebloom is you ask Zecora,

"Hey Zecora, where's Applebloom. Did she go home already?"

Zecora nods her before says,

“Indeed she has, I took her back this morning. After I heard from your bags the sounds of snoring. I convinced her family she had stayed the night. I told them she was scared by the dying of the light.”

You give a sigh of relief before you say,

“Oh, good thinking. I kind of didn’t want to run into anyling back in Ponyville. Who knows who might be looking for El Hunko.”

Zecora nods her head at this before saying,

“My thoughts exactly, and I hate to be rude, but is that other filly in there your daughter? If I might intrude?”

You smile fondly before saying,

“Yeah, that’s my little Nightshade…who I just realized I’ve never introduced you too,” you realize with a nervous chuckle.

You pull your daughter out and gently wake her up.

“Nightshade, Nightshade, honey wake up,”

“Huh? Whazit?” she groggily says before yawning.

“Honey, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, this is Zecora, the coolest, and only, Zebra I know.”

Nightshade perks awake and looks at the Zebra.

“Hello, I’m Nightshade. I’ve heard a lot about you Ms. Zecora,” she says as she shakes her hoof.

Zecora smiles fondly at Nightshade before she says,

“And I have heard, though only in passing, of you. My name is Zecora, how do you do?”

“I’m doing fine, a little hungry after fighting all those zombies, you got any food?”

Zecora smiles and points to some biscuits on the kitchen table, which Nightshade runs to immediately.

Zecora smiles at this before looking to you.



Kichi's Comment



"The strange seems to follow you my friend, but you still haven’t explained the state I found you in" 

"Oh right, sorry got caught up in the moment. Anyway, Nightshade and I managed to find a strange town full of zombies. Nightshade can explain her version later, but what happened was that Father Time was bucking with me and…" You then tell Zecora everything that happened in that town. Zecora listens in awe, and subconsciously grips her beating stick tighter after hearing about the Zombies.

“And then I dropped on your door step, and here we are,” you summarize.

"Do you have any idea what you’ve done... No?" she asks.

"Uhh, yes... Fought a town full of zombies, put a soul at rest..." you begin before being interrupted.

"You set free a dangerous foe" 

"What?" You ask surprised.

"That Pyramid Head you fought was both jailer and punisher, but he too was in that jail. Now that the little spirit is resting, he is free to have his own tale" she points out.

"Are you telling me that..." 

"Yes, you set him free and if you find him again. It could be that he will try to finish you then.”

"Buck you Lady Luck! Now I might run into that freak show again! Ahug why can't I just catch a break?!" you groan.

Zecora pats your back in support for awhile before you sigh and say,

"Ah well, if I'm lucky enough Luna can take of that thing while it's in the dream realm. Or better yet Prince Blueball's or one of the Crimson Knight runs into him. Would serve those stupid motherbuckers right to…"

With another sigh you say,



BrownDog's Comment



"Hey Zecora, you wouldn't happen to know any ways I could control my anger do you?"

Zecora puts on a thinking pose before she says,

"The easiest way, to deal with your stress. Is to simply breathe, and you'll avoid a mess. If you can breathe correctly when danger is near. Then there will be no foe that you will show anger or fear."

You nod your head at this information before you ask,

"But can't you, like, teach me some ways or something?"

Zecora sighs as she says,

"Breathing control has taken me years to master. Though I have heard of artificial ways that are faster. Masks and tubes that I don’t have personally on me now. But I believe that you will find one, some day somehow."

You nod your head again, already having a breathing idea in mind, as you say,

"Okay then, thanks.”

“Now, how about some breakfast? These Biscuits are filling and made to last,” she says pointing to Nightshade who holds her stomach and food is still on the table.

“Sweet Hearth’s Warming Eve, you’ve got to give me that recipe,” you say excitedly.

The whole rest of the day, you spent relaxing and catching up more with Zecora. Nothing else big has happened since you’ve been gone, but there have been more and more crackdown measures on Changelings ever since your supposed death.

Nightshade also learns a few Staff fighting moves from Zecora, increasing her fighting abilities.

“Wow child, you have picked up staff fighting techniques in this short time almost professionally, You must be some sort of child prodigy.”

“Really? Hah! Take that Cheerilee! I am more smarter!”

Also, Nightshade let’s you know that Applebloom figured out who you two were, but she made her Pinkie Promise not to tell anyling. Thank goodness for that.

“I kind of wish she could have come with us though Daddy. I don’t know why, but she feels like the sister I never had. Like she’s family,” she says.

“Yeah…” you trail off because more than likely Applebloom is her kin.

After a few more hours, you decide that it’s time to move on. Zecora nods and gives you some supplies. 

7 Health Potions
4 Disguise Potions
8 Boxes of Macaroni and Cheese
4 Cans of Spinach
12 Boxes of Cookies
12 Cans of Beans
Recipe for Filling Biscuits
Added to Inventory

“Well Zecora, thanks for your hospitality and saving my life once again. Hopefully next time I see you you won’t have to hit me in the head,” you chuckle.

“One can only hope. You silly silly dope.”

She says, before handing you a piece of paper. You take it and begin to look at it as you ask Zecora in confusion,

“What’s this?”

"Last night, while you slept. Someone gave me this note which I've kept. There was a knock on the door, but no one was there. Save for this note, addressed to The Bug with the Orange Hair."

The parchment is written in the same writing of "Your Friend" and it appears to be a map through the woods, leading to a big red X.

The writing on it says,

You wanted somewhere safe? Well this is the best you'll be getting any time soon. Hope you like what you find,

A Friend.

“Seriously, who the buck are you buddy?” you ask aloud. Then put the map away before hugging Zecora.

“Take head Bugze, for this is not the end. I will hope and pray for your safety my friend.”

You break the head and nod as you put Nightshade in The Inventory and continue on, although with a few tears leaking out. You look back and wave at the Zebra who has patched you up more than anyling else in the past. You then face forward and don't look back. You take out the map and make your way towards this X

Hours of Walking Later

After following the trail, it’s nearly night time, and you can feel many hungry eyes peering at you.

With a tingle running down your spine, you look for whatever it is you’re supposed to find.

“What the buck is supposed to be here? Seriously, how is this safe?!” you shout in frustration before kicking the ground.

*CLANG*

“…OOOOWWWWW!!!!” you yell holding your hoof in pain.

“What was that?” you ask looking down. Using the light of your horn, you see something metal under the dirt.

You get out your Boomstick and slam it down, causing all the dirt to fly away, revealing a big metal hatch door.

“Whoa, things just got more interesting,” you say aloud.

You reach down and pull the hatch up, revealing a ladder that descends into darkness.

“Okay, totally not creepy at all,” you mutter. You feel anxious about going in, but the howl of a timber wolf makes up your mind for you.

You start climbing down the hatch.

“If I see some long haired stallion entering numbers into a computer every 108 minutes, I’m out of here,” you snark.

At the bottom of the ladder, you come across another door, but it looks much more hi tech than the other one.

As you approach, a ding is heard, followed by a mechanical voice that says.

“Voice Authorization Required…"

“Uhhhh…” you mutter dumbfounded.

“Access Granted,” the voice says, before the door swings open for you. As soon as it does, lights go on and you see an interior that you were not expecting. It looks like a finely furnished Bomb Shelter. There are couches, bookshelves, and monitors around the room, and tables with dusty files on them, and a hallway that leads to other rooms. It’s very spacious.

“Whoa…” you say as you walk into the room, the door closing behind you. As you explore, you find a bed, a bathroom, a kitchen with canned food, and even a film projector.

There is also a closet full of all kinds of different clothing and gear.

“Hello there,” you say with a smirk knowing that those could come in hoofy.

You close the closet back up and explore more, and duct taped to refrigerator is a note.

You take it off, and the words on it cause you to nearly have a heart attack.

It reads, 

Dear My No Doubt Troubled Grandson,

If you’re reading this then I must have passed on to the great skies above to be with all the beautiful mares I could ever want hehe! That or I've finally launched myself to the moon or that snob of a Queen finally managed to banish me, or all three. Anyway, you must have followed escape plan 2353-32 after my passing/moon landing/banishment. And if you didn’t, then how in the heck did you find this place?

Anyway I hope none of those killjoys followed ya. I've hidden here enough resources to last you a life time, or untill the heat blows over. And I mean it when I say lifetime. I got a little guardian angel watching over ya boyo, and he’s got all the time in the world. So anyway, feel free to crash here as long as you need. You can even have a mare or two or five stay over hehe. Good luck and don't get caught by that snob of a queen, she’s always been a bad influence on ya. 

Love Ya,

Grandbuggy

P.S Get me some Great-Grandkids already!

You sit there staring at the letter for a long time in silence. Eventually Nightshade pops out.

“Daddy? Why are you crying?” she asks.

You wipe your eyes and fold the piece of paper. 

“Because Honey, That Old Bug is still looking out for me, even after all these years,” you tell her placing the letter into the inventory.

Grandbuggy Note Added to Inventory

She just shrugs and looks at the room in awe.

You then explore another room, and you quickly realize that this place is ginormous. There’s still a lot of rooms you haven’t explored yet. But this one catches your eye because it has a bulletin board with Wanted Posters on it, and Files that say Fall Back Points, and Pony Aliases, and other Top Secret stuff on them.

“Grandbuggy, what the heck were you involved in?”

What Do You Do?
> Episode 12: Bunker Exploring Time!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



BrownDog's Comment



Deciding to get some bucking answers to your questions for once, you begin to snoop through Grandbuggy's files. As you look around through Grandbuggy’s files, you find documents and pictures of several high ranking members of the Changeling Hive, and many of their subordinates. You find the locations of several changeling fallback points and the aliases of many field agents. You even find one of your old Regiment…and a picture of “Cinnamon Sugar” and her information.

“This…this is what Sin and the others wanted…” you say as you read through the material. A cringe of guilt strikes through you as you realize this. 

Sure they were jerks, sure they had a beating coming, but…why didn’t I just help them? Why did I leave them to die? She was sorry. All they wanted to was to go home…I know how that feels.

You think about Appleloosa and sigh. You look back at the picture of Sin and the description of her Aliases.

“I’m sorry…” you mutter to it as you put the file away.

But with all this information, you now know where any other scattered changelings could be hiding, and what they would look like in disguise. So you start putting the files into your Inventory. 

Changeling Hiding Spot's and Aliases File Added to Inventory

As you do this you can't help but think,

At least now I know some good fallback plans if I get caught. I'll just hide out either here or at one of these hiding spots for awhile. Hopefully I won't run into any family while there. Cause I know that that's just goanna be awkward.

After putting those files away you find what looks like a Bingo Book (think like the ones in Naruto). Inside the Bingo Book are pages of what looks like mug shots with red X’s over the faces of the different creatures. Next to each poster is a note in Grandbuggy’s writing.

Next to a mean looking Griffin, a note reads,

“Steel Claw: Thief. 500 Bits. This Bucker sure liked to bite.”

Next to an Earth Pony,

“Artful Dodger: Child Thieving Wring: 800 Bits. Jerk broke down crying when I busted his nose.”

Next to a Dragon,

“Gronk: Talking too loudly in Movie Theatre: 2,000 bits. Nearly got away when he spoiled Empire Strikes Back to me.”

And the list goes on and on.

“So this is where Grandbuggy got his extra bits from,” you say aloud. You always wondered how he got you your videogames and other contraband, or afforded all his cigars and booze.

As you flip through the Bingo Book, you notice that a lot of the creatures have yet to be crossed out and that some of them have some pretty big prices on their heads. You put on your thinking face as you think,

Hmmmm....this bingo book is giving me a idea. Maybe I should be a Bounty Hu-Oh what's that!

You cut your thoughts short as you see a special looking folder, and it is blue instead of the traditional vanilla. The color reminds you of the TARDIS blue color. You walk over to it while stuffing the Bingo Book into the Inventory.

Bingo Book Added to Inventory

When you reach the blue folder and open it, inside are 13 different stallions in strange garb, but one of them sticks out to you.

“Doctor?” you say looking at the 11th photograph.

You look to the others and see that they all look like his past incarnations. The two in front of him, you have not seen yet, one is a younger stallion with a fez on, and the other is an older one, with sunglasses and frizzy white hair. Also, the one between the 8th and 9th Incarnation is unfamiliar to you. He too is old, but he is grizzled and wears a bandolier and his eyes hold no joy.

“Wait…did I just spoil the next few seasons of the show for myself?” you wonder aloud.

Next to the pictures are the notes. You look over to the biggest one and read out loud,

“The Doctor: My greatest friend, and my worst enemy. Responsible for my misery, and my happiness. A liar, thief, and scoundrel, but also an honest giving saint. Being his companion comes with his ups and downs as I found out first hoof. I found new meaning to life in our travels, a new perspective. I found the one mare who was my soul mate, and subsequently lost her because of what happened. I never forgave him for how it all went down…but it was for the best. Still, the curse still follows me and mine. He owes it to me, to my family to watch over my Grandson, he promised. The Old Bastard had better follow through."

You look up in thought. This indeed proves, in his own words, that Grandbuggy knew the Doctor, but if anything, this only deepens the mystery.

“What happened? Why did the Doctor owe it to Grandbuggy? Who was that “Soul Mate” he talked about?” you say aloud before groaning.

“Grandbuggy…why did you never tell me?” you say while looking down at the file, before adding it to the Inventory.

Doctor File Added to Inventory.

Now that you've finished searching this room you decide to investigate some other rooms. As you go into the next room, you see...



Iamjustarandompony's Comment



A big empty room with nothing but a big red button on the wall. A beautiful, very pressable button that you really what want to press. But you have enough self control to not press i-

But like a siren’s song, the button calls to you. Almost hypnotically, it worms it’s way into your brain. The smooth rounded edges, the perfect shade of bright red.

“No, NO! Bad Brain! That’s exactly what the button wants you to do. I absolutely will not press it,” you say aloud.

You stare down at the temptress as if to prove a point…and it looks even more inviting.

“But then again, it’s been down here for who knows how long, just waiting for someling to push it, why shouldn’t I?” you say as you take a few steps forward.

“I mean, what could be more natural then placing my hoof on it’s smooth red exterior?”

Your hoof is mere inches away from the mystery circle.

“NO!” you cry pulling back, “You crazy bucked up button! I won’t listen to you! I kept myself from giving in to a whole group of mares, I can stop myself from pressing you!”

“What was that daddy? Who you talking too?” Nightshade calls from the another room.

“Nothing honey, just debating with myself whether or not to push a pretty red button whose purpose is totally mysterious and unknown!” you call back.

“Oh…well don’t press it, big red buttons always been kaboomy!” she calls back.

“Good point honey, but don’t worry, your old man has more self control than to *click*"

You look back and see your hoof has pressed the button in.

“Curse you hoof! Why have you betrayed me?!” you shout as you look around…and see that absolutely nothing has happened.

“Huh…” you mumble as you press the button again, and nothing happens. You then repeatedly press the button, with nothing happening.

“Well that was pointless…WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS THING?”

You can only rub your temples in annoyance as you mumble,

"Ugh...I forgot how much of a prankster Grandbuggy was. I swear I almost died from a heart attack you old bug! *sigh* I miss that old bug."

With another sigh you walk out of the prank room Grandbuggy set up and into the next one. It looks like the library from the looks of it. You can see empty bookshelves all over the room, and in the center of the room there's a signal desk. But what really catches your attention is that on the desk is...



Grey Rebl's Comment



A dusty journal. Its title reads, "Changeling Out-of-Hive Survival." The author has your grandbuggy's name under it.

"Huh, my Grandbuggy actually writes books?"

It can't hurt to read what your Grandbuggy seem to have made an effort to create. If noling else, than it has to be you. Turning and skimming through the pages, you learn a lot interesting tidbits. Inside are notes written in hoof-written ink, giving an aura of age and accomplishment the more detailed it starts to become. 

One line says, Take something and make it better. That's the key to improvisation, It is a nice line, one that makes you smile a bit. After all, you've taken to create many of your own techniques based on what you've already known, starting with using your sucky airbending to enhance your fire attacks, creating many variations of your move set with your plasmids, and even when in the middle of Nightmare Mode.

You think of reading through it more thoroughly later when you have the time. However, a single section, the last section, catches your eye.

"Changeling Combat: The Vibration Method," it says.

Under the title, a forenote of this "method" is written almost meticulously, as if in ponderous thought. 

Changelings, as a species, can't really survive and thrive without love, let alone put up a decent fight without it, especially by a soldier drone's standards. Even so, we'd still have our disguises, magic, wings and our resilient chitin to match up our enemies. But, even those things can't help us, not when our enemies have special qualities of their own. Experience outside of the hive has taught me that.

Admittedly, us changelings, ironically, haven't changed our methods not one bit. We haven't learned to adapt to a changing world. There was so much we could've learned if we opened up, but the current Queen was too stubborn like that. For that, compared to the outside world, the Hive was in the slums, cruel and unforgiving. ...I had to live through that. And unfortunately, so did my daughter and grandson.

So, I developed this fighting method myself for whenever I run out of love energy. It's an accumulation of my elder experience and knowledge of physics that the world outside of the hive has given me. Really, this is the one gift that I will never take for granted, especially with the many other gifts the outside had given me; True love, a sense of fulfillment, and most importantly, a life to call my own. Heh, it's kinda inspiring, really.

"I developed this style with my grandson's "useless" wings in mind.

"Good non-existent lords, I feel like too much of a nerdy old fart when I wrote that.

Never before you have seen so much emotion from Grandbuggy's words, and they are written words at that! In anticipation, you turn the page. There, written beside a photo of a punching bag with its insides spilling out, is the basis of the technique. You have to rapidly vibrate your wings, enough so that the body ends up moving, too. They don't have to fully extend, so the faulty ligament of yours will not hinder you from being about to learn it. With the vibrations, the instructions say that you must find some sort of "sweet spot" in your body to focus that vibration into a single point.

In the text, it says that it's kinda like "adding mass and velocity to your punches."

"The Infinite Mass Punch...," you whisper in horrific realization. Memories of its destructive power flashes before your eyes. With a jerk, you shut your eyes and scrunch in aggravation. A headache begins to set. "Uggh... I-I need to think over this..." So, you did.

You quickly put Grandbuggy's journal into The Inventory before you decide to...



Kersey's Comment



Clean out some of the things form The Inventory and storing it here. You might be using this bunker as a home base for awhile, so it's safe to assume that you can store your things here. Besides you have WAY too much useless stuff(and Nightshade unfortunately retrieved the stuff you threw at Sombra in an attempt at multi-tasking);

-"How to be A Gentle Colt 101" book ("El Hunko" disguise is a bust for now)
-"Kung-Fu For Dummies" book (Between the Boomstick, Power Glove, and moves you already know, you're all set on the combat front)
-All Four Sherclop Holmes Novels and all fifty-six short stories (Already read them)
-Fake Beard
-Movie Reels (Already saw them)

removed from Inventory

You put the books onto some of the shelf's, the movie reels on top of the desk, and the pen and beard into the desk.

With that all said and done you are prepared to leave the room when you see a blank piece of paper and a pen on the floor near the desk. You assume that they must have fallen off at some point. You walk over to the fallen items and are about to put them back on the desk when you get a idea.

You take a page out of Kill Billy and you decide to write down the names of those Crimson Knight Lieutenants you learned about from Nightmare Bugze universe (the mere thought of that universe causes you to shiver). As you write down the names you get a flashback to when you learned the names, 

FLASHBACK NO JUTSU

"On the left are Erised the Ink-Moth and Minds Eye. They joined early on, and are some of the best ones we have. There's also Solarkness and Kichi. They're also quite good. Gray Rebl and The Rutherford are there, and though they don't do too much, when they do show up they're amazing at what they do. Near the front is Kersey. He's the most spiritually in tune with the Nightmare, and thus a good leader. And at the front is Brown Dog. He's the best of all of us, the hardest worker with the most skill. We'd be nothing without him. Of course," he coughs, "Every member does their own part, and the Horde wouldn't exist without all of them."

"Wait, wait," You interrupt. "You just gave me eight names, but there's nine ponies up there. Who's the last guy?"

"Oh, that's SnapDrakeGames. He's just... kind of a jerk. All the time."

END FLASHBACK NO JUTSU

During your writing, you reflexively write down Flag Burner's name... then sadly cross it off. Your list now reads;

Erised the Ink-Moth

Minds Eye

Solarkness

Kichi

Grey Rebl

Rutherford

Kersey

Brown Dog

Snap Drake Games

Flag Burner

With a determined glare you put the list into The Inventory as you say,

"Look out Crimson Knight Leaders, Bugzes coming for ya...eventually." 

"Crimson Knight Leaders list" added to Inventory

You begin looking at the other rooms, but as you do you begin to talk to yourself,

"There's gotta be some way at hunting those Knight jerks down faster without it getting me in anymore trouble with her royal Sunbuttyness. I mean it's not like there's a job out there that pays me for hunting down criminals and outlaws for reward bit-wait a minute! There is a job like that!"

You stop in your tracks as you excitedly say,

"I'll become a bounty hun-"



BrownDog's Comment

   


Kersey's Comment



"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Your sentence is cut off as you hear a scream come from the kitchen. You rush forth quickly to your daughter’s yells expecting danger…only to realize that she’s pointing at the near empty pantry in the kitchen.

`Shokuhin no hotondo wa papa o dainashi ni sa remasu! Gurandobagī wa, wareware wa shōgai o motte ita to nobemashita! Jinsei no jikan! NOOOOOOOO!!!! (Most of the food is spoiled Daddy! Grandbuggy said we had a lifetime! A LIFE TIME! NOOOOOOOO!!!!)" she cries dramatically.

“Calm down honey. We’ll make due,” you comfort.

Also, you find a sparring room, with punching bags and dummies and weights, and even a Kendo Stick to which Nightshade calls dibs on.

“Oh yeah, Granbuggy and his fighting lessons,” you mutter remembering when he tried to teach you to fight when you complained to him of bullies.

“I know how to fight now Old Bug,” you say as you start punching a bag, going through all your moves on it…until the room suddenly goes dark and green and blue scan lines form a grid in the room, removing all the boxing equipment and weights, and replacing them with hologram targets.

“…How in the heck does Grandbuggy have a Holodeck?!” you shout out as the holograms start to attack you.

You juke and jive from the swinging holograms, but one hits you in the gut...and it feels real.

You headbutt the hologram, causing it to disintegrate, and call out.

"Nightshade, look out, these things are..." before seeing your daughter doing Zecoraesque moves upon the holograms, disintegrating them. 

"Wow...good job hon-*kick* EEEEEE" you shriek as one hologram kicks you in the nards.

Nightshade leaps over your hunched form and whacks the stallion in the head.

"Noling hits Daddy!" she yells.

While she taunts, another comes up behind her, and you reach out to warn her, and the shadow whip from earlier pops out and wraps around the hologram. You hear an angry distant growl, just like you did when you fought pyramid head, but it's not coming from the dummy.

Taking the chance, you pull the hologram towards you and uppercut it into nonexistence.

Then a voice, the same voice from the door speaks.

"Training Mode, Level Easy, Complete."

"That was easy mode?" you ask aloud still cradling your family jewels.

"Well it wasn't that difficult da..." she stops as she sees the tendril on your arm. 

"Daddy? What are you doing?" she asks.

"I..uh..." you start to explain, before the tendril retracts back into your arm.

"I thought you weren't going to use the cloak anymore..." she says sounding hurt.

"I-I wasn't honey. My eyes weren't glowing see," you say as you show her.

"Oh...then what was that?" she asks.

"I have no idea, something new that's for sure" you tell her.

"Well alright then, can I keep this Kendo Stick daddy?" she asks happily.

"Of course you can," you smile back.

After moving on from the Holo Deck Room, you found what can best be described as a Stallion Cave. There is a large screen and projector, and couches in front of it, a fooseball and air hockey table, and bar. Unfortunately there is no booze.

"Well that's no surprise if Grandbuggy stopped by here," you chuckle.



Silver Strange's Comment



Also within this room are display cases with Movie Props in them. You see such props (mostly weapons) from films like Lord of the Horn Rings, Game of Stones, Star Wars, and more. Many of these weapons are clearly fake, but they have “Do Not Touch” signs on them. 

You smile, because you remember the time you and Grandbuggy were in Applewood, having disguised yourselves as Stephen Steel-Bird, the famous Griffin Director, and his assistant. You both went to an auction and bought many of these props and more, before the real Steel-Bird showed up. You both then had to grab what you could and skedaddle.

“Heh…that was a good birthday,” you say with nostalgia.

Upon one pedestal however, you see a prop you don’t remember taking. It’s a long blade in a sheath that has a trigger and grip like that of a gun.“Is…is that Jetstream Sam’s sword?” you say aloud in awe.

Under the sword is the label, “Orichaclum Sword” in quotations.

You wince slightly after reading that, but you pick it up anyway.

You try to unsheathe the sword…but no matter what you do, you cannot bring it out.

“Grr! Come on you stupid thing!” you grunt.

Still, after many failed attempts you quit.

“Alright, orichalcum or not, sheathed or unsheathed, I’m still taking you with me sword. You’re too awesome not to have, even if I just have to use you as a whacking stick” you say as you place the sword in your bags.

Jetstream Sam Sword Added to Inventory

LATER



BrownDog's Comment



After wandering around a few more rooms, you both realize how tired you actually are. It had been late when you found the bunker, so you and your daughter head to the nearest bed. In the bedroom you find a picture in the desk next to the bed. In it, is a picture of a much younger Grandbuggy in a bowler hat, and next to him is a little changeling filly with dark orange hair, and no holes in her legs.
“M-mom?” you say as you touch her younger image and tear up a little.

Nightshade jumps up and looks at the photo with you.

“That changeling in the hat looks just like you, except without the hair,” she says.

You nod, “That’s Grandbuggy honey. And this little larvae here is my mother…your grandmother,” you say as you hold her close.

She smiles seeing how happy you are then asks, “What happened to her Daddy? You don’t talk about her much?”

“I…I don’t know,” you say as fog still covers those memories.



Holding your daughter close in happiness, you let out a yawn, as the exhaustion of the day finally takes a hold of you.

“Let’s get some sleep Nightshade, when we wake up, I’ll make you some of that HayBacon I saw in the freezer.”

“Mmmmm…bacon,” she then lets out her own adorable yawn before curling up next to you and passing out.

Smiling, you turn out all the lights and fall asleep. 

Your dream is…Fuzzy. You were on a hill and you needed to do something, but you forgot what it was. Near a tree you see a black silhouette of a pony talking to a golden triangle, with one eye, a top hat, and a cane.

Your mind then realizes that you are in a dream, and you become lucid.

“Ugh, stupid awesome show and it’s weird release schedule,” you mumble as you decide to step away from deep sleep. You lucidly call upon the setting to change, and it does so. You find yourself back within Selena’s Bedroom. You walk over to her form and say.

“Hey, I’m back again, and have I got some news for you. I finally fixed that wound in my chest, fought some zombies and put souls to rest, and found my Grandbuggy’s legacy,” you say as you smile at her.

“Grandbuggy left me a place where Nightshade and I can finally have some peace, and where we’re not in danger, and where you-*ZAP* GGRAAGGGHHH!!!” you yell in pain as something hits you from the back causing you to lurch over the bed.

You get back up and turn around, confused and panicked as you shout.

“What the buck was-*ZAP* AAAHHH!!!” you yell as a magic bolt comes from the darkness and hits you in the chest causing you to lurch to the ground in front of the bed.

“Peace? You think you can find peace after what you’ve done?” says a dark male voice.

You look up and out of the darkness walks an angry looking Dark Grey Unicorn with long black hair. His horn however, is not the same red curve it once was, but rather a normal colored horn.

“You think you can get away scott free after you ATE me?” he roars as his eyes glow green.

Your jaw drops to the ground in shock.

“Well guess what captor, you will not be stealing my magic, nor keeping me here any longer, because It’s Time To Die!” he growls gritting his teeth.

After hearing this declaration, you have only one thing to say.

“WHAT?”

WHAT DO YOU DO!?

> Episode 13: King Sombra; The Tyrant of the Cyrstal Empire...Is Inside My Head.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kichi's Comment



"What the... What the buck happened to you? You look different. More normal and less like the Smoke from Lost" You ask looking at the stallion

"What hap-WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?! You dare to ask me that after what you did to me?" Shouts Sombra in rage as he shoots another beam at you, but you manage to evade it. You get back up and look over where the blast hit to see scorch marks. You get a an annoyed glare as you say, 

"Ouch! Jeeze man, that could have really hurt you know?"

"Oh, really? I'm sorry, but it hurts a lot more to be devoured BY SOME PUNY INSECT EL HUNKO!" Sombra yells in rage

You wince a slightly at this (both at his words and his volume) before you say,

"Calm down Sambomba. I was not in control when I...ate you. I don't even remember eating you."

Sombra's eyes twitch in annoyance before he facehooves and says,

"Of course! Of all the beings on the planet, I was defeated by a stupid idiot that can't even remember my name... MY NAME IS SOMBRA YOU STUPID BUG!" 

"Okay, Okay, I'm sorry... wait a moment... How do you know I'm El Hunko? I changed before we fought" you ask.

"Maybe the fact that you Devoured me and I've witnessed your exploits these last few days had something to do with it," he taunts. "And that was a disguise? I don't think even Celestia could fall for that" Sombra comments as he fires another spell.

"Really? But it worked in the gala and no one suspected anything, not even Solar Flanks" you point out.

"Seriously? I knew ponies had gotten dumb after a thousand years, but I didn't think they were 'that' dumb. Tell me, do those mares in your harem at least know you are a Changeling, or are they so dumb they haven't noticed?" he asks.

"Ha...Harem?" you ask surprised.

"Yes, those Six idiotic fillies whom you defended. A changeling only fights to protect his love source!" he points out, firing another shot at you, to which you dodge.

Normally you'd point out how speciest that statement is, but an image of the Deadly 6 in clothes from saddle arabia comes to mind, causing you to lose focus. 

"Come to us, Bugze... Come to us..." they say in their seductive clothing, but you shake your head even as a bit of blood leaks out your nose.

"No Bad Bug! Now's not the time for-AAAAHHH!!!!" and you get blasted by a shot from Sombra.

"How stupid are you to daydream in the middle of battle? Are all Changelings this prone to this stupidity?"

"OK, that is speciest. I may not have any love for the Hive, but I'd like to think there are other changelings out there that have made good decisions!"



Silver Strange's Comment



Meanwhile

"Finally! Done!" A lone changeling said, looking over his resume.

Name: Silver strange

Sex: male

Age:@!$&

Race: Changeling

Past jobs: Mercenary, animator, cashier at McRonalds

Useful attributes: kendo, archery, martial arts, otaku, no-life,

"Okay, now I just need to give this one of the Crimson Knight's leaders. Who knows, maybe there will be other changelings there" he murmurs as he walks into a bar.

Inside a cloaked Diamond Dog and a cloaked Pony were having a discussion over drinks.

"Look Snap, all I'm saying is screwing over the Transformares franchise IS a crime punishable by death, no matter what the others say" says the dog.

"Well yeah Brown Dog, not to mention what he did to the Ninja Turtles, but that just begs the question, how are we going to sneak into Michael Beigh's house to do this?" says the pony.

Silver walks right up to them and says,

"Why sneak at all? Why not just use explosives to give him an ironic death and thus end his movie tyranny?"

They both look at him as the Dog sniffs and claps him on the back.

"This bug has the right idea! Let's recruit him!"

"He's another Changeling?" asks Snap Drake, making Silver nervous.

"Uh-huh, you can't fool my nose."

"Don't you think we have enough of those? We haven't even reported the others," asks Snap.

"Well I ain't no snitch, and Kichi and the others are cool so why would I?"

"Good point."

The Brown Dog then looks back to Silver, "How about it buddy, you wanna join?"

"Oh heck yes, I even brought a resume," he says as he holds it up.

The Brown Dog just slaps it out of his hands and says.

"Screw that reading bullspit, let's go do your awesome plan now!"

"I'll grab the arrows and the dynamite!" Snap says excitedly as they both grab the changeling by the shoulder and lead him outside.

"Well that was easy," he says aloud.

"By the way, what's your name buddy?"

"Silver Strange, and this is by far the best decision I've ever made!"

Back to You

You sneeze as a wild sense of irony hits you.

"Oh come on random changeling making a bad decision in the world, you're making me look bad!" you yell to the air.

Sombra just shakes his head in bemusement. 

"How did I lose to such a cretin like you?!" he shouts sending another blast at you.

"Ey! It was not my fault that you tried to enslave me and my friends, it's not like you deserve better!" you shout.

"A King Does Not Suffer the Horrors of being Consumed!" he shouts.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, you originally were going to get attacked with the power of love before I came around," you snark.

"I was what?" he asks confused.

"Well... It's a long story..." you start to explain, before you again are sucker punched by a blast of his magic.

"What the Buck! Can you stop for just a second!?"

Sombra just growls in annoyance as he continues to blast you. As you continue to dodge the attacks you can't help but ask,



BrownDog's Comment

 

“So…You’re not dead after being chewed up? How'd you manage that?"

Sombra finally stops shooting at you as he growls,

“I was in a state between life and death when you devoured me you stupid insect!” 

“Oh Thank Luna! I’m not a murder!” you yell out before remembering Flag Burner, “Or at least not a repeat offender!” you cry out.

This earns another blast towards you but you dodge.

“Stop your stupidity and die!” he yells.

“I’ll put it on my to do list. But how are you even here?” you ask.

“Because when you devoured me, you stole my horn! It’s lodged somewhere within you, and I’ve been trapped here, regaining my consciousness since that day.”

“Oh…that might be why I had such a stomachache,” you muse.

“And you have been harnessing my magic against my will! I will not be a battery to you!”

“So you’re where that shadow whip came from…and why I kept hearing angry growling in the distance,” you think aloud.

“My anger for you knows no bounds!” he roars.

“Hey, you might want to keep that in check. I could help, I know some breathing exercises that could…”

He sends out another blast of magic. “Stop acting nonchalant! You ate me, you need to die so that I may be free!”

“Hey buddy,  newsflash, If I die, so do you. That’s the rules for possessing me,” you say as you stand victorious in front of him…until he blasts you again, hitting your scar, which sends a jolt of pain through you.

“BRAGH! Oh You Bucker!” it doesn’t hurt as much as when it bled, but still.

“You are wrong puny insect. I am not possessing you. Possessing implies I wish to be here. No, I am trapped here in your flesh sack!” he yells as he lifts you up and slams you into the ground.

“But when you die, I will be free!” he yells, punching you in the nose.

“Free to take back my Empire, free my kind, and conquer this miserable rock,” he says throwing another punch, to which you catch.

“Then I guess you’re not going anywhere Simba!” you yell as you headbutt him, before Falcon Kicking him back away from the bed.

As you fight, you utilize the Shadow Whip on him, and he roars in anger.

“That is my magic! Give it back!” he yells with his own Shadow Whip. They collide, and you both engage in a shadow tug of war match.

As the two of you continue to tug on the Shadow Whips, you start to sweat as you think,

Come on Bugze! There's got to be some way to beat him quick before he notices Selena. Think, what was one of his weakness during your fight back at the empi-That's it!

Remembering that this is your mind and you can make anything happen, you focus above Sombra as you yell,

"HEY SOMBRERO! I HOPE YOUR READY FOR SOME...



Kill with pure kawaii



PURE KAWAII!"

With that said multiple popping sounds are heard above Sombra as he looks up in confusion as he says,

“What nonsense are you-Oh My Gosh, is that Hamster Circus?!” he squeals like a Teenaged Filly in glee.

Above you is a miniature circus tent, with hamster doing acrobatics, juggling, bouncing on beach balls, and jumping through flaming hula hoops as catchy music plays.

“Oh just look at their little noses and feet! It’s so beautiful, I can’t even remember why I’m angry right n-WWAAAAHHH!!!”

With Sombra distracted you pull hard on the Shadow Whip, pulling Sombra away from his Kawaii bliss and towards you, to which you Flacon Punch him into a nearby wall. Sombra growls in anger as he pulls himself away from the wall before saying,

"How dare you take me away from that adorableness! You will pay for such actions WITH YOUR LIFE!"

With that you,



Sliver Strange's Comment

 

Get into your battle position, steeling for what's coming next.

Sombra does the same as he charges his horn, dark clouds of purple and green swirl around him. Without warning he fires.

You dodged to the side, barely missing the huge projectile.

"Huh, that was close-" 

The attack curves around back at you and much faster this time.

You dodge again and again and again. The blast doesn't lose momentum, as it get faster with each failed hit. 

Eventually it hits you. It only hit the tip of your foreleg, but the effect is wide spread. sense you have is assaulted, your vision darkens, silence fills the dreamscape and a unbearable pain burns in your body.

The worst though, is when you see life flash before you. Every happy moment, your visits to grandbuggy, your time with nightshade and your friends leaves your mind. And memories of nightshade dying, the nightmare, killing flag burner and every failure and insult bore into your mind on never ending replay.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!," you scream in agony.

You try to get up, pain fills every part of body. But sombra hits you again. The horrible pain fills you again, bringing you to tears.

You get up and dodge his next blast.

You dodge again and again; sombra mocking you the whole while. He insults you about being weak.

You remember the infinite mass punch increasing both 'mass and  velocity .

You buzz your wing until you find the 'sweet spot' and your whole body vibrates with a low hum.

Meanwhile Sombra decides to try new tactics and launches crystal spikes out of the ground.

With your increased speed you dodge them all.

"Gotta go fast, Sanic. Gotta go faster, faster faster. Duh a duh a duh duh  duh. Go go go,"

You get close to give the motherbucker a-

"FALCON PANCH!!!!!"

You fire incased hoof slams into Sombra's face so hard that we have to go into slow motion just to see the damage! You can see a tooth fly out of Sombra's mouth due to your punch, and you can't help but smirk at that. Now back to normal speed we see Sombra go flying, bouncing off the ground and straight into a wall. He slowly gets up and begins to growl as he says,

"Your goanna pay for that bug!"

With that Sombra starts to charge at you. You glare at him as you...



Use the Boomstick to start knocking back Sombra, then remember you're in a dream, turn it into a "Boomstick" (double-barreled shotgun) and blast Sombra point-blank in the face.



Take out the Boom Stick and begin to slam it into the ground repeatedly, sending the smoke king flying away from you and back into the wall. He glares in anger at you before he jumps back up and charges at you in lightning speed. Your eyes widen in surprise, and before youcan respond Sombra has slammed you into the wall behind you. You cry out in pain as you loose your grip on the Boomstick and it falls next to you. Sombra glares at you in rage as he begins to choke you as he says,

"Why you little bug! You think that little stick can beat me! I'm the King of the Crystal Empire, and you will be groveling at my hooves and bagging for mercy by the time I'm down with yo-"

Getting annoyed at the mad king's rambling, and remembering that this is your mind, you manage to grab the Boomstick...which is now an actual Boomstick! You push the barrel into Sombra's face, who has shut up due to said gun in face, as you say,

"Eat This!"

With that you shoot Sombra point blank in the face! The blast sends Sombra flying away from you. You begin to gasp for breath as Sombra begins to get up with a shocked look. The shocked look soon turns into an angry one as he shouts,

"I can't believe in...YOU SHOT ME IN THE FACE!"

You give your own glare as you yell,

"YOU WERE CHOKING ME!"

"YOU SHOT ME IN THE FACE!"

"AGAIN, YOU WERE CHOKING ME! WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO!? LET YOU CHOKE ME TO DEATH?!"

...

"Yes."

Your eye twitchs in annoyance before you say,

"Oh buck this!"

With that you...



The Rutherford's Comment



Summon a glowing ball in front of you. This is a dream after all, time to take advantage of that fact.

"What is that?" asks Sombra.

"Only one of the most overpowered things in all of videogamedom," you say cryptically before smashing the ball in your hooves.

Suddenly, lights begin flashing everywhere. You feel yourself charged up with immense power and feel your body splitting into all your personas. El Hunko, The Hooded Offender, and Baker Sylvester Tennant all stand around you as you all aim your horns at a confused looking Sombra.

"FINAL SMASH!!!" you all yell as gigantic beams of light burst forth from all four of you, engulfing the mad king who yells in agony.

As the beam ends, and all of your personas have reforged with you, you see no sign of him anywhere.

As you begin to breath deeply from how much energy that attack took, you can't help but wonder,

"Did...did I get him?"

"Nope."

Your eyes widen in surprise as you turn around...



(insert ghost nappa refrence here)



And see him standing there. There are a few cuts on his face, and bruises, and he looks pissed.

"Not gonna lie. That was a dick move bug. Dick move..."

You then attempt to strike out at him...



BrownDog's Comment 



Only for him to overpower you and send you flying into Selena's room. As you lay groggily on the ground you see Sombra coming your way, but something else catches his attention as he looks around the room and says,  

Now what thing of importance is in the bed?” he says as he trots over to it.

“N-No! Stay Back!” you yell at him, but he turns and blasts you back again.

“What have you been protecting in he…” he stops as he sees her upon the bed.

“L-Luna?” he says in shock. He flings the cover off her before he scowls in annoyance.

“Yes…when she grew and became darker, you’re that thing she became! The thing that killed me the first time!” he roars as he gathers a large amount of magic in his horn.

“You Damned Alicorns, will you never let me be?!” he says as he points his horn at her.

“NOOOO!!!” you yell as you tackle him, the shot going wide.

“GET THE BUCK AWAY FROM HER!!!” you yell with the RCV.

“Ah, so you do have a weakness! If you won’t die, then perhaps she’ll die for you!” he bellows, as he keeps trying to shoot Selena.

“GGGGRAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!” you yell angrily as you jump in front of his spells. They hurt, and he keeps trying to shoot around you, but you keep taking them.

“Ha ha ha ha! That’s it, keep taking the hits, it will reward you nothing!” he taunts.

“Won’t…let…you…kill her…” you grit through your teeth as smoke billows from your chest.

“As if I need your permission cockroach!” he shouts as he sends out a shadow whip and slingshots you to the side. He then starts building more magic into his horn for another large attack.

“You motherbucker, don’t you bucking…”

“First this unholy b!^$# dies, and then you, for usurping my throne!” he roars as he blasts the bed, causing it to explode.

“NNNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!” you cry out in anguish as you see the remnants of the bed fall into a smoking burning pile.

Sombra laughs as you stare in shock at where she was just sleeping. The mare who saved your life, and gave you your daughter and power, and he just blew her up. You angrily turn and begin to rush him.

“SSSOOOMMMMBBBRRRRAA-*ach*” your shout is cut short as he wraps his shadow whip around your throat and begins strangling you.

“Now on the cusp of your death, you finally get my name right you filthy maggot,” he taunts as he sends out shadow tendrils that wrap around your limbs like manacles.

You struggle against the ligaments, but the one on your throat only grips harder, causing your vision to become spotted.

“Die now. Die now in your anguish. Die and let me be free. Die knowing that I will next turn my vengeance upon that Alicorn brat of yours…” he taunts.

You grit your teeth in anger as your eyes begin turning orange, even as your vision fades.

“Die knowing that you failed those you love, and that there is no one that can stop me,” he whispers in your ear. Before throwing his head back and laughing

You feel flickers of the Cloak trying to form, but the darkness has nearly claimed you. When suddenly, a Dark Blue light cuts through the darkness.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!!” Sombra roars as he is struck in the back from the light and is thrown off of you.

“GGGOOOOAAAAHHHHH!!!*cough cough*" you gasp in much needed oxygen as your vision begins to come back.

You see Sombra struggle to stand back up.

“Wh-who dares? Who dares strike me whilst I…” his rant ends as he looks behind you and his jaw drops in shock.

You chance a turn around yourself, and your own jaw hits the ground at what you see.

In front of the burning remains of the bed is Selena. She is smaller and weaker looking than her previous Nightmare Moon state, but the sneer on her face is no less intimidating.

“Y-You?” Sombra gasps.



Kersey's Comment

 

"SURPRISE MOTHERBUCKER!!!"

A midnight beam of energy blasts Sombra away from you before she calls out and another Midnight Blue blast of magic strikes Sombra and sends him flying backwards. She then flaps her wings and glides into the air, landing next to you, facing Sombra. In your shocked state, you stare at your risen friend and you can't help but hear this in your head as you gaze upon her.

“Sel…Sel…” you try and fail to make words as she turns her head to face you. 

"You should sit back and relax Bugze, I'll take care of this…" here she cracks her neck loudly before facing Sombra and saying, "Trash!"

Sombra just growls in anger as he picks himself back up.

“No matter, You weak pathetic mare, I will just make sure you are even more dead!” he yells before charging at Selena, who just yawns before she teleports out of the way of his charge, reappearing at his side and back kicking him in the ribs.

“Ahhh!!!” he roars as she then flies forward and tackles him, shooting magic into his chest point blank.

As he screams, she picks him up and launches him into the air, juggling him with multiple magic attacks, before Shoryukening him in the jaw. He lands in a heap, but then gets up and spits out a tooth and glares at her.

“Cheap move B!^%$, is that all you’ve got?”

In response, she sends a blast of magic his way, to which he creates a shield and deflects. He then sends his own magic missile towards her, which grazes her shoulder. You hear her yelp at this, and stumble, but she stands her ground.

“You’re nowhere near as powerful as you once were Luna!” he roars at her. You notice the scowl on her face become more prevalent after he says this, but also beads of sweat on her forehead, and you notice she’s panting. Worry spikes through your mind.

Oh no, she only just woke up, she’s still not completely there. This guy almost just killed me, how is she gonna…

Before you see her give Sombra a sinister smile.

“I may not be as powerful as I once was worm, but I have something you don’t,” she exclaims.

“And what is that?”

“Knowledge of the land,” she says cryptically.

“What is that supposed to me-OH SWEET FAUST, WHAT IS THAT?!” he shrieks as a group of Xenomorphs come from the darkness and rush him.

“Fictional creatures that modern day ponies have created,” she says as she hovers above, lifting you up with her magic, to which you are grateful for.

Sombra blasts one that gets too close, and is sprayed by their blood.

“GGGRRRAAAGGGHHH!!!” he roars as his skin begins to sizzle.

“Oh, did I forget to mention they bleed acid?” she says cheekily.

“What is the matter with these future ponies?!” he yells as he begins blasting the alien horrors and dodging their blood.

“Oh they have imagined far worse than this,” she says as the flood from Halo begin to appear all around him.

“WHAT THE BUCK?!” he yells as he begins shooting the alien virus sacks and doing nothing as he gets beaten and swarmed by the creatures.

“They have also demonized the once comedic jester!” she shouts as clowns rise from the ground, all with sharp teeth with distorted laughs. You close your eyes and plug your ears at this horrifying sight as they swarm Sombra and start biting him.

Screaming and wounded, he summons up a massive blast of Shadow that destroys the monstrosities around him.

“Enough of these fictional beasts! They aren’t real, and they cannot hurt me!” he yells.

“Oh ho ho, but the best monsters are those that have actually existed are they not?” Selena taunts as Daleks materialize around him in a circle.

“Giant Salt Shakers? Is this supposed to be a joke?” he asks.

“Nope,” she smirks.

“Exterminate! Exterminate!” they cry out and begin blasting him, causing him to scream even higher than before.

Eventually he collapses upon the floor from so many blasts. The Daleks disappear, and she lands the two of you in front of the beaten king.

“How…how?...” he wheezes.

“I have lived within my bug’s mind for 2 and a half years. What chance did you think you had?” she says.

“Yeah, my mind isn’t the most peaceful place,” you chuckle.

“Indeed,” she agrees.

“But…You’re so weak. You’re nothing compared to me. I have the power of shadow and dark magic. How could you defeat me Luna?” he groans.

She walks over to his downed form and says, “Because while we were both born of darkness, you didn't embrace the shadows until you were but a stallion while I've been the Nightmare ever since I was born.” She then sneers at him.

“And my name isn’t Luna!” she roars as she rears up, “It’s Selena!” She then brings her hooves down on his head with a resounding crack, Knocking him out immediately.

“And don’t you ever harm my bug or threaten my daughter again…” she mutters to him.

A dark cage then materializes out of the ground and encases the tyrant king, as manacles and chains appear and chain him to the floor.

Panting and gasping, she then turns back and looks at you, and for the first time, you are both at the same eye level.

“Well that should about do it,” she says to you.

As she says this, you finally have a chance to think without the threat of Sombra around. And the full realization that she is alive, that she is back, hits you. You can't help but feel tears coming as you say,

"I'm...I'm so glad you're OK..."  you say as you hug her.

Selena hugs you back which brings a smile on your face as you sniffle happily,

"I didn't know if you would ever wake, it's been hard without you, but you're back now. A little smaller, but back just the same." 

"Yes Bugze, I am back. I truthfully did not know whether I'd live, but I had hoped that you would. It's good to see you again," she says tenderly.

You both pull back from the hug and you both smile at each other.

"Bugze, as happy as I am to see you again, I just have one little question that needs answering."

"Oh, and what is th-*SMACK* OW!" you cry as you are slapped upside the head by the Alicorn. "The buck was that for?"

"Do you mind explaining, why in the 9 layers of Tartarus, KING SOMBRA is inside our head?"

You rub your head and chuckle nervously, "Heh heh...ya...about that...you see it all started with..."

ONE EXPLANATION LATER

And then you showed up and saved my bacon again...and that's about it, heh heh..." You chuckle nervously at Selena's face as she says,

"*Sigh*Bugze I have just one thing to say to you, and that is-"

What does Selena say? 
> Episode 14: Welcome Back Mare in the Moon, Welcome Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



BrownDog's Comment



“You are such an idiot,” she says as she shakes her head.

“Yeah…I kind of already knew that,” you respond.

“You lost control in the Crystal Empire and ate this cretin, the Pink one knows one of you personas, you fought the undead, unleashed a chained executioner demon, and now have this monster within our head?”

“Yeah, kind of wish you were there for all of it,” you respond.

“You stupid stupid idiot…oh how I’ve missed you,” she says as she hugs you once again, hard.
You hug her back with the same intensity.

“I missed you too Selly, It’s been too chaotic without you to keep me from doing stupid stuff.

“Indeed. Though I am glad your wound was not fatal, despite the trouble it has caused you,” she says.

“Again, thank you for saving me. I would’ve died had you not stopped it…” you tell her.

“I could not let you die. I will never let you die,” she says with warmth.
You both hold onto each other for a good long while.

This is good, this is good. She’s back, I’m no longer alone. Nightshade is going to be so happy. She’s alive… and even if she’s smaller, she’s still firm she feels really really good against me, and her perfectly shaped moon flanks are-

“NO BAD BUG!” both you and her yell as you separate from each other.

“Did-did I say any of that out loud?” you ask blushing.

“You didn’t have to, your wandering hooves spoke volumes you perv,” she says with her own blush.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just got carried away in my excitement!” you exclaim.

“Uh-huh, let us change the subject,”

“OK…” you say and stare at her new form. “How did you recover just now and how come you’re so much smaller?”
She seems a bit confused by what you say until she summons a mirror and looks into gasping.

“Mother of me, is this what I’ve been reduced to? This pitiful height inclined form?”

“Well it’s not all that bad, at least now I don’t have to crane my neck looking up at you,” you tell her.

“And there in lies the problem. This form does not instill fear or superiority. I am now the same height as you, and...I look to much like HER” she huffs.

“On the bright side, your new form is rather cute, I’m just saying,” you tell her trying to cheer her up, only to have her grit her teeth at you in anger.

“OK, OK! That was actually pretty scary,” you say as you back up a bit.

She stops snarling and sighs. “I suppose that will have to do for now, but to answer your question, it is because of you that I am like this.”

“Me?”

“Yes. When that traitorous pink whorse gutted you, I did everything I could to keep death from claiming you,” she says as she closes her eyes and sighs.

“I poured my all and more into stabilizing you…and then she came back for the killing blow. I kept her from striking you, but at a cost…”

“I remember vaguely,” you tell her. “You broke the Orichalcum Sword.”

She nods. “The pain was immense, but I would not relent. Doing what I did, to the god killing metal, cost me much of my life force. The very essence of my soul, and unlike magic, that can not be replenished,” she says sadly.

“Oh…” you mutter in sympathy.

“And that is why I have been reduced to this form. Though I suppose I am lucky to have this at all. Had more been expended, I probably would’ve been left as a foal, or…nothing.”
She shakes her head and looks back at you.

“But given another chance, I would do it all again Bugze, for you and Nightshade.”

“Again, I can’t thank you enough Selly. I’m just glad you’re awake,” you say with a smile. “Which reminds me, how were you able to just now wake up? I tried for a month to get you up.”
She looks down in thought.

“I could hazard a guess. Our little friend over there,” she says pointing to Sombra’s chained up form, “or more specifically, his magic."

“So wait, that magic blast he sent at you is what got you up?” you ask.

She nods. “Dark Magic is a powerful yet dangerous force, but if utilized correctly, it can be beneficial.”

“So…what? Did you just absorb it?”

“I believe so. After my expenditure saving you, I would have needed a recharge in some way, and Dark Magic is almost as rare as Alicorn Magic. It was enough to wake me,” she says.

“Wait a minute,” you say as something clicks in your head.


“Back in the Empire, when I looked through the Nightmare door, I kept hearing someling gasping every time the magic went over my eyes, and your sheets were disturbed…that was you getting recharged!”

“I have no memory of the event, but I would say that is a fair assessment,” she says. “It would also explain why I am still alive after what you did during the battle. The extra magic was used before my own”
You look down in shame at this.

“I’m sorry Selena. I hadn’t used the cloak in so long because I thought it would hurt you,” you apologize.

“Well it was wise you were cautious, for it might have.”

“But then I got angry, so angry, and everything went black,” you say with tears in your eyes.
“I’m so sorry. You saved my life, and I nearly let you die and…”
She places a hoof over your lips shushing you.

“That twas not your fault Bugze. If anything, this Phase 4 Berserk monster is my fault.”

“How?” you ask.

“Because I was not there to regulate the power. Every time we’ve engaged the cloak, I have been there to ensure that it does not overcome us, that the anger and hatred are focused, and not mindless. Without me there, my powers flooded you, unchecked and unruly.”

“Still, I shouldn’t have lost my cool like that,” you say.

“It matters not. I am back now, and I will ensure that we do not lose control again. For the times when we can use the cloak that is. We do not have as much magic as we once did, and I don’t think we ever shall. The amount attached to my life force died with it saving you.”

“So what does that mean?”

“It means that in the future, the cloak should only be used sparingly and for short periods of time. We don’t need you losing control, or using up all we have left. I will take control if the situation arises, so if that occurs, don't fight it” she explains.

“Good idea,” you agree. “I’m just glad that Nightshade was around to make sure I didn’t hurt anyling too badly. And now that Sombra is here, it means I didn’t actually kill,” you say in relief.

“Yes, about that,” she says as she backhooves you in the face, hard.

“OW!” you cry holding your nose.

“That was for putting Nightshade in such danger. TWICE!” she chides.

“I’m sorry!” you plead.

“If she were any other filly, the ordeals she went through would have broken her. The undead is one thing, but fear of the one who sired her is worse!”
You wince at this and look down. After a sigh, so does she.

“Look, I know it’s not entirely your fault. As I’ve said, It’s also mine. I just fret that one day she will not trust you or I should events like this keep occurring.”
You hesitantly go towards her. 

“Well, with you back, we’ll all be better off right?”

She smiles at that. “I should hope so. Also, as unskilled as she is, she has done well with pure raw emotion. But I shall teach her how to better fight should the need arise. We don’t need her being helpless, nor do we need her being a liability during a fight. Training her should help.”

“You think she’s ready for that?” you ask.

“With our adventures, the sooner the better,” she responds.
You nod your head at this information before saying,





The Rutherford’s Comment



"Alright. That is good to know. Now I have two more serious questions I need you to help answer."
Selena gains a confused look as she asks,

"And those are?"

"First off, what are we going to do with Sombra? I definitely don't want him taking over my body, or killing me and escaping, so how are we going to contain him until we can get him out, or reform him or whatever?”
Selena looks at the unconscious ex-tyrant before opening her mouth.

“And no, killing him is off the table. I already went through that once, don’t need to go through it again,” you say with a shiver.
A cross look comes over her face.

"I was not going to say that…not entirely anyway…what I was going to say was that I can easily contain him. Weak as I have become, he is still no match for the likes of me.”

“That’s good to here, but what are we going to do with him?”

“Since we don’t kill, even for a monster like him, I believe we can keep him imprisoned until we find a better cell outside of your head. He was willing to kill you just so he could escape, so while you live, he won’t be going anywhere unless we say so.”

“Yeah alright, so jail him till we can move him. Do you have any ideas on how to do that?”

“Aside from being subjected to the Elements of Harmony…no. But like the old adage says, if there’s a will, there is a way. We’ll just have to look for it.”

“*sigh* So he’s probably going to be here for awhile,” you say aloud.

“Fear not Bugze, we may be able to make use of this inconvenience after all.”

“How?”

“You told me of this “Shadow Whip” to which you began to use. A move that belongs to this scum,” she says.

“Oh yeah, he kept saying I was using..his…magic…” you say as realization hits you.
“Wait, you’re not suggesting…”


“Why not? He wishes to murder us, and he is a prisoner so long as he stays within your body. Why not make use of him? Also, as weak as I have become, this alternative source of power may be useful,” she says gazing at the fallen king.

There is logic in what she says. If I use his powers like a battery, then it will lessen the chances of using the Cloak, you think to yourself.

“What if he breaks out?” you ask still unsure of the idea.

“I shall make sure he is incarcerated Bugze. Unlike me, this beast does not have your best interest in mind. His magic on the other hoof, you can use to your advantage.”

And it could…but it seems a bit cruel…but then again, this jerk tried to kill me twice, and hurt Nightshade…but still…


"But what if we can get him to fully help us? Then he would give his power freely,” you suggest.

“I highly doubt he would agree to such a thing,” says Selena with a doubtful expression.

“But think about if we could. Would we be able to combine your power with his? And if we could what sort of power level would that be?" you say thinking hypothetically.
Selena gains a thinking face as she says,

"If I had to guess on your ridiculous scenario, I'd say with all of our power combined, we could probably go against Discord on an almost even playing field. And I know for a fact that Sombra hates Discord with a burning passion."
You can't help but agree with that as you say,

"At least I'm not the only one with a burning hate for that bucker. If he were to get out of his stone prison again, then we might be able to get Sombra to side with us on that encounter and beat him royally…literally since you two are royals in a way.”
Selena nods her head before saying,

"Potentially, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon. It would take over a thousand years after the Elements of Harmony are broken up to lose the power to contain him. The only way he would get out is if he was intentionally let out. And honestly, they would never think about letting him out early would they?"
At this, you, Selena, and an unconscious Sombra all shudder at the ironic foreshadowing.

“Did you feel that?” she asks.

“Ignore it. If Lady Luck had her way, then every seemingly sure statement would come back to haunt us.”

“But hasn’t…”

“Ignoring! La La La!”





Kichi’s Comment



“I still feel as though something bad will happen,” she says as you try to ignore fate.

"What? It’s not like Princess Celestia is going to randomly bring Discord’s statue into Ponyville one day and have us reform him for absolutely no reason,” a suddenly very hyperactive voice comments.
Yours and Selena’s jaws drop in shock as you both see your Pink Psychotic Frenemy appear out of nowhere.

"How the... When did... How could...?" fumbles Selena, her brain going blue with confusion.
"What is she doing here?" she finally pushes out.

"It's Pinkie being Pinkie" you answer with a shrug. “But seriously, get out of here, this is a private affair,” you chide her.

"Oki Doki Loki! I’m not going to remember this anyway. I'm going back to my dream, I was about to swim with Dashie in a river of chocolate... Bye Bye!" she shouts and disappears in a cloud of pink smoke.

"Uhhh... Maybe it's best that we act like this didn’t happen" says Selena.

"Agreed. See now you get it, ignorance is bliss,” you smile dopily to which she rolls her eyes at.





The Rutherford’s Comment




“Anyway, what was the second question you had?” she asks.

“Umm.. Oh yeah. This is the really important question. How do we let Nightshade know about all of this?”

“You mean my waking up?” she asks.

“That, and the fact that Sombra is in fact not dead but living inside me like you are and that I can use his power? I don’t want to keep info from her anymore.”

“That is a good point. Letting her know about this filth will bring her confidence for you back as you did not kill him. And as for letting her know of my waking, I am going to visit her dreams as soon as you and I are done talking. I can only imagine how cute her face will be and how sweet her dream will become,” she says with a wistful smile.

“Heh, I bet her smile widens so much that you might have a heart attack from cuteness…cuteness…That's it!” you shout as a dinging sound is heard.

“What's it?” she asks.

“Nightshade! She will be the one to help convert Sombra to our side!”
Selena looks flabbergasted by this statement, 

“Art thou insane!? He tried to hurt her before and you think I'm going to let her anywhere near that sadist?!”

“Just hear me out. Sombra, for some reason, has a weakness for anything overly cute. We both know how adorable Nightshade is. Even if he does not act like it at first, he will break under her puppy dog eyes and not want her to get hurt,” you rationalize.

“Really? You’re jumping to that conclusion fairly fast,” she deadpans.

“Well it worked with you didn’t it?” you snark.
She looks taken aback at that sentence.

“I…shut up…” she says with a blush.

“See, there is some logic in that right?”


“Perhaps, but I do not feel comfortable with my daughter anywhere near him alone,” she huffs.

“Who said she would be alone? Even I'm not that stupid…not normally. She would only be allowed to see him with you, me, or both present to ensure her safety. Plus he’d be behind these bars right?”


She sighs and looks at you, “I say we wait to do anything so drastic and idiotic. I won’t deny your idea sounds plausible, but forcing a reformation won’t end well. If we are to use Nightshade in this regard, then it must be subtle lest he gain wind and fight it. And something like this takes time Bugze. It took me a year before I could admit I truly loved her.”

“I know, baby steps all the way. I just don’t want to use this guy like a battery forever you know?”

“Indeed I do. But for now, I say we wait to tell Nightshade. If we decide to introduce them, I don't care what you say, if he tries to harm her, I WILL kill him, understand?"

"Yeah...but I don't think it will come to that," you reason.

Selena lets out a sigh, "Enough of these hypotheticals, we have only just captured him. Let us not burden Nightshade until the time is right. Let her enjoy having me back for a time.”

“Sounds good,” you say with a smirk.

“Alright, now, is there anything else you wish to ask?”

“Umm…”

“I am all ears,” she says chipper.





Kropsling66’s Comment





You think for a moment and realize that after all the happiness of the reunion, there is a question you want answered and have for awhile.

“Actually, yeah, yeah there is…”

"Ok then what is it?"

"Why?"

"Why? Why what? Why am I being so open?"

"No Selena…why me?"

"...Bugze I'm no following," she says worriedly.

“Why did you end up in my head?” you ask.
Her face becomes solemn as she looks to the side.

"After the Royal Wedding, I came across that ruined castle and found your armor after I blacked out and woke up. I then found Nightshade in my saddle bag and you were inside my head encouraging me to kill everyling from Sun Butt, to the Deadly Six and everyling in between. You remember that right?”

She sighs. “Of course I do. But I’ve changed Bugze…”

“I know…but I still want to know Why Me? Why did you choose me?”
She sighs again before looking at you,

“Because you were there, and I had no other choice.”

You raise an eyebrow at this.

She looks up in remembrance. “You weren't there when it happened Bugze, when I was struck with the Elements. I lost my host, somepony I thought was a friend and cast aside. It was like losing something very important to you, something deep.”
She closes her eyes and continues.

“So after I was separated, I was little more than a shadow. I sealed myself in my armor hoping she would come for me…but that traitor didn’t. I was so angry. Angry and frustrated that she left me behind, that our mission had failed, that I…was going to die. Little by little, I faded, and after a few days, I had resigned myself to my fate…”

You feel a bit bad for bringing up these bad memories, but it’s been so long since you’ve gotte answers. She then opens her eyes and looks at you with a smile.

“Then you showed up. I had no idea who or what you were, but I could sense you. Something powerful, something different…and yet something was familiar…” she trails off before shaking her head and continuing. “I knew then that this was my last chance so when you got closer I channeled myself into you which caused you to black out."

"And that was when you got in my head?”

“Indeed. Within you, my power came back to me faster than I had expected. So I set my plans in motion and I…” she trails off.

“You what?” you ask. She gives you a horrified look before looking back down.

“I waited for the right moment to strike back,” she finishes hastily, glossing over something.

“Wait, I think you…”

“I knew that with you and with your attachment to Nightshade that I could get back at those that ruined everything and tried to kill me…however you were not the brightest of creatures I could have picked. Always at the center of attention, and not being blessed with luck at all.”

"When was Lady luck ever on my side?” you chuckle.

"Exactly. So then I had to find a way to prevent both of us from getting killed. I allowed you access to my powers, and all your videogame and kung fu moves became more powerful because of it. Our actions after that you already know of,” she ends.

“Yeah…” you answer thinking about The Gala, Appleloosa…and Trixie.

“And that is why I ended up in your head Bugze. Desperation. Had you not come along, I would have died, forgotten and cold within that armor. I never said this before, but thank you Bugze. Thank you…”

“You’re welcome,” you say to her causing her to look less solemn. “But what about Nightshade? I think you glossed over that part,” you point out.

“That...I don’t wish to tell just yet," Selena replies sadly.

"I waited long enough to know Selena. Come on, you said you would answer me,” you say indignantly.

“Please Bugze!” she pleads, “I have just returned after being on the brink of death once again. I have yet to see my daughter and you and I are happy right now…please don’t make me ruin it,” she says with a quivering lip.
You are caught off guard by this plea, but seeing her distressed, you can’t help but back off.

“OK, OK, you’re right. I’m sorry,” you apologize.
She calms down and looks at you in gratitude as she says,

“Thanks.”
Before you can say anything else, you hear a frustrated hyperactive voice say

"Hey! Everypony else wants to know already! Just Spill it!"

"PINKIE GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" you shout which causes her to fly out of your head to someone else’s head.

“Annoying Pink Psycho, how the heck are you my frenemy? But yeah, anyway, I am going to want to know the whole Truth soon Selena,” you demand.

“And you shall, I promise.”
You nod at this as she looks back to you and asks, “Where hath that psycho been sent?”

“I don’t know, probably somewhere not important.”



Somewhere Not Important

The Pink Pony lands on a colorful, pixilated ground.

"Oww my ears are ringing. Spoilsport, all we want to know is…” she starts talking before seeing a changeling in a cloak off to her left attacking a pixilated monster.

“Oh hi there, what’s your name?” she asks.

“What the buck? How did you get in here?” demands the surprised changeling.

“It’s a dream silly, so what’s your name?”

“I’ll never tell you my name Psycho! And don’t try guessing either, you’ll never,”

“Is it Kichi?” she asks.

“How The Buck Did You Know?!” he shouts.
She points up at the name appearing above a health bar.

“Damnit!”

“Oh don’t worry about it, you and I won’t remember this after we wake up for plot convenience,” she says.

“Wha-.”

“Oh yeah, time to wake up!” she chirps.

Kichi the changeling then abruptly sits up in his bed breathing hard.

“The Buck was that?” he says aloud, not remembering why he suddenly woke up alarmed.

"Eh Buck It," he says as he slumps back down on his pillow, passing out immediately.


Back to you


"She really is a random pony,” Selena says.

"You have no idea,” you mutter.
You soon begin to feel yourself waking up. With a sigh you turn towards Selena and say,





BrownDog's Comment




Snapedrake's Comment




"Well Selena looks like our time is up, I guess I'll see ya later," you say as you give her another hug.
“And again, I’m sorry for bringing up bad memories for you.”
Selena nods her head before saying,

“We shall talk more later Bugze. In the meantime, It has been over a month since I have seen my precious daughter.”
You both part ways in the dreamscape.

“Again, I’m glad you’re back,” you tell her as she fades.

“As am I Bugze…As am I…”


With a yawn you awake. "Ugh. That was an eventful night. I'm not even refreshed!" you whine. Glancing at a nearby clock, you find that it's rather early. For a couple minutes you try to force yourself back asleep, to no avail. Finally you wrench yourself awake. You hear a gasp of air next to you and see Nightshade, still sleeping, as a smile comes over her face.

“Mo…mmy…” she sleep talks.
You chuckle and kiss her on the head before you stand up and head off into the bunker. You've got some planning to do.


It turns out the bunker does in fact have a war room. It's quite expansive, and a large map of Equestria hangs above a long table. You observe it closely, thinking carefully about you and your quarries.


"The Crimson Knights would be suicidal if they wanted to stay in Fillydelphia, since everyling knows about them there. I'm not quite sure if they're dumb enough to take root in Canterlot... probably not. Too close to the Royal Sisters. Same logic goes for Ponyville, too close to the Elements. So that leaves..." your eyes trail upwards, "Manehattan. A port city, full of hidey holes and secret places... that could be it...or at least some of them could be there."
You nod your head with a determined look before saying,

"Manehatten...I’ll be coming for you! ...I wonder what the Crimson Knight Leaders are doing right now...probably something sinister…"





Sliver Strange's Comment  




Kersey's Comment




MEANWHILE IN MANEHATTEN

"Okay. Let's do this," Silver says.
It was dark outside the bastard's home. The only light came from the bastard's bedroom window. The Changeling, Diamond Dog and Pony were hidden between the bushes of the garden.

“Alright, the minute you see him come down for coffee, you let it fly,” Snap Drake coaches.

“And if you want to say an awesome one liner you can. You don’t have to, but still…” whispers the Brown Dog.

“Gotcha, and then I’ll be able to get my cloak?”

“Well this, and you gotta steal Yusei’s deck,” says Snap.

“And vandalize a public building, but we’ll cross that bridge later, right now, focus on vengeance,” instructs Brown Dog.

“Pretty standard stuff,” Silver thinks aloud. He was especially excited about vandalizing the mayor's building.

But first things first.

He breathes slowly calming all senses until the world turned silent and all he could see was his target. There he was, the blond franchise ruining pegasus bastard. He pulled the dynamite-strapped-arrow back and took aim.

He felt a ting of sadness. He was about to kill an innocent person for simply making a bad movie.
And then memories of watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles filled his mind.

"I hope you like explosions-"
And let the arrow go.
"Hoe."

The mansion exploded in an amazing inferno as the home burned and shards of glass zipped through the air-

"AAAAAAHHH!!!! MY EYES!!!!!" cried silver as he held his hooves up in front of his face and rolled on the ground.

“Oh My Gosh, I’m so sorry!” Snap Drake yelled going to his side.

“Oh jeez bug boy, are you OK buddy?” asks a concerned Brown Dog.

Silver lowers his hooves, showing that there is no damage.

“Gotcha!” he cries as they all start laughing.

“Ha ha ha, good one buddy. Gotta work on the one liners though," says Snap Drake.

“Yeah…But I did it! We’re all saved from crummy movies!”

“Heh, can’t wait to troll Kersey with this. He unironically loved that guy,” smirks Brown Dog.


MEANWHILE


In a Neighponese buffet in Mareami, a bespectacled, obese Earth Pony with a green coat and orange mane lifts his snout out of his 8th bowl of ramen,

"I feel a disturbance in the film, as if a thousand voices cried out in relief."
After a few more moments he shrugs, "Oh well." before greedily stuffing his snout into his 10th plate of fried rice muttering,

"Stupid Brown Dog... Stealing MY job in the Crimson Knights. Donald Trumpkin was right but he's being too lenient. Note to self; Suggest obliterating Dimondia to whoever's in charge now mutter chew mutter gulp mutter..."
As the buffet's staff weep in the background at their lost profit due to this bottomless pit of a fatflank.


BACK TO BEIGH

“Achoo!” goes the dog. “Someone’s talking about me…but anyway good job Sil-.” He stops as his jaw drops.
Silver and Snap Drake look behind them and horrified looks come across their faces.

Rising above the ashes of the burning house is the Explosive Director himself. His body is wreathed in fire, but it doesn’t hurt him and his eyes are black and souless.

“You call that an explosion?!” says the horrifying pegasus. “I created bigger in 3rd Grade Chemistry!” he roars as a massive fireball forms in his hoofs.

“AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!” all three knights yell in fright.
Silver pulls back his bow and lets loose another dynamite arrow.

“JUST DIE ALREADY!!!” he yells. The arrow strikes true, causing an explosion, but the flames of it are absorbed back into the director, strengthening his fire ball.

“HA HA! YOU CAN’T KILL WHAT WAS NEVER TRULY THINKING!!!” he yells in his demonic voice.

“BUCK THIS! BAIL BAIL!” they all scream in unison as they turn tail and run away screaming at the top of their lungs.


Laughing evily, the monster throws the fireball at them,

"HADOKEN!!!" which causes a massive explosion which causes a shockwave that sends them flying further into the distance and into a pond.

“HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!” laughs the horrible director before landing and looking at his house.

“Hmm. Well I’m up. Might as well go make Transformares 5 and drink the tears of heartbroken fans,” he says as he whistles happily and walks down the street.

A distance away, the three knights crawl out of the water.

“Well…that could have gone better,” says Silver Strange.

“Yeah, I forgot that he was a pyromancer,” says Snap Drake.

“Yeah…buck it, let’s go grab some burritos,” says the Brown Dog.

“Oh heck yeah!” shouts Silver.



BACK WITH YOU


"No doubt fulfilling all their genius master plans. Well guess what Knights, now that Selena’s back, I’ll be coming for you…” you say seriously.
Your stomach then gurgles, killing the mood.

“But first I’m going to need some breakfast,” you say before remembering that only a few days worth of food is still edible.

“Nice oversight there Grandbuggy,” you snark, before you put your hoof to your chin in thought.
“Supplies aren’t going to last long. We’re going to have to move on again. And if I’m going to hunt and stalk these nutjobs, I’m going to need financial backing, *sigh* now only if I had money! I shouldn’t have dumped Smaug’s treasure!” you lament with a smack to your forehead.

“Ugh, maybe if I pawned some of the movie props, but still, how the heck else am I supposed to make mo-.”
You then look around the war room at all the other maps, and see the Bounty Posters pinned up next to locations. Some with many high prices next to them.
You hear a ding and cry out,

“That’s it!”


A Few Days Later

After a few days of rest, relaxation, and Nightshade being happier than she has in a month, it’s time to move on. She understood, since even she knew that there wasn’t enough food, but after the return of her mother, she is more optimistic.

Sombra had yet to have awoken after his beating, but you had been able to practice the shadow whip in the sparring room, but you dared not try anything else.
You told Selena and Nightshade your plan, and they are behind you, provided you don’t lose control.

“I am more than ready to get back into the field, It’s been far too long,” Selena had said with an air of giddiness.

“Just be careful daddy, don’t lose control,” Nightshade had warned.

But now it is early morning and today is the day. Today is the day where you go off to finally make a profit. Today is the day, you put on your new disguise.
You walk out of the changing room, and Nightshade’s jaw drops.

“How do I look honey?” you ask in a metallic tinged voice.

“Like a badass motherbucker daddy!” she squeals to which you chuckle at.

You walk past her and look into the full body mirror, and even you can’t help but gape at your image.

You are now wearing...

An awesome shirt that you simply couldn’t believe was in there.
It is red and black, with a metal circle clasp in the middle of the chest that leads to a Deadpool symbol on your belt.

“One of my favorite comic book characters. And if I’m bringing in folks for money, why not?”


Upon your head is a long floppy red hat with a white band around the base of it.

“The Crimson Bucker is coming to Buck some Crimson Buckers, heh heh heh…after I make some money first.”


Covering your legs, are a pair of reddish pants that came with an awesome black and yellow jacket.

"You'd think there'd be more distinct pants in the world, but then you'd be wrong," you mutter.

You placed the black and yellow jacket, along with an awesome hooded leather jacket into The Inventory for a later date. You couldn’t decide which coat to wear, but feel you’re fine without one for the moment.


Black and Yellow Jacket
Hooded Leather Jacket
Added to Inventory


Lastly, covering your mouth is the most distinguishing feature. A metallic face mask that covers your nose and mouth. A snarl of gritted teeth gives a horrifying smile, and black tubes lead back to a combination filter/clasp behind your head, which regulates your breathing. There is also a small switch that cycles through voice filters. You flip it to the symbol with a skull.


“Mediocre…” you say in an intimidating voice.

You then flip it back to normal and even your regular voice sounds a bit smoother and a bit metallic.


Combined, you look like some sort of red and black clad ghoul, and it is definitely intimidating.

"And it has an air of irony to it. A red warrior that will take on Crimson Knights," you say.


“Bugze, I don’t know how to tell you this but…I am extremely jealous of how fearsome you look,” Selena says in awe.


You smile under your mask and say “These Crimson Knights and Outlaws won’t know what him ‘em. They’ll quake in their horseshoes when they see this Bounty Hunter coming, and fear the name…um…the name…”


Shoot, what the heck do I even call myself? Eh, I’ll figure it out by the time someone actually asks. But for now, the look sells it. Still though, it looks as though something is missing…

“So where are we heading first daddy?” Nightshade asks holding all the different bounty files.
You look through the files, and one of them catches your eye.


The Cattle Rustlers:Wanted for Robbery, Mayhem, Destruction, and Assault. Warning, Always travel in a pack. Last Spotted between Dodge Junction and Canter Creek. 500 Bits per criminal.

The poster shows many different pictures of mean looking Bulls, but one of them especially stands out to you. The bull, named Stampede, has spiky looking blonde hair, and around him


A long flowing red coat with many buttons and a large turtleneck. The coat has one long red sleeve, and one that is brownish red and made out of some light weight armor.

“Now that’s one fine coat you’ve got there,” you smirk.

With that, you head out of the bunker, being sure to lock it just in case, and head out in the direction of Dodge Junction, towards some money, and towards an awesome coat.


What Do You Do?
> Episode 15: On the Road Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everfree Forest

After a few hours of walking in what you think is Southwest, the trees don’t seem any less thick. You had Nightshade stay in the Inventory with some recently added film reels you got from the Vaults collection.

“Can’t believe Grandbuggy had extended editions of the Lord of the Horn Rings and The Hobbit Films, and every single movie in the Godzilla franchise, that will keep her busy for at least two days,” you say aloud.

Sigh, look I don’t mind her staying in her room away from this forsaken forest, but you are going to turn her into a mindless blob looking at those reels, admonishes your recently returned backseat driver.

“Oh calm down, hours of nothing but marathoning movies never hurt anyone…and even as I say that…”


Inside the Inventory

Nightshade watches slack jawed as the king of the monsters…gives a flying/sliding drop kick to  Megalon while Jet Jaguar holds him in place…twice.

“Whelp, no need to hold onto those physics lessons Ms. Cheerilee taught me,” she says as she literally forgets everything about the science.


Back Outside

A shiver of irony rolls over you.

Uh huh…Selena deadpans.

“Quiet you! Anyway, any news on our “Guest’s” condition?”

Let me check, she says as she is silent for a spell. After about 30 seconds, she returns. Same as before, still out cold.

“What took you so long?” you ask.

It’s not as if he is right next to me. My safeguards and traps keep him deep in your subconscious to pose less of a threat.

“Oh, well alright then,” you say cheerfully as you continue on your way.

After another long while of walking without hindrance, you can’t help but let your mind wander.

“You know, I’m surprised we’ve gone this long without finding any monsters.”




BrownDog’s Comment




Suddenly, in front of you, a black vine with a venus flytrap like head pops up. It’s like the one that knocked you out after you abandoned your old hive mates to their fate. 

You just had to tempt it didn’t you? Selena snarks.

Just like the last one, the vine spits out a gas at your face, but this time you are prepared.
Thanks to your awesome mask with its filtered air, you do not breathe any of the toxin in. The plant tilts it’s stalk in what you swear is a confused manner as you chuckle and bring out your powerglove.

“Very unfortunate…for you. Would you kindly burn?”
And you turn the offending vine into ash.

“Man this mask is awesome. Also, I didn’t even think you could make breathing air feel so clean. Wonder why Grandbuggy had it in the first place though…” you muse.

You mentioned before that he was fond of cigars, you think that might have something to do with this?

“Nah, Grandbuggy could still outrun me without breaking a sweat. Maybe it was a trophy from a foe or something.”

Whatever the case, it still is fearsome.

“I know right?”

But that’s another thing, for our foes the teeth will strike fear, but what of the normal peasantry? How do you believe they will handle your visage?

“Oh I’m sure they’ll think it’s awesome,” you declare with a smile, before entering a clearing and seeing a bunch of buildings.
“Hey look a town…”



A Few Moments Later



SnapDrake’s Comment



We now see you walking along the edges of the Everfree away from the town with and angry look on your face

“Well that was a bust,” you mope as you trudge along.

Well what did you expect from those pathetic fools, you look like a beast.

“Yeah, but still it’s just a mask, doesn’t mean they had to deny me food and hotel room dang it!”

We wouldn’t have been able to afford a room with our lack of funds, she points out.

“Yeah, well…it’s the principle of the matter. If it weren’t for those stupid three overreacting flower mares, then the rest of the town wouldn’t have shut themselves inside and avoided me!”

Do those three weaklings from Ponyville have relatives in every settlement or something?

“I don’t know, but still, stupid judging ponies. I bet if a Zebra walked into town they’d freak out.”

Well on the plus side, at least we know that you are intimidating.

“Yeah I expected that, but I didn’t think I’d make a whole town feel so…uncomfortable. How am I going to collect money if no one wants to talk to me?”

Perhaps all you have to do is cover your teeth when talking to the peasantry, and only bare your teeth for the enemy?

“That sounds like a plan…but with what? Noling is exactly going to sell me anything,” you pout.

You try to think of something, but ultimately decide to just avoid towns until you reach Dodge Junction and then you’ll figure it out.



A Few Days Later

You finally arrive in Dodge Junction. You know this because of the sign on the outskirts of town that says, Welcome to Dodge Junction.

“Well isn’t that conveniently placed,” you say before narrowing your eyes in determination.

“Now, it's time to find some bulls, You better watch out, outlaws," you whisper to yourself as you approach the small town. "Because I’m coming for ya. That's right. The... uh…” you stop in place as you realize you still haven’t come up with a name for your new persona.

“The…something or other. Eh, I'll figure it out later. But I’m still coming!” you say as you continue walking.

Aren’t you forgetting something? asks Selena.

“Like what?” you say obliviously.

You’re teeth, she points out.

You look back down at your awesome mask.

“Oh right…” you take the mask off and look it over.

“What to do, what to do, what to…say, what’s this?”





BrownDog’s Comment



In examining the mask, you find that there is a thin slit in the casing above the teeth. Following the slit, you find a very missable button on one of the top right jawline.

“Oooo, mystery button!” you shout in excitement and press it.
When you do, a dark marron sheet of metal slides over the top teeth, while a another slides from below over the bottom ones making it look like a smooth mask.

“Whoah. OK, now how do I get the teeth back?” you press the button again, and the sheets retract, showing your snarling mask once more.

“Huh, guess I have the ability to bare my teeth off and on, and not a moment too soon,” you say as you cover them up again and put the mask back on.

You know, as unlucky as you are, it amazes me how many convenient coincidences there are surrounding you.

“What? Like deciding to become a bounty hunter and having a bounty hunter bingo book at my disposal?”

Exactly. Which also makes me think… she tapers off in thought.

“What?”





Marunse’s Comment



Hmm...How long ago was the base built? she asks.

“I have no clue, whenever Grandbuggy had time I guess.”

Yes, but how long has it been since you’ve seen him? Since he left that note for you?

“Umm…” you start thinking about when he was banished, plus your time in the army, and then your time running around as a fugitive.

“About four to five years? Why do you want to know?”

Surely the hit-list would be outdated by now right? She points out.

“...” your jaw hangs open at this revelation.

In the distance through time and space you hear an evil feminine chuckle.

“...Buck you Lady Luck,” you groan.

You look back down at the bingo book, and see there is no date on it. For all you know, some of these criminals could already have been captured.

You look back up to the town.

“Well, only one way to find out,” you say as you trot into town.





BrownDog’s Comment



As you walk into town, you see that it’s a pretty nice looking place. It reminds you a lot of…Appleloosa. You give a sigh remembering your old home, but push on. 

As you walk, some ponies will give you a double take, or will stare for a bit before minding their own business. No one is scared of your covered mask.
Smiling at your little victory, you look at your options.

“OK, gotta find a pony who looks like they know the land and if the bulls are still a threat” you say as you look around. In the distance at the outskirts of towns is a large cherry orchard. Looking around at the civilians, you see a white mare with fancy red hair and a cherry cutie mark loading up barrels of cherries into a wagon.

“Bingo,” you says as you trot over. “Excuse me, Miss?” you call out and tap her shoulder.

She turns around and looks at you, “Oh hello there. What can I do for you?” she asks in a fancy western accent.

“Oh, well you see, I was wondering if…” you start before she interrupts.

“Oh my, what a soothing voice you have,” she says staring at your mask. 

“Um…thank you?” you say unsurely.

“If I may be so bold, what is with that fancy mask stranger?” she asks curiously.

“It’s a breathing apparatus,” you say in your smooth metallic voice.

“Oh, do you have asthma or something?” she asks..

“Something like that,” you mutter, “but anyway do you know if any bu…”

“How do you eat with that thing on?” she asks interrupting you again to which you sigh at.

It seems by not being fearsome, you have gained the attention of the inquisitive smirks Selena

“If I tell you, will you answer a question of mine?” you drawl.

“Oh, I’m sorry sir. Just a might curious is all, I’ll answer your question first if you like.”


“Nah it’s alright, firstly, I eat like this,” you say as the two jaws of the mask open, revealing your real mouth underneath. Thankfully the shadows hide your true changeling teeth.

“Wow, that’s quite a gadget you got there,” she says impressed while you close the mask.

“I know right?”

“Oh, and where are my manners, I am Cherry Jubilee, and you are…?” she asks as she reaches out to shake your hoof.

“I’m…hblzidopy,” you mumble in a low voice as you shake her hoof.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch…”

“Anyway, I heard that there’s a problem around these parts with a gang of bulls…” you interrupt her.

“Oh, you mean them Cattle Rustlers? Yeah, you could say we have a problem with them dang bovines,” she spits.

“Oh so they’re still around?”

“I should say so. Running around these parts for who knows how long. It makes delivering cherries that much more complicated.”

“So just to be clear, these are the same Bulls right?” you ask showing her the pictures in the bingo book.

“Well that looks like the wanted posters they got up,” she says examining them. “Oh, are you one of them Bounty Hunters?” she asks.

“Of Course,” you say smoothly.

“Well you might want to go speak to the sheriff then, he could give you more info. But I’d be weary, those bulls are a might strong.”

“Don’t worry miss. If all goes according to plan, they’ll be out of your mane, and I’ll have my awesome coat.”

“Huh?”

“I mean money, money is what I meant…yeah…”

“Well alright then, good luck to you sir. And would you like to buy some cherries while you’re here?”

“Yeah, alright, how much can I get for a pearl?” you ask bringing out one of few gems you have left.


After buying 10 personal boxes of cherries, you went to the Sheriff’s office, but there was a sign on the door that said “Out to Lunch, Be Right Back,” on it. So seeing as how you have a moment, you sit down and eat some your cherries while reading through a Newspaper you found in front of the door.



Michael Beigh to direct 3 More Transformares Movies After House Explodes.

Following the mysterious destruction of the director’s house in Manehattan, Michael Beigh has declared that A new Trilogy of the highly grossing but critically panned films will be made, much to the outcry of fans everywhere.

“My muse cannot be silenced. When a muse delivers wonderful wonderful dynamite into your home at 7:30 in the morning, you do not ignore it!” he exclaimed to the confusion of reporters.

“These movies are going to make sooo much money, and have lots of explosions and hard to see action scenes! And Shia LaHoof will be returning!”

At this declaration, a unified scream of “NOOOOO!!!!” Echoed across the world. When asked what the plot of the films will be, Mr. Beigh simply looked at the reporter in a confused manner and asked,

“Plot?”

So there you have it folks, more horrible films that will keep making money because moviegoers have not learned their lessons.


You grit your teeth in anger.

“Oh come on! Seriously? I mean, we all learned our lesson with M. Night Shamalamadingdong, why can’t we make this guy go away?”

Must you really waste valuable anger and worrying on a horrible artist? Selena asks.

“Of course! Because If I don’t then he wins!” you shout aloud, while nearby ponies give you funny stares.

“I swear, I will end him one day!” you growl.

“Who you talking about ending son?” comes a weathered inquisitive voice, causing you to look up at a grisled old stallion with a sheriff star on his vest.

“Oh, noling! Just venting about Michael Beigh.”

“Ah, alright then,” he says in understanding.

“Now, what is an all red garbed pony in a breathing mask doing in front of my station?”

“Well you see, I’m kind of a bounty hunter, and well, I heard that the Cattle Rustlers were still at large,” you say as you hold up your bingo book.

“Ah, those dang slabs of beef have been a thorn in my side for a long time. Heck, their influence goes all the way to the Pepper farmers further on West.”

You hand him the bingo book, “And are these all the members in the gang?” you ask.

He looks it over. “Yeah, pretty much. Oh and you got all the other most wanted on this list. That’s handy”

“Alright, well I’m going to stop them and bring them in,” you say.

“Really? Just you by yourself?” he asks.

“Y-yeah?” you answer.

He just shakes his head, “Well good luck to you son,” he says as he walks inside.

“What, you’re not going to help?” you ask.

“What, an old stallion and a green as grass bounty hunter against 7 nasty bulls? Yeah no, I don’t like them odds.”

“Hmmph, I’m a lot tougher than you think,” you declare.
He just shakes his head and pulls out a map and hands it to you.


“If you’re serious, head here,” he says putting an X on a point in a nearby Canyon.

They got a safehouse out there. Sometimes they stop there for rest and supplies and to regroup. 

“Wait, if you know where they go, why haven’t you brought them in?”

“Because I’m too old and fat, and I don’t have the horsepower. And all them fancy folk in Canterlot can’t spare some troops because of the dang Hooded Offender, them follower nutjobs of his, and Changelings.”

“Oh…well…thanks,” you say as you shuffle out the door.

Hmmph, what a coward. A constable in the olden days would have gathered his own militia to take on foes such as these, Selena chides.

“Well I’m glad he didn’t, otherwise I wouldn’t be getting paid. And thanks to him, I know this Bingo Sheet is more or less up to date.”

You then look over the map and narrow your eyes as you look in the direction you have to go.

“Now, let’s go find this Safe House…”



Meanwhile



TheRutherford’s Comment



A young adult Wyvern (looks like a dragon with wings on its arms) is sitting in his house waiting on some other members to show up for Game/Movie Night.
“Ugh, where the heck are Kichi and Kersey? Hope they didn’t forget,” he ponders before shaking his head. “Nah, we’ve got Python’s Blessed Chalice and Them’s Fighting Herds on the venue tonight, no way they’d forget. Kersey's probably still eating.”
As he sits there waiting, a letter is pushed through his mail slot.

“Hmm a letter. Maybe it's from one of the other Generals finally calling me into action. Maybe they found that filly we need to get…although I'm still confused why we need some random kid. Seems wrong....oh well plot progression I suppose.”
He opens the envelope with a claw, pulls out the message.

“It better not be Brown Dog and Snap Drake asking for money again, seriously, how the heck do you screw up killing Michael Bay? You need Ice Guys, Ice! And or Good Writing.”
Thankfully, the writing belongs to another general so he reads on.

Dear Mr. The Rutherford,
Hey Bud, It's me. You know how I kind of took a hiatus because of the strange dreams of the end of the world and fighting Daleks, and the Hooded Offender killing everyone? The dreams tat were like memories, but I’d never actually lived through them? You know, the same dreams/memories you started having whenever I talked about them that we can’t explain? Well I started writing them down and guess what, I realized we could make a killing by making a movie out of it. So I'm putting a movie together to bring them to life. I think I’ll tone it down a bit though so that way these ponies won't see everything die (They can be so squeamish), but I think that it will make a lot of money, and or get some awards. Anyway I figured it would be fun. Do you want to come help me out here in Applewood?  If this goes right, maybe the Real Hooded Offender will like and will come back and lead us as opposed to those nutjobs from Fillydelphia. Let me know soon.
Your Favorite Timberwolf,
Solarkness

The dragon looks up from the letter in thought.
“Huh… I wonder how he got that story approved? Those dream memories, or whatever they heck they were were disturbing, so how would a Pony Studio make such a thing?” Just thinking about them causes Rutherford to flash to a scene of a monster Hooded Offender fighting King Sombra. “Stupid flashes…oh well…” Rutherford just shrugs his shoulders.
“I guess I will have to ask him how he got this project going. I don’t really have anything better to do anyway. I'll leave soon....well as soon as I finish Game/Movie Night. I just hope Kersey gets here soon. I know he went to clean out an all you can eat buffet first. Wonder if he wants to go too? Would Kichi? Better ask.”




Later That Night With You

After wandering through the desert bluffs for a few hours, it’s night time, and a full moon is up. You have found the safe house. You stand a hoofball field’s distance away from it as you notice that there is a light in the window, and smoke coming from the chimney.

“Alright that’s gotta be it,” you mutter.
Be positive first Bugze, don’t run in their without knowing the situation, she advises.

You nod and use your Zoom Sight to get a better view.

In the window, you see two bulls sitting at a table playing cards. If there are more, you do not know. As your head starts hurting, you look at the house and it’s surroundings and you see a laundry line with several pieces of clothing hanging up.
Including a certain Red Coat that you’ve been obsessing over.

You unzoom your vision, and through your headache your smile widens immensely, as you let out a very cheerful sound.

“Squee.”

What Do You Do?

> Episode 16: Starting The First Bounty! Capture The Cattle Rustlers! 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before you head down there to capture the two bulls, and gain the awesome red coat, you pull out your,



Get the Power Glove in one hoof, the Boomstick in the other, and get ready to bucking party!



Trusty Boomstick while making sure the Power Glove is at full blast. You remember the last time you fought buffaloes back at Appleoosa that it took a lot to get them down and out for the count. Bulls are about the same size, so you figure that a combination flames, lighting, ice, and so on would be enough to knock them out. You smirk slightly at this before thinking,

And if not, then a blast to the face from the Boomstick should knock them out. 

And with that you begin to head towards the safe house, and as you do all your attention so focused only on the...



Lord Sergal's Comment



glorious, beautiful, awesomeness that is that coat. You begin to grin creepily as you think,

Soon that coat will be mine! All mine!

Bugze...

When I get my hooves on that puppy my badflank costume will be complete and nopony will be able to stop me!

Bugze!

I'll become the most well know bounty hunter in the whole world! I'll capture all the Crimsion Knights, and with that coat I'll be know as THE-

BUGZE!!!

You snap out of your thoughts as you say,

"Hu-*trip*OwOwOwOw!"

You were so focused on your thoughts about retrieving the awesome coat that you didn't pay attention to where you were going until you tripped over something. After rolling painfully down the hill, you groaned in pain until the object tumbled down and smacked you in the back of the head. 

Grumbling in annoyance you get back up and look down at the object that hit you. Picking it up you find out it's a book called "Tzeentch's Book of Convenient Knowledge." Curious, you flipped it open to a random page, which happened to reveal a top-down map of the house along with markers for the outlaws and cones representing their fields of vision. 

"Cool!" you whisper-shouted as you tried to flip the pages, only to find them apparently stuck together. You tried harder only for a bookmark to flip down and the inside cover to pop open, revealing the words,

"If you try to force my pages again, you will spend the rest of your life with only three hooves."

Your eyes widen in fear as you gulp and slam the book shut before saying,

"Well, I'll only be using this when I absolutely have to..."

With that said you turn around and are about to continue your walk towards the co-I mean safe house when you remember something.

Oh yeah, what did you need Selena?

You can hear Selena groan in annoyance before she says,

I was going to say, watch out for that book you’re going to trip over it, but you kept daydreaming about that coat.

It’s a nice coat, you defend.

Regardless, I would be wary about that tome. Something about it seems…off. It’s as if it has a mind of it’s own, she explains cryptically.

You chuckle nervously at this as you put the book into The Inventory.

"Tzeentch's Book of Convenient Knowledge" Added to The Inventory

Hehehe, your probably right. I'll only use this as a last resort. Or if I run into a boss battle, one of the two.

You can image Selena nodding as she says,

Of course I'm right, I always a-wait...boss battle? This isn't a video ga-

Shoosh! I need to think of a plan to get them out of that house.

With that said you put on your thinking face, and ignore Selena's shout of annoyance, as you think,

Now what can I do to get those bulls out of the house? As much as I want that red coat, I can't risk going after it as long as those two aren't captured. Now besides yelling like a maniac, cause let's face it I do that way too much and it's getting old, how else could I get them out?

Your gaze lingers over to the chimney and soon you hear a *ding* and your eyes widen as you think,



BrownDog's Comment



I know! I'll go all rebooted True Grit on them!

Rebooted tru- what does that even mean? Selena asks confused.

With that question, you whisper.

"It means I'm going to use a clever trick used by one of the few movie remakes that I feel is actually better than the original," you say aloud.

Ok...what trick is that?

"If I get up on the roof and block up the chimney, I'll be able to smoke them out."

It would not work, they would hear you on the roof immediately.

"Hey, I'm not THAT heavy," you remark.

Unless you are the weight of a child, then yes, yes you are, she deadpans.

"Hmmm...actually that gives me an idea."

You open up The Inventory.

"Nightshade, come here baby," you whisper to her.

"What is it daddy?" she asks.

"Honey, I'm about to get some criminals, but I'll need your help OK?"

Her eyes brighten, and Selena begins to chide, before you say

"All I need you to do is to place this coat," you say holding up the leather jacket, "over that chimney there, and once you do, I want you to run to those bushes way past the house there and hide," you tell her.

"Oh, but Daddy..." she pouts.

"Ah ah ah! No whining young lady. I'm not going to have you in a fight when your mother and I can handle this, understood?"

"But..."

"Understood?" you say firmly and she looks down.

Answer your father Nightshade,  Selena commands, causing Nightshade to look up at you.

"Alright, alright, I won't help fight, I'll go hide in the bushes," she says downtrodden as she grabs the cloak.

"That's better. But don't be so down honey, this is very vital to the plan." you say as you both start sneaking.

"Uh-huh, whatever..." she says still pouting.

You both continue sneaking as you mentally ramble about that snark.

She'll get over this. She's not a teenager YET. She'll see how important her task is, you rationalize in your head

Although I agree with your plan, next time ASK me first before deciding to place our child in the middle of it! Selena growls at you.

"Okay, Okay, sorry..."

As you reach the house, you use your telekinesis to lift her onto the roof gently. You look back at the bulls in the window and see they haven't noticed anything. You give her the go ahead signal and she nods her head as she sneaks up to the smoke stack. She places the coat over the chimney, before creeping to the edge of the house. She then hops off and uses her wings to gently glide down into the bushes. 

"Ugh, I gotta teach her to fly somehow," you think before you hear the bulls inside.

"What the hay?! *cough* Where's that smoke coming from?!"

"I don't know! *cough* Put out the fire!"

They all start coughing harder, so taking this as a cue you stand up and flip the switch on your mask to reveal your teeth, and turn on the scary voice as you yell out to them.

"Alright, come on out with your hooves up, we have you completely surrounded!"

"What's going on, who's out there?" comes a voice.

"I'm, uh...a Law Stallion, and I have my posse her, come out with your hooves up and you won't be shot!"

"Screw you copper!" comes a voice.

"Would you kindly eat lightning!" you yell as you send a bolt through the window, hearing a scream.

"Alright, alright, we surrender!" comes the voice.

Two bulls come out, one with yellow hair and a burn on his leg, and the other a big one in a tan trenchcoat. You walk up to them, and they seem disturbed by your mask.

"In the dirt!" you command.

You place them on their bellies and duct tape their limbs together.

"Shoot, there's only one of ya?" says the bull flabbergasted.

"Who are ya?"

"That's...uh... classified," you say.

"Classified?" the bigger one asks.

"Yes classified. My get up isn't complete yet...speaking of which." You head over the line and pull the coat off and gaze at it in the moonlight.

"Hey, that's my coat!" protests the yellow haired bull.

"Not anymore, criminal scum," you say.

Before you put on the coat, you can't help but,



The Pony Spartan's Comment



Hug it tightly as Selena says, 

...Seriously...?

You ignore her and squee in delight. (You swore you heard the surrounding area and Dodge Junction shake from you squee, but you don't pay attention to it.) 
"Precious..." You say creepily.

Nightshade walks back over to you from the bushes and looks at you strangely as she asks,

"Daddy? What was that noise and shaking?"

"Precious..." You say again having not heard her.

You daughter shrugs before asking 

"Ok...can you put me back on the roof to get the coat? I don't want to leave it up there," she says.

You snap out of it at this as you do just that with your Telekinesis.

"Wait a dang minute, it was just you and a little filly?! Dang it Stampede, I told ya we shouldn't have given up!" growls the big one.

"Well how was I supposed to know?! Lightning came in through the window, and I thought the house was on fire!" replies the yellow haired one.

After Nightshade takes the coat off the chimney and gets back in your Inventory you look at the two bulls and say

"Alright you lugs, lets go back inside and have a chat shall we?"

"But it's smokey in there," they reply.

"Oh, right...hang on a moment."

You take a deep breath, head inside and push out your arms for some Air Bending...which only serves to push the smoke in the corner.

"Dang it, gotta practice this more instead of not at all...Would you kindly get pushed back?" you say using your Telekinesis to move the smoke out the windows and doors.

You then pick the bulls up and put them back in the cabin and tie them to the chairs.

You then finally put the awesome coat on and you can't help but feel complete with it. With a sigh of satisfaction you look over yourself in a nearby mirror.

"Don't get comfortable in that mister, that there is mine and mine alone," Stampede growls.

"Ownership is 1/3rd of the law...or something. Anyway," you dramatically turn around and point at them, the coat billowing about you as you growl.

"You're part of the Castle Rustlers, so where's the rest of them?"

"We don't know nothing," protests the bigger bull.

"Yeah, we're only here on vacation, we don't know no Cattle Rustlers," the yellow haired one says unconvincingly.

"Bullspit...litteraly," you say as you show them the bingo page.

"I know who you are," you say dangerously.

"Oh lord, it's one of them bounty hunters Stampede," says the bigger one.

"Come on mister, this is just a big mistake. Just let us go, and nothing bad will happen."

"Um...how about no. How about you tell me where your friends are, I beat them up too, and you all go to jail together for being criminal trash. Now where are they?" you command.

"W-we don't know. Ain't seen 'em in weeks. We ain't a part of them no more anyway," says the big one.

You raise an eyebrow and look back over to the fireplace, where a big pony sized cauldron of  of beans is cooking.

"Uh-huh, and what, you were gonna eat all these beans by yourselves?" you accuse.

"Y-yeah, we're pretty hungry..." the big one lies.

You walk over to him and slam his head on the table.

"Enough bullspit, tell me where they are!" you growl.

The yellow haired one then looks at a nearby clock, then looks to you and smiles cruelly.

"What are you so happy about?" you ask.

"Cause I know where my friends are mister..."

Suddenly, you hear large beating hoofbeats outside.

"And they're already here..."

"Oh Buck Me..." you moan.

"Stampede, Brick! You better have those beans ready, cause we are hungry!" comes a large booming voice.

You run over and quickly lock the door. As soon as you do, the bull on the other side slams into it.

"What the hay? Brick, Stampede, what's going on? Open up!"

You look over at your two prisoners and whisper.

"Not a word. Stay quiet and..."

'WE'RE IN HERE BOSS! BOUNTY HUNTER'S GOT US! HELP-*whack*" you silence him with a smack of the boomstick staff.

"You motherbucker!" you growl.

You turn around quickly and hold up the Boomstick as the door is busted open to reveal...

A lot more bulls then the wanted poster had! Your eyes widen in fear as you think,

What the buck! There has to be thirty or more bulls! The wanted poster only showed like ten! Where'd they all come from! 

You can hear Selena click her tongue in annoyance as she says,

That wanted poster was outdated, remember?! They've obviously recruited more into their numbers since that picture was taken!

You can't help but gulp at this as a big blue bull with a skinny black hat begins to stalk towards you.

"I am King Longhorn and this is my property. Who in the hay are you, and what are you doing with my crew?...And why are you wearing Stampede's coat?!"

"I, um...*cough* I'm here to take you in, you slabs of beef! And this coat's mine now! MINE MINE MINE!!!" you growl out in your intimidating voice, to which he flinches at, before his eyes sharpen in resolve.

"Is that so?" he says as he snaps his hooves, and more bulls enter the room, trapping you.

You gulp as you look around and mentally panic.



Kropsling66's Comment



This is bad. So very very bad. Why must I be the only changeling cursed with bad luck?

MEANWHILE, AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION

A lone changeling is walking down an alleyway muttering to himself. 

"This is just great. First I got separated from the hive then a creature with a black cloak and weird monkey hands ambushes me and takes away my magic. Now I can't even disguise myself! I try to find the hive and make my report to the Queen, but the only changelings I do find kick me out and call me a freak. And to top it all off they kept calling me 'Kropsling'. What the heck even is that? A gardening tool? Are they calling me dirty or something?  Well time to make stand. I'm number 66. I will not let Equestria get the best of me!" number 66 declares.

"YOU HEAR THAT EVERYPONY?! I'M NUMBER 66! I WILL DIE STANDING SO DO YOUR WORST!" he shouts...only to immediately drop as he gets hit in the back of the head by a stray bottle which knocks him out.

"Oops sorry about that you ok?" says a cloaked figure.

"I'hmm..." Kropsling mutters.

"Better take you inside. Hey Fireheart give me hoof with this changeling" says the figure as he lifts one end of Kropsling up.

"Aww, Do we have to? I was right in the middle of doing something cool Pentakill," Fireheart says as he lifts the other end up.

As the two guys lifted  Kropsling up he had few words to say while being carried off.

"...Your the man now dog..." Kropsling said

"Alright lets get him to the hideout," and with that they carry Kropsling to the hideout.

BACK WITH YOU 

You feel a sudden shiver as you think,

Why do I have the sudden feeling that another changeling is Lady Luck's punching bag...and why do I feel jealous!?

Worry about your feelings for Lady Luck later! Deal with these idiots now!

Snapping out of it you notice that one of the bulls is charging at you. Thinking quickly you...



Kersey's Comment

 

flail your arm out and Falcon Punch him into one of the safehouse's wooden pillars, cracking it and causing the others to look at him in shock.

Taking the opportunity while they are shocked, you Psycho Crusher through said pillar and out through the wall, causing the roof to collapse as King Longhorn and his bulls all scream in fright. You look back as the house begins to fall apart and collapse. Once it's done breaking, you hear the moaning of all the bulls that got the roof dropped on them moaning. You smirk and start walking towards the wreckage as you mutter 

"Mediocre."

You look over to the now unsafe house to see that about 10 of the bulls are knocked out from the debris, but about the rest, including Longhorn are conscious and pulling the debris off themselves . You see one of the bulls pull out the yellow haired one (still duct taped to the chair) from the rubble and that he's still awake too. 

King Longhorn lets out an angry snort as he shouts,

“You’re gonna pay for that varmit! That cabin was a gift from my mother!”

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll pay you back. Once I bring you in, I’ll have more than enough money to do so,” you snark.

"You flippin Crimson Knight nutjob! I told ya'll we weren't interested in joining! But if you want a fight, we'll give you a fight!"

Your eyes widen at that statement, but narrow again as you menacingly say.

"Oh I'm not with those freaks, they're actually on my list. I'm just a simple Bounty Hunter, and they are probably far worse than what you can muster up...and yet even as I say that..."



Silver Strange's Comment




Brown Dog's Comment



MEANWHILE, WITH SILVER STRANGE AND THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS

Oh Buck! Oh Buck! Oh Buck! I'm finally joining them!  Silver thinks in glee as Brown Dog and Silver open up a trunk.

It was tough but he  had finally completed all of their trials, even if they were insane. They stole Yusei's deck in the Museum of Anime of Manehatten (yes. Yes, it is really a  thing) and they defaced the Mayor of Baltimare's house. 

Sure there were some close calls, such as almost drowning after deciding to take an impromptu swim in the Mayor's pool...while he was inside it. But after tying him up with pool floaties and locking him inside his own closet, they spray painted 'FREE 'SERVICES' INSIDE on the wall in front of the building.

Then while Silver was stealing the deck, Brown Dog apparently used his awesome ninja skills to disable a gaurd who had spotted them.

Thank the Queen Brown Dog's ninja skills are over 9000. Seriously! He was right in front of him! With the dang lights on! AND HE STILL MISSED HIM! He and SnapDrake are god tier, he thinks as they lift out a bag.

What Actually happened.

The Brown Dog actually intentionally broke cover and let the gaurd see him. What Silver thinks are Ninja skills of the Brown Dog, is actually just sheer confusion on the guard in question over why a Diamond Dog would blatantly stand in front of him while doing the macarena. Silver was so busy stealing the deck, he didn't quite see what happened.

"Wh-what are you..." the guard babbled out in confusion.

"The California Raisins Stole My Brain, Now I'll have nothing to offer to the Zombie Overlords," the Brown Dog said as he continued dancing, making the guard even more confused.

"I-I don't...wha...?" the guard's brain refused to function.

"I'ma knock you out now," the dog said as he bonked the poor confused guard in the head before turning around and giving the thumbs up to Snap Drake, who recorded the whole thing while snickering.

"I can't believe you actually did that," he chuckled.

"Hey, when you make a bet, I roll with it," Brown Dog replies.

"Oh wow, how'd you knock him out so easily?" Silver asked with the deck walking in on the scene.

"My awesome ninja skills, heh heh heh..." the Brown Dog joked while Snap Drake burst out laughing.

Back with Silver's Mind

I'm so lucky to be in their group, and now I get my own Cloak!

SnapDrake hands him the cloak and he puts it on.

"Welcome to the team buddy. Sure we may be rag tag, not know who the higher ups are, and get weird as heck orders now and again..."

"I thought the Viagra in the water supply over Heart's and Hooves Day was hilarious," Brown Dog quips.

"But we are what we are. Congrats," Snap Drake finishes.

He, Brown Dog, and some other random cloaked mooks then start clapping.

"I'm happy to be here. What do we do now?" Silver asks excitedly.

"I don't know...get drunk?" suggests Brown Dog, to which everyone cheers at.

Back with You

Irony washes over you again causing you to shiver.

"Gorramit. Quit contradicting me future enemies!"

Longhorn sees you shivering and calls out.

"What's the matter? Shaking in fright?"

"NO! You're the ones who should be shaking if you knew what's coming!" you yell as you point at him.

As you do, you realize that there is a very tiny tear on the left sleeve.

“NNNNOOOOOO!!!!” you scream in anguish.

“I only just got this coat! This beautiful amazing coat! And it’s already got a blemish! GGGRAAAAGGGHHH!!!”

“What?! You tore my coat?! YOU TORE MY COAT?!!!” shouts Stampede as his eyes roll over red in rage. Suddenly he stands up tearing through his duct tape manacles, even taking ripping some hair out in the process, but his rage masks this.

In your anger you look at the group of bulls who are all huffing, as Stampede looks at you in equal rage.



Asriel Dreemur's Comment




Pentakill Apocalypse's Comment



“I’M GOING TO PUT MY PAIN INTO YOUR SOUL!” you shout.

“I WILL MURDER YOUR FACE!!!” Stampede shouts.

“I HAVE THE SHINIEST MEAT BICICLE!!!” you yell angrily as you insanely run towards the group of bulls.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” he laughs madly and charges, the other bulls following soon after.


“FOR MY COAT!!!” both of you shout as you jump in the air at each other, both silhouetted by the moon. As time seems to slow down, you hear a giddy Selena say.

This is going to be fun…

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 17: Stampede's Rage! Fighting Over A Torn Coat!?!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kropsling66's Comment



As Stampede charges at you, you jump in the air and land on his back.

"Hay! Get off me!" Stampede shouts as he tries to kick you off.

You have one hoof hanging on his jacket with the other hoof in the air.

"Yeahaaw!!!" you shout.

You hang on for some time until you decide it's time to tip this bull. With enough force from the Power Glove,

"Would you kindly fall down?!"

Stampede losses his footing and lands on the ground and, in a quick reaction, you grab some rope from the safe house debris and tie his hoofs up. You then step back to see your work. All four of his hoofs are tied up.

"Oh Come On!" shouts Stampede in embarrassment while the other bulls chuckle.

"Now that is how you take down a bull," you say as you hear Selena's voice ask,

Wow Bugze when and where did you learn to do that?

You chuckle nervously as you think,

I have no clue, it just felt really natural to me. Like it's something I've always known how to do. Must be my earth pony blood or something like that. Anyway, now that the hotshot is taken care of, lets take care of the rest of them.

Your eyes glow orange slightly at that last statement as you turn towards the bulls and you...




Kersey's Comment



Point the Power Glove at them as you shout, 

"Would you kindly BURN!"

Flames spray out of the glove and begin to ignite one of the bulls that tried to sneak up on you while you were dealing with Blondie. The Bull's eyes widen in pain as he begins run around in pain while shouting,

"OH BUCK I'M ON BUCKING FIRE! I'M BURNING, I'M BURNING! WHY DO I SMELL SO TASTY NOW!?"

Some of the bulls break up from the group to help put the flaming bull out, but you can't help but get a sweat drop as you think,

This seems...oddly familiar.

Reminisce about the past later! Focus on the fight!


You nod your head at this as you prepare to charge at the remaining bulls, when you are stopped when Nightshade suddenly pops out of The Inventory. You can only stare at her in shock as she starts to sniff the air before saying,

"Daddy, why do I smell something really tasty?"

Your eyes widen when she says this before you say,

"Nightshade! What did I tell you about getting out of The Invento-"

You sentence is cut off however as a bull...



The Pony Spartan's Comment

 

Tackles you right into a big rock. He hits you hard enough to cause cracks to form where you hit. As you slide off the rock you groan in pain while Nightshade, who flew out of The Inventory and landed safely on the ground rushes over to you and asks you in a worried tone,

"Daddy! Are you okay?"

"Ya honey I'm fine-"

You get cut off yet again when Nightshade gasps and runs off.

"Nightshade, wait-" 

One again you get cut off as another bull lets out a war cry and charges you.

You have an annoyed expression and you hold out your power glove. 

"Would you kindly STOP INTERRUPTING ME!" The glove shoots out ice that freezes the bull's mouth shut. He stops and tries to take the ice off his mouth, but without luck, so he rushes over to the one on fire and sticks his face near his flaming coat.

"Now where did Nightshade go-" You say as you look around the surrounding area.

Don't just talk. GO FIND HER!

You take Selena's advice as you dodge another rampaging bull.

MEANWHILE, WHERE NIGHTSHADE RAN OFF TO

"Woah! What is this?"

She picks up a gun that's about the same size as her.
"A bit... heavy," She says as she strains, "but it can manage." She inspects the weapon. 

"Wow you are badass...What should I call you?" 

As Nightshade expects her new toy, she doesn't notice you run up to her as you say (slightly out of breath from fighting a bunch of bulls while looking for her),

"There you are!"

Nightshade looks up to see you with a worried face. 

"Didn't I say not to get out of the inventory?"

"No, you said I couldn't fight. Which I'm not," she points out matter of factly.

"Okay, Ms. Smartypants, get back into the invent- WHAT IN THE HIVE IS THAT?"

So now you're cutting yourself off?

"Oh, this?" She shows the gun. "I found it lying here. Kind of odd that it's in the middle of the nowhere."

You look at the gun in awe as you think,

T-That's the... Dark Cannon in Super Smash Colts. How is that even possible?! It's from a video game for Luna's sake!

Are you seriously going to let our DAUGHTER hold such a powerful weapon?

"Huh? Oh yeah! Sweetie, you shouldn't be playing with gu-"

"Behind you!" Nightshade slams her new weapon down and aims at the rushing bull behind you. The gun hums for a few seconds then shoots out a beam of light that hits the rampaging bull head on, sending him flying into the safe house rumble, effectively knocking him out.

The other Bulls all pause as King Longhorn holds up his arms to stop them. You can only stare at this in awe before you gain a confused look as you think,

Wait? Shouldn't that shoot out a black arrow to cut through anyling?

Perhaps the creator of the replica made it so that it wouldn't be a one shot kill weapon. And shouldn't you be more concerned over how A REPLICA FROM A FICTIONAL WORLD ACTUALLY WORKS!?!?

You gain a sweatdrop as you think,

Right, that too.

You shake your head before you stutter out to Nightshade,

"Uh... On second thought... Maybe you should keep it to protect your-"

"Hontōni ka!? Arigatō, papa (Really!? Thanks, Daddy!)!" Nightshade then puts the Dark Cannon in her Inventory and hops into yours.

"Why do I keep getting cut o-"

"That was MY Dark Cannon!" Stampede yells cutting you off.

Your eye twitches as you yell in annoyance,

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

With that mighty wail you turn towards Stampede...and see him completely shatter the rope tying him with nothing but brute strength. Your eyes widen in shock as you think,

That's impossible! I tied him up using the Double Constrictor Knot method! It should have been impossible for him to untie it, much less shatter the rope into pieces! Even my Grandbuggy couldn't get out of it without help, and he had a pocket knife, flame thrower, and butter... don't ask!

 I wasn't planning too, but perhaps you tied it wrong, or this bull is stronger than the average bovine?

You gulp slightly at this as well as the burning hate from the bull's eyes as you think,

Really hoping it's the former and not the latter. Cause this guy looks like he wants, and can, rip me to pieces. I don't know if I can actually beat him!

"Stand back boys, Stampede's back in the fight. Let him take care of this gas mask wearing freak!" shouts King Longhorn.

With that thought in mind you begin to lose hope of beating this almighty bull, but just as he takes up a fighting stance and you begin to beg for mercy, you notice...



*with the new coat you are wearing making you look even more badass...
it fills you with DETERMINATION!



A broken piece of glass nearby. Now it's not the glass itself that interests you, it's what's reflecting off that glass that does. For you see, you see...yourself. And if you must say, you look like one total, awesome, badflank. With your new coat finishing your red ensemble you look like a true menace. A red snarling ghoul whose vengeance should be feared.  Seeing this new coat you are wearing makes you look even more badflank, it fills you with something. It fills you with...

DETERMINATION!!!

With this newfound feeling coursing through your veins, you stare down the bull and...



you both got in to your fighting pose ready to fight each other.
READY...FIGHT! Selena said what you think your the only one that plays games.
Well I did think- before you can finished Stampede left hoofed you in the face.

   

You get into a fighting pose, and stare him right in the eye, your breathing coming out as a growl through your mask. The both of you continue to stare each other down as Selena says,  

READY...FIGHT! 

You lose your determined look as a blank face replaces it. After a few moments of awkward silence you hear Selena say,

What? You think your the only one that reference games?"

Well I did think- before you can finish that thought Stampede left hoofed you in the face.

"I'll knock out all the teeth from that mask you dirty coat and gun thief!" he shouts.

The punch sends you back a few feet. You grunt in frustration as you wipe off some blood from your cheek before saying,



Muranuse's Comment



"Would you Kindly Get Dunked!" you yell as you send out an ice blast at the bull who flips over it and rushes at you.

"You're gonna have a bad time!" he yells as he takes another swing at you, to which you block.

"How tall are you? 6 ft tall? I didn't know they stacked crap that high!" you yell as you knee him in the gut. He retaliates by tackling you to the ground.

"I'll kill you, I'll kill you to death!" he whines as he raises his hoof for a face strike, to which you dodge.

"Oh really? Well I'm not gonna kill ya, I'm just gonna hurt ya real bad," you say creepily as you place your glove on his chest.

"Would you kindly Ride the Lightning?!"

The electrical blast sends him flying backwards, and slightly smoking. He gets back up and looks confused.

"What? You're NOT going to kill me?"

"Of course not, I don't do that anymore. After all this world is made of Love and Peace!!!" you snarl.

"Hey! Thats my line!" protests Stampede as he stands back up.

"False! I said it in a different intonation and context. Your argument is invalid!" You point back.

"Can we please stop playing Pinkie, and- oh, I dunno... DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE 5000 POUNDS OF BEEF COMING TOWARDS US?!?!

You nod your head as you dodge Stampedes charge and prepare to send a bit of lighting his way.

MEANWHILE, IN PONYVILLE

In the kitchens of the Sugarcube Corner, a certain pink mare sneezed, jumped up into the air, spun around, vibrated like a jackhammer, before falling over like a fainting goat.

"Huh... This is new!"

BACK WITH YOU



Solarkness's Comment



Halfway, through the fight, Stampede starts mimicking your attacks, and shouting their names too just for the effect.

"PSYCHO CRUSHER!", you both shout out as you collide in, as the other bulls later describe it, 'a meatfull of supernova with bones flying out'.

While that was their description, the meat and bones were from a chicken Stampede took out right before the collision, seeing how that usually causes their foes (mostly ponies) to gag, and sometimes even surrender. Needless to say you have a stronger rage than that.

Stampede gets thrown into a wall, while you are halted in your movement. While Stampede did quickly read and copy your attacks (almost as fast as you learn them... scary), he just doesn't have the Evil-Tyrant-And-Moon-Goddess-Powered (Shortform is: ETAMGP, a mouthful too) muscles to keep up with you.

Stampede himself realizes it too, after he clashed with you on all your attacks but Falcon Punch (After all, he does know he cannot punch that fast), so he quickly went back to his own style, which composed of a mixture of a dozen styles. You think you  even saw a few moves from The Maretrix.

Finally running out of patience you give a battle cry and charge at Stampede with your hoof raised for a Falcon Punch, only for Stampede to...



BrownDog's Comment



Grab your hoof and get you into some kind of hold as he says,

"Now what to do with you, jacket ruiner? Oh I know!"

With that he gets a sadistic grin as he pulls back his free hoof before punching you right in the kidney while shouting,

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

You yell out in pain as he continues,

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

He then stops for a second as he says,

"And pause..."

You gasp for air as you think he's finally done, but you're wrong as he jabs his hoof into your kidney with a final cry of,

"KIDNEY PUNCH!"

Finally having enough of this pain you knee him in the gut. He yells in pain and his grip loosens, giving you enough time to slip out and back away. However you don't have long to rest as Stampede yells in rage before charging at you. Thinking quickly you...



 Pentakill Apocalypse's Comment



Proceed to dodge the bull in what you think is pure badassery, but is actually you screaming like a filly and running around and somehow not getting hit. You accidentally run into a debris covered chest, which then flips over and opens to reveal another odd looking gun. You pick it up to see that it has a note attached to it and a teddy bear. 

It reads Are you over encumbered? is your inventory chalk full of junk that you don't use? Try the Junk Jet! with this weapon you can shoot all the junk that's in your inventory at the enemy! You haven't lived until you knock an enemy out with a teddy bear! 

You are about to squeal in delight from receiving one of the coolest guns from the RPG game FallColt 4, but you are kinda cut off when you narrowly dodge a pair of horns to the face

Stampede looks at what you're holding and gets even angrier as he shouts in rage,

"NOW YOU TOOK MAMA'S JUNK GUN!? WHAT MORE CAN YOU TAKE AWAY FROM ME?! I'M GONNA MAKE YOUR INSIDES, OUTSIDES! RAAAAAAAAAAAGH"

You look on in horror as Stampede, well, stampedes towards you, suddenly you think of something. You close your eyes and try to gather up your rage

"I feel the hurt! Time for a rampage" as you try to turn into a psycho badass mutant, but you then realize that you aren't a psycho...maybe a bit insane, but not a psycho.

"Oh, buck me" you mutter before you pull the trigger on the junk jet, which then fires the very same teddy bear that was attached to the gun.

It flies straight into stampedes face and..... surprisingly enough, knocks him out. His last words that he mutters are,

"Why Mr. Tibbers? Why?" before collapsing mid run and knocks over a bunch of other bulls in the process.

The bulls all looked shocked that you took down Stampede with a Teddy Bear.

You just stare at Stampede for a moment then at the gun, as you breathe out.

"Best. Gun. Ever. Now if only I had the big colt as well..." You also can't help but wonder why there are so many replicas from games that actually work, but you decide to deal with that later. Putting the Junk Jett into The Inventory for now, you turn to face the other bulls, as you point to them and say.

"Alright...who's next?"

King Longhorn snorts in anger and rushes at you.

"That was one of my best enforcers you Bucking Cultist!"

"I told you already, I'm not a-Whoa!"



Brown Dog's Comment



King Longhorn takes advantage of your distraction and wraps his hooves over your shoulders and headbutts you hard. You shake off the initial pain and surprise, narrow your glowing orange eyes and headbutt him back. He immediately headbutts you again, and you return in kind as you both enter into a Headbutt match. The other bulls watch the spectacle their mouths agape..

*Whack Whack Whack* you both keep colliding and you realize that your vision is spinning.

“Amateur, I can do this all day *Whack*" Longhorn declares not even looking fazed.

“Oooooohhhh…coat…” you woozily say.

Bugze, your vision is fading! You can't win this way! Stop ramming your head into his!

Before he headbutts you again, you take the opportunity to kick him in the nads.

“EEEEEEE!!!” he shrieks while the other bulls hold themselves and shout

“Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh…”

“That’s…cheating…” Longhorn stammers in a higher pitched voice.

“I’m…peanut…muchacho…” you say as your head still spins.

The others then rush forth as King Longhorn still cradles his jewels. 

The first one to reach you is Brick, the other Bull from the cabin, but before he can strike your dizzy form, Nightshade sticks her head out of the Inventory.

"So Daddy, is this other new gun mine also or-EEEEKK!" she shrieks as



Kichi's Comment



Brick lifts her out of the Inventory and holds her.

"Don't move or the filly will pay!" he snarls.

"Nightshade!" you and Selena shout as your vision clears and anger course through you... when suddenly Nightshade back kicks the bull between the legs.

"Falcon Kick" shouts Nightshade as she hit the bull even harder than how you hit Longhorn, and he falls to his knees crying. But Nightshade doesn't stop, she hits the bull again

"Shoryuken!" she shouts doing an uppercut to his chin, throwing the bull with enough force that he crashes into another bull, sending both of them into some nearby rocks.
You and the other bulls stare at this with your mouths open in shock as you turn to your daughter and ask

"Nightshade...what was that?" 

"Self Defense, totally not Fighting Daddy, Ms. Rarity said so!"

"Rarity?"

"Yeah, she showed me and the other crusaders that move. She said it was good for a mare or filly to do that to a Stallion who tries to grab you from behind against your will. Hit 'em where it hurts," she says with a smile.

Everyone stays silent at this declaration for a moment, before Brick groans out loud.

"Gaaahhh... Help me, up guys..."

The bulls look at each other and nod at each other...and to your confusion the bulls begin to kick Brick while he's down.

"Gah, uhg, why?" he asks in pain.

"Because you deserve it! We are criminals yeah, but not even we would think to target a young filly like that... We have a little of honor and targeting fillies is a no, no," chides King Longhorn.

"Uhhhh... we're still fighting remember?" you ask.

"Uh? Oh? Ah, yes, one second while we finish with this trash" comments one of the bulls as they all finish kicking Brick into unconsciousness. You and Nightshade just shrug at eachother as she hops right back into your inventory.

After they are all done kicking, you all look back to you.

"Alright, now that that's done, GET'EM BOYS!!!" Longhorn shouts as they all rush at you en mass.

You narrow your eyes, as your hoof begins to emit a smokey haze.

"Alright, let's see how you like this..."



BrownDog's Comment



You send out your Shadow Whip, and wrap one bull in it. He stops and looks confused at this before you shout.

"GET OVER HERE!"

before pulling back towards you. Using this momentum, you begin spinning him, still attached to the whip, around you in a circle, striking all the other bulls with his body.

After a few rotations, you let him go, sending him flying back into the crowd. You then use your whip to keep slapping the bulls across the face, making them keep their distance.

"That's right Back! Back you filthy savages! Would you kindly freeze!" 

Your freeze shot freeze a few of their nose rings, causing them to howl in pain. You take this opportunity to trip them up with the shadow whip, and when they all hit the ground, you hit your Boomstick into the dirt. The shockwave causes the frozen metal to break up and fall out of their noses, causing the Bulls to black out from pain. 

After many strikes, and knocking quite a few of them out, you begin to chain freeze as many as you can, but one bull is able to blindside you and the remainder of them dogpile you.

"Oh Luna...not again..."

You try to move, and can't as the crushing weight bears down on you.

“Selena…we got enough juice?” you strain out, as you can think of no other options.

For a few minutes…do it!

You smile as your eyes glow orange. You flare out the power of your cloak, and the bulls go flying in several directions. The vast majority of them either hit face first into rocks, bushes or the ground and are knocked out.

Those who weren’t knocked out, including King Longhorn look at your dark form in fear.

You look up with your orange eyes and say in your now doubly intimidating voice.

“DADDY’S HOME…”

The power...you haven't felt it in so long. The Right way anyway. It's no longer out of control, it's manageable. Two of your tails are out, and you use them to grab two bulls and pull them towards you for a double Shoryuken.

"Ahahahaha," you chuckle darkly. "My tails needed a stretch!" you say as you pick up another bull and stretch his limbs painfully, before slamming him into the ground.

"G-G-Get Him!" roars out Longhorn, but the 10 or so remaining bulls instead try to flee into the night...but you don't let them escape.

"Don't Go! The fun's just beginning!" you shout.

Their screams of pain and fear fill the air as King Longhorn stares at you in shock.

And for the next couple of minutes, you completely wreck the remaining bulls. You then feel your cloak start to dissipate.

"What, that's it?" you ask.

Any longer would be a strain. Besides, they are beaten, Selena tells you.

"Good point," you say as you look over all the knocked out bulls.

"Guess it's time to bag and tag'em," you say as you bring out your Duct Tape, but a whimper causes you to pause.

"Wh-wh-what  you?"

You turn around and see a battered and bruised King Longhorn looking at you in fear.

"Me? Well besides the bounty hunter that just kicked your butt...I'm the one who is going to destroy the Crimson Knights!" you declare. "For all the hurt they've caused me, they will pay! All evil doers will feel my wrath...my Vengeance!" you then wrap your arms around his shoulders and bring him to your face, your eyes glowing fiercely into his.

"I...AM THE CRIMSON VENGEANCE!" you snarl as his eyes fill with tears.

"And you...are my meal ticket." You then bring your head back and slam it hard into his face, knocking him out.

You then rub your forehead before wrapping him up in tape.

B-Bugze...that was...exhilirating just now, Selena says in awe.

"Thanks, I try to please," you joke.

And that name...it suits you. How ever did you come about it?

"I don't know. Kind of just sounded right with that whole Batmane speech I was giving to Long Johns here," you explain as you shrug your shoulders. "But yeah, now ole CV is coming for the wicked," you declare.

Aaaaaannnnndddd, you just ruined it, Selena sighs. 

“Quiet you!" you say in indignation before you start taping up all 30 bulls. After you are done, you look at your handy work.

"Alright, now to get you all to the sheriff. Who is in Dodge City. About 5 hours from here. And I have no wagon…” you say as you realize something obvious. You didn't bring anything to haul all these guys in.

“Oh Gorramit! Ugh, what am I supposed to do? It’s not like I have an infinite storage spa…”

The Next Day

You walk into town, with your daughter on your back as you walk right up to the sheriff.

“Oh, you’re still alive huh? Nice coat. Who’s the kid?”

“She’s my…business associate. But anyway, I’m here for my payment.”

“Ha ha! Payment? For what? Surviving?” he chuckles.

“No, this!” you say smugly as you turn your Inventory upside down and start shaking.

Much to the confusion of the sheriff, and several nearby civilians, Bull after bull comes tumbling out of the seemingly small saddle bags. All of them are still dazed and tied up, but you keep dumping them in a pile. When the last one has fallen out, you place your bags back on your back and look back to the sheriff.



Try to collect the bounty on the bulls



“So, do I get that in straight up bits, or do I get a check or…”

The Sheriff is so shocked, he just stares at the pile of unconscious bulls and doesn’t hear you.

"Hello? Equis to Sheriff, come in!" you say as you wave your hoof in front of his face, snapping him out of it.

"Boy...you did it. You actually Goram Did it..." he says as he looks at you in awe.

"Well Duh, I told you I would," you say as you cross your arms. "So I fulfilled my side of the bargain, now where's my money?"

"Uh, right, let me see your license so that I can run this through the system," he says as he holds his hoof out.

"My...license?" you ask.

"Yeah, you know, your Bounty Hunting License that lets you claim the reward and do this job legally?"



Only to be unable to collect due to not having the proper Bounty Hunting credentials.



"You don't have one do you?" he says as he puts his hoof down.

"I... uh... no..." you say defeated.

"Well I'm sorry son, but without a license, I can't legally give you the reward, otherwise that'd be advocating Vigilantism."

"Oh Gorramnit! Noling told me anything about no stinking license!" you shout.

"Well they're not too hard to get, you just gotta go to a licensing house."

"Well where's the nearest one?" you ask.

"Well from here? I'd say Baltimare."

"What?!" you shout. "Are you kidding me?"

"Sorry son, Licensing houses are found in the big fancy cities and all..." he apologizes.

"So for all the hard work and fighting I put in, I'm not even getting paid?!" you shout as your eyes begin to glow.

The sheriff just sighs before he looks around shiftily.

He reaches into his vest and pulls out a bag of bits.

"Here, this is 200 bits. I know it's nowhere near the reward you were hoping for, but that's out of my pocket Mr. I do appreciate what you done, but until you get that license...there's nothing I can do."

You sigh and take the bits.

200 Bits Added to Inventory

"Thanks Sheriff...guess I'm off to Baltimare," you sigh while Nightshade shouts,

"Woohoo, new city!"

"What the?" Stampede says having just regained consciousness, "Let me outta here this minute! I'll make you pay for turning Mr. Tibbers against m-" Unfortunately for him, you're in a bad mood and he just volunteered to be your stress relief,

"Oh would you kindly just BUZZ OFF!" you say pointing the Power Glove at Stampede causing a small hive of bees to come out and swarm the downed bull.

"OH, NO! NOT THE BEES! NOT THE BEES! AAAAAHHHHH! OH, THEY'RE IN MY EYES! MY EYES! AAAAHHHHH! AAAAAGGHHH!" the bull screams and struggles against the duct tape restraints as the bees angrily and repeatedly sting his face, your bad mood seeping into them.

"Hey daddy, he sounds like Scary-Face Cage!" Nightshade giggles, "Say 'My hair is a bird, your argument is invalid'!"

That's my girl... you think, your mood a little better after that. You turn around and begin to walk away when the sheriff calls out,

"Say wait Mr., I never did catch your name."

You look back to him and say.

"They call me The Crimson Vengeance...remember that name sheriff," you say before you start heading East towards Baltimare, grumbling the whole way.

A Few Days Later

After following a path through some semi safe woods towards the river that leads to Baltimare, you decide to make camp for the night.

"Stupid Bulls, Stupid Bounty Hunting Laws. I'll show them, I'll show them all," you grumble as you have for the last few days.

After laying your head down in your tent, you try to drift off to sleep...but you are stopped when you hear chanting.

You stick your head out of the tent and look around the woods. Not to far from your camp, you see orange flames and red smoke.

You sneakily make your way towards the fire, and hiding in the darkness you see...a strange looking Zebra stallion.

He is the same shade of grey as Zecora, but his mane and stripes are all orange and red...and his eyes are not kind.

He stands over a cauldron chanting some harsh language, and sending out from his hooves some sort of fire magic.

"The treasures of this wood will be mine, but for now, I must dine..." he mumbles.

Taking in this Zebra, something sparks in your mind and you open up your Bingo book, and there he is.

Braze: Dark Shaman Zebra. Wanted for Theft, Kidnapping, and Arson.

Your eyes light up. Baltimare is only another day's walk, if you capture this guy, you can bring him in AND get your license.

"OK, I just gotta wait till this guy goes to sleep, and then I'll make you my first official bounty...relatively speaking..."

So you sit and silently watch him from the darkness for about an hour, but as you do your eye catches movement in the darkness.

"What is that?" you wonder aloud.

As the shape moves closer to the Zebra's camp, you can faintly make out shades of blue. Eventually, the blue shape you can make out as a Unicorn mare.

"Who the hay are you missy?" you wonder as you still don't move.

You see the mare sneak closer and closer towards the Zebra, looking like a cat ready to pounce.

She then does something that causes your breath to catch in your chest.

She manifests a whip...made out of water.

In that moment, two things run through your mind

"No way...the water bender from Fillydelphia?"

And

"That Strumpet is trying to take my bounty!!!"

What Do You Do? 
> Episode 18: Return Of A Old Foe! The Water Bender; Aqua!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Wait until they've pummeled each other, then take them both out. 




BrownDog's Comment



You sit back for a bit and watch to see what she does.

She twirls the whip and is about to throw it, but then Braze’s ear twitches.

As she throws it, he hops back and the whip strikes the cauldron.

As he looks around angrily at the darkness, she slingshots her way towards him using her whip doing a stylized flip in midair.

“What is the meaning of this? Do you want me to get pissed?!”

“Braze the Shaman! You are wanted for crimes against Equestria, and you are coming with me!” she declares.

“Oh is that so? Well how about no?!” he shouts as he sends out a wave of magical flame at her to which she puts up a water shield.

“Sorry Bucko, but you’re worth a pretty penny, and mama needs some new shoes,” she chuckles as she sends out an ice blast at him, to which he dodges and sends out a flame wall.

“Gotta say, the posters didn’t say anything about you being a Fire Bender,”

“You Benders and your narrow view, Fire is but one magic a shaman can do!” he cries out as he throws out a puff of dust, which swirls around her, creating illusions to which she strikes out at.

“Oh Gee, smoke monsters, how scary. What is this Lost?” she deadpans as she whips away the illusions, only to be blind sided by Braze as he charges into her and whacks her upside the head with his Shaman Stick.

“Do not get sassy with me mare, or to your guts I will rip and tear!” he threatens.

She rolls up from the ground and from her water pouches, she wraps water tendrils around her arms and charges at the Zebra.

They start brawling and fighting, dodging each other’s attacks while you watch.

“Dang, this is a pretty cool fight,” you comment.

Indeed, perhaps you should wait till one of them knocks the other out, and swoop in and overtake the weakened victor?

“That’s a pretty good plan, I mean I’m sure…umm…what was her name again?”

I believe it was Aqua if I remember correctly.

“Yeah her, I’m sure she can beat this guy no pro-“

Suddenly, Braze gets the upper hand and strikes her across the horn, causing her magic to sputter, he then throws a clay like substance from one of his bags over her horn, making her not be able to do magic.

“Oh come on!” you snarl.

“You put up a good fight my friend, but sadly for you, this is the end…” he says as he stalks towards her, fire in one of his hooves.

As Aqua tries desperately to get the substance off her horn, she is backed into a corner…and your eyes glow.

“Luna Damned Conscience!” you snarl as you rush forth.

“The laws of ponies do not affect me, for I am-“

“Interupting Rhyme!” you yell as you Falcon Punch Braze in the side of the face, cutting him off and sending him crashing into his camp.

He dizzily looks around as he mutters out, “mushroom…nacho…Free!” and collapses after finishing his rhyme.

“Dang, that’s dedication,” you mutter.

“Wh-who are you?” comes Aqua’s voice.

You turn and look at her.

“I’m the Crimson Vengeance Water Bender,” you growl out in your distorted voice. “And that Zebra is my bounty. Sorry you couldn’t handle him,” you smirk before turning around.

“WHAT?! No Way! He’s my bounty!” she shouts as she runs in front of you.

“I’m the one who just fought him tooth and nail. You can’t just show up and take him after getting one lucky Sucker Punch on him you toothed masked red weirdo!”

“I can and I will. Let’s just say it’s payment for saving your life,” you say.

“Oh BullSpit! You can’t do this!”

“Um, yeah I can, you’re beaten, bruised, and you can’t use your magic…and I’m not,” you chuckle at her as you push her to the side.

“So be a good little filly and…”

You suddenly hear a loud cracking noise.

You look back and see ice around the clay on her horn before it suddenly bursts. She then glares right at you.

“…Run along?” you whimper out.

“Buck that noise!” she yells as she sends out a water whip which strikes you in the face, sending you flying backwards.

As you sit back up, you see her advancing towards you.

Perhaps you shouldn’t have gloated so much, Selena suggests.

“Yeah…probably shouldn’t have done that.”



Kersey's Comment



Thinking quickly you jump over to the semi-conscious zebra and hold his body up as a shield. As Aqua attacks you (or rather the zebra your using as a shield) you can't help but scream,

"This is my meat shield! There are many like it but this one is mine!"


MEANWHILE AT PONYVILLE

"Huh..."

We see Rarity currently working on a new dress. But she has stopped halfway through it with a strange look adorning her face. She looks over to her cat as she says,

"I don't know why Opal, but for some reason I feel extremely jealous for some reason. As if a position I was holding was given to someone else."

Opal just ignores her master as she continues to sleep.


BACK WITH YOU

You've had to stop using the zebra as a meat shield after you heard some cracking coming from his body. Now you're just dodging Aqua's water whips. You've tried to think of someway to get her to stop attacking you without attacking back, but so far you've drawn a blank. As you dodge yet another water whip, you can't help but think,

Come on bug brain, think! What can I do to stop her from trying to kill me while still getting me the bounty?! ...*ding* I know!

With a new plan in mind, you stop dodging and turn around to face Aqua as you say...




DO A ABARRLE ROLL



"DO A BARREL ROLL!!!" while pointing directly at her. She stops attacking as a very confused look comes over her face.

"Huh? Why? What purpose would that serve?" she asks as she brings her whip back for another strike.

"Wait, that's not what I was going to say, stupid video game addled mind, What I meant to say was..."




Kropsling's Comment



"Dibs" Aqua stops her water whip mid swing as she gains yet another confused look and asks,

"What?" 

You smirk slightly at your plan as you point to the slowly getting up zebra (how he's not completely unconscious yet you have no clue) as you say,

"Dibs. I just called dibs on the zebra's bounty. Argo, the my bounty is now mine."

Aqua gains a annoyed tick-mark as she says,

"No it isn't! I found him first and I was the one who weakened him, so that makes his bounty mine!"

You make a 'tisk tisk' sound while shaking your head as you tell Aqua,

"Yeah but you didn't call dibs on him. While I, on the other hoof, did call dibs on him. So why don't you be a good mare and get away form bounty, sea pony."

"Don't call me sea pony,"  Aqua replies, "Also you can't call dibs on him. You can only call dibs on something you touch and since you are not touching him you can't call dibs on the bounty."

"Oh well in that case," you say before you walk over to where Braze is supposed to be. However you are in for a shock, for he is not there! You look around in a panic as you ask,

"Hey where did he go!? He should have been knocked out from all those hits he took, there's no way he could have gotten up and left!"

"Looking for something?"

You turn around towards Aqua when she says that, and you see that she has the (once again) knocked out zebra in one of her water whips. She grins at you slyly before she pulls the zebra over to her and then places a hoof on him as she says,

"Dibs stranger, better luck next time."

You gain a annoyed tick-mark as you think,

She did that just to mock me didn't she?

No, really? I thought she said that because she likes to repeat everything you've said in a condescending manner  Selena snarks.

Not now Selena!

With that thought you glare at Aqua and are about to charge at her...when her whip around the bounty suddenly drops him and lashes out at you. Your eyes widen in surprise and you don't have enough time to react as you are slapped across the face and into a nearby tree. You groan in pain and slowly get up. You turn back over to Aqua and are about to yell at her, when you notice that she is running off...with the bounty in her water whip! Your eyes widen in surprise, which soon turns to anger as you begin to chase after her while yelling,

"HEY! GET BACK HERE WITH MY BOUNTY YOU STUPID SEA PONY!"


ONE CHASE SCENE LATER

After a few minutes of hitting tree branches, tripping over stumps and rocks, and one rabid chipmunk attack, you finally managed to catch up to Aqua and the bounty in front of a river. You glare daggers at the smirking Aqua as you say breathlessly,

"The minute...I catch my breath...and nurse a few bruises and bites...I'm so going...to kick your flank into next week!"

Aqua just smirks at this as she drops the zebra before saying,

"Oh really now, then I guess I'll just have to make sure you don't catch your breath!"

With that said Aqua...




Kersey's Comment



Summons and huge amount of water from the river behind her and starts to shoot it all at you! Your eyes widen in fear as you swear you hear her shout "Hydro Cannon" over the noise of the rushing water. Knowing you don't stand a chance if you dodge it, you relay on a old skill you haven't used in a long time...your Force Shield. You call upon as munch magic as you can and form a bluish-greenish shield around your body to protect you from the attack. As soon as the attack hits you slide a good few feet away as the pressure from the water pushes you. 

You start to see a few crack begin to form in your shield, and soon you are overpowered as your shield breaks and you get hit with the full force of the water attack. You slam through a few tress before getting embedded into a rock. You can feel yourself getting pushed into the rock from the waters force, but lucky the water finally stops and you fall to the ground in pain. You can't help but groan in slight agony, but you push it aside as you've felt worse. As you slowly get up you notice Aqua walking over to you with a water whip at the ready. You start to panic at this as you blurt out,




The Pony Spartan's Comment



"Wait!"

This surprisingly makes Aqua stop her attack. 

"What? It's too late to beg for mercy."

"Trust me when I say this. You don't want to see me when I get serious."

Aqua rolls her eyes at this as she says,

"Hmph, I'll know when I regret things."

You chuckle slightly at this before you say,

"I remember the last time you regretted something. The look on your face was hilarious... well, other than the fact that-"

"What do you mean? Never have I regretted making a decision." She interrupts.

"That's not what I saw, You Crimson Knight Cultist..."

Aqua gains a furious look as she shouts,

"I AM NOT CRIMSON KNIGHT!!!"

"No? Could've fooled me. Being Buddy Buddy with their founder, helping to blow up Fillydelphia..."

"It was just a JOB!!!" she shouts. "I didn't know all that was going to happen! I just got paid to protect a guy and..."

"Like you didn't enjoy it! You only bailed when your arm got broken and knew you couldn't win!" you shout back, your own anger mixing in from the memories.

"You don't know anything about me! I don't even know you!"

"Oh really? Well surprise surprise, I'm the Ho-"

Bugze!

What?

How foolish can you be? About to reveal yourself blatantly like that?

Don't you want to see her reaction

While I do love to frighten those I despise, she is an exception. Since she can RAT US OUT! 

Uhh...

Exactly. One word from her and your bounty hunter disguise is utterly useless.

"Are we still fighting? Don't think stalling will save you. I want my bounty!" Aqua asks.

You finally stand up as you say dumbly,

"Yeah, just a second." 

Aqua gains an annoyed tick and says something, but you ignore her as you ask Selena,

Well, how do you think I can beat her? We are pretty much beaten or at the very least even! She's got a whole river to use!

I-I'll think of something. I'm not perfect you, idiot!

Okay.... but if things get any worse I'm pulling out our specialty.

Alright.

With that quick discussion over with, you quickly charge at a surprised Aqua and attack her. She throws up her arms, but you grab them in your own and engage in test of strength. As the two of you are locked in battle, you hear an intense whisper in your head...




BrownDog's Comment



“Die…Die…Die…” the whisper says fiercely.

You don’t realize it at first, but the words start coming out of your own mouth as your pupils suddenly gain a green glow.

But Aqua does take notice of this, and she begins to eye you wearily,

"Die? Who the buck are you to say that?! You bucking Psycho!" she screams as she courses water over your legs and pushes you back into a tree.

"Ugh..." you moan getting up from that hit, "What are you...?"

"You are not going to Kill me nutjob!" she screams as she ups her attacks and sends out a two whips at once at you.

One of her attacks manages to hit you pretty good and you let out a pained scream. And to your horror you see Nightshade pop out of The Inventory in worry as she asks you,

"Daddy! Are you okay!? I heard you scr-*whip*"

Nightshade's sentence is cut off as, to your and Selena's horror, one of Aqua's whips hit her in the side enough to hit her out of The Inventory.

“OW!” she screams holding her side as she holds where she is hit. “What the actual Buck?!” she yells in anger towards the startled Aqua.

“NIGHTSHADE!!!”you and Selena yell out.

“What the…Why is there a kid in your bags?!” Aqua shouts surprised and shocked by what just happened as her water whips unform.

"That's my room you dingbat!" Nightshade snarls as she stands up clenching her teeth at Aqua.

“Oh my gosh kid, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…” she starts to say before her eyes widen in fear. Nightshade looks behind herself at you, and her anger turns to worry.

"Oh no..."

"Wh-what is that?" Aqua whimpers.

"YOU HURT MY CHILD!" you roar out as your cloak begins to form, and your eyes blaze orange.

“N-No Daddy! I’m fine! Don’t!” Nightshade screams, but it’s too late as you rush forth in your anger.

Aqua barley manages to dodge out of the way of one of your tails slamming into where she used to be.

"N-No! It can't be!" she shouts as you lash out again.

"It's not possible!" she says as she dodges another tail while you roar.

"Daddy Wait!" Nightshade cries out as she is left behind in the chaos.

This goes on for awhile of her dodging, and as it does you can see the fear slowly raising in Aqua's eyes as she gets better glimpses of you. She eventually slingshots her way out of your grasp using her water bending, and finally takes in your full form in the moonlight.




The Pony Spartan's Comment



"Y-...You!"

She looks at your nightmare tails.

"Those tails."

She stares at your glowing orange eyes.

"Those eyes...please Celestia no..." she whimpers as she backs up further from you.

You smirk at her fear.

"Subtlety is over. As I was trying to say earlier, surprise surprise, I'm the Hooded Offender! We meet again," You pause dramatically. "...Aqua!"

You can only think that she's getting flashbacks of your past fight, how you turned the tables and defeated all four element benders. How you broke her bones.

"No... No! I-I'm not ready to fight you yet...not yet..." she squeaks.

"Like I said before, you don't want to see me when I get serious. AND YOU MADE THE MISTAKE OF HITTING MY DAUGHTER!"

She takes a step back.

"Not yet... Not yet!" she whimpers

"What do you mean "not yet"? You can never defeat me."

I think you broke her. Selena states.

Good, cause there's a lot more pain coming for her!

Agreed

With that thought you charge at Aqua with pure rage!




Kersey's Comment




Kichi's Comment



Even though Aqua is clearly backing away in fear, you and Selena are not only pissed at how Aqua was basically owning your flank earlier, but now she made the suicidal mistake of harming your baby.

Aqua attempts to waterbend as she backs up and you lunge forward, but a small crystal juts out of the ground just behind her back hoof causing her to stumble which gives you the opportunity to lash your single Nightmare Tail forward, grab Aqua in a crushing grip, and start violently smashing her into every tree and large rock in the area. 

"YOU *smash* NEVER *smash* EVER *smash* EVER *smash* EVER *smash* HARM *smash* MY *smash* BABY!!! *CRACK*" the both of you shout.

As you get a little more lost in this frenzy and start smashing the mercenary harder and faster into more trees you unconsciously hear a dark familiar voice say,

Drown the rat...lose yourself...

You smile and bring the battered mercenary in front of your face. She looks at you in pain and fear at your Glowing orange eyes and green pupils.

"Sea ponies don't deserve to be on land...let's send you home..." you maliciously say as you wrap your tail tightly around her horn, to which she cries out at.

Chuckling at her pain, you dunk her into the river, pushing her down against the bottom. Unable to use bending, she flails around trying to get loose, but to no avail.

"Die...Die...Die...DIE!!!" you start chanting complying with this dark urge, as she starts moving less and  the bubbles start to cease when,

"DADDY STOP IT!!!"

Suddenly a flaming hoof hits you in the side and knocks you over.

Your vision swimming a bit, you shake your head.

"Wh...what hit me? What was I doing? I was trying to..." you say as you look around before you gasp at what you see.

You see Nightshade dragging a limp Aqua back onto shore. Seeing her not moving and so badly battered causes you to snap out of it in horror,

"No... Not again..."

Oh me, what have you- we done?

Nightshade is crying slightly as she shakes the mare.

"Come on Gorramit! Breathe Lady! BREATHE!!!"  she screams as she hits the mare in the stomach. Water shoots out of Aqua's mouth as her eyes open and she starts retching and gasping for air.

A sense of relief passes over you, Selena and Nightshade.

"That's it, that's it Lady, you're going to be alright..." Nightshade says as she holds Aqua's head.

"Sh-She's alive..." you sigh.

Selena lets out a sigh as well before asking, Bugze...what happened?

I-I don't know...I've never lost it this quickly. W-we were chanting die...

We were...but why were we...oh...Oh you filthy retch! Selena suddenly yells.

What, what is it? you ask. Suddenly you hear a male voice screaming in pain.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

You do not influence me or my bug you filth! she screams.

You are not going to jail me forever whorse!

Just watch me!

Nooooooo....
 Sombra's voice fades.

What happened? What did Sombra do? you ask.

That son of a b!&$# tried to usurp us that's what! she snarls.

He did what?! you think, your anger coming back, But how? I thought that he was-


"DAAAAADDYY!!! you are interrupted. You look over and see Nightshade standing in front of Aqua looking at you in rage, her eyes glowing white.


"You promised!" she yells, "You promised me you wouldn't become that monster, I told you I didn't want you hurting ponies because of m-"

"NOT NOW NIGHTSHADE!" you bark at the filly causing her to recoil, "I know what I promised, but I can't afford even the slightest risk of losing you! My number one and only priority is keeping you alive and I will burn down half of Equestria to keep you safe regardless of what I promised!" you yell.

Bugze...

Nightshade's eyes begin to water as her eyes unglow, but she still looks at you in determination.

"You...promised..." she whimpers out as she shakes.


Seeing Nightshade looking at you in horror with teary eyes causes you to calm down out of guilt.

"Oh...Nigthshade..." you say as you put your head down in shame. "I'm sorry baby..." you say as you reach out for her.

She shudders at first, but then lets you hug her.

"I'm sorry baby...I'm so sorry..."

"You...promised..." she whimpers back.

*sigh* I know. I didn't mean to honey... I'm sorry I yelled at you. Look... Sweetie, Daddy's got A LOT to deal with right now. You're my baby girl and I and your mother love you very much. But that's why we get so violent when you're in danger. Just go back to your room, watch some movies, and stay out of trouble..."

She pushes out of the hug and looks at you crossly, still standing between you and Aqua.

"You're not going to hurt her anymore?"

With another sigh you can't help but say,




The Pony Spartan's Comment



"Listen Nightshade... You... don't know that mare. I-I do..."

"Who is she? Is she friends with the deadly six?!" Nightshade asks.

"No, she's... a past enemy. Someone I fought while you were with the deadly six as B.S.T's daughter."

"Oh..."

You sigh again. "I'm sorry for hurting her."

If she knew the truth she would probably understand.

Our daughter is kind-hearted. She would even defend an angered Luna about to send her to the... gallows.

You can't help but sigh knowing that what she is saying is the truth before you say to Nightshade,

"She's dangerous Nightshade, but... I PROMISE I won't hurt her anymore. Just please don't get out of The Inventory until I say so. I don't want you getting hurt."

"...Okay," she says as she starts walking towards you. She stops before she enters though and says, "I don't care what the situation is Daddy, you better keep your promises to me...or I might have to break some of my own..." 

With that said Nightshade climbs back into The Inventory, leaving you with a damaged Aqua and a knocked out zebra shaman.

"*Sigh* great, now I've gone and gotten her all huffy at me."

I for one do not blame her after what you said.

"I didn't mean for it to come out like that, I was angry..." you protest.

It matters not. Bugze, don't you ever, EVER yell at her like that again...do you understand me? Selena threatens in slow venomous voice

"Y-yeah...I understand..." you whimper out. After that there is but a bit of awkward silence, so you break it.

"So *cough* what was the deal with Sombra?"




Kersey's Comment



Well, it seems that worm managed to get some influence through his cage when we were...angered...

Well I figured that much, but how exactly?

It seems that losing control emotionally...can weaken his prison. Enough for influence. I shudder to think what would happen should he escape.

Well dang, the first moment he's awake, and we don't get to try out his rehab yet.

I still don't like that plan...but no, he's being punished for his little stint until he can learn that HE is the prisoner and that WE give the orders.

Yeah...so what'd you do to him?

I sent him to a room within the Subconscious, there he is having to deal with one of your worst experiences ever.

Nooooo! Not even my icy dungeons are this horrid!!!. 

And what is that? you ask hearing the distant voice.

Watching the live action adaptation of The Last SpellBender she smirks.

"Oh Dear Sweet Luna!" you shout in fear.

Ha ha, she chuckles. But on a more serious note, this recent breach shows that even when I'm back, there are still perils to using the cloak.

Yeah...dang it, why does the easy button always come with a catch?


You two do decide to show more restraint and rely more on your moves (Shoryuken, Falcon Punch, Psycho Crusher, and No Shadow Kick), Power Glove (setting targets on fire with "Incinerate!", shooting lightning with "Electro Bolt", freezing targets, unleashing a small hive of bees, and helplessly suspending targets in air with "Bucking Bronco"), and Boomstick in the future.

Above all else, we should avoid losing ourselves to anger...wow, can't believe I just said that...

I know...but it's too dang hard. Every time someone so much as sneezes in Nightshade's direction, I get mad.


Hmm...then perhaps then we should only use the cloak for 2 reasons. 1 as a last ditch effort should our lives absolutely rely upon it...and 2 if Nightshade is in extreme peril.

Extreme peril?


When there is no other choice. We both know she is tough, but should she absolutely beyond a doubt be in peril...then we must use it.


Yeah, but even then, we have to make sure we don't Overuse it and let HIM run free, or strain you.

Indeed. I do propose an idea. Should the need arise, whether our daughter be in danger, or ourselves, I shall start a timer.


A timer?

No matter how mad you get, I will hold back the cloak. But if we need it, I will start a Countdown from 5. If the situation can be salvaged before the limit, then we will not unleash it...but after those five seconds it will be unleashed.


That...sounds like a plan. Also, it should give me time to change back into the Hooded Offender cloak so that Crimson Vengeance isn't outed. But yeah...only when it's necessary...and we can't go overboard like how we just did...I did promise...


Speaking of... Our recent... outburst has left us with one loose end...

You turn your head to see Aqua coughing and waking back up. She groans in pain.

Letting out a sigh, you take a Healing Potion out of you Inventory and start walking towards her.

She sees you approaching and tries to scuttle back.

"N-no please don't! I'm sorry! Please don't kill me Offender! PLEASE!" she pleads, causing you to wince in guilt.

"Hey hey, calm down, I'm not going to kill ya," you tell her as you hold your arms up in a calming gesture.

"*cough* Oh really? *cough* could have fooled me!" she says as she still scuttles away, wincing.

"I-I'm sorry," you tell her.

She stops moving and looks at you in confusion at that.

"I'm sorry about what I just did to you...I lost control. You hurt my daughter and I just..." you trail off.

"Look, I'm sorry about the kid...I didn't mean to hit her. I didn't even know she was there!"

"I know, I know...look, things happened, I let it get out of control, and I want to fix this..." you say as you hold up the potion.

"Wh-what is that?" she asks.

"It's a healing potion, it'll heal whatever I broke."

At that, she looks to the bottle.

"R-really?"

"Do I look like I'm lying?" you snark.

"I don't know, that creepy smile is all I see," she says.

You then press the button that slides the sheets over your teeth.

"Better?" you ask.

"..." she looks at you still suspicious.

"Look, I want to make this right. Let me heal you. Please?"

She looks at you for a moment in contemplation before she nods and says.

"Ok...go ahead,"

You nod and walk over to her, holding the bottle up.

"Now, before I give this to you, I need two things from you,"

"Oh I knew it. There's always a catch..." she moans.

"Oh don't worry, they're very simple. Firstly I need you to promise...no, PINKIE promise me that you will never harm my daughter ever again," you growl.

"I won't, I swear. I don't want to hurt kids. Where even is she? Is she OK?"

"She is fine, and secondly, you will never, EVER, tell anyone who I am."

"I won't, I swear on the Pinkman or whatever you said,"

"Pinkie, and to ensure it, I need you to say and do these actions: Cross My Heart and Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my eye," you say as you do the actions.

Aqua, very much confused, repeats your words and actions.

"There, now you are locked in," you say as you pour the liquid over her. You watch as the bruises and cuts begin to heal, and even hear the snaps of bones mending.

After her body starts looking alright again, she stands up and moves her limbs about.

"You were telling the truth," she says in amazement looking at you in a new light.

"Well yeah, I didn't mean to hurt you so badly, only a little bit..." you snark.

"B-but...you broke my arm back in Fillydelphia...and you laughed," she says.

You sigh and look down at that.

"Yeah...look Fillydelphia was a low point in my life. Don't take it personally, you were just an obstacle in a whole mess of madness."

She still looks at you funny and you hear her stomach growl.

"Hungry? I got some snacks if you want some," you say as you pull out a box of Orange BuffoBombs.

She hesitantly takes the box from you before tasting some of the cereal and digging in.

You smile as you back of from her and walk over to the still passed out Zebra. You take out your duct tape and wrap him up in it, before putting him on his back.

You then walk over to her.

"Hey, uh...it's kind of cold out, and his camp had a big fire..." you trail off.

She nods and follows you to Brazes camp, where you both sit around his campfire, next to his cauldron of spilled soup.

After a long awkward silence between the two of you, you decide to break it.

"So uh...are you feeling better? You look better. My Grandbu-father always said that when it comes down to it, food, warmth and company were the key to a healthy lifestyle...and then he said that Mares, Cigars and Booze were just toppings on the cake."

She chuckles slightly before looking back up at you.

"Y-you're grandfather said that?" she asks.

"Yeah, the old guy raised me since I was larv-errr-Colt! It's funny, I always remember his wisdom in the most awkward of situations."

"Heh, I know what you mean. Mine helped my mother raise me. Sometimes I'll remember something my Grampy taught me while in the middle of the fight."

Shen then makes her voice deeper, "Remember Aqua, determination is key, and if that fails, sand in the eye works just as well." You both then chuckle at that.

"Wow, that reminds me about the time Grandpa and I were at the beach..." 

You both then start telling stories about your Grandfathers...and that they seem to come from the same cut of cloth.


"Heh, wow, sounds like our Granddads would've gotten along," you say.

"Yeah...Grampy taught me all he knew about Water Manipulation...I miss him," she says sadly as she puts her head down.

"I-I'm sorry," you comfort.

She nods and looks at you, "Is your Grandpa still around?" she asks.

You put your head down, "No...we got separated years ago. I know he's probably still out there but...I haven't seen him in so long...Nightshade never even met him."

"Is that your daughter?" she asks.

"Yeah...everything I do...I do because of her...no matter what," you say mysteriously.

She looks down and nods. She gives a sigh before looking back towards you.




The Pony Spartan's Comment




"Hey."

You look at Aqua.

"You know, I always hated and feared you ever since... Hearths Warming. I thought of you as a monster," she says holding up her leg. You see the scars and stitches from where you broke it.

You nod in understanding and guilt wells up.

"But now, after talking with you...and after you spared me, I see that... you're not a monster."

"I'm not?" you ask surprised.

She shakes her head. "You're anger may cause you to change into a...beast. But when you're not angered, you're very nice," she says with a smile.

You slightly smile at this.

"Thanks...I know you and I haven't met at the best of times, like right now and back in...Fillydelphia,"

You both sigh at the bad memory.

"But anyways," you start, "Maybe we can... start over? I mean, you did say that it was just your job, and nothing was personal back at our last fight. So...what do you say?"

"Maybe..." she suddenly glares at you, "But don't think that we're friends or anything..."

You smile warmly at her, to which she can tell due to your cheeks rising.

She stops her glare and smiles back.

"Alright, what the heck. Hello, My name is Aqua...and I have no idea what to call you," she says as she holds out her hoof. You reach out and shake it.

"Hello Aqua, you can call me The Crimson Vengeance...or CV for short."

"Alright...CV..." she chuckles.

Ugh...You hear Selena groan in frustration at that.

You both then break the hoofshake.

"So now that that's out of the way, I gotta ask. What's up with the mask?"

"Well, aside from being the most kickflank thing ever, I still got to hide my identity. I can't openly wear my Hooded Offender cloak all willy nilly anymore."

"Makes sense I guess," she says.

You then look over to the (still) unconscious zebra shaman as you ask,

"So were you hired to capture this guy or what? Cause if you do I'll (regrettably) let you have the bounty since it was your job...and since I was such a jerk earlier."

Aqua shakes her head as she says,

"Nah, I was camping nearby when I came across this sucker. I remembered seeing his wanted poster back at the last town, so I figured I'd capture him for some easy cash."

You nod your head at this as Selena says,




Muranuse's Comment




Pentakill Apocalypse's Comment



Huh, so she is out-of work like us... 

You nod your head at this as you think,

Yeah your right...wait a minute!

You suddenly gain a sly smirk as you say to Aqua,

"I hope you remembered your bounty-hunter license."

The water bender gives you a flat look.

"My what?"

Internally, you snigger,

Oh, this is too good!

"Yeah, you know, your Bounty Hunting License that lets you claim the reward and do this job legally?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"You don't have one do you?" you say as you tap your hoof.

"I...uh...no..." she says defeated.

"Well I'm sorry girl, but without a license, you can't legally get the reward, otherwise that'd be advocating Vigilantism."

Wait, are you repeating what the sheriff told you?

Yup!

Selena sighs as you hear her slam her face into something with annoyance. You can't help but feel like it's a desk as she says

I can't believe you... 

You ignore Selena as you say,

"Well since the nearest place that hands one out is at Baltimare, how about we go together? We can keep a better eye on this idiot while we're there if there's two of us watching him. Plus once we get our license we can cash in this jerk and split the money 50-50. What do ya say?"

Aqua puts her head down in a thinking pose before she says,

"Well...I don't see why not. Two heads are better then one after all. But don't think I'll stick around after that! As soon as we cash this guy in we go our own ways, understood?"

You nod your head as you say,

"Crystal!"



TIME SKIP, AT BALTIMARE

You and Aqua finally arrive at the entrance of Baltimare the next day. And oh how long those hours walking to it were. The whole walk there was nothing but awkward silence as the two of you barely spoke to each other at all! Well...there was one conversation you both had...


FLASHBACK TIME!



The Pony Spartan's Comment




"So..." she starts.

"Yeah?"

"What happened to Flag Burner? Never got my money from that job and I'd like to know what jail they took him to."

This makes a chill run up your spine. You stop dead in your tracks as a depressed look crosses your face.

"Huh? Hey! What's wrong?" Aqua asked.

"Flag Burner... is dead."

Aqua gasped. 

"I...I killed him."

She stares at you in shock.

"Hey, you can't look at me like that after you tried to kill me twice!" you mutter.

She shook herself out of it.

"S-sorry...I...I just wasn't expecting that."

"Yeah...well anyways, he's dead...and I've been trying to move on from it since...but I don't think I ever will..."


FLASHBACK OVER!

After that, things went from quiet to deathly quiet. The only sound that was ever made was the mad shamans ramblings of sacrifice, voodoo's, and how he was gonna have the spirit of the annoying Jerry haunt the both of you (his ramblings stopped when you used the ever useful shutting up device that is duct tape on him).  

Anyway, the two of you enter Baltimare. Looking around, you see that it is a fairly large city, not nearly as big as Manehattan, but still big, and it sits on the shoreline. The traffic and cabs are pretty busy as well. But as soon as you two enter, all activity on the street you are on kind of slows down as everyling begins to stare at the both of you walking with the tied up Zebra on your back. You start to get nervous from all the stares as you think,

Not the bucking stares again! And from so many ponies at once! Oh Luna what should I do?!? 

What do you do?
> Episode 19: Time To Get Our License!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the ponies continue to stare at you, you can't help but think in annoyance,

Dear Luna when will people stop staring at me! Don't they know that it's both creepy and rude!? Ugh...I guess I can just use that to make them stop.

With that thought in mind you can't help but smirk as you...



do the classic standby

"HEY LOOK A DISTRACTION"

Wind up ointing at something increably distracting by pure coincidence




Point in a random direction as you shout,

"LOOK! A DISTRACTION!"

All the ponies that were staring at you all turn around to stare at what you're pointing at at the same time. You smirk at this as you think,

Heh, still got it. 

With that thought you and Aqua begin to walk through the city, only to stop when you hear the ponies you distracted gasp in surprise. You and Aqua turn around and are shocked as you see the ponies staring at where you pointed in shock. Gaining a confused look to were you pointed and see...

A pony wearing a red leather jacket and wearing a owl mask, a blue pony wearing a hockey mask, and another pony wearing a strange pig mask chasing after each other with metal hoofball bats. 

You can hear the owl mask one shouting about something called "Hoodini" while the pig masked one is saying something about "Knowledge." The weirdest one is the hockey masked one since for some reason he keeps shouting that he's the "Real Delirious." You and Aqua continue to watch the strange scene before Aqua asks,

"Should we....stop them?"

You look at the scene for a few more minutes before shaking your head and saying,

"Nah, we got our own problems to worry about. Besides they haven't hurt anyli-pony yet, just themselves. Come on we got a license to get."

You begin to walk away with Aqua soon walking with you with one last glance towards the bizarre scene.


SOME TIME LATER

You and Aqua have headed deeper into the city in search of the building that'll give you both your license for bounty hunting. Sadly neither of you has managed to find it yet, and to make matters worse ponies are staring at you two again. Deciding to try and ignore the stares you look over to Aqua and ask,



Wanting distraction from the judgemental stares, you try to strike up a conversation with Aqua. Namely, with your time long enemy: Lady Luck. "Do you ever feel like there is somepony just waiting to ruin your day at the worst possible moment?"


 

"Hey Aqua, you ever feel like there is somepony just waiting to ruin your day at the worst possible moment?"

"What? Like the mailmare?" she questions.

"No like...wait, the mailmare ruins your days?"

"Well yeah, because all they deliver is bills, bills, bills. It can take the joy out of any day. Thankfully I've avoided them for awhile by not having a home anymore..."

"Huh...I guess that's one way to screw over the Government...but no I meant like, do you ever have those days where some cosmic tart of chance named Lady Luck has it out for you?"

"Well I guess everypony has one of those days now and again. It's not like Luck itself is out to get you though," she muses.

"Oh really, my life begs to differ," you snark.

"What do you mean?" she asks.

You open your mouth to tell Aqua something when you are interrupted...by a boot to the head. You yell out in pain, but you quickly shake it off as you glare around the area to try and find out who threw it at you. You find one mare smiling triumphantly at you with another boot in her hoof. Your glare intensifies as you yell,

"OI! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA THROWING A BOOT AT MY HEAD!"

The mare just glares at you before she says,

"Simple really, I was throwing this boot at ya for dragging that poor zebra around like that, you speciest jerk!"

Your eyes widen at her accusation as you say in a panicked tone,




BrownDog's Comment




“What?! No no no! This guy is a criminal.”

“Oh really? Why? Because he had the audacity to be a Zebra!” shouts a mare.

“No, because he’s an arsonist and wanted by the police you idiot!”

“Oh sure he is, because all Zebras are aren’t they! Buck the police” shouts a Zebra citizen.

“I didn’t say that! Only this guy! And I ain’t a cop, I’m a bounty hunter!”

“It doesn’t matter, you law guys are all the same, Speciest as tartarus!” an Earth pony yells as she throws a newspaper at you. You read the headline.

Is Captain Armor’s Second in Command A Speciest?

Shining Armor’s Second in Command, Sergeant Flash Sentry, has made headlines recently after he reportedly yelled Speciest comments during the capture of an Earth Pony suspect. The pegasus guard was reportedly to have gone on a tirade at the criminal using several derogatory terms, including Filthy Mud Pony, and Go Back to the Farm. He allegedly stopped when he saw reporters writing down every word he said.

“It’s not me! It’s my Grandfather!” he shouted before he was teleported out of the scene by the Captain of the guard himself. No other word has been heard from the Captain or his staff about the incident as all inquiries have yet to be answered. The suspect, a Mr. Artful Dodger, who has a criminal rapsheet for child labor and abuse had this to say.

“It’s sickening that in this day and age, that thoughts and terms like that are still being used. He is totally worse than me. That means I get a reduced sentence if he’s blamed more right?” he asked his lawyer who firmly nodded.

“Yeah, all Guards and Police are Speciest!”

The article continues, but you just facehoof.

“Dang it Flash…Look, I’m not a speciest! This guy sets fires to places and steals stuff! His wanted poster is right over there!” you yell at the stupid protesters who see Braze's wanted poster.

“He’s right folks, move along, nothing to see here,” some Guards say as they disperse the crowd.

One of the guards walks right up to you two.

“Sooo…you captured Braze eh? Nice…so I’m guessing you want a reward?”

“Umm…Yeah…” you say nervously.

“It would be appreciated,” Aqua adds.

“Alright, well I’m going to need your Bounty Hunting Licenses and…”

“You see…we were both actually on our way to go get them,”

“Oh…well I can’t allow that. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.

“OH COME ON!” you yell.

“We captured this dangerous criminal! We just want to get paid! We’ll bring him right to you once we get the stupid license!” Aqua harrumphs.

“Ummm…yeah no. See, if you don’t surrender that criminal to me, then I’m gonna have to take all of you in and then you’ll end up OWING money…you see what I’m saying here?!”

“Oh For Buck’s Sake!” you yell as you dump the Zebra down hard in frustration.

“That looks like a hate crime to me!” shouts someone in the crowd.

“Oh go buck yourself Hippie!” you harrumph as you angrily stomp away from the scene, looking for the Licensing House.

Aqua follows you, and you both hear the Guard chuckling and say, 

“Whelp, looks like we’re getting that raise after all boys,” and they cheer as they handcuff the duct taped Zebra.


SOMETIME LATER...AGAIN

You and Aqua now find yourselves outside the Licensing House with your brand new Bounty Hunting licenses, and even a new Updated Bounty Hunting Bingo Book. Now if only getting them wasn't such a pain in the flank. You both shiver in dread as you remember how exactly you got the license...

FLASHBACK TIME!



Solarkness's Comment




Kichi's Comment



After hours of searching, you and Aqua finally find the building that hoofs out bounty hunter licenses. However you had to wait even more hours since the line was so long to get to the office pony and the fact that he moved like a sloth didn't help. But eventually you both get up to the counter and ask for bounty hunter licenses. The office pony gives you a look before he asks,

"So...what is it that you want...today?" he asks in what you think is deliberate slow talk.

"Yeah, hi, the mare and I would like to get our licenses please," you tell him.

"Licenses...for...what?" he asks.

You roll your eyes, "Buddy, just look at us. What the buck do you think?"

"Ah...I see..." he says as he slowly puts a piece of paper before you two.

"Sign here..."

"Ugh, finally," you say as you grab a pen, but Aqua stops you.

"Umm...this is a marriage certificate," Aqua says in confusion.

"Wait, what?" you look at the paper and see she is right.

"What the buck?"

"This is what you asked for...right?" says the sales pony.

"No!" both of you yell blushing.

"Yeesh, jump to conclusions much?" Aqua says huffily.

"Oh...my bad...what license did you want?"

"Our Bounty Hunting Licenses!" you yell.

"One moment...please..." he says as he slowly shuffles papers.

"Oh..." he says after awhile. "Apparently... I can only give Hunting Licenses...to Omnivorous/Carnivorous species like...Diamond Dogs...Griffins...Bat Ponies...Dragons..."

"Nooo! BOUNTY hunting licenses you dingbat!" Aqua growls annoyed.

"Oh...B...B...Butcher's license?" he asks bringing out another file.

"BOUNTY! B-O-U-N-T-Y!!!" you yell tugging at your hat.

"So...your bounty hunter license?", the office pony asks in confusion.

"Yes-YES! For the love of Luna I already told you! We want to get our bounty hunter license here!", you shout.

"Oh...well...I don't know... what you're talking about...", he responds.

"WHAT?!" both of you shout.

"I...don't give out...Bounty Hunting...Licenses..." he deliberately says slowly.

"Then who does!" you roar, showing off your mask's teeth, which doesn't phase him.

"You...want that line...over there..." he says pointing to another long line that says "Arts and Crafts" above it.

"Arts and...arts and cr...WHY WOULD THAT BE THE LINE TO GET THE LICENSE?!" Aqua screeches.

"I'm sorry ma'am...I'm not...at liberty...to say..."

"But that's like another 3 hour wait!"

"Yes...yes it is...next please..."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!" both of you shout to the heavens.




FLASHBACK END

You and Aqua both shiver at the memory. With a sigh you look over to Aqua and say,

"So... It was fun working with you..." 

Aqua gains an awkward look before she says,

"Uhh... Yeah..." 

"Maybe we'll meet again some day down the road..." you say as you turn to leave

"Wait!" you hear her call out. 

Ugh, what now? Selena huffs.

What's your problem? you ask.

I had to suffer those infernal bureaucrats same as you, and I'd like to leave this place sooner rather than later. 

Just hold up a minute

You turn around and see Aqua scrunching her face up. "Uhhh... you wanna stick together a little bit longer? I mean, we did just spend 7 hours trying to get these dang things. Do you want to get some food to celebrate or...something?" she asks awkwardly.

"No" your mouth says on it's own as Selena momentarily takes control.

"Oh, sorry..." Aqua says a bit sadly as she turns to leave.

Selena! you chide in your mind.

I just want us to go to bed already...she whines. You roll your eyes and call out to Aqua

"No wait!" she looks at you and continue, "What I meant was No, thank you... I think it would be better if you don't stay around me too much... I'm just a magnet for trouble" you explain, trying to be delicate, even as you hear Selena groaning.

"It's not a problem, really... and I don't really have anything to do" Aqua insists.

"Well... I...*sigh* okay" 

With that said you both begin to head off towards a nearby diner...


MEANWHILE, WITH SOMEPONY ELSE



The Pony Spartan's Comment



POV Change: Luna


Luna (disguised as a unicorn night guard) strolls along the streets of Baltimare. 

Her journey from before wasn't pleasant. She had to accompany Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor at the new Crystal Empire to help out with all the wreckage. She originally planned to go there just to locate The Hooded Offender, but she couldn't just leave without at least lending a hoof. 

The state the Crystal Empire has motivated Luna, even more, to help The Offender to cleanse the darkness inside of him. 

"I once had a darkness inside me...I wrecked havoc as he did, and I was saved. He deserves to be saved as well," She mutters to herself.

She was currently searching Baltimare, because the night before, some unknown mare had had a Nightmare. Within that dream, the mare had been attacked by what was obviously the Offender, and in the distance Baltimare could be seen.

"It's as good as a lead as any," Luna had said to herself.

After a whole day of searching, she had no success, though there had been a rally of so called "Social Justice Warriors" after a Zebra arsonist had been jailed, that had been broken up. She then stopped by an arcade to unwind before getting a bite to eat to relax a bit from all the searching.

Now, eating a taco and still disguised, she walked down the sidewalk in deep thought. 

Whatever darkness he may have, it's amazing how long he can go before destruction occurs. I never had that much control over HER...  she winces at the memories that come forth of Nightmare Moon. Still, she is gone...but darkness comes in many forms, with many names...

Her thoughts are interrupted however when a pony with a smooth red mask bumped into her. She still stood, but the pony fell.

"Ooomph!" the stallion cries as he hits the ground.

"Sorry," Luna said.

"No, I'm sorry." The pony replied.

A mare walked up to the fallen pony. "Are you okay CV?"

CV is quite an odd name. Luna thought.

"Yeah," CV replied.

"My sincerest apologies, citizen. I art at fault" she says before wincing at slipping back into Royal Speak. She never was a good actor.

CV looks confused at this. "But I'm the one that bumped into-"

"I'm off in search! Hark!" she fumbles and runs off from the two.

If Luna was paying attention to CV, she would have heard, "She talks in an oddly familiar way."


POV Change: You

Shaking off the weird encounter, you and Aqua continue towards the diner, as you do you hear Selena say,

Bugze, there was something off about that pony.

Gaining a questioning look you think,

What do you mean, she seemed pretty normal to me.

Selena sighs before she says,

She just seemed...familiar, and not the good kind either. Just stay clear of her next time you see her alright?

You nod your head at this while thinking Okay before you and Aqua enter the diner.




BrownDog's Comment



You both have lunch in a small diner, both bummed over not getting your bounty. You even bring Nightshade out, who is kind of giving you the cold shoulder.

“Hey kid…Nightshade, look, I’m sorry about what happened last night. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Aqua apologizes.

“It’s alright, I’ve been hit a lot worse,” Nightshade says. “I’m sorry about what my Daddy did to you,” she says as she gives you a stink eye.

Your ears go down against your head when she does this.

“Nah…don’t be kid. It’s alright now…no harm no foal right?”

Nightshade just looks down and away clearly not believing her.

“Alright, look Kid, believe me when I say it’s OK. Here, I got you this piece of pie. Kind of hoped we could use it as a peace off-.”

“MINE!” Nightshade yelps as she snatches the pie and dives into your Inventory.

“Thanks lady!” Nightshade calls from inside the bag.

She chuckles at that.

“Heh, cute kid,”

You both then get your regular food and eat, for the most part, in silence.

After awhile, she sighs and turns to you.

“Look…about last night…”

You wince as you remember what you almost did to her.

“I never actually said thank you.”

You cough in confusion as you clearly weren’t expecting that.

“Thank you? Why would you say that? I nearly…” you start before catching yourself. She nods and continues.

“I meant before…THAT, happened. When you saved me from Braze,”

You think back to last night and you remember that you kind of did knock him out before he could attack her. It was kind of overshadowed in your mind after you became the bigger threat though.

“Oh, well you don’t have to. I don’t deserve it for what happened afterwards,” you tell her.

“No, no you do. I really did need help when he had that stuff on my horn, and you just happened to be there. It made me realize that, some backup is pretty good to have.”

“Well it couldn’t hurt right?” you say.

“What I mean is that, we both just got screwed over by those jerk guards today, and we didn’t get paid for our hard work…Things aren’t right between us because of this.”

“So what are you saying?” you ask.

“I’m saying that…we need a do-over,” she explains.

“Huh?”

“You and I need to find another criminal, take him down, and get the money for what we’re owed. Sure we could go do that separately, but it’d be a lot quicker and easier if we did it together. What with my speed, and your strength, nopony would stand a chance.”

"Yeah...I'm trying to keep the whole cloak thing under wraps. Last night made me see that.

"Still, you've got quite the arsenal on you, and you sure know how to take a hit. What do you say?"

“I…don’t know…”

No, this is good  Selena interrupts.

Huh?

Think about it. If this tart were to work with you, then that would mean there would be less of a chance of you needing to use the cloak. She is a capable warrior, we both know that.

I thought you were annoyed by her?

My annoyance aside, you know I'm right about this.

“Come on man. I know we didn’t get off on the right hoof here, but we could do this.”

“I…OK. Why don’t we try ONE bounty together…and then we’ll see what happens after that?”

She smirks, “Sounds good to me. So…Know any other bounties out there?”

“Umm…” you say as you take out your Bingo book to see.

"Well there are a few around this area it says," you say holding it up to her.

"There's a pegasus that's wanted for flying under the influence,"

"Nah, sounds too low key...Oooh, what about this guy?" she says pointing to a picture of a Five Headed Dragon.
"I've always wanted to stop a Dragon's fire in his throat. What's he in for?"

"Hiram McDaniels, 18 feet tall, 3,600 lbs Wanted For...Insurance Fraud?"

"Wait, that's it?" she says confused. "No wanton destruction or arson?"

"Nope, just insurance fraud," you tell her.

"Well that's no fun...anything else?"

"Hmmm...oh...what do we have here?" you say as you smile and point at an entry showing a bunch of griffins.

Her face brightens up at the passage.

The Extra Lives. Wanted for Smuggling and theft of Rare and Imported Videogames. 150 bits a head for 12 Griffin Crew. Said to be Operating out of Baltimare Harbor.

"Griffins eh...sounds like fun," smirks Aqua.

"Yeah...and if all goes according to plan, they might have a copy of the Gold Cartridge of Ocarina of Time!" you squee.

THE NEXT DAY

After resting up for the night, you and Aqua set about talking to Game Stores in the city, looking for information. Some poor Earth Pony kid had had his copy of Earthbound stolen by some Griffins, and with his help, you were able to find what you think is the base of operations at a warehouse on the docks. You both sit on top of an empty warehouse not too far away glassing the area.

"So do you see anything?" you ask to Aqua as she looks through some Binoculars.

"Well, there are definitely some shady looking griffins coming in and out of the place. I think I caught a glimpse of a game controller in one of their suit pockets."

"What about their leader? The dark brown female?"

"No sign of "Samus" but one of the males matches the description of "Thwomp"...these guys are such nerds with their code names.

She then puts the binoculars down and looks at you as she asks,

"So, how do you want to go about this?"

"Um..."

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 20: A.K.A. 1,000 Video Game References In One Chapter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme




As you both look over the warehouse district, Aqua suddenly stands up and hands you the binoculars and starts walking away.



Kichi's Comment



"Hey, where are you going?" you ask thinking that she's ditching.

She stops and looks back at you.

"Behind that tree," she points in front of her.

"For what purpose?" you ask with a suspicious look.

"Well, I gotta...you know..." she says, but you still don't get it.

She sighs and shakes her head. "I have to do private things behind that tree..." she sees your still confused/suspicious looks and adds, "Private MARE things..."

"Oh...Oooooohhhhhh..." you say in realization. "Well, carry on then," you say as you turn around, pointing the binoculars at the warehouse.

Well that wasn't awkward at all...a certain alicorn snarks.

Quiet you! 

With that thought, you begin to glass the area, but you don't really see anything interesting. You see a few more griffins in the group, one of in red overalls eating a bag of mushrooms, and yellowish colored one with a floppy green hat, holding an ocarina.

"Just as I thought, these griffins will be even more dangerous to deal with."

How so?

"They're *Shudder* Cosplayers" you say in dread.

How does that make them more dangerous?

"Trust me Selena, it just does..." you say with absolutely no explanation, as you look through the binoculars again. In doing so, you spy the griffin with the ocarina again who is playing a few notes, and remember something.


"Hey, that looks like the one I got from...over there," you shudder in thought before shaking your head and start looking in your inventory.


"Ugh, where did I put that Ocarina?" you say aloud as you search through a lot of stored items.

It's then that Nightshade comes into your view sitting on her bed playing with something.

"Hi daddy, what are you searching for?" she asks.

"Uhhh, did you see an ocarina around here?" 

"Oh, you mean this?" she asks holding the Ocarina in her hooves.

"Yep, that's the one," you say.

"Oh, did you need it right now? I was kind of practicing on it," she says.

"No, I don't really need it, I just wanted to compare it someone else's. And wait, you've been playing that?"

"Uh huh, you have a lot of instruments in here," she says pointing to the enchanted Fluggelhorns," but this one's my favorite. I even learned a neat trick, wanna see?"

"Sure," you say.


She smiles at that, then puts the instrument it in her mouth and begins to play a strange melody. As she does, you suddenly can't feel sunlight on your back anymore. You look up out of the inventory and see the sky rapidly darkening before a light rain begins to pour. The griffin with the Ocarina stops playing, looks up at the sky, then back down to his instrument and back, before setting it down and scooting away from it.

"Gahh! What just happened?" you yelp as you stick your head back in the inventory.

"Uhhh... I'm not sure. It just happens when I use the ocarina and that melody" she answers.

"Okay... There must be an explanation about all this... How do you exactly know about that melody?" you ask.

"Well I heard it once when Button was playing Ocarina of Time, and a few weeks ago I found this in here and decided to play with it. And then suddenly, I knew exactly how to play it," she explains.

"So you just KNEW how to play the song after only having heard it? Wow, are you like some Musical Savant Nightshade?" you ask impressed.

"I don't know, all I know is, I knew that song, and all the others too, but that rain one seems to be the only one that works."

"Alright then, sit tight then honey, we don't need you catching a cold now." You then pull your head out of the bags and ponder in the rain. Good thing your hat brim is so wide.

"Ooookay...my baby is a music wizard...but that still doesn't explain HOW this rain is happening..."

Luna...Selena says spitefully.

Huh?

That instrument is enchanted by her. The magic it possesses seems to be reacting to Nightshade...

In a good or bad way? you ask feeling nervous.

Neither, it is but a reaction. Maybe it's because of mine and Nightshade's connection to that whorse, or maybe it's because she is an alicorn...I am not certain why. The clouds though I can feel are an alicorn enchantment.

"Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a very dangerous toy?" you mutter.

Fear not, it looks like only Alicorns can play it for it's magic... for others it would just seem like a normal instrument.

"That doesn't really reassure me," you groan.

As soon as you say that Aqua walks back from where she was with a look of confusion as she sees all the rain. As she sits back down next to you she asks,

"Weird, the weather mare didn't say anything about there being a storm today."

You shrug your shoulders with a nervous smile as you say,

"Ye-yeah, but you know how those weather ponies are usually wrong. Besides, this just means we have extra cover while we capture these guys, plus more ammo for your water bending."

Aqua gains a thoughtful look before she says,

"I suppose you're right, speaking of capturing these guys actually..."

Aqua takes back the binoculars and starts to look over the warehouse again as she says,

"How exactly are we going to capture all of them? There's too many guards to sneak past effectively, and they out number us so we can't use the frontal assault."


"Hmm...you're right. Even in the rain, they'd see us coming a mile away seeing as how I'm all red, and you're blue. We'd need something to cover ourselves with and..." you stop mid-sentence as your eyes spot something glorious not too far away from your position.




Muranuse's Comment



It's a pair of cardboard boxes.

You break a faint smile, which she can't see with your mask.

"Aqua, I think we've found our way in."



A Few Sneaking Moments Later

You and Aqua, in your own boxes, have snuck all the way to the warehouse. You are now almost to the door, but the two griffins are still there, sitting under the overhang out of the rain.

Alright, this has literally NEVER worked for me in the past, but I swear, this time, THIS TIME will be different!!! you think in determination.

"I still don't see how this going to work," Aqua whispers.

"Trust me, I'm a doctor," you mutter outloud as you can't resist the urge to say so.



Somewhere in Time and Space

The Doctor suddenly sneezes real loud.

"Bless you," Derpy says.

"Thank you...someone is using my catchphrase..."



Back to the Sneaking
You hear a groan and the smack of a facehoof.

You idiot...Selena groans.

What she means doesn't hit you until you hear one of the griffins say, "What was that noise?"

You realize you spoke aloud like a doof, and cover your mouth. Thankfully however,

"Ah, must be hearing things," the griffin mumbles.

You let out a sigh of relief, and continue forth.

You slowly shuffle towards the entrance with Aqua following your "expert" hoofsteps.
Right when you are about to near the door,

"Huh?" you hear a guard say. Both of you immediately stop.

"Just a box..." says another.


You see the first guard move towards the box that Aqua was under. You sit there debating what to do. Trying to knock them out would blow your cover. Trying to use any of your attacks to provide a distraction would be a bad idea. You could always ask Selena to try to cast a perception...

The guard moves the box next to yours, and you see that Aqua manages to move in time with the box.

They grow up so fast... you think wistfully.

You hear another thump in your head.

"So, you feel like a game of cards?" asks the first guard.

"Sure, beats patrolling in the rain," says the other one as you hear a deck of cards being shuffled on top of your box.

OK, stay calm. Just let them have their game. They'll move on soon, card games lose their luster after about 15 minutes...



2 Hours Later

Oh Sweet Merciful Heaven's HOW ARE YOU BUCKERS STILL PLAYING!!!

"Hah, read em and weep, Jacks over sevens, and you have to draw 4" says one of the gaurds.

"Ha, Well I have 2 Kings, a Pickachu, and a Blue Eyes White Dragon! In your face!" you hear the cards slam on your box.

"Oh and did I forget to mention..." you hear dice roll, "YAHTZEE!!!"

WHAT IN THE BUCK ARE THEY EVEN PLAYING?!!!

"I now get Reading Railroad, and I get an extra shot at your battleship."

"Oh really, well SORRY!" the other yells and slams down a card. "Back to home with you, and my piece goes up the ladder!"

AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! That's it, I'm gonna do it, I'm going to shoryuken you motherbuckers if you keep this up!

Bugze, calm yourself

HOW?! I don't understand what they're playing! I swear, I'm real close to just unleashing all my tails!...Ok, maybe not that close, but still...

After that, you hear Selena hum in thought.




The Pony Spartan's Comment



Bugze?

Yeah?

Before we go in, there's something on my mind.

Uh-huh, what is it?

Remember when we went...over there?

Uhhh... why do you bring this up?

You were talking about ALL of your tails, and The Ni-...other you had Nine tails remember?

Yeah... I-I remember. Your point?

As insane as he was, he had mastery over his form, and yet we lose it in less.

Yeah...and the highest we can go right now is... uh...

6.

Yeah, 6, again, what are you getting at?

There must be some way to be able to control ourselves in that form. I don't know if we'll ever get beyond 6 with all that I've lost, but there has to be a way to master the 6 without losing ourselves to the beast.

Hopefully...but why are you talking about this now of all times?

Well we are doing nothing else while those buffoons play, why not? she points out.

"Straight Flush, and does your person have glasses?"

"Nope, and Royal Flush!"

You suddenly hear heavy blocks fall.

"JENGA!!!"

Your eyes flash orange quickly.

"That tears it. DOUBLE SHORYUKEN!!!" you cry as you burst out the top of the box, uppercutting both Griffins in the jaw and sending them flying backwards.
All around you are playing cards...and nothing else.

"What the buck were you playing?!" you yell at the two griffins who start to get up as more outside guards come around the corner.

"Oh, way to blow cover CV!" Aqua says as she throws her box off.

"I waited two hours, I couldn't wait any longer!"

"It was only 15 minutes," she says.

"Yeah? Well...Patience is for the weak and smart, I'm the opposite!"

"Umm...You do realize that you just called yourself-?"

"Yes, I realized that as soon as I said it aloud," you groan as you facehoof.

"Ahem," you both look to the four cosplaying griffins as they look at you madly for ignoring them.

"Oh right...blown cover..." you mutter and take up a stance as the griffin dressed as Mareio rushes forth.





Kurolothgarian's Comment



"Let'sa Go!" she declares and tries to jump on you.

"Let'sa Not! FALCON PUNCH!" you cry as you punch her backward.

She hits hard in front of the other griffins, and they try to charge forth, but she holds up a claw.

"No, I got this," she says as she pulls out a star with eyes on it. "You're in for a beating now punk. With my star power, nothing can hurt me, Nothing!" Fear courses through you since few things in Videogamedom are as overpowered as Star Power.

Oh buck, oh buck. All these other videogame weapons I've run across, and now this one is real too?! you panic in your mind.

She yells as she suddenly swallows the star, her eyes light up and...she promptly falls on her face out cold.

"Ummmm..." you say aloud confused.

"Did she just eat the knock out candy?" asks one of the other griffins.

"Uh-huh, I think she's been eating the Mushrooms again too," answers another.

The griffins sigh and shake their heads. Meanwhile all you can think aloud is,

"Oh ha ha, I can't believe I was actually worried there. Stupid bug, heh heh he-WHOAH!" you cry dodging a surprise attack from...




The Pony Spartan's Comment  



A griffon wearing a red shirt, bandana, and brown gloves. He jabs at you a few more times, while Aqua attacks the griffon in the green hat.

"Hey, Hey! Cut it ou-"
"Shoryuken!" he yells as he uppercuts you into the air, before kicking you away before you hit the ground

"OW! Oh you little, those are my moves!"

"Wrong! They are copyright of Capcom!"

"Oh...well then you're stealing too then!"

"I'm already a thief!" he yells as he tries to drop kick you. You block him and smile behind your mask as you say.

"Okay, time for my 100% combo!" You run up to him and start punching and kicking him randomly. At times, you would also use you whips to pull him closer while yelling "GET OVER HERE!"  You also put him in his place with your power glove's incinerate, as your fists become covered in fire. You end the brutal combo by sweep kicking him, causing him to fall flat on his back and pass out.

"Woah! How'd you do that?" Aqua asks as she chokes the Link Griffin out with her water whip.

"Umm...I'm not sure. But that doesn't matter, all that matters is that it was awesome.

"Yeah it was," she says as she tosses the knocked out griffon away.

You both look at your remaining two opponents.

One, a very large griffin, wearing a red speedo, and a black and yellow clad ninja looking guy.

"I call the big guy," she says and rushes at him.

"Alright then," you call after her as you squint at the ninja.





BrownDog's Comment



You send out your shadow whip at him, but at the same time, he sends out some sort of chained blade towards you. Your whip and his chain intertwine as you both yell,

“Get Over Here!”

Unfortunately, neither of you budge as it becomes a tug of war contest.

“Hey let go!”

“NO You Let Go!” he shouts.

“My whip is cooler so I need to win!”

“No, I’m dressed as a ninja, meaning mine’s better!”

“Buddy, I’ve met a real life ninja, and let me tell you, she was a heck of a lot scarier than you!”

“Oh please, a real ninja would’ve gutted you in one second!”

“Well she was more into Syringes, and was trying to kill a…”Friend” of mine, but yeah, she was much worse,” you explain with another yank.

“Wait syrin…NO Way! You know Snowheart?!” he suddenly asks excitedly with another yank.

“Well I don’t KNOW know her, but yeah I met her.”

“Oh my stars, I thought she was dead! How is she?”

“Fine I guess, it’s been a couple of months, but she seemed alright.”

“Oh wow. Me and her used to date! Small world huh?” he says smiling.

“I know right? Anyway, thanks for distracting yourself,” you say.

“Distracting mys-?” he starts before you point your powerglove at his chain and shout.

“Would you kindly buzz off?!” The current goes down the line and impacts the Griffin, causing his feathers to stand up on end. Once the shock is over, he giggles before promptly passing out.

Meanwhile, Aqua is engaged in a fight with the heavily muscled griffin dressed up like Zangief.

“Silly little pony, today I break you…” he says in a thick Stalliongradian accent, but Aqua just lifts and eyebrow and says.

“Really? You’re going to break me?”

“Yes, your silly water tricks won’t work on me, my muscles are much stronger than my comrades…” he says menacingly walking towards her.

“Well I hate to burst your bubble big guy but…” she suddenly causes a fist from a puddle underneath him that strikes him right in the nads, launching him into the air.

“EEEEEEEEEEEE…” he moans at such a high pitch that dogs in a 2 mile radius howl at it.

“Next time wear a cup,” Aqua smirks, before kicking the griffin in the face knocking him out.

You both look at the four Griffons all knocked out in the rain before giggling. 

"Oho, and to think I thought we couldn't take these jokers on in a straight up fight, hehehe," she giggles.

"OK, that's four down, eight to go, what is that, like 400 bits already?"

"Exactly, their boss is surely worth a bit more," she says looking at the door.

"Yeah, weird that they didn't hear any of that from inside," you say.

"It's probably soundproofed or something...Eh, whatever, more power to us," she says as you both start tying up the griffons.


After the four are tied up and stuffed in boxes, you try opening the door.

"Locked," you mutter.

"Hmm, and there was no key on these guys. Looks like we're going to have to maybe go in through the ventilation, or break a window, or..."

You cut her off as you simply knock on the steel door. Aqua, does not take this well.

"What the buck are you doing?!"

"Aqua, I've busted through so many doors in the last 3 years, I thought I'd for once just knock. It's the nice thing to do."

"You're not supposed to be nice to the people you're trying to capture for money!" she hisses.

Before you can respond, a small hatch is opened. It is covered in wire mesh, so you can't see int, but you don't think the griffon on the other side can see you.




rainbowPOOTIS's Comment



"Password," comes a gruff voice.

"Uuhhh..."

"Password."

You look back at Aqua who just shrugs.

"Come on Password already."

"Well, uh..." Aqua starts.

"Dang it Mareio, have you been eating shrooms again? I can't let you in if you've forgotten the code,"

Hearing that, you perk up as you have an idea.

"Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start."

There is a pause on the other end, before you hear.

"Correct," and the hatch is closed, and locks are undone from the other side.

You look to a confused Aqua, "Koneighmi Code, never forget it."


You then turn back to the opening door as a beak starts to come through it.

"But seriously, you gotta lay off those mushrooms, they ain't good for yer he-"

"Falcon Punch!" you roar, as you slam your hoof into the unsuspecting Griffon, sending them flying backwards and into a crate of video games and video game merchandising.

"So, just tossing stealth out the window entirely are we?" asks Aqua.

"Patience is not a virtue I know!"


This obviously catches the attention of the other low lives, and they look to your creepy form in the doorway.
You flip your voice to the intimidating side as you say,

"Good evening," bearing your mask's teeth in the process (something you forgot to do to the guys outside).

"Whoah, what the heck is that?!" one of the griffons asks.

"I don't know, but it looks like one of those neighsian monster ghost things from Far Cry 4."

"Oh I am very much alive you filth..." you say as you advance. "And I'm taking you all in."

"Oh wait, I heard about this guy!" on of them says. "He's the one who took down the Cattle Rustlers."

"Wait, he's the red ghoul thing? Oh no. I heard he took on those 30 bulls himself and won."
Aqua looks at you in awe after hearing that.


"That is true you filth, I The Crimson Vengeance, am indeed powerful."
They step back after that declaration.

Wow, did I just sound like Tri-
"GGGGGRRRRRR!!!" you growl as you think about that mare.

"Oh no, we're all going to die!"

"I heard he tore the Rustlers limbs off and beat the others with them."

"What?"

"I heard he grilled and ate one of them while the others were tied up, just to prove a point."

"What the bu-?"

"I heard he started another race war in the middle of downtown just today!"

All the Griffons gasp at this.

"Oh Come On! Where are you getting this information from?!"

"So you didn't do any of that stuff?" Aqua asks.

"NO! I mean, other than taking on all the bulls at once, but-"

"WHAT'S GOING ON OUT HERE?!" shouts a female voice.

You all look up and see 

*Spurt*

Your nose bleeds as you see an attractive female griffin in form fitting blue Zero Suit Samus outfit. Form fitting being the key words.

Oh Sweet Luna! She's got all the right curves going o-NO BAD BUG!

Really? You're going to revert to your pervy ways now? Selena criticizes.

Hey, I didn't know I found Griffins attractive! Cut me some slack!

"It's some sort of bounty hunter Samus. The one who took down the Cattle Rustlers. And some random mare too"

"Hey! I'm not just some sidekick here!" Aqua shouts in indignation.

Samus looks down at you and squints.

"That's right. I am the Crimson Vengeance! You're all wanted for your thieving ways. Now come quietly or there will be trouble," you threaten.

"Oh, is that so?" she then steps into authentic looking Metroid armor and yells,

"In that case, get them!"

"But boss, what if he tears our throats out like he did to that bull?!"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT!"

"Just do it! Anyone that captures them alive gets one of the crates for themselves!"

At that declaration, the 7 dressed up griffons all gain a sparkle in their eye, and face you both with snarls.

You and Aqua take up defensive stances, and look to your opponents. Griffons, both male and female, dressed up as Thwomp, Jumpmare, another Link, War and Death from Darksiders, Big Boss, and one in full plate metal armor


As they charge forth you say to Aqua.

"You know, if I were in their position, I'd have taken that deal."

You both then charge your attacker.

Aqua summons her whip and lassos it around Big Boss, swinging him into War and Death. With that, you head directly for who you think is the weakest one. Jumpmare.




Lord Segal's Comment





Fireheart 1945's Comment




Kurolothgarian's Comment



She has a wooden mallet out, and tries to jump on your head, but just like you did to her Mareio counterpart outside, you cry out

"Shoryuken!" and strike her in the chin.
As she goes flying, the second link attacks you with a "Hyah!" as he tries to hit you with a sword.

"Oh how lazy are you guys? You essentially have two mareios and two links on your squad, you couldn't diversify?"
"YAAHHH!!!" he screams again as he slashes out you.
"Would you kindly freeze?!" you shout as you freeze his talon, causing him to drop his sword.
"I'll be taking that now," you quip as you quickly scoop up the sword...only there's something off about it.
"What the? Is this plastic? Why are you fighting me with a toy?" you ask the Griffon with the frozen claw.

"Hyah!" he responds back, causing you to roll your eyes and hit him over the head with the fake sword, shattering it, and knocking him out.

Smiling at this victory, you look across the warehouse and see Aqua get punched in the face by the Big Boss Griffon, sending her flying into a crate.

"OW! Oh you motherbucker!" she rages as she forms a swirling water ball and Hadokens it at him. After hitting him square in the chest, she is attacked on both sides by War and Death, so she flips like an acrobat out of the way.

Seeing that she's alright for the moment, you turn your attention back to your foes. Jumpmare twirls her mallet while the plate metal armored one stares at you menacingly.

"Alright Griffon, drop the mallet or I'll-"
Your threat is interrupted however when you are tackled from behind.

"Oh come on! Will everyling stop interupti..." you stop as you turn around and see exactly what tackled you. Three small imp-like creatures with creepy smiles.

"SHEEPIES!" the green one shouts at you.

"AAAAAAHHHHH!!!" you scream as you shake about trying to get them off of you, but they grab hold of your coat and will not let go.

"Get off of me you little- *BONK*- Oooohhhh..." you woozily spin as you realize Jumpmare has taken her shot and whacked you in the head with the mallet.

You fall to the ground, and in your dizzy vision, you see the Griffon in the plate metal armor laughing and pointing at you.

"Good, good, now shear him," he says menacingly.

The three imps laugh as they start digging their claws into you, trying to tear your coat.

"No not the coat! Anything but that!" you yell as you roll around fruitlessly.
Seeing that they won't come off, and that Jumpmare is getting ready for another swing, you point your glove out at the laughing armored griffon and shout.

"Would You Kindly Shut the Shock Up?!" and zap him. He immediately seizes as the electricity courses through his metal armor, before falling over. As soon as he does, the imps just kind of vanish, as if they were never even there.

"Huh, well that's conven-WHOAH!" you dodge out of the way of the mallet. Getting to your feet you glare at the Griffin.

"Stop it with the cheap shots! You yell as you raise your glove...only to be slammed from above by an enormous weight, which knocks the wind out of you.

"Buck you Lady Luck..." you groan.

"Good job Thwomp," you hear Samus call out from above. Now hold him there, War and Death look like they need a claw. You hear an explosion elsewhere in the factory, and Aqua shouting, "OH COME ON!!!"

"Ugh, get off of me you big fat buck!" you cry from under the large Griffon.
He only growls, and does not move, keeping you pinned.
As you lay under him, you see Aqua's fight come into view. You, Thwomp, and Jumpmare watch as Samus actually does curl into a ball, and keeps dodging Aqua's water blasts.

"Stay still you B!%$#" she screams.

"Yeah, no you stupid Unicorn trash," Samus taunts. She keeps rolling around, tossing out small little explosives all around Aqua. Not only that, but War and Death are still active and swinging at her with their sword and scythes.

Aqua growls at this onslaught and forms a protective bubble of water around herself.

"Hey Quit Spamming the bombs!" you yell, only for Thwomp the put more weight on you.

"Ooomph. Yeesh buddy, lay off the snack cakes once in awhile," you angrily snark.

"Hey," Thwomp calls to Jumpmare, "Knock this guy out would ya? The water pony's fight looks funner."

"That's not even a word! And No! No more Mallet!" you call out. Undeterred, the Griffon walks over with the mallet and raises it above her head.

Bugze! Selena shouts worried.

I know, I know. Maybe we should let it out a little bi-

No, not that. Nightshade's out!

What? you as as you look to your side and see.




The Pony Spartan's Comment



Nightshade with just her torso out of the inventory, holding her gun.

"Eat laser B!@#$" she calls out, before the beam shoots out, hitting the Griffon, and sending her flying away, and into Death across the room.


"What the?" Thwomp says as he stands up in confusion, which gives you a chance to back kick him in the nads and scramble away.

"Oooooohhhhh..." he whines as he holds himself. 

"Would you kindly float!" you yell as you use Bucking Bronco on him.

You then use your Shadow Whip to wrap around his floating form and spin throw him at Samus.

He lands on her, halting her assault on Aqua, who immediately takes to the opportunity to run and regroup with you.

"Yeah Get Some!" Nightshade cheers as she twirls her gun but you turn to her and yell.

"Nightshade No! Please, no more fighting!"

"But I just saved y-." she begins.

"Room! Now!"

She pouts and heads back into the inventory.

She's not pleased with you.

No spit. It isn't easy to yell at her you know?

Perhaps to lighten her mood I'll train her to fight more effectively in her dreams. So that we won't be as worried when she is forced to fight.

I hate how it's not an IF, but a When.

As do I, but tis the life we lead.

Aqua then rushes back towards you.

"Hey, thanks for the assist. Freaking Bomb Spammer."

"No problem, but look alive, they're regrouping," you point out as Samus, Thwomp, War, Death and Jumpmare stalk towards you.

"So you two are tougher than I thought," Samus says as she breaks a crate open.

"That's right you tart, and we won't stop till you...Oh Buck!" you cry out as you see her hand out a weapon to each of her remaining goons.




BrownDog's Comment



"Are those freaking Junk Jets?!" you cry out as you see them pointing the powerful and heavy weapons at you two.

“Alright you buckers, it’s over now! Surrender or be blown away!” Samus threatens.

“Where the heck do all these Game Weapons keep coming from?! For every fake one, a real one shows up! Where? Where?!” you shout exasperated.

“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?” she smirks.

“Yes! YES I would!”

“Well too bad, now in the dirt Smiley, and You Too Sea Pony!”

“I’m not a Danged Sea Pony! Do I look like I have flippers to you?” Aqua shouts.

“Whatever, you and your Water powers are overrated anyway!”

“Excuse me? I think they were doing just fine till-.”

“Besides, Water Sucks, Gatorade is better.”

Aqua’s eye starts twitching at that. You look at her face and realize a button has been pushed.

“…I’m sorry, what the buck did you just say?” she says in a high pitched strained voice.

“Gatorade not only quenches your thirst better, it tastes better too you idiot,” Samus says smirking at the look on her face.

“Th-that’s not true…that’s not true at all…” she huffs.

“Gaaaaatttoooraaaaadddeee…”

“H20…”

“Gaaaattttoooraaaadddeeee…”

“H20!”

You see her face starting to become red, and the griffins all start to chuckle and laugh.

“Um guys? Maybe you all should sto-.” you try to interject, but...

“Oh Water Sucks, it really really sucks. Oh Water Sucks! It really really sucks, Sucks! SUCKS!!! SSSUUUUCCCKKKSSSS!!!” They all start singing in unison.

“GGGGGRRRRRAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!” she roars, standing up on her hind hoofs, as a whirlwind of water suddenly bursts in from the windows and doors behind you both and head straight for the griffins. All of them are consumed by the wall of liquid, and pushed hard against the wall. She keeps it up for a good minute before relenting, the water all rushing back outside to the ocean.

All of the griffins are drenched and coughing and miserable looking.

“Pro tip for you all,” she says, “Don’t insult a Water Bender while next to the Bucking Ocean While it's Raining! And what the buck do you think makes up Gator…huh? What’s wrong CV?” she asks looking at your wide eyes.

“Oh uh…nothing, just not used to seeing something like that outside my own POV,” you say in awe.

She chuckles and goes about cuffing all of the criminals in tape.

…I think I’m starting to like this Strumpet, Selena says in respect.

Yeah...note to self, do not diss water in front of her.

Agreed



After the criminals have all been tied up, (And Samus taken out of her Zero Suit so that you could concentrate a little better) you place all 12 of them in front of a wall in front of the boxes of Videogame merchandise.

“You should all be ashamed of yourself,” you chide the Griffins.

Majora’s Mask added to inventory.

“Illegal trading of videogames is not cool!”

Resident Evil Director’s Cut added to Inventory


“And stealing from gamer’s private collections? You all make me sick”

Crate full of 150 Assorted Games,

PonyStation 1-4, Nintendog 64, SuperNintendog, and Nintendog Entertainment System, GameCube, Xbone Original, Xbone 360, and Xbone 1 Added to Inventory.


“Sick I tell you!” you spit at them.

“But you’re stealing all the merch right now!” whines Scorpion.

“Yeah, well…” you start as you notice a copy of Haylo in your hoof, “Uh…Shut Up!” you yell at the crooks.

“Also, where in the heck did these game weapons come from?” you say as you hold up a Junk Jet.
"I've been seeing these around randomly wherever I go, where do they come from and where are they going?" you interrogate Samus.

"I ain't telling you anything you smiling weirdo, and there's nothing you can do to make me talk" she declares.

"Oh really? Nothing huh? Well I guess I'll just have to torture you in the worst way imaginable" you say menacingly.

"Y-you wouldn't..." she stammers.
You just stare back at her and chuckle, to which she gulps.



Later

"NO! NOOOO!!! Oh make it stop make it stop!" she screams in pain as you sit back and chuckle.

"You have the power to make it end, just tell us what we want to know!"

"I can't, please..."

"Alright, you give me no choice,"
You raise your hoof once more as she winces as you...

"Here's another donation madam," you say to the Orphanage Head Mistress as you hand her yet another crate of videogames.

"Oh thank you sir, the children never get anything so grand," she says with a smile, as the kids swarm over the games and consoles.

"Oh don't thank me, thank Ms. Samus here. It's all thanks to her hard work and generosity while expecting no monetary reward at all."

"Thank you madam, thank you," she declares as all the children rush up and hug her.

"Thank you Ms. Samus. Thanks for your kind Charity."

"NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!" she screams to the heavens, still tied up, while the kids hug her.

"OK, am I missing something here? Why is she freaking out like this?" Aqua asks next to you confused.

"Oh Aqua, it's simple really. What's the worst thing a greedy griffon like her could go through? Giving away all her hard work and not getting paid!"

"The pain, oh the pain!" she screams.

*Sigh* Why are beings in this time period so overly-dramatic?

Because if they weren't I think they'd die, you joke.

"Alright, Alright! I'll talk! I'll Talk!" Samus screams.

"That's better, so long kids, good luck to you finding parents."

"Thanks Mr. Bounty Hunter!" they all cheerfully say as you pick up Samus and carry her into an alleyway.

"Alright, spill it. What's with all the black market games and weapons?"

"It's not our plan alright? Me and my crew are just contractors. We all got out of Griffonstone because of our love for videogames. We just didn't want to go back to that dirt hole."

"Spare me the pity party, who hired you?"

"*Sigh* They call themselves the Video Game Mafia alright?"

"Really? Video Game Mafia?" Aqua deadpans.

"Look, I didn't pick the name alright. It's just what they call themselves. They operate out of Bastion,Masshaychusettes and they got bounties on their heads as well. They're the ones who have been funneling the money from the games into weapon development. They're mostly for collectors and rich folk, but we got to have free ones for the shipments. All our clothes and armor and weapons are from them."

"Well one of your Links had a fake sword though," you point out.

"Yeah, because his real one hadn't come in yet, he just wanted to be included," she responds.

"So let me get this straight, you imported games illegally, stole from fellow gamers, and tried to kill us, all because you wanted free Collector's Items?"

"We weren't trying to kill you...and yes, we're all just nerds when it comes down to it."

"Still, for nerds, you're all worth a fair bit of bits," Aqua jests.

"Alright, so the Video Game Mafia contracts you, sells the games and illegally makes video game weapons, is that about right?"

"Yeah, I know it sounds stupid, but the bits keep rolling in. Especially since they got themselves a new big spender."

"Big Spender?"




Kersey's Comment  



"Yeah, I'm not supposed to know about him, but I overheard the Mafia boss talking to him once. He's one of those Crimson Knight Generals.

Your eyes widen at that.

"Wh-What did you just say?" you ask surprised.

"I said he's a Crimson Knight General. From what I hear the whole lot of them are made up of random weirdos."

You turn around and look at Aqua, who has a surprised face on as well.

"A Crimson Knight General..." you say to her.

"Yeah, think about how much one of their bounties is worth," she says in thought.

"No, I mean yeah those guys are worth a lot, but I can't believe I've stumbled upon a connection to one so easily."

"Yeah...well at least we know who our next targets are huh?" she says with a smile.

"OUR targets? I thought you said we would only do ONE bounty together."

"Well yeah, but this is a freaking Crimson Knight! And a leader to boot. I know you got history with those guys," she says while looking down in shame, "But so do I. I never got paid after all the stuff that went down on Hearth's Warming Eve, and I aim to get my payment by any means necessary."

You nod at this as you think.

Well, it couldn't hurt to have her around right?

It could, but to avoid beasting as much as possible, it would be wise to have an ally. Especially one that can actually fight.

"Alright then, guess we're going to have a little "chat" with these Mafia wannabes, and find out more about this guy."

You then turn back to Samus.

"A name."

"Huh?"

"What's the name of the General?"

"Um, it's a weird one...uh, Catchy? No, Itchy? No...Oh wait, now I remember..."

"Just spit it out," you demand.

"Kichi. The guy's name is Kichi, and apparently he loves videogames.


"Thank you Samus, you've been very helpful," both you and Aqua smile menacingly at her.

"So, uh...you gonna take me and my buddies to jail?"

"Them, yes, You though, you're coming with us."

"Wh-why?"

"We need someling to lead us to this Mafia after all. Until then though, sweet dreams," you say as you hold up the Luna Plushie and knock her out.

"What the heck was that?" Aqua asks, while you stuff the Plushie away before she looks at it.

"Trade secret. Now, let's go get our reward before we move on."


You then both head towards the Jailhouse, with the 12 Griffons in your bag. When you arrive in the station, you see the smug guards from before that took Blaze away from you.

"Oh, hey there again Unlicensed Bounty Hunters, what can we do fo-." you interrupt him by tossing Thwomp out of your bags and onto him and his buddies, causing them to stumble backwards and fall. 

You then dump the rest of the griffons, sans Samus, on the floor and declare, "We've come to accept the bounty for the Extra Lives Gang. And yes, we have our licenses!" you say as both you and Aqua hold up the piece of plastic.

You are both paid 100 bits per Griffin. Between the two of you, you have a 1,100 bit reward.

The Griffons are thrown into a big cell, which has Braze, and those three strange stallions from before in the hockey, owl, and pig masks.

"So, these are the punks that been stealing all the games?" asks the Owl Masked one.

"Man, screw these guys!" says the Pig Masked one.

"They've all been naughty grinches and have to be punished!" says the Hockey Masked one as he chuckles evily. The three then start brawling the bruised and battered Griffins while Braze gets caught in the middle of it.

"Hey, cut that out!" shout the guards ineffectually.

You look at Aqua and shrug, "Eh, not our problem."
She nods her head and you both exit the station.



Hours Later

Both you and Aqua are sitting on a train to Bastion. Samus is still knocked out, but she sits next to Aqua, handcuffed to her. (You'd both bought a few with the reward money so as not to run out of Duct Tape). As you sit on the train, staring at the passing scenery, one thought comes through your head.

"I'm gonna find you Mr. Kichi, and after you, the rest of your Knights...but first, I need to take care of something."


You close your eyes and enter the Dreamscape.

You find your way to Selena's room and see her sitting on the bed.

"Bugze, do you believe it wise to start looking for the Knights now?"

"The sooner the better, we knew we'd have to start looking for them eventually. It's just lucky a lead this big fell into my lap."

She closes her eyes and nods at this.

"Very well, I will follow your decision."

"Thanks, but before we start hunting this trail, we need to take care of a little wild card we have in our head. Where is he?"

She seems surprised by this, but then turns her head and starts walking into the darkness.

"He has been in solitude since his last act, forced to watch those horrible films. You wish to speak to him now?"

"Yep, and bring Nightshade here too. We might as well lay out the rules to him like a family.

Selena nods, and lights her horn, and soon Nightshade is standing beside you.

"Whoah, we're all dreaming together? Does this mean good news or bad news?" she asks.

"It's...news. Listen Nightshade, your mother and I have something to tell you.

You then explain to her how King Sombra is inside your head after you ate him, and how, unlike Selena, he is not friendly and does not wish to stay in your body. Nightshade is somewhat happy that you didn't actually kill the guy, but then seems conflicted by what you say next.

"And so, since we can't risk letting him out, or having him trying to get us hurt, we're hoping that we can try and at least come to a truce with him, with your help."

"How can I help?" she asks.

"Sombra likes cute adorable things, and you more than fit the bill," you say as you tussle her hair.

"Thanks daddy, but...I fought him, he was a jerk to me. How will he find me cute?"

"Because we will make him see. I don't know how long it will take, but I'm sure we'll wear him down."

She looks up to Selena who just shrugs and says.

"Personally I think it's a stupid Idea, but since we do not kill our enemies, it's the best shot we have."

Nightshade looks between the two of you and nods in determination.

"Alright, bring that jerk out. I'll make him not hurt you guys if it's the last thing I ever do."

With that, You and Selena bring forth the cage which melts up from the floor.

Inside, Sombra has his ears plugged and eyes shut as a small screen shows "The Room"

"Oh Hai Mark, How's your sex life?" Pony Wiseau says in his unidentifiable accent.

"Make it stop, oh please make it stop!" Sombra blubbers.


WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 21: Confronting The Tyrant In Your Mind! 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Make sure this guy's in a cage/jail cell before you talk to him, or at least restrained; he's not going to take kindly to seeing the guy who ate him, or his torturer. 



After taking Sombra out of the now dubbed Room of Horrible Movies and tying him up to a chair in an isolated room with one light on the ceiling (All while still within his cage). You all begin to stare at him waiting for him to notice you all, but he kind of just sits there...dull eyes staring into lost space. Your eye brow raises in confusion as you call out,

"Sombra? Hey Sombra!" still he remains catatonic. Rolling your eyes you keep calling out,

"Hellooo, Equis to Sombi! The world says Hi..."

His eyes unglaze at that,

"Hi?....Hi?...OH HAI!!!" he yells out and starts thrashing around causing you three to recoil.

"What is your accent you weird alien looking stallion, WHAT IS YOUR ACCENT?! HOW ARE BIRDS BEATEN BY COAT HANGERS?! WHY WAS THE DEVIL IN THAT ELEVATOR?! WHO KEEPS GIVING SHAMALAMADINGDONG MONEY?! Oh hai birdies! ahahahahahahaha..." he starts laughing crazily.

You all look at each other before you stick your arm through the cage and slap him.

"Snap out of it!"

As your hoof hits his face, his eyes suddenly become focused as he looks around in alarm,

"What? Who? Whe...oh, it's you three sick bucks. Have you come to finally kill me?" he asks.

"Um, no we," you start

"Why not?! Get your jollies off to my suffering is that it?!" he growls.

"No, calm down, we all came here to talk, just talk alright."

"Talk huh? Well anything's better than whatever the Tartarus those moving picture stories are."

"Yeah..." you mumble before turning to Selena, "You think we overdid it with the movies?"

"Need I remind you he tried to kill all of us?"

"...Good point." You then turn back to Sombra and say,

"Alright bucko, here's the deal..."


After...that little episode, you explain to Sombra why he was even let out of that room in the first place...




The Pony Spartan's Comment



"So let me get this straight? You want me to help you?" Sombra asks.

"Uhh... yes?"

"You seem unsure about it bug." He then turns to Nightshade, who gasped and hid behind her mother. "Why should I help little one? I was the one who was beaten," He turned to Selena. "battered," then to you, "and EATEN!"

"It's either you help us in the long run, or stay trapped here being tortured with horrible "Entertainment" while Bugze uses your magic, either way it's no skin off our teeth" Selena declares.

Sombra snarls at this. "What do I get from this? I certainly don't get freedom. And better yet, why should I help the ones who are my ENEMIES!"

You sigh as he snarls, sending spittle at you.

Before you can say anything else though Nightshade finally decides it's her turn to try and persuade Sombra.

"U-um... Sombra?"

"What?" He spat.

"If y-you can't do it for a reward or freedom then... can you do it for me?" She asks with the quivering look with the puppy eyes.

Sombra's angry gaze falters briefly, as if a struggle was going on within his mind. You presume it's about the cuteness your little Nightshade was applying.

"...No..." Sombra finally says after regaining his composure.

Nightshade looks shocked a bit, and then from her eyes come...tears?

"O-okay but... me and daddy and mommy are always in trouble a-and ... we need all the help we can get," Nightshade whimpers in genuine sadness, not just for herself, but for all of you. "My daddy's always fighting for me... and I can't do anything to help him and mommy. But you can! So that's why I'm asking you to help."

After that heart felt plea you look back at the tyrant and for a second, a mere second, you swear you could see smile.

"U-uh..." Sombra stutters. "N-no! You think you can trick me to thinking you're innocent?! Don't think I forgot all the bullspit you put me through at the Crystal Empire. And that dragon too. I would've had the empire by now if you- WIPE THOSE FAKE FLANK TEARS YOU INSOLENT-"

"Enough!" Selena yells, cutting off Sombra. "You will not speak to our daughter that way!" 

"Well excuse me for not falling for your tricks. Both of you are fools if you think your "daughter" can make me change my mind, I will never help you!"

Sighing in annoyance you say,




Solarkness's Comment



"So... there is nothing at all we can do to change your mouth?"

"NO YOU... did you just ask me to change my mouth?", Sombra asks confused.

"Huh? Wait, did I?" you ask aloud as you mentally play back what you just said.

"Yes... yes you did", Selena confirms while facehooving.

"You do know that you cannot change someone's mouth right? It's kind of a fixed appendage", Sombra asks while holding back his laughter.

"I just... I just misplaced a word! Jeez, can we just forget this?", you mutter embarrassed.

"Ha ha, oh how idiotic you are captor, why do you wish to know this? So you can trade in your own?" he taunts.

"I wanted to say mouth, not mind, now answer the question!"

Sombra looks at you skeptically, before replying: "But I already told you, one cannot change their mouth..."

"But...", you respond helplessly as you begin to lose your intimidating cred, "Nightshade, you know that I wanted to say mind, right?"

"Ummm..."




Sombra, Selena, and surprsingly Nightshade continue to make fun of you for your "slip up" you then proceed to draw a reset button with a crayon and continuously smack your face in whilst muttering "nope, nope, nope, so much nope" over and over again

 

"What?! You too?"

"Well you kind of said it without hesitation Daddy, where did that even come from?"

"I don't know! I guess I was thinking about telling him to shut his mouth before your mother did, and then I moved on to my next question and jumbled them for some reason."

"I suppose I could change my mouth if you gave me a rock and enough pain elixirs, ha ha ha..." Sombra taunts at your floundering.

"Shut your mouth!" you yell.

"Can't, it's too busy changing."

"Grrr..."

"Well at least he's laughing, right daddy?"

"You know Bugze, somedays I wish I could change YOUR mouth just to keep you from saying stupid stuff like this," Selena grumbles while still facehooving.

"Nope, nope, nope, nope! We are redoing this! The proper way! YOU! Stop laughing! YOU! stop being condescending, and YOU, Keep being adorable," you say to the respective members in the room.

While the ex tyrant still snickers, Selena and Nightshade just look at you. Shaking her head once again, she whispers to you.

"Perhaps I should take over the conversation from here?"

"Yeah fine, do whatever you want," you grumble as you cross your arms indignantly.

"Good, now watch your mouth lest it change," she says with a wink before turning back to the caged king.

After muttering a few more choice words, you watch as she walks closer to the cage.

"Alright, that is enough you insufferable peasant! Cease your prattling or by the heavens themselves we will subject you to the Extended Director's Cut of After Equis,"

This shuts him up fast as his eyes glaze in horror, but then they take back on their steely edge as he returns the glare.

"Now, you know very well what my Bug meant. Will you not change your mind?"

He just glares back at her more before leaning forward.

"No...I will not change my mind. Not if it means helping my captors. You want me to change my mind? Release me from this body. Whether you do it willingly or through your own death, release me, and then, maybe then, I will be merciful on the ones you love..." he growls.

Selena's eyes harden at this.

"That is not going to happen filth."

"Then I guess we have reached an impasse," he says as he leans back in his chair.

Selena lets out a sigh as she looks to you. You only shrug your shoulders in return. Shaking her head she looks back to him and says,




Kichi's Comment



"You don't belong to this mind Sombra, but neither can you be free. Why do you insist on being difficult? Why won't you willingly help us?"

"Dificult? Willingly help you? You ATE ME! And after I spent a millenia becoming mortal again. To rule my subjects once again. It was not by my hoof that I was again given flesh... I was called here by ponies that wish to pay me tribute" Sombra gloats.

"Tribute!?! You steal pony's happiness and make them your slaves!" you shout.

"Perhaps that could be said of your entire race bug, and of Celestia and Luna" he snaps back.

"What?" you three ask.

"Do you think I was idle those moments I was free? I felt it, your hatred for the princesses, both of you know it's true" he declares.

"We, uh...don't hate them," you blatantly lie as both you and Selena rub the backs of your necks nervously.

"Ohhh... Really? It was by their will that the witch here was separated from Luna , it was by their will that you have a reward on your head, do you think that they will ever stop hunting you? That you could live happily ever after with these ponies?" 

"Shut up!" Selena shouts.

"You will never have a happy ending, and you both know it. You've seen how ponies are, skittish and violent over the drop of a hat. They'll never accept the emotion stealing monster with the boogeymare inside his head, and you all know it!" He bellows. Selena responds by sending out a shot of magic towards the tyrant, but he shifts his head and dodges it, laughing after he does so.

"Silence your tongue wretch!" she shouts as her eyes start taking on a white glow. You walk over and place your arm on her back to try and calm her down,

"Don't listen to him, he is only trying to get to us. It's the same mind games Discord pulled." Her eyes unglow, but her snarl does not vanish as Sombra keeps talking.

"Do not compare me to that idiotic louse, unlike him I speak in truths, and the truth hurts doesn't it "Princess?" And what's more, that little "Daughter" of yours will suffer just as much as you two."

"Hey now!" you declare, but he keeps going.

"With any luck, she'll be taken away, never seeing you again, which could be a blessing considering what the Princesses will do to you."

"I said-"

"But your luck is nonexistent isn't it? Perhaps she'll receive the same fate..." he growls darkly.

You hear a gasp behind you. You look back at Nightshade who seems shocked by all the things Sombra is saying, and even see a few tears in the corners of her eyes.

And that tears it for you.

"Enough!!!" you yell as your eyes glow orange and dark waves of magic start rolling over you.

What was I thinking bringing her to meet this monster? Stupid, Stupid Bug! You chide yourself in your mind.

"Bugze wait, that's not my..."


"You want it to end bug?! Then release me before your little filly becomes a corpse, just like how you wi-" 

"I said ENOUGH!!!" You shout in the RCV as a dark beam of magic leaves your horn and strikes the Tyrant in the chest, knocking him over and finally shutting him up.

You stare in shock of what you just did, before you gain a scowl and say,

"If my body is your prison, then that makes me the warden. I can either be your ally, or I can be one mean son of a b!#@$. Either way, your magic is mine!"

Sombra's, Selena's, and Nightshade's eyes widen at this declaration, but you don't care as you flip your cape around and walk to your daughter.
She looks at you in shock with tears in her eyes, and it hurts you knowing you put her in this position. Selena walks to her side and nuzzles her cheek, trying to comfort her.

Your eyes begin to blaze orange again as you turn back towards the tyrant on the ground and say,

"This conversation is over! Dream off!" you declare. You see Selena nod as she starts to light up her horn, but you are both stopped by a sudden,

"WAIT!!!"

Selena's spell falters, and you, flabbergasted, look towards the one who called out.

"Wait Mommy, don't end it just yet!"

"Nightshade, there's nothing more to discuss, he made his choice, we're leaving," you declare, but she looks back up at you.

"There is still more to discuss. I still haven't gotten to talk with him yet!"

"Nightshade, you tried remember? He will not be swayed by-."

"Yeah I remember, you guys had me say two things to him before you took over. You said it was MY job to reform this guy right?"

"Nightshade, it doesn't matter anymore beca-," You place a hoof on her shoulder, but she shakes it off.

"It does matter Daddy! This is MY job remember? And you didn't let me do it!" she declares defiantly.

You and Selena both look at each other unsure what to do.

"Look, I know he's a mean bucking jerk face, and those things he said were..." she gasps at this before shaking her head, "But you all went at him in your way...let me try mine? Please?"

You both look at your daughter's determined face, then back to the slumped over unicorn still tied to the chair.

You and Selena both nod as you say,

"Alright honey, we'll try it your way," as the three of you walk back towards the cell.

"Oh what is this...? *gasp* *gasp* I thought we were done. Come to strike me with more of MY magic?"

Selena wordlessly uses her magic to lift the chair up, and set it down upright again.

"Well strike me then you cowards..." he calls out.

"Only if you're bad, but hopefully you won't be, because you and I are going to have a chat," Nightshade declares.

"A chat? With you?! HA! Don't make me laugh you little punk, your precious "parents" already threw that out the window."

Nightshade glares at the ex king, before turning to you both and saying



BrownDog's Comment



"Hey, can you two give me a minute with him?”

“What?" both you and Selena shout.

You lean your head towards her and whisper, "Nightshade, we’re not leaving you alone with him. Not after what he's done.”

Selena also huddle whispers with you, "Your father's right, we are not going to leave you alone with him."

“I know that! I didn't say 'leave me alone with him' but just, scoot back a little ways OK?”

"Why?"

"Because he might open up if it's just me listening."

“Nightshade, whatever you have planned, it’s not safe to,” Selena starts.

“Hey, I already kicked the spit out of this guy once before, and that was WITHOUT the two of you,” she huffs.

"Nightshade, I-" you start.

"And besides, he's tied up, in a cage, in your mind and both of you are still here, what the buck is he going to do to me?"

“Yeah…but,”

“Look, trust me on this, please? Just keep me in sight, but let me speak to him in private…please?”

You and Selena both look at each other unsuredly and back to her determined look.

“Alright,” you then look to Sombra, “We will be watching you. Don't you dare try anything you bucker.”

“Yes, or by the stars themselves, we will turn you into a mare…” Selena threatens with a glow of her eyes.

Sombra winces at that.

You and Selena then walk off a little ways to where you can’t hear what they say, but you can still see them. Nightshade’s back is to you.

“Yeesh, she’s already acting like a moody teenager,” you say aloud.

“Quite, but it is said that fillies mature faster than colts,” Selena adds.

“I don’t know…wonder what she’s saying to him?”

"We'll ask afterwards, for now, be on guard."

"Way ahead of you there Selly..."

As you take up offensive positions, ready to pounce at even the faint hint of danger, Nightshade talks with the tyrant.

POV Change Nightshade

As your mommy and daddy walk off, you turn back around to face the jerky unicorn.

“OK, now that it’s just you and me, let’s talk more openly,” you say in a serious manner.

“Is this display supposed to earn my trust?” Sombra mocks.

“Well yeah, eventually, but right now, I just want you to know one thing,” you say with steely eyes.

“And what is that you little abomination?”

“If you ever, EVER, try to hurt Mommy and Daddy again, I will buckstart your head till you can smell the color red,” you threaten as your eyes faintly glow.

He seems taken aback at first, but then smirks.

“Heh, so you are dropping all pretenses then you foul mouthed little punk?”

“I’m not dropping anything, just laying out the rules. I don't have to remind you what happens when Daddy and Mommy get mad...or me..." you threaten. "Now listen hear you smokey piece of crap, you are one of the biggest jerks I have ever met in my life. You're worse than that King Ghidorah, you're worse than Discord, heck I'd say you're even worse than...TRIXIE..." you growl as your eyes glow again.

Sombra winces again but then answers back.

"I do not know who this Trixie or Ghidorah is, but you are correct, that fool Discord wishes he was as dangerous as..."

"I didn't say dangerous, I said you were more of a jerk than them, and that's saying A LOT!"

"Fine, I get it, you hate me. What else is new? Is there a point to this conversation?"

"Yes, because even though your a massive, MASSIVE flankhole, I AM going to make you my friend."

He seems taken aback by this, so you continue.

"I don’t care how long it takes, YOU are going to love everything about me!” you declare.

Sombra chuckles at this. 

“And why is that? Because your “Mommy” and “Daddy” said so?” 

“Yes! They are my parents and I love them. They’ve done so much for me, so I'd do anything for them, including making friends with a jerk like you.”

“Oh wake up child, you are not their Daughter,” he snarls with a point of his hoof behind you.

“Yes they are!” you declare.

“You ignorant fool. True you are an Alicorn, so you have some “Connection” to that Dark Spirit, but that Changeling is not your sire.”

You grit your teeth at that statement.

“The buck he isn’t, my Daddy has been there for me for almost 3 years.”

He laughs again. “And yet, you have no distinguishing Changeling characteristics. Just look at yourself kid, there is nothing of that filthy bug in you."

“Oh yeah? Then why would he care for me huh? Why keep me safe and hug me and say he loves me?”

“He’s a Changeling! They suck the emotions out of any creature, Love being the biggest one. It gives them power. He keeps you around, as a food source. As a battery.”

You scowl intensely at that.

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of.”

“Well it’s the truth you ignorant brat. He has never been your father, you are being us-*Flash* What the…?”

Having had enough of his taunting, you allowed your green flames to come out and make your wings disappear, causing the Fallen King to shut up in shock.

“Oh I’m sorry, what was that you said?” You Flame up again and your horn is gone.

“I’m not part changeling like Daddy and only an adorable little battery?” Another flame and both your horn and wings are back.

“Well gee Mr. Sombra, I guess you’re right, I guess these green flames are just decorations,” you mock.

“I…wha…” Sombra says speechlessly.

“Oh, and if that weren’t enough for you, how about this?”

Your face gives a little flash of green, and Sombra scuttles back away from you.

Your eyes are pure blue, and two big sharp teeth jut out of your mouth.

“Not even Mommy and Daddy know about this one, and I don’t like it as much, makes me look kind of spooky, but sometimes that can be a good thing” you say with a sharp smile.

“Wh-what are you…?” he asks in awe.

“I told you already,” You flash back to your normal eyes and teeth, “I’m Nightshade, daughter of a princess and a changeling, and proud of it.”

Sombra’s eyes take on a different look after you declare that, almost as if he’s really interested about you know.

“In-intriguing…I…I have never come across anything quite like you,” he says in awe.

“Aww, thanks,” you say and give him your best sweet, closed eye smile.

You hear a tiny “Hrk” come from, him. When you open your eyes, you see him holding onto his chest a bit, but he quickly reclaims his stoic facial look.

You giggle and then say to him. “Now that that’s out of the way, we can move forward. You and I are already making headway.”

“W-We are?” he asks confused.

“Of course. One thing friends do is tell secrets to eachother, secrets that not even their family know, like how Scootaloo told me she thinks Rumble is-Whoops!” you throw your hooves up in  front of your mouth at what you almost revealed. 

“Who is Scoo-.”

“Forget about that last part!” you wave him off, to which he looks confused.

“But yeah, secrets are pretty easy, how about you?”

He continues to look at you incredulously, before shaking his head.

“You do not want to know the secrets I possess, you may never sleep again.”

“Buddy, I’ve seen a lot of scary stuff thanks to my daddy, I’m sure I can handle it,” you say trying to sound tough.

He just shakes his head again.

“You do not want to be my friend you strange creature, it won’t end well for you.”

“I can handle it. I’ll be your first and bestest friend you’ve ever had,” you say.

He laughs at that.

“What’s funny? I will!" you declare indignantly.

He stops and looks at you.

“I had a friend once. Just one. And that was all I ever needed,” he says menacingly.

“Y-you did?” you ask in shock, because you clearly didn’t expect that.

“Yes, and I cared for her deeply. It still didn’t stop me from punishing her when she betrayed me!”

The way he said it so angrily makes you wince. “What did you do?”

“I returned the favor…When I was defeated by those damnable Princesses, I cursed the entire Crystal Empire and it’s monstrous citizens to Limbo for a thousand years. Every last one of them, except for her. For her betrayal, I made sure she lived the rest of her life as the last of her species. A lone Crystal Pony with no home to come to! To die alone!” he says with venom in his voice.

At that outburst, you turn around and see your parents looking antsy, so you hold your hoof up and tell them to stay where they are.

You turn back to him.

“So there you go kid, that’s how far I will go towards someone I love, Imagine what I’ll do to those I hate,” he says as he glares at you.

You stay silent for a moment, processing what he just said as he continues to stare at you. After all of that, you look up and ask.

“Do you miss her?” 

“Wh-what?” he asks surprised.

“You’re friend, do you miss her?”

He stares at you in shock, not saying anything, but you see his eyes take on a hint of sadness as he thinks about your question. He eventually closes his eyes and looks away.

“It doesn’t matter, she’s dead and gone. Has been for a Millennia…” he says not looking at you.

“What was her name?” you ask gently.

He doesn’t answer you, and after a moment you don’t think he will until you hear him whisper something.

“What? What was that, I couldn’t hear you?” you say.

“Her name... was Radiant Hope,” he says breathlessly, before shaking his head, “But as I said, it matters not. She’s gone.”

“Oh but it does matter,” you say happily.

He just raises an eyebrow at you.

“I shared a secret, and you shared one back,” you say with a smile.

Sombra seems surprised at this at first before he groans and facehooves, turning his face from you.

You giggle, before you turn back and wave your parents over.

“You’ve probably had enough of just us talking, but I’ll be back again and again, so don’t worry.”

“Oh Joy…” he mumbles sarcastically.

"And you can yell and snarl at Mommy and Daddy all you want, you and I are still going to be friends...You'll see."

As your parents walk back over you think,

I’ll get to you jerkface. Just you wait…

POV Change: Bugze

As you walk back over to your daughter, you ask Selena.

“He...actually looks calmer...You have any ideas as to what that was all about?”

“Your guess is as good as mine…well not AS good, but…” she jests.

“Oh hush up you!”

Selena laughs as you frown, but you can't help but chuckle a little as well. As you make it back over to Sombra, he just glares at you and says,

"Your little abomination is done with me bug. Shall we return to my torture now?"

You look at Nightshade who gives an

"Eh."

You look back to the Tyrant and say,

"How about you think about our offer in silence for a bit, change it up a little?"

He just glares at you as Selena vanishes the chair and starts descending the cage down into the ground.

"In the meantime, some Mafia nerds need my attention," you declare as you have the dark waves flitter around you for a second, "And I got a new trick to show them."

You then turn to your two alicorns and say, "Alright, NOW it's time to wake up."




Kersey's Comment



POV CHANGE: Sombra's  

As your prison descends into the silent inky black nothingness, you can't help but say aloud.

"Damn you child, for making me think about...Her...You don't actually care...not like she did..." you then shake your head from these dark thoughts as you think about what the idiot changeling said before he left. And it fills you with laughter

"Hehehe...hehehehe...HAHAHAHAHA! That's right you fool...keep using my magic without my permission. Let it poison and consume you. Let it make you want more and more of it. Become dependent, let your guard down. Then we'll see how well you can imprison me when you are begging for more. The warden you may be, but that means nothing if the jailer is a junkie.

The more you use...THE MORE I CAN CONTROL YOU!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

....

POV CHANGE: You (Bugze) 

THAT MORNING



Kurolothgarian's Comment



As the last vestiges of the dream fade from your eyes, you slowly come back to the waking world and see sunlight coming through your window. The train is still moving.

Ugh, stupid bucking smoke monster jerk. I wish I never ate you, you're a pain in my mind.

As you blink your eyes, you still feel somewhat tired.

Eh, I can probably get a few more winks in, and have a normal dream. Besides, this seat is comfy, I'm nice and cozy, Aqua and Samus are soft on top of me and-
"WAIT WHAT?!" you yell, sitting bolt upright, knocking both females off of you. Aqua starts moaning as she wakes up from her landing, but Samus seems to still be sleeping.

Aqua blinks the sleep out of her eyes, yawns, then looks to your pale face huddling in the corner.

"What'd you drop me for CV?" she asks sleepily.

"You were sleeping on top of me!" you exclaim with a slight blush.

"Yeah? So?" she shrugs.

"Why were you sleeping on top of me?" you reiterate.

"Because you're warm?" she ventures, but you still have an exasperated face on, so she explains better, "You passed out last night, and I wasn't far behind, but it was cold in here. You're doubled up in more layers of clothes than I've ever owned, so I figured why not?"

"Oh...OK...but why was she on top of me too?" you ask pointing to the Griffon.

"She's still handcuffed to me, it was easier to keep track of her even when sleeping. Plus, she added to the warmth."

"Alright...how are you so nonchalant about this?" you ask.

"Eh, I'm used to it. You're not the first guy that's kicked me out of bed earlier than expected," she says with a hoof wave.

"Well I guess that makes...wait wha-?"

"Hey! Nerd Bird! Wake up!" she interrupts you as she kicks the griffon awake.

"Ow...five more minutes..." she groans.

"No, now, we're almost there," she declares standing the prisoner up as they both take their seats.

Sh-she's not going to acknowledge this is is she?

Probably not, strumpets like her tend not to.

I mean, how often has she done this to be used to it? I mean, not that I never thought about having two attractive females with me in be-

*GONG*

Ah! Sorry. Yes I'm a Bad Bug, but enough with the gong!

You know the rules you perv.

Yeah I know. Sigh, hopefully this day doesn't get any weirder.


Later In Bastion

"Oh come on, really? This weird place is the hideout?!" you shout to Samus as you look across the street at what she claims is the Video Game Mafia's Hideout.

"Yeah man, they own the place."

"It is the perfect front if you're engaging in shady dealings. Who would look twice at a Family Pizza Diner?" Aqua reasons.

"Me! I would! Especially this one! The pizza is crummy, the animatronics are creepy, and they keep getting closed down due to missing guards. I didn't even know there was more than one Freddy Fazbear's!"

"Well it is a franchise chain, but yeah, they meet there after closing time," Samus relays.

"So...uh...what are you guys going to do with me now?" she asks. 

"Well we can't risk you ruining everything, so here, look at this," you say as you show her the Luna Plushie, knocking her out, before stuffing her in the Inventory.

"Baby, make sure this Griffon Lady stays chained up and asleep alright?"

"Okie Dokie daddy."

As you take your head out of the bag Aqua shakes her head.

"Man, I have got to get me one of those saddle bags."

"Well If I knew where to find them, I'd tell you. Now, we wait for closing time and those Mafia Gamers to show up."

"Sounds like a plan...why are you shaking?"

"In fear and anticipation. We are going to be taking down these buckers in a place that I'm uncomfortable in in the daytime, and hopefully, just maybe, we'll find a lead on our Crimson Knight Kichi."

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 22: Level 1: Video Game Mafia HQ (The Video Game Arc Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




BrownDog's Comment



"OK, I'm gonna go inside and scope it out, you check the perimeter for anything suspicious, OK?"

"Alright, but don't do anything destructive yet, we don't even know if the mafia boys are in there already," Aqua replies as she ducks into a nearby alleyway."

"Noted," you reply with an eyeroll.

Seriously, how come there are so many mares demeaning me all the time?

Because we are vastly smarter and more cautious than you?

That is true...but still...

You start heading to the restaurant, but since it would look weird for a grown stallion in a mask to be wandering around by himself in a kids place, you decide to bring Nightshade out.

"Alright Honey, I need you to be a unicorn for right now."

"Okie Dokie."

She changes and then sees Freddy Fazbears.

"Oh My Gosh, there's another one? I thought they closed down!" she says in excitement.

"I say they all should be burned down, but anyway, we don't need to be thrown out of this one honey, we have to scope it out alright? So stay close."

"OK, but can we still get Pizza?" 

"Yes yes, but seriously, stay away from the animatronics, the last ones looked...bitey..."


As you three wander around the creepy place, yes it is still creepy in the daylight, you see that it actually does look like just a regular pizzeria, it even has a similar layout to the first one, except...

"Whoa, what the buck? What is up with the animatronics? They look too..."

"Cutesy?" Nightshade guesses

"Yeah..." And it's true, the robot animal things look too bright and shiny compared to the ones from the other Fazbears. Like updated models, but somehow more creepy with the perpetual smiles. In one room you even see foals recklessly tearing apart the fox robot, and even it looks overhauled with pink and white colors. 

"Ugh, they changed it, now it sucks," Nightshade huffs and crosses her arms, "I liked the other ones better daddy," Nightshade harumphs.

"Yeah, sure they had blood and mucus coming out of the eye sockets, but at least they weren't made to look like demeaning Haysbro  toys."

"And why is Chica in short shorts? Did we really need that?" Nightshade complains.

As you wander around more, you find that this place has even more kid activity rooms. There is even some original animatronics. One is some chubby colt with balloons and a propeller hat.

"Aw, he reminds me of Button," Nightshade says in nostalgia. Gritting your teeth, you choose to ignore that and look at the other robot...and it's the creepiest of the bunch. It's face is white, with huge black eyes and a mouth, with purple and red around it. It's bipedal and has striped zebra like colors all over it's wiry body. It seems to be watching you, even though it has no eyes and...

"OK, I'm done looking at creepy robots, let's get some food.

After taking a seat and ordering pizza, you find out one change that is actually good.

"Well at least this place's pizza is way better. Seriously, this is fantastic!" you declare as you slide a slice through your open mask slit.

"Yeah, it's got the right amount of grease and oil from the cheese, plenty of sauce, and the crust is still firm and crispy," Nightshade agrees, as she slams 2 pieces into her mouth at once.

"Exactly...ugh," you say as you facehoof.

"What is it daddy?"

"This place IS the perfect cover. We haven't found anything aside from the old Fazbear creep factor."

"Did you want to check the back?" Nightshade asks as she points down a poorly lit hallway with a few closed doors.

You sigh.

"No, but we gotta."

After finishing the pizza, you walk down the hallway and keep opening doors. Two of them are clearly bathrooms, one of them leads to the kitchen, and another leads to what looks like a repair shop, and inside you see.

"Oh wow, look daddy, it's the old models!" Nightshade points out.

"There, in disrepair, are the original four animatronics that the Ponyville Fazbears had. And now you feel bad for criticizing the cutesy ones from before, because these ones look like corpses.

"Let's uh...not go in there honey, I don't like the looks of it."

As you say that, the Bonnie suit with the missing top half of it's head suddenly glows red where it's eye would have been.

You slam the door quickly.

You then make your way to an open doorway, which has no door at all for some reason, and see a purple stallion inside with a phone in his hand.

"Hello? Hello Hello? Well, you made it to night 2 so congratulations and...oh hold on a second..." he presses a stop button on the answering machine he's talking into and looks at you.

"Sorry sir, but this area is employees only I'm afraid."

"Oh sorry, we were looking for the bathroom," you say to him as you glance around the room. There are airvents to the left and right of the doorway you're in, his desk has a big lamp on it, and behind it is a door that says, "Management" on it.

"So, what's in that room, more broken animatronics?" you ask.

"Oh no, that's the managers' room, and only they are allowed back there. Heck, we security guards aren't even allowed back there...much as we'd like to some times...but yeah, If you're looking for the restroom, it's back that way" he points down the hallway.

"Oh, Okay, thanks buddy...but before I go, one more thing."

"You sure ask a lot of questions mister..." the purple stallion asks suspiciously.

"It's only one more. Does this store have the same guard disappearing problems the others had?"

He squints his eyes before answering. "Well...I'm not at liberty to say sir, but our newest night guard seems determined enough to...oh wait, what's this?" he asks as he suddenly picks up a letter on the desk.

He opens it, and reading it upside down, you can read the words.

BUCK THIS BUCKING JOB! I QUIT!!!

"Oh...well I guess we DO need a new hire..."

You roll your eyes and say, "Well thanks again, good luck with all that," before you and Nightshade turn around and walk out.

"No problem, you and your daughter have a wonderful day at Freddy Fazbear's," he says with a smile.

As you both walk away, you hear him start talking into his phone again,

"Well, guess I gotta leave a NEW kind of message..." he mumbles.

After walking back into the showroom, you turn to Nightshade and say.

"Okay, now we know where they meet," you declare.

Nightshade gives you a confused look as she asks,

"We do daddy?"

You nod your head as you say,

"Yeah! If these guys are anything like the shady criminals I've seen in movies, then they'd be hiding out in a restricted area that's in plain site. In this case, the Manager's office!" 

Nightshade gains a thoughtful face before she nods her head and says,

"You're right Daddy! That makes complete and total sense!"

You can hear Selena facehoof in your head as she grumbles angrily,

I swear you're corrupting our daughter with your stupidness everyday.

Your eye twitches in mid annoyance, but you just decide to ignore Selena's comment as you tell Nightshade,

"Come on honey, we got all the information we needed. Let's get out of here before we get kicked out. Besides those animatronics are giving me the creeps."

With that said you and Nightshade leave the pizza diner, but as you leave you feel like your being watched. You turn around to see who's watching you...and see the animatronics staring right at you...with their soulless eyes...

....

...

...

"NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE SO MUCH NOPE!"

To this day all anyling saw was a red and dark blue blur that rushed out of the building...taking the doors and some nearby tables with it.

SOME TIME LATER

After Aqua berated you for destroying the doors to the diner as well as some tables, you tell her about the Managers office. She gets into a thinking position before deciding that it was fine to take a look. After that she went off to get some background information on the building, blueprints and the like, while you decided to walk around with Nightshade to get a look of the city. While walking through the busy streets however...



Kropsling's Comment



You hear a passing voice in the crowd.

"Stupid Sparkle, stupid rock farm, stupid hard to find amulet. Once I find you, they'll all pay for laughing, and then He'll return again..."

You and Nightshade stop dead in your tracks and look around you. The voice is...familiar, but you can't quite place it.
Unfortunately you don't see anyone in the crowd who looks familiar, only normal business ponies going to lunch, street vendors, a black cloaked figure with light blue hooves, and a living statue.

"Strange...I feel incredibly angry and ready to fight right now..." you growl as you clench your teeth.

"Same here Daddy..." you hear Nightshade hiss. You look down at her and see her eyes are starting to glow white in anger.

"Honey, unglow your eyes before someling sees!" you order her.

She seems confused at first, as if she didn't even realize she was doing it, but she does what she is told.

She's not the only one Bugze...

What?! you think in alarm before realizing your own eyes are faintly glowing orange.

"Oh Buck!" you say as you close your eyes before anyone can see. Thankfully your wide hat covers your slip up.

After you both unglow, you take Nightshade by the hoof and get away from that crowd. Whatever it was in that crowd that got you angry, you wanna get away from it.

"Alright honey, let's go cool off and try not to be angry at things we can't exactly understand."

"Alright then daddy...but still that voice...I swear I know it..." she mumbles.

After that whole thing, you and Nightshade decide to take a rest under a tree near the Pizzeria. After all you're not going in till nightfall, so might as well take a nap. As you are about to sleep, you can't help but wonder what's going on in Ponyville. Sure the place was a deathtrap for you, but you still made some friends there...and enemies...mostly enemies, but some friends as well...even if some of them count as both. But anyway, as you rest, you can't help but wonder.

Eh, I'm sure they're doing fine. 

With that you fall asleep...

MEANWHILE IN PONYVILLE



The Pony Spartan's Comment



A dark blue unicorn pony with a sharp turquoise mane and tail walked through the streets of the town. His cutie mark was a game controller and he wore a sleeveless black winter jacket with a hint of red lining, which was odd seeing that it wasn't winter... or even cold... or chilly.

He paid no attention to the ponies around him, just walking forward with a frown on his face.

Some kids ran towards him, and by accident, some of them shoved him a bit, which he just ignored.

He then took notice of an alleyway.

His anger grew rapidly when he saw what was happening.

A yellow pegasus with a pink mane and two fillies were being confronted by two figures in hooded cloaks.

He walked up on the two hooded ones.

The taller hooded pony bumped his two hooves together. “Come on already, just tell us. Where. Is. The Hooded Offender?” He had a teen male voice.

Fluttershy shook in fear and the two fillies held her close also scared, but she answered back.

"I don't know. He disappeared after the Crystal Empire incident."

"Where's the filly called Night Springs...or was it Night Fury... Night Cover?"

"It's Nightshade! And She's gone you bucker!" Scootaloo yelled. "What would you want with her in the first place? She had nothing to do with the Offender!"

“I have no idea, but orders are order...so not gonna tell us? Oh well, we didn't want to do this, but... we gotta take you to the boss...es. Whichever one is closest I guess.”

“Yeah! What he sai-” The smaller hooded pony's sentence was cut off by a hoof slamming onto his head.

“Huh?” His hooded friend looked down. “What are you doing on the floor dude?” He looked behind himself. “Oh...”

“Hi.” The blue pony said bitterly. “What's going on here?” 

“Oh, us? We're from the Crimson Knights,” The standing one started.

“Uh-huh.” 

“And we have orders to take this yellow pegasus named Fluttershy to the leaders for questioning, for...reasons. Nopony really tells us why we do the things we do.” The fallen said weakly.

“Right.”

“And now you're a witness, so you're coming too I guess. Ugh, so much work.”

The blue pony stood silent for a second, closing his eyes, then opening them up again and taking a look at the Crimson Knight Cultists with fire in his eyes. “Let me tell you something about me. I. Hate! The Horde!”

“Well, that's too bad. I thought we were doing pretty goo-” A blue hoof slammed into his face. Once he rubbed a hoof on his cheek where he was punched, he continued. “Owww... What was that for?!”

“One, you're obviously doing something wrong here. And two, I despise your group.” The pony reached into his jacket and revealed a saddle bag. Soon after, the area glowed a bright blue.

LATER

After a while in the alleyway, the two hooded ponies could be seen running away.

“Hmph, cowards...” The blue pony had two ripped pieces of the hooded cloaks which had the Crimson Knight symbol on them in his hoof. He ripped the cloth with his magic and began to walk away but stopped when the white unicorn filly from before called him and pulled on his hind leg.

“Wait!”

“What?” He spat.

“...T-thanks.”

“Hmph!" He kicked back slightly, making the filly tumble backwards. "Don't think I did this for you or your friend OR for the mare. I did this only because I absolutely hate the Crimson Knights!” He began to walk again, only to be stopped by Fluttershy.

“Wait! We didn't get your name.” Fluttershy said.

"Why do you care."

"Well... You saved me and these two little fillies." She explained.

The blue pony pondered if he should reply a truthful answer, and soon enough, he decided he would. “I don't have a name... Actually, I go by many names. Destiny Changer, Life Changer, ...a past Crimson Knight named Pony Spartan... I thought that was a cool name! But nooooo... Stupid bucking Ink-Moth, Minds Eye, and the others... one day we'll meet again.” He whispered the last part to himself. "Speaking of..." He suddenly turned and took hold of Fluttershy with his magic. He slammed her against the wall but not so hard to hurt her...much. "What were those two doing here?" He asked menacingly.

The two little fillies took a step back horrified at the situation.

"W-What...?"

"One of them said that they needed to take you, Fluttershy, to the leaders. What's so special about you?"

Fluttershy just floated in the air via magic shaking wildly.

"I-I-I-well..." she stuttered.

"Tell me, or I will have to force the answers-"

"She was a past member of the horde! The president of the Ponyville branch" Scootaloo suddenly shouted out.

The blue pony looked at Scootaloo, who flinched under his gaze, then turned back to look at Fluttershy.

"A past leader huh? DO you know where the Offender is then?"

"I... don't know. I swear it." Fluttershy squeaked.

"Really now?..."

"S-she... w-we..." Sweetie was too scared to say anything to this pony.

"Fine." He dropped Fluttershy. "It doesn't matter what information you hold anyway. I probably already know it." He walked away until he reached to the entrance to the alleyway. “Oh, and to answer your question, You can call me... Changer.” He told them.

Soon after, Changer walked out of the alleyway leaving the three shaken ponies to watch him go, thinking to himself, “Pony or Changeling. Crimson Knight or The Hooded Offender himself. I will annihilate you all.” 

"Kichi, you always pissed me off the most with your foal laborers. Wonder if you're still in the Bastion area..."

NIGHTFALL, BACK WITH YOU

You, Aqua, Nightshade, and the still hoof-cuffed Samus stand outside the pizza diner. While Aqua has a look of readiness, your prisoner has more of a look of fear.

"Why, exactly, do you need me again?"

You give another sigh as you say,

"We don't really need you, in fact the only reason you're awake right now is that my knock-out device only works once a day."

Samus gains a confused look at this as she asks,

"If that's the case, then why haven't you guys brought me to jail yet?"

This time it's Aqua who answers as she says,

"Because from what CV has told me, the Crimson Knights probably have Stained Shields working for them. If these Video Game Mafia guys really are working for one of their leaders, then turning you in is a bad idea. The minute we turn in the Extra Lives Gang leader, one of their spies will alert them and this whole place will be cleared out before we can even get in. Also, they'd probably pluck you for leading us this far."

Samus gains a straight face for a few minutes before she sighs and says,

"I guess you make a good point there, so..."

Samus soon gains a glint in her eyes as she says,



Kersey's Comment



"So are you two gonna bust in there and kill every motherbucker with a pulse or are you just gonna give them crippling injuries that will make every day for the rest of their lives a Tartarus on Equestria?"

"Whoa whoa whao! You make Batmare's non-lethal-ness sounds horrible, but I'm NOT a killer-" you defensively stammer before Aqua interrupt-snarks,

"Injuries, Tartarus on Equestria, etc. Got it."


You just stutter at this before you sigh and mumble,

"Fine, whatever! Let's just get this over with..."

With that said you and the others are about to head into the building when...



Kichi's Comment



"Breaking into Freddy Fazbears again, Alright! Let's go!" Nightshade shouts excitedly. You interrupt her enthusiasm though.

"Sorry Honey, you know the rules," you tell her as you open up the Saddlebags.

She looks at the Inventory exasperatedly and rolls her eyes.

"Ugh...Fine..." she says breathlessly as she jumps into the bag. 

"Do you always keep that kid in that bag?" Samus asks.

"Not ALWAYS...just when it's dangerous."

"Sounds like she's starting to gain a rebellious spirit there CV," Aqua teases.

"She's not a teenager yet! Ahem, Now... It's time to take out the gamer mafia! Let's go." 



As you three walk up to the door, you try it and it's locked.

"Of course, that would have been too easy. So... any idea about how to enter?" you ask Aqua

"There aren't any backdoors in, and all the emergency fire exits are welded shut" Aqua explains.

"Seriously? Isn't that against the law? Why would they..." Suddenly the door of the pizzeria opens by itself slowly revealing the dark empty restaurant. 

"Creepy..." you mutter as you make your way inside.

As you walk through the main room, you see the main three animatronics on stage, still looking creepy as ever, but you can detect no signs of life.

"Huh, maybe they're already in the Manger's Office," you whisper as the three of you make your way down the poorly lit hallways.

Inside the guard room, there is nothing but an empty desk, with a tiny desk fan on.

Behind the desk is the Manager's Office, and now that you have more time to look at it, it looks like reinforced steel and you see multiple key holes in it.

"Whoah, it's like a bank vault or something," Aqua comments.

"Well that means they have something to hide then. We probably need some keys for it, let's check the desk."

You three enter the room and the desk is empty...except.


"Is that a fresh made pizza?" Aqua whispers with a bit of drool dripping.

It is in fact a freshly made pizza, with all the toppings.

"Well that doesn't look ominous at all," Samus groans.

"Hey, I'm the snarky one lady, get your own shtick."

She rolls her eyes at this, but you ignore it and look around, but whoever made the pizza is nowhere in sight.

"It could be a night guard who got himself a snack, and went back to get a drink?" Aqua suggests.

"Hmmm...maybe. But finders keepers," you say as you rush forth and steal the pizza.

"I'm sure they'll notice that missing," Aqua states.

"Who gives a buck? We'll just scare him off when he comes looking for it. Besides, I didn't eat Dinner, did you guys?" you say as you take a slice and chomp down on it.

Both Aqua's and Samus's stomach's growl as the fresh pizza scent hits them.

"Oh what the hay?" Aqua says as she grabs a slice, and Samus does as well.

After consuming the Pizza however, a banner above the Manager's office comes down with fanfare and confetti that says

"TO THE BOSS ROOM" with arrows pointing to the Manager's Office.


"What in the..."

BUGZE! SPIT THAT FOOD OUT NOW!!! Selena screams from within your mind.

But why it...

Suddenly, Samus and Aqua both fall to the floor, unconcious.

You look to them and back to the pizza, and notice your vision is starting to swim.

"Oh...of course...drugs...why did I expect anything different?" you ask aloud before you pass out.


LATER

You wake up feeling groggy.

"Ugh...what happened," you ask as you hold your head. You blink the blurriness out of your eyes as you look around your surroundings.

You are sitting behind the Night Guard Desk. In front of you above the open doorway is another banner. It says LEVEL 1.

Looking behind you, you see that the TO THE BOSS ROOM banner is still there as well. 

"Okay...Aqua, you alright? Aqua? Samus?" you ask, but the griffon and mare are nowhere in sight.

"Alright, think Bugze think, what happened? You came in here, ate pizza, the banner came down and, oh right, I WAS DRUGGED AGAIN!"
You facehoof over how often this happens to you. In facehoofing though, you knock loose a cap that was resting on your red hat. Looking down, you see you are wearing a security guard uniform over your Crimson Vengeance outfit.

"The Buck?"

Awww, isn't that adorable...

You jump at her sudden voice, but you quickly ask.

Selena! What the hay's going on? Where's Aqua and Samus?

You should, like...totally wear this shirt more often, it compliments your eyes... comes her warbled response 

What?

Oh wow this bed is sooooo comfortable...you always give me the nicest things...

Oh Dear Luna, Are you on the sauce again?! you think in panic.

Heheheh, that's right buggy bug boy...and it was in the pizza sauce, teehee... she druggily says.

"Oh no, not again!" you grumble holding your face, as you remember the two days of her last trip.

Hey, hey, hey...listen. I'll allllways take the drugs for you. Always. That's how much I care...oooooooo....shiny.

Before you can respond back, the phone suddenly rings, nearly giving you a heart attack. It rings twice, before the machine picks it up. And when it does, a very familiar voice comes from it.

"Hello? Hello? Is this on?...Well If you're hearing this, then that means you've woken up Mr. Crimson Vengeance. Yes we know who you are. We kind of noticed that our partners in Baltimare kind of got captured by a scary looking bounty hunter, that's not gonna look good on the income sheets."

You sweat nervously at this.

"And well, you asking all those questions did make me suspicious. But anyway, there have also been reports that you're after Crimson Knights, and that Kichi is your next target. And well, that doesn't sit too well with me, what with that being MY name and all."

Your eyes widen at that.

"That Purple Guy was Kichi!!!"

"Now you may be asking, why in the world is a Crimson Knight Leader posing as a security guard? Well, I like being close to my supply of Video Game memorabilia, so do all the foals. Also, since I practically buy everything the mafia has, I in turn have free run of this place as my own little HQ. I don't even think the other Knights have their own HQ, and if they do, it's probably not as cool and Videogamey as mine."

"He was right under my bucking nose," you chide yourself.

"But anyway Mr. Bounty Hunter, you've probably got a million other questions about what the buck is going on. Let me answer a few of them. First of all, you're in my house now and you're going to be playing a little game. I mean, you did take down the Cattle Rustlers, and the Extra Lives by yourself, so this should be fun. Past this Manager's Office Door is the boss room where I and my VG Mafia friends will be waiting. The water bender and your prisoner are here waiting as well. And no, they are not in another tower, they are right here I promise."

"As if I could trust your word cultist," you chide the phone.

"In order to get past the door, you'll need three keys. And no, you can't knock the door or walls down, and the locks are unpickable. Besides only a cheater would even try something like that, and we don't like cheaters. There are three hidden challenge rooms within this building, each is full of videogame goodness. Pass the challenges, get the keys, and face me. Simple enough right?"

What a soothing voice he has...Selena mumbles drugily. You snort and start to get up off your chair.

"Oh and one more thing," the voice over the speaker says again causing you to freeze. "Freddy and his friends like to roam the building starting at Midnight, and believe me, you do not want them getting a hold of you. Even if you break them, they kind of don't stay down. Anyway, food for thought. So watch those corners, survive the animatronics, find the three challenge rooms and face us. Also, you only have till 6:00 AM or it's Game Over. So...Good Luck with that."

And with that, the recorded message clicks off.

"I've only got till 6:00? Well what time is it now?" you ask aloud. Just then a clock chimes. You look behind you and see the Clock reads 12:00 AM.

Down the hallway in the restauraunt, you suddenly hear a deep haunting chortle of laughter.

You review your situation. You have 6 Hours to complete 3 Hidden Challenges to face a Crimson Knight in a building with evil Animatronics. Your allies are captured, and Selena is drugged up to her eyeballs.

"I'm gonna bucking die..." you mutter.

Yay! To Adventure! Selena shouts in drugged glee.

 WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 23: Level 2: The Search For The 3 Hidden Challenges Begins! (The Video Game Arc Part 2) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As you begin to frantically look through the security screen to find either the animatronics or one of the hidden challenges, you can't help but think,

I'm bucked! I'm bucked! I'M SO BUCKING BUCKED! There is absolutely no way this can get any worse!

You hear Selena giggle when you say this before she says,

Ohhhhh...You said the magic words! Now something funny is goanna happen!

You gain a confused look as you think,

What are you talking abo-



Lord Sergal's Comment



Suddenly, you hear an ear-slitting racket. It sounds like someling turned three different radios on and strung them right... Above...

"Oh, buck."

You dodge to the right just in time to see something slam down where you were just standing. I looks like a mangled heap of animatronic parts with two heads, a fox one that was still snapping at your previous location and a skull-like one that was already turned to stare at you. It lines up the next pounce and soon both sets of teeth are careening towards you.

"Falcon Punch!" you shout, blasting it in half along its torso. Almost as soon as it hits the ground, though, random pieces of metal are connecting together to rejoin the dismembered halves. It doesn't even seem like they were the same pieces that were connected before, but they hold together all the same.

"That is... Actually kind of cool," you mutter as it stands back up. It tilts its fox head to the side, confused by the praise and giving you an idea. "No, seriously, can you repair any part of yourself like that?" It nods rapidly, lips curled back in a horrifying expression that it must think is a smile. "What about adding new parts? Can you control those too?" Another nod. "Well then, why don't you use the parts from the other robots to make yourself even cooler?"

It has that confused look on its face again, so you explain that it could take the parts from the other animatronics to make itself bigger and stronger than it already is. It once again nods eagerly before running off, hopefully to dismantle the others.

"...Why do I get the feeling that suggesting it upgrade itself is going to bite me in the flank?"

Hehehehehe! Bugze mad a oppsie!

You gain a annoyed tick before sighing and saying,

"You know what, buck this! If I'm gonna find those hidden challenges, then I'm gonna do it my way!"

With that said you march out of the so called 'office' and you begin to search the diner for any sign of the first challenge. You do so sneakily by going from wall to wall Resident Wevil style. As you peak around the corner you see the bear, another fox, and a plastic looking chicken looking over the remains of what looked like another chicken, but is now just a pile of scraps. You gulp at the sight as you think,

I guess that white fox things been busy.

Deciding that this was a good distraction you begin to sneak by them, but as you do...




The Pony Spartan's Comment



You begin to think about the animatronics. You never actually remember the animatronics' names so you decide to give each animatronic a name of your own. The fox is Foxer, the rabbit is Bugs, the bear is Teddy, and the chicken is goose... yeah.

Before you can continue sneaking away, you bump into something. Your eyes widen as you see that you bumped into Bugs. As Bugs tries to grab you, you look straight into his- its eyes.

They glow red. An evil red piercing through you.

You remember that you're about to get caught when something happens. You can't see it, but your right eye closes as your left eye widens and turns from blue to a bright red with sharp pain, and the next thing you know is that Bugs is on fire.

You also take into consideration that the fire is black... and that its close to you.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!" You scream as you try to put it out but fail miserably.

Wooooow that looks sooooo cool. Just like Simba's Dark Magic.

"Ohh, that makes sense- wait? Did you just call him Sim-"

*RING RING* *CLICK*

"Hey, that's cheating!" Kichi shouts from the phone.

"You specifically said I couldn't break doors. You didn't say anything about the robots!"

"Okay fine, from now on, the only thing you can break, is nothing alright?"

"Yes. I will follow your orders like I'm your good little friend," You say sarcastically while putting out the fire.*

"Good. Now get going."

The phone hangs up.

"Oh great. More magic moves at my disposal and I have to control them. Lady Luck just come kill me already. Besides why does he care if I break these things, they just fix themselves after all?"

As if on cue, you hear the dreaded laugh of Balloon Colt....coming from right behind you. You turn around to see him pointing at you..as well as the animatronics who were looking at the scrapped chicken now looking at you and the (already reforming) Bugs. You gulp slightly and can only say one thing to convey how much this sucks,

"Buck you Lady Luck!"

With that said the leader bear animatronic lets out a loud piercing scream and they begin to chase you...except Balloon Colt, who was dragged into the darkness by a white furry hand... 

As you continue to run from the animatronics, you can't help but think,

What was up with that Kichi dude? He sounded a lot more annoyed then before, I wonder if something happened...


A FEW MOMENTS AGO, WITH KICHI



Kersey's Comment



"Ugh! I can't believe my bucking card is maxed out! Now I can't pre-order that advanced copy of Pokemon Celestia and Luna!" the changeling shouts as he throws a videogame catalog to the floor. "Bucking Kersey, I was supposed to have that deposit this morning! He probably used the deposit for a napkin again." He then shivers remembering the last payment that was covered in Thousand Island Dressing and Mushroom stains.

"Seriously, how unhelpful can you get? Even that lazy mutt let me borrow his latest recruit for the weekend, I mean, changelings gotta stick with changelings right?" he huffs before shaking his head and looking at the catalog again in anger.

"You had ONE job Kersey, what else could you possibly be doing?"


MEANWHILE IN AN UNKNOWN LOCATION

In a messy-looking apartment, we see an obese Earth Pony with glasses, a green coat, orange mane/tail, and a Cutie Mark of a Messy Burger on a Film Reel poring over a large desk with several abacuses and stacks of paperwork.

"Gorram it!" Kersey yells in exasperation, "I told those bucking idiots we're taking on too many members too quickly!!" 

He shoves another hoofful of chili-cheese hayfries in his mouth before continuing, "Ever since Flag Burner got splattered and that brown bitch forced me out, they got to go off on their own schemes and adventures while I'M the one who has to balance the checkbooks!" 

Kersey gets off the chair and goes over to a map of Equestria dotted with several pictures of various Crimson Knight leaders with crisscrossing strings before he continues ranting to himself,

"It's bad enough the Crimson Knights are divided among almost a dozen sub-leaders, but each of those morons is each off doing their own thing without ANY coordination or a clear plan! Gorram it Flag Burner! If only you had just blasted the real Hooded Offender with the face with a cyanide-coated cannon, cut off his head, bisected his body, threw half of it in a vat of acid, threw the other half in a volcano on the other side of the continent, and encased the head in cement before dropping it in the ocean like I advised you to when you had the chance instead of leaving him alive with a cute strumpet with a crush (stupid shy bitch, turning ME down...) then you'd still be alive and we'd have some actual gorram leadership in this bucking organization!"

He waddles over to a stack of pizza boxes and opens it only to find it empty.

"GAAHHH!! I need a bucking break!!!"

With that, Kersey leaves and locks his apartment door (covered in stickers reading "No Lives Matter" and "Donald Trumpkin for Mayor") with a wide variety of locks, bombs, and traps before walking down the hallway muttering,

"Note to self; Recommend to whoever's in charge that he brings the sub-leaders together and have them all fight to the death with rusty jagged chainsaws. THAT outta thin the herd of the morons..."

With that said he stalks off, grumbling profanity all the way...


BACK TO THE PRESENT, WITH YOU

You managed to lose a couple of the animatronics, but you got cornered by the plastic looking chicken. But you managed to trick it into smashing itself into a wall...and then proceeded to get crushed by a nearby arcade machine that you may or may not have pushed.

Kichi said I couldn't break anything, but he didn't say anything about the bots themselves breaking stuff. Ha! Take that you creepy cultist, I found a loophole!

Yeah LoopHole master! If he can't sneak his way out of an agreement, nopony can!

You smile smugly at this as you think,

Yes yes I know I'm aweso-Hey! Wait a min-

Your thought is left unfinished as...




BrownDog's Comment

  

You are tackled from behind by the fox with the hookhand and eyepatch, and he bites into your shoulder.

“AAAHHHH!!! Watch the coat you sly buck!” you yell as you kick him off of you and hide in the Mare's bathroom.

Looking at your wound in the mirror, you see a row of teeth marks in your shoulder, and a bit of your Midnight Blood is seen.

“Stupid Pirate Fox, I’ll make scrap metal out of you yet, why do these animatronics even have sharp teeth anyway?”

I think that it’s because it helps them eat you better, he he… Selena adds.

“Oh Luna, what the heck did they give me to make you like this?”

I’m not Luna you jerk! She yells and then starts sobbing.

“What? No It’s just a saying! Don't cry” you stammer being caught off guard. 

Oh, okay! That makes sense, and the drugs aren’t like Quack Doctor man, but they is close… she says suddenly chipper.

“Oh great, you’re going through mood swings, this is all I need…WAIT! If you’re loopy, who’s keeping an eye on Sombra?!”

Oh dun worry about that…I already shared the happy…he’s worse than me now ha ha…

“You did what!?”

Earlier, while Bugze was still Unconscious 

“Oh well this is just PERFECT!!! Why can’t you go one day without doing something monumentally stupid My Idiot!” Selena huffs at the darkness.

“Now I have to siphon it off and…ooooooooooohhhhhhh wow…” she says as the drugs finally hit her.

“Oh well he does try so hard…my silly little idiot…Oh no, I’m becoming inebriated!”

“Good, let your guard down Whorse and set me free!” Sombra calls from the depths of the subconscious.

Selena’s eyes gain an edge to them after hearing that.

“Oh I don’t think so Smokey, You’re cage isn’t coming down, and if I am to become a babbling fool, then so will you,” she declares as her horn lights up and more drugs are siphoned and directed at Sombra.

“What? NOOOOO….oooooohhhhh wooooowwww…was this prison always rainbows?...”

BACK TO NOW

And now, he’s like…watching cartoons in his cell and giggling like a dork…

You are about to question the validity of that statement, but then you listen and in the depths of your mind you hear a faint

That coyote will never catch the giant bird…it’s like chasing your own hopes and dreams…always out of reach…and meeping at you relentlessly

You facehoof at that.

“Great, so now I have two souls in my head stoned off MY mind. Just…make sure he doesn’t sober anytime soon okay Selly?”

Right you are Bugze CV Tennant man…but first, you should watch out for that chicken behind you.

“Wha-?” you turn around and the broken chicken has reassembled itself…jankily. It screams a horrible sound into your face and tries to strangle you.

“GGGYYYYAAAAGGGHHH!!!” you scream as you jump back.

“Why won’t you Buckers Stay down?!”

Because they want to hug and squeeze you a lot...and who could blame them?

Ignoring Selena's comment, you run around Goose and enter into the hallway. Goose make a move to follow, only for a white hand to grab it's leg and pull it back into the bathroom...you are about to run, when you see Teddy right in front of you smiling.

"EEEP!" you shriek, and duck into the Colt's Bathroom.





Kichi's Comment



You quickly turn around planning to juke around the BearBot but you see something odd. The bear, and the rabbit stand in the doorway, not entering. Then then shuffle off down the hallway leaving you alone.

"Oh thank goodness... I wonder why they didn't come in here though?" you mutter.

Just then a phone begins to ring within the bathroom, causing you to jump.

"Gaah!" you look around for the source, and see phone in the sink and an answering machine.

"How many phones does this guy have?"


"Hello? Hello? Well... congratulations for finding this bathroom, for some reason the Animatronics are programmed to not come in here. So you can rest a bit here, of course not all the rooms work like that so be careful because you still need to finish this before the time limit. So have a breather, and have a look around. I'm sure you'll find something interesting." 

*Click* the call ends, causing you to sit down and calm your heart rate.

"Okay... I'm safe for now... Time to think...He told me to look around in here for "interesting" things. Maybe there's a challenge room in here?" you think aloud before walking to one of the stall doors and pushing it open.

"Gah! Please don't hurt me!" shouts a very scared pegasus stallion curled up on the toilet.

"Whoah, sorry buddy I...wait...Flash is that you?" you ask as you see an orange coat and blue mane and tail.


Just then a million of voices begin to shout for death and mutilation, but you ignore them as the pegasus looks up at you. 

"Y-yes, I'm Flash Sunshine, the Nightgaurd...how did you know my name?" he says nervously.

Suddenly the voices all stop, as if they were never even there.

Whoah...trippy...

"Flash...Sunshine?" you ask in confusion.

"Y-yeah...please don't kill me..." he whimpers.

You get a better look at the cowering stallion and see that while he ressembles Flash Sentry, he has a completely different cutiemark, a Flashlight, and his mane style is different.

"H-hey, calm down buddy, I'm not gonna kill you."

"Y-you're not?" he asks.

"No, why do you think that?" you answer.

"Well...I thought you were one of those animatronics, your mask is pretty scary. But then you knew my name and I thought you worked for Kichi," he responds.

"Well I'm neither buddy. I'm a bounty hunter, and I didn't know your name, I confused you with someli-er-pony else. You got any relatives named Flash by chance?"

"Um...not that I know of..."

"Nevermind, listen here Sunshine..." you begin only to be interupted.

I'm walking on Sunshineee.... Woooo Selena begins to sing causing your eye to twitch. Further in your mind you hear Sombra's stoned philosophy.

To walk on sunshine, is to walk upon Celestia herself...many have tried...that many have died...walking on squishy ponies is hard...

Ignoring the two, you shake your head and continue your thought.

"I'm looking for Kichi myself, and the Video Game Mafia he works with. What do you know?"


"Uhhh...Well...I was checking the disturbing rumors about the Fazbear Chain of restaurants, this one most of all," he responds.

"Don't tell me that an animatronic killed a group of foals or something like that..." you comment apprehensively.

"What? No! It's just... there are rumors that missing foals with glowing green eyes have been spotted entering this pizzeria at night. I'm a reporter you see, I work for Equestria Daily, the best newspaper in all Equestria and I know there is something in here... I just need proof. When the job of night guard opened I jumped right on it...but then those strange recordings commented about how those animatronics could walk and do things... At first I thought it was a joke but when they began to move and try to grab me I tried to run away, but I couldn't reach the exit and wound up hiding in here," he says as he looks around still with a little fear.

"Don't worry, I'll finish Kichi, you just need to wait until 6 A.M...for some reason, I don't know what happens at 6, but that's Game Over either way."

Flash Sunshine looks at you and nods in understanding. 

"By the way, have you seen any hidden rooms or doors around here?"

"Um...the out of order sign on the last stall seemed pretty strange..."

You nod and say to him. 

"Alright, wait here and don't do anything stupid!" You then close the door on him and walk to the end stall. And on that stall is a helpful sign.

Here a Key 

"Do you grammar much?" you comment as you open the stall door. Where a toilet should be is a hole in the ground leading to blackness.

"Oh no, a Woolie Hole!" you mutter in fear as you flash back to the urban legend of the mythical pie stealing beast. Shaking your head, you look back at it. "Uhhh... So... What? I need to jump?" you ask aloud.

As you do, a hole openes in the roof and an anvil almost falls on you, but you dodge out of the way. Written on the anvil is an inscription 

Yes

Well, guess that answers that question.

Do it, do it. Put yourself into the Woolie Hole...

Sighing, you close your eyes and jump in...and it actually wasn't that big of a fall if you're honest. You open up your eyes and look around, but it's still dark.

"Uhh... Where am I?" you ask aloud.

"Welcome...to the 1st challenge!"

Suddenly the lights come on causing you to shield your eyes.

"AH! After images!" you say as you blink the spots away. Once you do, you look around and see



JustYuki's Comment



A strange hall of sorts, with orange and redish colors and for some reason...

you can feel your sins crawl on your back.

You shiver at this, until you notice a strange figure at the end of the hall. He's wearing a blue hoody version of the Knight's cloaks and he's looking down so you can't tell what species he is. There is a pile of fake looking skulls and bones laying behind him. He continues to stare at the floor so you ask.

"Do you work for Kichi?"

"In a way I suppose. Really, I'm just on loan for the weekend, but I don't mind. This job is awesome."


You squint your eyes at this as you ask.

"So, what's the challenge here then? Fanboy at me to death?"

The figure chuckles softly before answering.

"Tell me something buddy..."

He then looks right at you and you can see he's wearing a smiling skull mask with one black eye and one glowing blue eye. Suddenly this begins to play as he continues,

"Do you wanna have a bad time?"

To which you respond with the reasonable response of,

"The buck!?!?!"

Outro:



What do you do?

> Episode 24: Level 3: A Sansational Fight! 1 Challenge Down And 2 To Go! (Video Game Arc Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


You and your Skull masked opponent continue to stare each other down till you glare at him and say,



Instead of the usual sans fight, you attack with joke and funny stories. The first one to collapse from laughter loses.



"What's the matter buddy? Feeling kind of bonely down in this hole by yourself?"

He smirks at this, gives a chuckle and says, "It's not that bad, kind of peaceful Tibia'nest with you."

"Well no matter, I can see I'll be winning since I'm already tickling your funny bone,"

"Heh heh...no chance buddy, because unlike you I'm...Bad to the Bone..." his eye then lights up blue as he holds up his arm and floating bones fly right towards you.

"Oh dang that was a good o-WAH!"  You shriek as you dodge the bone attack. As you do you notice just how munch damage it does to the pillar it hits. You gulp nervously as you think,

Yikes! For fake looking bones they sure do pack a punch. Better try and dodge them as much as I can. If there was only some way I could convince him to not attack me...*ding* I know!

You smirk at your plan as you dodge another set of bones before saying,




Kichi's Comment



"What if I pay you double what Kichi is giving?" 

Your opponent appears to think for a moment before he shakes his head and says,

"No... I have a contract, you know how it is... If I broke it, then I couldn't get any other jobs because I'd be known as a deal breaker."

You shake your head at this, and after dodging another set of bones, you exclaim,

"But Kichi is a criminal! You know it's bad to work for him, right? I'm sure he's thinking of a new evil plan right now!"


MEANWHILE

"I hate using my own funds! Stupid Kersey not delivering..." The Knight complains as he takes credit cards out of his wallet. "Let's see... This one is maxed out... This one was broken, so was this one... this one was reported as stolen... Here, I still have one" he proclaims as he holds up a platinum card.

"*Sigh*, It's hard basically singlehoofedly sponsoring a mafia... I need to pay the people at the pizzerias, the animatronics and maintenance, and even some building taxes... I wonder how Flag Burner managed to do it? Or the original Horde group? I hope that my minions managed to ask the Ponyville Horde President how she ran it so effectively. Plus she probably has some clues to where the buck the Offender even disappeared to. Eh, hopefully they'll convince her to come talk and not be overzealous," he mutters to himself.

After that he looks to a screen

"Is he still on the first level? *sigh*, I was hoping he'd be on the second level by now. Guess that Silver guy is tougher than I thought. Oh, well... Let's see what's going on in the newest issue of Dark Offender" Kichi takes out a comic and on the cover is the image of the Offender and Flag Burner fighting.

"Ugh...I already know how this ends," he says as he absentmindedly throws the comic behind him. 


BACK WITH YOU

You sneeze as irony hits you.

"You know I feel like I'm being proved wrong somewhere..."

Masky (that's what your gonna call this guy till you get a name), ignores you as he sends another barrage of bones at you, but you manage to dodge them. 

You look over to Masky and can't help but ask him,

"Can't you let me go? I only have until the six to take out Kichi or it's Game Over! And whatever the buck that means, it can't be good for my captured friend or prisoner!"

"Sorry buddy, nope... You know how hard is to find a group that accepts my kind? Not only that but Kichi has a great quantity of food here, now sit still and DIE!"

Suddenly the music from before starts to pick up again as even more bones start to fly at you. Dodging them as fast as you can, you can't help but think grimly,

Well...noling can say I didn't try the pacifist route, time to go NO MERCY!

With that thought you begin to make your way towards him to attack, but...




Solarkness's Comment



As you run through the hall, bones start popping out from the ground, walls and sometimes even thin air.

"The buck?" you shout out, jumping over or sliding beneath them, "I am pretty sure this is not within the gamerules."

At that, you are suddenly surrounded by a blue glow and smashed against the wall. Your opponent smirks, replying: "I exist outside the rules. Your actions won't be erased..."

You get out of the you-shaped hole as you yell,

"The buck does that mean!"

Your opponent's grin gets...bigger somehow (weird mask) as he says,

"Oh nothing, just ribbing ya."

You just growl at him as you charge at him. You manage to dodge the bones headed your way and make it up to him. You think he gains a surprised look as you bring your hoof back and yell,




Lord Sergal's Comment

 


Kersey's Comment



"FALCON PUNCH!"

Your flaming fist heads right for the guy's face...only for him to sidestep out of the way! Your eyes widen in surprise as he says,

"What? You think I'm just gonna stand still and let you hit me?" he jeers as one of the skulls floats up and opens its mouth. The inside of the skull lights up and a beam blasts out at you, missing only by a few centimeters.

You jump back a few feet away from him with a calm look on your face, in your mind however...

"THE BUCKING SKULLS USE BUCKING LASERS?! HOW THE BUCK DOES THAT EVEN WORK?!

Why you silly bug, with magic of course!

Your eye twitches at this as you think,

NOT NOW DRUGGY!

Oh sure, I'm the druggy? What about smokey here?

What about him? you think annoyed as you dodge yet bone attack.


He's trying to smoke a blue saphire...and it is hilarious...*Snort* *Chuckle*

He's what? Why? Where did he even get one?

This Heisenburro...his hubris is his downfall...but his Blue Sky crystals...shall grant power... he highly spouts.

Your eye twitches

You let him watch Baking Bad?! you think as you yet again dodge an attack.

I thought it would scare him...Selena says downcast.

You facehoof at this and start to berate her...when all of a sudden, you are struck by one of the bone attacks and thrown through a pillar.

"OW! Gorramit!!"

"YA! GET DUNKED!" Masky yells.

This is fine...just die already so I can go home...I'd put you in a barrel of acid myself if I could...you hear Sombra say.

You quickly airbend the smoke off of your coat before you angrily think back at him

Oi! Zambini! Not sure if you noticed, but you're in my mind!

Yeah...so...?

Well if I die, you're coming with us! you angrily rant as you dodge out of the way of another blast.

Oh noooooooo....he moans without yelling before he suddenly stops and starts laughing.

What's so funny?

Souls of darkness may be bound...but shadows of might have no master...Who is possessing who? he highly contemplates again.

I feel like that's supposed to make sense...but he's got a lit Saphire in his mouth...Oooo, Shiny Lasers! Selena adds.

You once more dodge, but this time, one of your coat tails gets singed. Deciding you've had enough, you hold up your arms and yell.

"HOLD IT!!!" Which causes Masky to stop. You then decide to voice your question in calm, conducted manner.


"The buck was that you bucking buck!?! Fricken Laser Beams! Seriously?!"

Did I say calm? I meant rude, my bad.

Anyway, your opponent gives off a strange sound that you think is a laugh before he says,

"Gaster Blasters, best fake bone lasers money can buy, now hold still so I can zap ya again!"

With that he...




JustYuki's Comment



Levitates hundreds of bones and charging Gaster blasters. 

He smirks,

"Dodge this."

He lets go and the bones whizz at you like arrows as the Blasters fire.

"Do a barrel roll! Hehe", Selena giggles

Your eyes widen in surprise at this as you think,

That's it! 

"PHSYCO CRUSHER" You announce, soaring straight through the storm of Bones. The Bones crumble and brake as they come in contact with you.

The hooded pony just stands there looking dumbfounded at what you did, until he realizes that you're going to hit him. He leaps out of the way, barely dodging your attack, landing on a pile of Bones and skulls. You, however, keep going and crash into the wall behind him.

"Ugh," you moan, your head buried in the crack-filled column.

As you get your head un-stuck from the wall and spit out some of the wall that got into your mouth, you can't help but think,

It doesn't matter what I try hitting him with he keeps leaping out of the way. And what's that humming sound!?

You get out of the rubble and open your eyes...

Only to look into the glowing mouths of charging Gaster Blasters.

"Oh Buck!"

You panic and quickly buck the columns behind you. The columns give out and fall into a Criss-Cross pattern.

The Gaster Blasters fire. A blinding light fills the room and  you feel an intense heat singeing the edges of your chitin.

The light fades, and you lower your forelegs, and see that the columns had taken most of the fire. They are now scorched black and complete vaporized.

"Oh Luna, this guy's gonna kill me!" You say through heavy breaths.

"Yep!" 

Bones whizz at you but you jump out of the way. One bone manages to get you making another hole in your leg. You fall to the ground and shout in pain,

"BUCK!"

You look at your leg to see the hole already beginning to heal (thank you healing factor), but you can still feel the pain.

"Oh...MotherBucker!" you yell at him as you seem him through the hole in your leg.

OK, how the buck do I hit this guy?

Maybe you should wait till he falls asleep?

That doesn't help! No...I gotta go fast, and keep dodging...hope he gets sloppy, it's all I got!

You then rush forth and perform another Psycho Crusher through the hail of bones.


POV Change: THE HOODED OPPONENT (Silver Strange)

I need to be more careful, he almost got me with his "Psycho Crusher", you think while trying to catch your breath.

The bones and Gaster Blasters were starting to take a toll on your magic reserves as made clear by the growing migraine that wrecked your head.

Remember your training.

Your body began to subconsciously move in your battle stance. Stance wide. Legs bent. Head pointed at opponent yet aware of your surroundings.

Access the situation.

I'm fighting a bounty hunter in a long hallway with levitational bones and Gaster Blasters at my disposal. My orders are to take him out or at least waste his time.

"Would you kindly burn!?" 

You leapt in the air, escaping the blazing inferno below you. It burned some of your tail though.

Huh. He can shoot balls of fire too? Nice.

You materialize  a floating platform of bones under you, as soon you landed you prepared your Gaster Blaster and bones. 

They shoot forwarded to attack him, albeit less aggressively and predictable.

Study the opponent.

It was safe to assume he was an Earth Pony since he showed no signs of flying or using magic spells. He clearly had some form of magic though, just not from spells. He could perform some martial art moves like the Falcon Punch and his Physco Crusher, and shoot fireballs from his hooves-

Your opponent slid under the volley of bones, with power crackling in his hooves pointed at you, he unleashed his of own volley of purple lightning.

Thinking quickly you formed a web of bones that absorb the purple assault.

"Just how many powers do you have!? You've already tried to Falcon Punch me in the face, ignored gravity with your 'Pyscho Crusher' and now you shoot fireballs and thunderbolts from you hooves! Your like some poorly made Mary Sue!" You shout at him.




BrownDog's Comment



POV Change: Bugze

"I'm a Dude! And my name sure as heck ain't Mary!" you respond indignantly to the masked weirdo.

"Not it's a literary trope, it means you're a poor character that has everything and everyone loves/hates them. Plus you've got all these freaking powers! It's not fair!"

"Fair?! Buddy, I EARNED these powers through an intense childhood full of videogames and sorrow...also by making very poor decisions...but yeah, and as for the Hate and Love I get, I'm about 25% to blame for that, the other 75% is from Lady Luck, so take it up with her!" you yell as he dodges another yet another Falcon Punch.

He sends more bones at you in response.

“Where the heck do you guys keep getting these kinds of weapons?! Seriously,who manufactures Bone Weapons in mass quantity?”

“Oh well Kichi knows another Knight out in Applewood, and he’s got access to all kinds of good stuff.”

“Another Knight?! Who?!” you ask

You see your enemy frown, “Whoops, wasn’t supposed to let anything slip. Forget I said anything and Get Dunked On Filthy Bounty Hunter!” he shouts and sends more bones at you.

After avoiding another of the Gaster Blasters, you manage to send out an ice blast.

“Would You Kindly CHILL THE BUCK OUT!!!” you shout. The ice blast hits him in the skull face, knocking the mask off…and what you see underneath causes you to gasp.

“You broke my sick mask you jerk! My recruiters gave me that!” snarls the changeling.

“You-you-you’re a changeling?” you sputter.

He scowls, “Yeah! So what if I am? What, a changeling can’t hold a job outside the Hive? You bucking speciest.”

He gears up for another attack, but you ask him another question.

“How long have you been unbound?”

He falters.

“How long since you were connected to the Hive Mind?”

“How do you even know about that?” he asks.

“Because Iiiii…know a guy that knows about this kind of stuff…yeah…” you catch yourself.

“Well it’s been almost 3 years for your information…not that it matters anymore, my time with the Knights has been way better. Plus, there’s even a few other changelings within the ranks I can hang with.”

Your eyes widen.

“There are? Who? Is…” you choke up before asking, “Is there any named Sin, Vicki, Biff, Tannen or Mongo?” you ask, hoping that maybe they lived.

“Never heard of them, so far all I know is that it’s Me, Kichi, and…”

“Kichi’s a Changeling?!” you shout.

His eyes widen again before he facehooves with a “D’Oh! I let more info slip! Shut up and forget already!” he yells as he sends the bone attack at you.


ELSEWHERE

Kichi has his face in his hoof and is shaking his head in disappointment while watching the battle.

“Way to go Brown Dog and Snap Drake. Your noob just exposed himself, me, and even Solarkness and his movie props to this Bounty Hunter. Ugh, why did I even ask you guys for help?”

He then looks at the battle screen more inquisitively.

“But then again, he did bring up some info on you Crimson Vengeance…how do you know about being Unbound? And who were those Changelings you named off?” he then looks at the screen closely at CV’s eyes.

“They are blue…could he be…?"


BACK AT THE FIGHT

After more epic dodging (Thanks Applejack) you see Silver starting to sweat.

“Just give up already, we both know I’m going to win this!” you proclaim.

“No! I may have failed in killing Michael Beigh, but I won’t fail in wasting your time!” he declares.

“Wait, YOU’RE the reason his house blew up?” 

“Yeah, and I would’ve gotten away with it too if he wasn’t a freaking Pyro Mancer.”

“Then you’re the reason why he was inspired to make more Transformare movies, why my childhood is being crapped on again, WHY SHIA LAHOOF IS GETTING MORE ACTING GIGS!!!” you roar, as your eyes slightly tint orange.

Ooohhh…that was a nice tickle...do it again... Selena coos in response.


The changelings eyes widen at what you've said.

“Oh Sweet Celestia! You’re right! What have I done?!” he screams to the heavens. His screaming gives you a shot to rush up and deck him in the face, which knocks him on the floor.

"OW! Why you..." he starts before you jump on top of him.

“Why?! Why?! WHY?!” you yell as you rain blows on his face, causing his head to repeatedly hit the ground hard.

"I...duh..." he mumbles out, which isn't a good enough answer for you. You Shadow Whip him into the air, before whiplashing him back into the ground, causing a crater to form and finally knocking him out.

“Why didn’t you finish him off?!” you whimper to the defeated Knight as you realize how bad those movies are going to be.

Shaking your head, you realize something.

“I just beat up my first Crimson Knight…and he’s a Changeling…that’s got to be a bonus or something when I turn him in.” You then search his coat and find the first key, which just so happens to be shaped like a pixilated cartoon heart. It has a string going through the handle, making a loop. You decide to wear it like a necklace to keep track of it.

You also check for the Knights symbol on him to make sure he is actually apart of them and not just some mercenary. Finding their symbol stitched inside his cloak and tattooed on his thigh, you also happen to find his id, and learn that his name is Silver Strange.

Huh, what a strange name for a changeling....

Even I'm not drugged enough to laugh at that.

OH HUSH UP! IT WAS CLEVER OKAY!

Putting his id back, you then manacle and duct tape the knocked out changeling. You then go into your Inventory to Borrow Nightshade's Inventory. 
Luckily, you see Nightshade resting peacefully in her bed so you just take it.

“Well thank goodness for small miracles,” you sigh in relief. 

She is anything but small…she’s more medium sized...Selena druggedly contemplates.

“Yes…yes she is…” you chuckle before shoving the Changeling into your second set of bags and placing them on your back.

You then look around at all the damage caused in your fight and smirk.

“Well Silver, whoever loaned you to Kichi made a poor decision. Whoever you are, you are not getting him back. It’s probably not the last bad decision you’ll make.”


SOMEWHERE ELSE

The Brown Dog suddenly jerks up from his bottle of Jack Spaniels and yells,

“Holy Balls! I’ve finally figured it out!”

Snap Drake looks over at the Diamond Dog and asks

“What? What’d you figure out?”

“How to stop Michael Beigh! Why didn’t I think of it before?”

Snap Drake perks up hearing that and listens intently.

“OK, Spill it, how?”

“Alright, if Neighsan giant monster movies have taught us anything, it’s what?” he asks.

“That the sub is almost always better than the dub?” SD responds.

“That, and that the only way to beat a giant monster, is with another giant monster!”

“Where you going with this?”

“The only way to stop a bad director, is with another bad director."

“That…might actually work…So, what? We sick Pony Wiseau on him?” Snap Drake guesses.

“No, it has to be a director just as bad as him, but who somehow keeps getting work.”

Snap Drake thinks for a moment before his eyes widen in knowledge. Brown Dog smiles and nods as they both say at the same moment.

“M. Night Shamalamadingdong…”

“Oh Celestia…this will be the most epic twist ever! We’re gonna have to make them hate each other!” Snap Drake says excitedly.

“Exactly! Then they will battle to the death and whoever wins will be weakened, and we can take them out easily.”

“Sounds Like a Plan!”

“Heck Ya!”

They then clink their drinks together and chug.

They then look around the almost empty bar.

“Say, where the heck is Silver at?” Brown Dog asks.

“We let Kichi borrow him remember?”

“Oh yeah…BALLS!” the diamond dog shouts suddenly feeling around his cloak.

“What?”

“I forgot to get the last greasy Kersey check off him. I’ve got nothing on me.”

Snap Drake checks his own pockets.

“Me neither.”

Both Knights look at the suspicious bartender.

“Bail, BAIL!!!” they both shout and run out the door as the bartender yells at them.


Back to Freddy’s

As you pull yourself out of the Woolie Hole, you see Flash Sunshine sitting their expectedly.

“Did you find your key?” he asks.

“Yeah, yeah I did," you say flashing the heart necklace, "now I gotta find the other two challenges...which means I have to leave the safety of this bathroom."

“Well, I just remembered something. I heard Kichi talking a lot about that Creepy Puppet out in the Balloon Colt Room…maybe there’s something there?” Sunshine suggests.

“Well, I got no other options, might as well, sit tight,” you say as you exit into the silent hallway. You think you see a massive pink and white mechanical leg at the end, but when you blink and look back, there’s nothing.

“I hate this place…” you mutter as you look for the Puppet Room.

Sneaking your way down the hallway, you're surprised that you don't run into the animatronics, but you don't question it. You reach the Balloon Colt Room, and inside you see the Puppet's Box sitting in the corner and a jukebox playing a melody. Impending Dread washing over you, you walk over and lift the lid of the box...and there's nothing inside but another deep dark hole.

"Another one? Ugh, maybe I should grab a flashlight or someth-" you turn around and stare right into the face of the creepy Puppet who reaches out for you.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" you yell as you trip backwards into the hole. After falling for a moment, you hit the bottom with an "Oomph!"

You stand up and look around, but thankfully the creepy animatronic did not follow you. Suddenly, a light comes on above a red door with a sign on it.

"Oh, like that isn't obvious," you mutter and walk over.

The sign reads.

I Hope You Like Soul Crushing Puzzle Minigames!

Your pupils shrink at that. Many were the hours you spent trying to solve evil monstrous puzzles, bringing the best of games to a stand still. You start shaking back and forth in dread as you mumble,

"Puzzles...So many puzzles..."


What do you do?


Outro:


> Episode 25: Level 4: WRATH OF THE PUZZLES! (Video Game Arc Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


You continue to stare at the red door in pure terror at what lies beyond it. You shudder as you begin to think of all the agonizing, torturous, and horrible puzzles that await ahead. Gulping with reluctance and bracing for the worst, you walk over to the door and open it to see...



Lord Sergal's comment



A large empty room save for a single cabinet in its center. You gain a confused look as you think,

Huh...guess they ran out of money to actually get a puzzle. Might as well get this over with.

With that you make your way over to the cabinet, you see a simple puzzle box atop the stand alongside a note ranting about a nonsense element called 'null' of all things. You hear Sombra sigh before he says,

Nullness...like the ever fleeting chance of freedom...it fills me with despair.

You roll your eyes at this as you think,

Dear Luna you are depressing when you're drugged.

Sombra replies, but you ignore him as you look at the box. It seems simple enough to open after a few moments, and you finally get it open.

"Alright, easy enough, now what's my reward?" you ask aloud as you look inside and see a lens of some kind.

"That's it? A lens? What the heck am I supposed to do with this?"

I say you should wear it...you'd look even better with some class...

"Well I don't know about that, the Monopoly Stallion I am not...but what the hay."

Upon putting the lens up to your eye, you see that it gives the world a bit of a tint, and that there are hoofprint stains on the ground. Taking it on and off shows that they were made with some sort of invisible ink, and that there is a trail.

"Ooo, trippy," you comment as you follow the prints to a corner where a cleverly hidden safe is wedged. The same ink appears around a few numbers.

"Well, looks like trial and error time," you mutter as you begin to crack the safe.

After trying out the numbers in a few different sequences, you finally find the right one as the safe gives a click and opens.
You let out a smile as you open the door further with expectant eyes to see...

"Another puzzle box?! Oh Come on!" you shout as you see this one is far more complex than either the first box or the safe. You cry internally as you prepare for the worst.


MANY BOXS LATER


"OH SWEET LUNA FINALLY!"

You begin to cry tears of joy as a new red door appears behind you as you solve the final box puzzle. You quickly gallop into the door and enter the next room. Sadly your joy is sucked out of your body when you realize that you are in yet another puzzle room. In this room you see...



BrownDog's Comment



A table with a lamp on it, under the lit table is a Crossword with a pen next to it.

"Umm..." you then look up and see the next puzzle challenge not 15 yards away waiting for you through the open door. There is nothing blocking you from advancing.

"Do I...do I have to do this one?" you ask aloud. Noling answers so you just shrug your shoulders and walk past the table to the next one.

"Well that was surprisingly easy...who the heck thought this was a good idea?"

Inside Your Second Saddle Bags

The bound Changeling Snorts in his sleep and rolls over, nerves getting to him even in sleep as someone talks bad about him.

Back Outside

You curse yourself for thinking that this would be a cakewalk since in the next room you see...





Kichi's Comment



A control panel with several glowing lights, 3 switches, and a tube with water in it. It's wires lead to an exit door that has a switch glowing red, indicating it's locked.

"Oh what fresh hell is this?" you whimper as you walk up to it and study it more closely. Along the top near the water tube is a bright green row with chart blocks representing wavelengths. Below it, the three other rows show fragments that can be scrolled through.

"Oh Luna...there are so many combinations..." you sob as you begin to scroll through them.

LATER

After a while of scrolling through different combos and failing, you think you finally have it figured out.

"So... This goes here, and that there and... check." You press the buttons but all you get is a red light, signifying failure once again.

"GAAAAAHHHH!!!!, I hate Puzzles!!!" you shout tearing at your hat. After you are done hyperventalating, you look back at the panel, towering above you as if mocking you. "Ugh, where's Grandbuggy when you need him? He always helped me on these..." you reminisce before sticking your head into your inventory.

"Hey, Hey baby, you wanna help your old man solve a puzzle?" you say as you prod your sleeping daughter.

"zzzz...put that cookie down....zzz" she mumbles out like a light.

"Oh sure, the moment I actually want you to come out, and you're sleeping. Typical," you grumble as you take your head out and massage your brain.

"Grrr, there has to be something I'm missing...but what?"


The answer...is quite obvious... Go left five times on A, Two to the right on B, and leave C right where it is...
 Sombra suddenly says.

You roll your eyes at the innebriated tyrant, but you do as he suggests, having really no other alternative. You then press the buttons and...The door on the other side of the room lights up green and clicks open.

Your jaw drops at the progress as you ask,

"Wait... How did you know that?"

D'uh...I am a master of puzzles...and of crystals...stupid Celestia...he trails off into his drugged zone to which you just roll your eyes.

He's not wrong...she is pretty stupid

Well that's a given, but he just solved that puzzle easily while his mind was moosh, imagine if you two weren't stoned to high heaven? We'd probably already be through this dang challenge.

Still grumbling to yourself, you walk through the door and see a table with a children's card game set up.

"Hey, It's a Po-Ny-Oh puzzle," you say as you walk over and sit down. Where your opponent should be, there are cards laid out with monsters on them. You then pick up your deck and look through it. "Let's see... I have those cards in hand, this is the field and I need to win in this turn..." you mutter before nonchalantly putting down a card that has a picture of a three headed blue dragon with white eyes. "And done. Okay, next puzzle!" you say as you stand up, the exit door revealing itself.

As you walk through, you see yet another puzzle room and inside is a box of a 5,000 piece puzzle that's a portrait of a smiling Celestia. The thing is, the floor is completely white, and there are pieces scattered everywhere.


Your eye begins to twitch at this as you scream up to the air,

"Buck You Kichiii!!!"


An Immense Amount of Suffering Later

You finally, FINALLY, put the last piece in place of that smug smiling immortal strumpet, and the door unlocks. It would have been sooner, if only there hadn't of been about 10 extra pieces that were thrown in that didn't go anywhere.

"I swear to Luna Kichi, when I get to you, I am going to shove these extra pieces down your bucking throat!" you snarl as you push open the door...And you shouldn't be surprised by what you see on the other side.

"Buck my life..."

And indeed it seems someone is bucking with your life, as you endure wave after wave of puzzles.


Puzzle Room 15


The hardest puzzle that I've ever encountered was my life the Rubix Cube, maybe Bugze should face the face the mother of all rubix cubes



"OH COME ON! Who even makes these monstrosities this big?!" you shout as you attempt to lift and turn the big bulky cube.


Puzzle Room 27


The most annoying puzzle i can remember right now is Finding Nemo's endgame puzzle on the gamecube. holy crap that took weeks.



"Just swim through the bucking net holes you stupid fish!!!" you yell at an aquarium, as you try to coax a clown fish through a bullspit obstacle course, but he keeps getting injured and swimming back to the start.


Puzzle Room 44


And the most difficult puzzles I've ever run into are Slide Puzzles, EVERY FREAKING SLIDE PUZZLE IN ANY GAME!



"BUCKING SLIDE PUZZLES!!! I HATE YOU SO MUCH!!! you scream as you try to form a picture by sliding the squares.



Puzzle Room 45


Runescape Celtic knots. Commonly found in the way of epic lewt. You have to make all the overlapping runes match up. With they online solver they take a minute. Without it, but knowing the trick it takes an hour. Without either it takes at least five hours.



"THIS ISN'T MUCH BETTER THAN A SLIDE PUZZLE!!!" you yell holding up the loot box above your head.


Puzzle Room 53


the number one puzzle I hated in a game was the Nordic puzzle in geirmunds hall. what was frustrating about is not that the answer was hard to find, it was that the answer was not exact on what pillar it represented.



"How the buck was I supposed to know that the Snake pillar was there?! THE TWO WHALES WEREN'T CLEAR!!!"



Puzzle Room 66



Most infuriating puzzle eh?
Professor Layton and the Curious Village- Puzzle 100 The Seven Squares
Had to eventually look this one up online (and felt bad about it too).  Before you ask, it was a required puzzle to advance in the game and made me want to slam my head into something.



"BUCK SQUARES!!! SQUARES AND SQUARE BIPRODUCTS ARE OFFICIALLY THE DEVIL!!!"


Puzzle Room 79


test chamber 18 from portal



"WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON?! WHAT ARE THESE HOLES?! WHAT'S WITH THE TIMERS?! BUCKING LASERS! BUCKING LASERS! AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

For some reason, I want cake right now...


Puzzle Room ???


BrownDog's Comment



You finish pushing two statues onto certain plates on the floor which releases a ruby which you put into an empty necklace which drops a key for the next room.

"Alright, I swear to Luna, if this is not the reward room, I am going to flip my..." you open the door and see yet another puzzle. In the room are wooden dummies spread across the room, each one holding an unlit torch.

"GORRAMN MOTHER BUCKING BULLSPIT!!!" you scream pulling down on the edges of your hat.

"GRRRR...how long have I been in here?" you ask. As you say that, a clock descends from the ceiling, showing that it's 4:00 AM. You stare at the clock for a good three solid minute before...




Get so frustrated with the puzzles that you go "BUCK IT!!!" and start smashing stuff with the Boomstick




"WWWWHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTT???!!! I only have 2 hours left?! BUCK IT ALL! Would You Kindly Burn?!!!!" you shout in your anger and make a sweeping wave of fire which lights all the torches. This serves to open the door...but in the process, the walls of the puzzle maze catche fire and burn down.

This serene, wonderful sight serves to calm you down a bit.

"Oh glorious wonderful fire, you always know what to do to make me feel better," you sigh as you watch the beauty of pyromania burn at Kichi's Bullspit Puzzle maze.

You know Bugze, it's at times like this that I can truly understand and appreciate your tastes in the inferno... Selena says, sounding awed and wide eyed.

Fire burns a cleansing flame...from it comes smoke and ash...the true essence of the universe...

"Yeah...fire is pretty..." you dopily say. As you do, something even more glorious happens, the walls collapse and you see a shortcut that leads right to a banner which says...

Key 2

"BUCK YA! Once Again Arson Solves All Problems!!!" you whoop as you rush through to your goal.


MEANWHILE

Kichi is facehooving yet again. 

"Why? Why weren't the walls fireproof? We had fire puzzles in there! And he wasn't supposed to reach the end already! Ugh! That's what I get for contracting forsaken children into my fold..."


BACK WITH YOU

You finally come across the 2nd key! It's sitting on a pedestal and it's handle looks like a jigsaw piece. Like the last key this one has a string on it. You grin wildly as you pick it up and put it around you neck. With that done you nod your head in approval before heading back the way you came, albeit a bit quicker do to glorious fire shortcuts.


As you reach the entrance to this Gods Forsaken maze, you look back as it lovingly burns.




The Pony Spartan's Comment

   

That was fun! Selena chirps.

Yes yes, much!

You roll your eyes before a smile comes across your masked lips.

"Hey. Kichi!" you yell to the ceiling

"What?" You hear over the speakers.

"I already beat this challenge, so do you mind if I destroy the rest of it since a part of it is already on fire? It's not cheating and it'll make me not burn you as much later..."

"Well... technically it's not cheating but it was very expensive-"

*Click*

You slide the Power Glove on.

"Uhh... what are you doing?" Kichi asks nervously.

You ignore him as you point it to all the puzzles.

"W-Wait-"

"Would you kindly BURN BURN BURN!" 

On the last shout of burn, your left eye widens and glows bright red, making black flames appear within your regular flames.

ONE FIRE CLEANSING LATER

You walk out of the even more on fire room holding your left eye in pain as you ask yourself,

"Why does it hurt so much?" 

You get no answer of course, but you still trudge towards the final challenge... hopefully.

As you crawl out of the Puppet Box, you don't notice as your arson rage begins to spread from the maze...


SOMETIME LATER

After searching around the diner for awhile, and surprisingly not running into any of the animatronics, (Although you swear you keep seeing some large pink and white figure darting around the corners) you finally found the final challenge door, which was in the kitchen of all areas. 

"Heh, figures the one room without a camera would have the final door."

The door itself is red and metal, with prison like bars on the window with the words DEAD END printed on the front. Above the door is a banner with the words 'Final Challenge" on it. Grinning you open the door and head on in.

The room is full of survival equipment and supplies that look like they're for the apocalypse. On the walls are countless sentences talking about how there is no cure. You gain a look of confusion and are about to ask about where's the challenge when you hear,

"Ahem."

Your eyes widen in surprise as you turn around and see...

*Spurt*
"Samus!"

The spandex wearing griffon (who the heck gave her back that distracting clothing?) Is indeed behind you, and she is currently glaring at you. She continues to glare at you as you wipe your nose before she says,

"Yes, me. Congratulations on making it to the final challenge, and about time you got here. Been waiting forever for you to show up."

You just continue to stare at her in shock, to which she just sighs and says,

"Okay bub, here's the low down. I don't like you...at all. Because of you and your little seapony busting my crew and making me give out information, I got into big trouble with the boss. So now I'm being punished by having to help you do the final challenge."

You snap out of your shocked state and gain a confused look as you ask,

"Why is helping me a punishment?"

She sighs again before she says,

"Because now I'm stuck being the final challenge. The challenge is that you have to get me from this room to the marked location on the map without me losing all my health."

She points to a map behind her as she says this. You gain a even more confused look as you ask,

"Uh...you do know that we're not in a real video game right? Health doesn't just disappear like that."

The griffon gives a annoyed sigh before she says,

"I know that idiot. By health I meant this collar," she points to a glowing green collar on her neck as she says this, "Each time I take a hit it starts to turn yellow, then red, then it stops glowing. If it stops glowing I die and you fail the challenge."

You nod your head at this as you say,

"Oh! Now I get i-WAIT WHAT!"

Your eyes widen in surprise as you shout,  

"DIE! You'll die if I fail?!"

The griffon gives another annoyed sigh before she says,

"No you idiot! Well...at least I don't think I will. The boss wasn't very clear when he explained all this to me. But I'm sure I'll be fine..." she trails off and chuckles nervously gripping at the collar.

You calm down slightly from this before you ask,

"So what can cause you to lose health?"

Samus gains a smug look before she says,

"Why, zombies of course!"

You nod your head again at this before you say,

"Right, zombies. I can handle tha-WHAT!"

Suddenly you hear this, and you can't stop the sense of dread growing in your stomach. 

"Bucking Zombies Again? Really?" you moan remembering your little venture through Sunny Town.

What Do You Do?

Outro:


> Episode 26: Level 5: Zombie Shenanigans And Entering The Final Level! (Video Game Arc Part 5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Kersey's Comment



After pacing back and forth, and looking out the door window (the obstacle course looks intrinsic and well put together like a movie set) and trying to figure out a plan to take care of the zombies, you turn around to Samus and tell her that, 

"Since they're all zombies, just grab that conveniently placed axe right there and start cutting their heads o-"

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Kichi exclaims, "Those aren't real zombies! Those are just my minions dressed in zombie garb...with a few surprises"

"Didn't think you gave a feather about your minions," you reply.

"Them? Pfffft, I just spent a pretty bit or two on authentic Left 4 Dead and others- zombie makeup."

You gain a blank stare when you hear this, which soon turns into a smug look as you say,

"In that case, Samus, grab that clown makeup and start splashing it in their eyes to disorient them and try to ruin those zombie costumes while you're at it."

You hear some things crashing from the other side of the speaker before Kichi yells out in a panicked tone,

"Wait, what NO!" 

Samus ignores her boss as she splashes paint onto the "zombies" from the window. The results are instant as you hear shouts of pain coming from the "zombies,"

"MY EYES! THEY BURN! THEY BURRRNNNNN!"

"ALL I CAN SEE IS BLUE! WHY CAN I ONLY SEE BLUE!?!?"

"NOOOOO! NOW I'LL TURN INTO THAT STUPID BATMARE VILLAIN THAT CAN ONLY SEE IN COLORS!" 

Soon the cries of pain come to a end and you can only assume the "zombies" have run off. Your about to comment on how well that worked when Kichi yells in rage,

"DAMN YOOOOU!"

You and Samus chuckle at Kichi's rage, to which Kichi responds with,

"Those costumes and hours of make-up are coming out of your paycheck! You hear me!"

Samus rolls her eyes at this and is about to say something when you interrupt her as you say,

"As much as I love messing with a Knight leader, we need to get going. I don't need a watch to know that I don't have munch time left."

Samus looks hesitant for a few moments before she eventually nods her head. However, as you're about to open the door...



Kichi's Comment



Suddenly a minotaur with his head hidden by a paper box wielding a chainsaw bursts through the door yelling like a mad-stallion! Your eyes widen in fear as the zombie laughs, and he tries to cut you with the chainsaw

"Bwahahaha!!" 

"Gaahhh! That's not a slow zombie!! Would You Kindly Burn Burn Burn?!!!" you shout, setting the monster ablaze. What happens next surprises the heck out of you, the zombie falls to ash very very quickly.

"Poor Roger, only a couple of days until retirement, *sigh*, his poor wife Mootilda and his calf are now without a father" comes the condescending voice of Kichi

Hearing this, you become really depressed

"What did I do?... I... I didn't know it was real... I killed someone...again..." you mutter in shock as tears begin to well up in your eyes.

"Umm, CV? You OK there?"

"Not again...not again..." you mutter as you stare at the ashes.

Bugze...comes the strained voice of Selena

"Dude, snap out of it, you're literally crying over an animatronic!" Samus chides.

"I can't believe I...ANIMATRONIC?!" you yell as you register what she says.

"Yeah, don't you see all the metal bits and wire in the ash?" she says with an eye roll.

You take a closer look at the ash and see that she is right.

Oh thank me, I thought I had to sober up, woohoo!!!

"What? But I thought...the other zombies...We just through paint in their eyes!"

"Nah, Don't worry, only some of the zombies out there are goons, the rest are animatronics," she explains.

"Seriously?! How am I supposed to know which is which?"

"You got me, but I figure the ratio is 9 to 1, Goon to Animatronic, and unlike Freddy and his friends, these ones are remote operated."

"*Sigh* , And I wanted to leave it as a surprise until he defeated the third level... But yes, some of my underling colts and fillies control the zombies. I was thinking, 'Why don't I let them have some fun?' But now we have a crying colt because you broke his robot, for shame!"

"Colts and fillies...you mean the kids you've kidnapped?!"

"Eh...kidnapped is such an ugly word. Oh and before I forgot, thanks to Samus opening her big beak, now the zombies have a mini-map showing them where are you so... Have fun with that!" and with a click, his intercom cuts off.

"But he was freaking out boss! I had to get him moving! Hello?...Great... Just bucking great...I'm now in more trouble thanks to you," she says as she glares at you.

"Oh cry me a river. But seriously, I'd look into alternative career paths after you go to jail."

"Hmmph, as if. But anyway, seeing as how our safehouse is no longer safe, I say we book it. You got all the supplies you want?"

"Ummm..." you say as you give one more glance to the room. Your eyes stop near the pile of ash as you realize there IS one new item available.



rainbowPOOTIS's Comment



A chainsaw!

Your eyes widen in delight as you see the beauty that is the chainsaw. You're last one broke it's chain, but a new and improved model is sitting right in front of you, courtesy of the Crimson Knights. You quickly rush over to it and pick it up. You're about to start it up when Samus smacks you in the back of the head before saying,

"You idiot! You're going to doom us if you start that thing up! The noise it'll make will attract every zombie in the area!"

You make a disappointed face as you say,

"But...chainsaw...."

Samus sighs in annoyance before she says,

"Look, if ya want you can use that thing when we get to the end, but for now keep it off and not make any noise."

You sigh before you nod your head reluctantly and put the chainsaw into The Inventory.

Chainsaw added to Inventory

That reminds me, I should probably do an inventory check after this is all over with and get rid of any of the stuff I don't need, and update my attacks list too.

"Really though, I don't think it matters all that much since the monsters have a minimap now," you counter in a huff.

"So what? I doubt some schmucks in costumes and little kid operated machines will benefit from them much."

"Gah... Did you just tempt Lady Luck?" you shriek.

Just then bazooka projectile hits in front of you as a strange zombie made of fungus comes running out of an alley followed by two strange lizard things with their brains out of their skulls.

"Next time, no tempting that cosmic witch!" you command Samus who nods as you both start running.

As you run, you notice the three strange monsters behind you moving in unnatural ways. Putting two and two together, you realize no pony, minotaur, whatever could move that way and must be animatronics. Pointing your hoof behind you, you yell

"Would you kindly EAT FIRE?!!!" The flames strike the monsters, and sure enough, they burn up revealing robot parts.

"I bucking knew it!" you yell.

"What? What did you know?" asks Samus as she stops and stares at you.

"That those crispy ones were animatronics, unless they didn't have bones, or were Pinkie Pie, noling can move like that."

"Oh...alright then, let's get going," she says with a smirk.

"Good idea, now let's-Hey! Where are you going?!"



ThePonySpartan's Comment



Samus starts to walk down an alleyway instead of the straight path you're on, which confuses you.

She looks at you and says, "I was told by Kichi to walk a VERY specific path, and quite frankly, I don't want to get in any more trouble so..." And then she continues to walk.

"Wait, stop!" you command, but she ignores you. "Stop!"

Kichi's voice then comes from the speakers above. "The only way she'll stop is if you walk up to her and talk to her face to face. Behind her won't work and she'll turn to you if you touch her."

"...WHAT?!"

"What, you've never played a poorly made escort mission? Have fun!"

You facehoof as you catch up to the moving Samus and tap her on the shoulder. "Hey, can ya stop for a seco-"

"So I should head back the other way, then? ...I see." Then she starts walking back the exact way she came from. Same path, same steps.

"H-huh?"

"Sorry, my pathing means I gotta retrace my steps."

On cue, Samus turns around when she steps in the exact same spot she began and starts to walk in the exact same bucking way.
You yell in frustration.

"Why are you being so difficult!!!" 

"Because it's my job!" she replies as she starts down the alleyway again. "And right now being difficult is part of the-OW!!!" she yells as a hidden zombie in a hoodie in a dumpster leaps out and strikes her in the side, causing her life bar to go down.

"Hey! Cut it out you jer-AH!" she yells as she is struck again, her health going into the yellow. As she yells, 6 more zombies round the corner of the alley way and rush her.

"OH COME ON!!!" you yell as you rush forth and strike the closest one, which is made of metal.

"You didn't say these things would actually hurt me!" she yells to the ceiling as she wipes a bit of blood from her nose.

"Well now you know, and knowing is half the battle!" comes the reply from Kichi.

"Oh buck this!" she yells as she jumps back from the group of zombies.

You then Psycho Crusher right through them, giving Samus a path to rush through. The downed zombies on either side of either moan, or mechanically whir as they try to get up.

"OK, so three goons, and 7 robots. Would you robots kindly BURN?!" you yell setting the animatronics on fire, and in the distance you swear you hear children crying, but you ignore it and look to the other three," and would you three kindly CHILL OUT!!!" you freeze them to the floor as they moan in pain. 

"Good, now you three just sit tight and wait for me to take out your friends and boss."

"RED!!!" you hear Samus screech in the distance as she runs away from a group of Neighzi Zombies.

"It's Crimson Vengeance thank you very much, and Quit running up ahead!" you yell as you run to save your quarry. 

Anyway after dealing with the the Neighzi Zombies (All of them live beings so no glorious fire)  the two of you continue along the path, knocking out any straggler "zombie" and zombie animatronics along the way. Any of the real zombies you do knock out you quickly freeze them in place and continue on. You wish you could capture and put them all in the prison saddle bag (Second Inventory), but you really don't have time  either because you were getting overwhelmed and couldn't risk Samus getting hurt, or the they ran away and hid before you could freeze them.

Eventually you and Samus come across an area marked "1st Check Point". Deciding that this is a good place the rest, you and Samus take a break and sit down. As the two of you catch your breath, you chuckle and say,

"Well...that was quite the trip huh?"

"Yeah...and we have to do it 2 more times," she pants before looking at you quizzically.

"Speaking of trips...



BrownDog's Comment



“...I’m kind of surprised you’re as coherent as you are.”

“Why do you say that?” you ask.

“Well I got hit with the same tranqs in that pizza that you did, and when I first woke up, I was loopy as tartarus.”

“No surprises there,” you deadpan.

Oh hush up, you know you love drugged me.

I don’t actually. I really really don’t. you deadpan.

Ok fine, keep lying to yourself *giggle*

Rolling your eyes once more, you ask, “But why wouldn’t I be coherent? You are.”

“Well ya, they gave me and your little seapony the counter venom, but they decided not to give you any to, and I quote “Liven things up a bit.””

“Huh…I guess I’m just more resistant to drugs than they planned?” you lie.

You’re welcome my squishy little idiot

Ignoring her you ask, “And wait, is Aqua OK?”

“I don’t know, the last I saw her we were being pulled apart, and she was coming off her high while singing about Yellow Submarines or something...Also I think she had 7 eyes…but that may have still been the drugs.” 

“Dang, what the heck was that pizza laced with?”

“Apparently the tranquilizer is an extract of hallucinogenic toad poison.”

Who’s she calling a toad? How does she know it wasn’t a frog? Or some other amphibian?

Note to self, get antivenom antidote ASAP

“Yeesh…well I guess it’s good that neither of us are drugged right now. And seriously stay closer to me when we go out again, I don’t even wanna risk the chance that your head really is wired to blow if I fail.”

She tugs nervously at the collar at that but nods.

"Yeah, sorry about that, they told me to be useless like Ashley in Resident Evil 4...but that was before I knew I was actually going to be hit by these guys."

With that all said you decide that that's enough rest and the both of you continue onward. As you encounter a few more zombies you accidently bump into a fake carriage. Suddenly fireworks begin going off behind it, to which you and Samus gain a confused look at. That confused look, however, changes into horror as you hear a screech coming from behind you. You turn around and see a horde of ABOUT 50 zombies heading right towards you from all directions. Your eyes widen in panic for a moment before you are suddenly picked up under the arms.

"Hang on!" Samus shouts as she flaps her wings and lands you both on a building prop.

"Wait, we could've been flying this whole bucking time?!"

"No! Your water whorse sprained my wings with her stupid tidal wave. Just doing this little bit hurt like Tartarus."

"Oh...sorry," you apologize before looking back down to the horde who are screaming up at you from below. They then begin to...



Iamjustarandompony's Comment



...dig their limbs on the sides of the building and climb up!

"Buck! We're sitting ducks now!" you scream as you both begin to back away from the edge.

"What do I do?! What do I do?!"

Make like a wet tarp, and slide on out of here...

*Ding*

"That's it!"

You crank up a combination on your glove, Fire and Ice, and shout "Would you Kindly Mix it Up?!"
Doing so sends forth a slushy ice flurry that coats the sides of the building, causing the building to be incredibly slippery.

Thanks Selena, you wonderful genius you

I are the smartest! she cheers.

Chuckling you look down at the slipping zombies, seeing that there a mix of actors and animatronics.

"That should hold them for a bit," you report to Samus, who nods and massages her wings.

"Just give me a second, I got a cramp," she explains.

"Alright, but hurry, I don't like standing still for too long."

You then look back down and really take it all in. The building prop sets, the animatronics, the very well done make up. It really is impressive.



BrownDog's Comment



“Having faced real decomposing corpses, I have to say, your effects are pretty dang good, where do you guys keep getting all these wonderful toys?”

“Well the make up and props all come from Applewood I hear,” Samus says as fully extends her wings, "And wait, what? Real decomposin-?"

“Applewood again? Is this from the same knight that gave ol' bonesy in my bags all his props?” you interupt her. She seems a bit confused by what you mean, but just nods and says,

“Yeah, Solarkness has got it made out there and…” Samus’s eyes shrink as soon as she says this.

“Solarkness eh?” you smirk.

She faceclaws before looking at you.

“Why do you keep getting me in trouble?” she then looks up at the ceiling and screeches.

“I’m sorry Kichi, it just slipped out, please understand?!”

In response, a high shrieking mare’s voice rings out from the obstacle course. A skinny looking unicorn mare with claws suddenly lands on the roof and comes running at the both of you.

“YOU STARTLED THE WITCH!!!” comes the frustrated shout of Kichi over the intercom.

“AAAAHHHHH!!!” Samus gets struck by this opponent right in her wings, and her life bar goes dangerously close to red.

“Would You Kindly Buck Off?!” you yell as you use bucking bronco on the witch who thrashes in mid air.

You grab Samus’s claw and rush off with her, “Come on!”

She seems laggy as you drag her off the roof top and parkour to the next one.

"What's the matter? Run!" you yell as you slide down an archway and back onto the street.

"This collar...making me feel..." she drowsily says as her eyes fight to stay open.

"Oh No You Don't!" you yell as you sling her over your back and keep running. You round the corner, being chased by the initial horde, and see the second checkpoint on the other side of another horde.

"Buck!" you yell as you raise your glove and shout, "Would you all kindly get bucked?!" you yell as you spam Bucking Bronco, causing animatronics and goons alike to float in midair as you rush through them.

With several foes right on your tail, you dive right through the door way, and air bend it shut behind you, activating the safe zone.

"Thank Luna!"

Never!

I concur

Shut up seven eyed heathen!

You then shrug Samus off and see that there is still a smidgen of health left, but she appears to be falling asleep.

"Oh no you don't! I didn't go through all these hours of bullspit for it to end like this!"

You see a medpack and open it up to find a variety of items, but the one thing that sticks out the most is a bottle of pills with a red cross on it..

“PILLS HERE! Grabbin Pills”

You then open up her beak and pour them down her throat. She sits up, coughing and hacking, but you see her health bar goes back. You then give her a canteen of water.

"*Cough* *Hack* *Drink* Ugh...Thanks red…I owe ya one."

"No problem, but seriously, stop almost dying would ya?"

"Agreed, I don't know what the heck this collar was doing to me...but I guess I got my answer from Kichi,” She sighs as she looks up before glaring at you again.

“But seriously, stop fishing for information, I do not want to get in any more trouble than I already have, OK?”

"Alright, alright, Sorry..." you say as you rub the back of your neck. "But let's just take a minute, we got one more checkpoint to get to, and chances are, it's going to be the hardest."

"Sounds about right to me, stupid infinite spawning enemies..." she growls.

As you and Samus rest, you begin to look around for anything useful that could help you both out. As you look around you come across...



Kropsling66's Comment



A defibrillator, med kit (minus pills), and a bottle of... bomber bio. 

You looked at the med kit and defibrillator

The med kit would come in handy, I can use it heal Samus with all the other stuff inside it. 

However you then start having thoughts on the defibrillator,

But if Samus died I could use this to bring her back. It's be like a 1up.

You star debating on which one to take. But you soon realize how dumb you are, stop and slap yourself on the head.

What am I thinking, I have infinite storage space. I will just take them all!

Med-Kit add to Inventory
Defibrillator added to Inventory
Boomer BIo add to Inventory

"Wait you can't do that. That's against the rules of the game!" Kichi calls out.

"First off you never mentioned any rules aside from getting to the end. Second this is a zombie attack! You take what you find to survive, it's more realistic" you reply.

Kichi begins to grumble as he shuts the intercom off.

"That might come back to bite us...literally," Samus says.

"Meh, let him stew, I'll be pummeling him soon enough anyway."

With Kichi



Kersey's Comment



"Stupid bounty hunter, stupid cat lion. You're costing me a fortune here...I'll show you...if you freaking leave the safe room!" he yells at the screens.

His anger then turns to a smirk however as he sees the clock. "Only one hour to go, so keep on slacking off, I'll be winning anyway," he says as he sits back and lifts up a newspaper.

A few articles catch his eye, but he mostly just skims over them.

"New Daring Do book delayed, lazy writer...Production starts on Transformares 5...way to drop the ball guys..." but then one catches his attention. "Princesses Authorize Exoskeleton Program in a 2-1 Vote? What's that mean? Are ponies gonna grow carapaces like us changelings or- OH AWESOME!" he shouts as he sees a better headline.

"Quantum Break just came out Woohoo! If you make enough money, that means Alan Wake 2 will get made!"

He then reads the article more thoroughly. "Heh, figures those Canterlot snobs would get it a day early. Bucking entitled fat flank princesses. Always up to no good, even now I'd wager.



Kropsling66's Comment



MEANWHILE IN CANTERLOT

Celestia was not having the best morning. She had been pouring over strategy plans all night, and would have to raise the sun in an hour. This caused her to be incredibly moody and cranky.

"I can't believe this! It's been nearly 2 months since the incident at the Crystal Empire, and there's not one trace of that me damned changeling! How does he keep escaping us? Ugh, it's like Lady Luck just favors him..." she then rubs her tired eyes. "I'm just glad Twilight was still able to learn the correct lesson despite The Offender's interference. Maybe things will be easier if she succeeds..."

She then gives a sigh, "Think on that later Celestia...at least there is some good news, three Crimson Knights were aprehended, now we can finally have a glimpse into their inner worki-" before she can finish that statement, her bedroom door was kicked open as a shaky looking guard ran inside.

"Your highness the Knights we captured have gotten away."

Celestia's face becomes very red upon hearing that as steam starts to escape from her ears.

MEANWHILE WITH KROPSLING

A changeling wearing a black cloak was running through a field getting some distance from the royal palace as he tried to collect his thoughts.

"Alright, the series of events leading to how I got knocked out and dressed in this cloak and then thrown in jail is beyond me, but I think it has something to do with those...other cloaked figures FireHeart and Pentakill. At least they distracted the guards long enough for us to book it, which helps since I don't have magic anymore. What were they called, the Red Guards? Ah, I'll look for them later, but right now I gotta find the best place to lay low."

He then looks around in the premorning darkness.

"Not many options there...Well Ponyvile is not far way and it has a train station, but it is home to the bearers. I could go for the Everfree, but- Kropsling gets interrupted when an explosion goes off in the city behind him.

*KABOOM!*

"BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!!!" came the shout of a very upset Celestia.

"Iwilltakemychanceswithponyville," he screeches as he double times it, hoping that a train awaits him. Unbeknownst to him, the two cloaked figures that helped him out were also making a beeline for the Ponyville train station, running away from the wrath of the sun.

Back to Kichi

"Always scheming..." he mutters before looking back at the screen, and still seeing the griffon and bounty hunter resting.

"Oh for the love of, GET ON WITH IT! This is boring watching your timer run out." he shouts into the microphone.

The masked bounty hunter just looks up and says.

"Oh keep your britches on, we'll be through this last chapter in no time, and then...I'm coming for you..." he threatens.

"All right then Mr. Crimson Vengeance I'll play your game." With that the zombie animatronic difficulty setting gets set to one hundred so the zombies are harder to take to down, and they can run faster.

BACK WITH YOU

Of course you don't know any of that, all you know is that there are what looks like thousands of  zombies heading right for the door. Your eyes widen at this.

"Uh oh. This is not good. We need to run...NOW!"

"I told you not to taunt him!" Samus screeches.

As you both look out of the door, you see that every street, every rooftop, and practically every surface is filled with running zombies.

"That just ain't fair..." you moan.

"Better just give up now, these Animatronics are even stronger than the last one, No weak minions for you this round!" Kichi's voice blares tauntingly.

"Oh buck, Oh buck oh...Wait...All animatronics?" you top and say aloud as you smirk.

"Yeah...why?" Kichi asks suddenly feeling dreadful.



BrownDog's Comment



"Come on, let's move! We can't just stay here! There's too many of them!" Samus squawks.

"Oh don't worry about them, I got it covered. Also I just had a great idea on how to make you not take anymore damage.”

“How?”

After shoving her into the prison inventory.

“Is that a Changeling? Why is there a changeling in your bag?”

You sush her and say.

"I'll tell you later, just sit back while I clean up around here," you say in deranged voice, which scares her.

Oh boy, here comes the good stuff!

You pull your hear out of the bag and kick open the door.

More animatronic zombies, from all sorts of games rush you. Turning your voice filter to intimidating and pulling your glove on tighter you shout.



FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE! 

 

"I AM THE GOD OF HELL FIRE!!! AND I BRING YOU...Fire!"

You mentally command your glove to unleash a massive wave of fire right into their charging faces, vaporizing many of them with the first blow. Your pyromania gives way to giddiness as you begin to sing.

I'll take you to burn

You blaze through some Neighzi Zombies.

Fire!

You set a group of lickers on fire.

I'll take you to learn
I'll see you burn

The buildings start to catch fire as you rush through the horde of zombies.

"NO! My Set! What are you doing?!" Kichi's panicked cry comes from above.
You look up smirking as you make a ring of fire around yourself.

You fought hard and you saved and earned
But all of it's going to burn

You then set a fire aura around your hoof and start rushing through the animatronics, giving them flaming falcon punches

And your mind, your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now 's your time burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind

You sing as you give a flaming Psycho Crusher through a large group.

Oh no!

You set fire to a bloater.

Oh no!

A Crimson Head Lights up

Oh no!

A Las Plagas fries.

You're gonna burn...

You sing giddily as you point up to the ceiling towards Kichi.

Fire!

You blow up a carriage.

To destroy all you've done
Fire! 

You pick up the flaming robots with your bucking bronco before using your Shadow Whip to sling the remains at more enemies.

To end all you've become!

You then parkour up a burning building and gesture towards the cameras again.

I'll feel you burn

"First the maze, and now the Left 4 Dead set?! What more do you want! And where is that stupid Griffon?!"

You ignore him and sing back

You've been living like a little girl
In the middle of your little world
And your mind, your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now's your time to burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind

"What is wrong with you?" the intercom chirps.

Your eyes light up at this

Fire!

You shout as you jump among the still numerous robotic zombies who encircle you.

I'll take you to burn
Fire!
I'll take you to learn
I'll see you burn

You taunt as the Zombies close in and you look down at the ground.

You're gonna burn
You're gonna burn
You're gonna burn

Right when they are about to reach you, you throw your head up as your eye burns black, and black and orange flames shoot out from you.

Burn!
Burn!
Burn!
Burn!
Burn!
Burn!

All of the zombies melt into useless ash and scrap as they give robotic screams, and every single building around you is bathed in glorious flame. Victorious, you look up and sing your praise!

Fire, I'll take you to burn
Fire, I'll take you to learn
Fire, I'll take you to burn
Fire, I'll take you to learn

As you finish, you begin panting as you stare at your glorious carnage and smile.

Bugze...thank you for this...from the bottom of my heart...thank you. I really needed this Selena says breathlessly.

No problemo Moon Hips, you tease to which she giggles.

Words fail this majestic scene... Sombra adds.

"Quite so, quite so," you agree aloud.

You then notice that your burning vengeance has allowed you easy access to the final checkpoint.

You whistle happily as you walk right up to the door.

Meanwhile, in the Dreamscape

"Come on! Why can't I get in? If I can't help out, the least I can do is talk with that Sombra guy again," Nightshade grunts as she tries to access your head again.

A screen pops up that says Temporarily Out of Order, Please Try Again Later

"Temporary my blank butt! Let me in Mommy!" she snarls before a scent catches her nose.

"*Snif* *Sniff* Is that smoke? Oh cheese and rice, Daddy's setting fires again...maybe I'll just stay asleep for a little bit till the crazy goes away..."

Back with You

Skipping merrily to the door you then call out to your bags.

"You can come out now."

The spandexed Griffin shakily comes out of the bags, looks at the burning surroundings and just stares at you in fear.

"What?" you ask her.

"I peaked through the bag top...What the buck is up with you and fire! You were laughing like a insane colt in a candy store who just got free candy! And Singing! Why were you singing?!"

You give her a shrug before saying,

"What can I say, fire is pretty."

She gains a enraged look as she says,

"THAT DOSEN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION!"

You ignore her as you both continue through the open doorway. As soon as you do, the collar on her beeps, turns green, and falls off.

"Oh thank goodness," she says as she rubs her neck and looks at the collar more thoroughly.

"Son of a-There were needles in this thing!"

"What was in them?" 

"I have no clue, but whatever it was made me weaker...THAT BUCKER!!!"

"Hey, don't worry about it, you're safe now alright?" you console.

She looks at you even more confused as she asks you, "Why do you even care?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, I know it was your objective for this mission but...you actually sound like you cared whether I was hurt or not."

"Well because I did," you say truthfully.

"But why? I'm a criminal. I tried to beat you down, and you're gonna throw me in jail. Why?"

"Because if you did die, it would've been my fault, and I couldn't live with myself if I killed someone again," you say as you look down.

"Oh...is that why you were...?"

"Freaking out over the chainsaw guy? Yes. I've taken a vow to never kill again. It's rather...difficult in my field of work, but I made a promise, and I intend to keep it," you say in determination before looking back to her. "And yeah, you're a criminal and all, and you lead a gang, but you don't deserve to die. I bet you've never actually killed someling."

She shakes her head at this, "No...I mean, I got into this to feed my gaming addiction. There's not much work for a homeless cosplayer you know? But after tonight..."

She shakes her head and screeches, "Yo Kichi! I quit! Do you hear me? I ain't working for a guy that treats his employees this way! And I'm sure the rest of the Extra Lives agree!"

There is no answer from the speakers, but you think her message got through.

You smile at this, "Well don't worry about him too much longer, I'll be seeing him soon enough," you say as you walk to the table in the middle of the room under a banner that says 

Key 3.

This one is in the shape of a biohazard symbol and attached to a chain.

"Alright Kichi, here I come!" you shout up to the ceiling.

WITH KICHI

He stares slackjawed at his burning set and the bounty hunter taunting him with the final key, before he and the chicken run back through the other two sections. He stops along the way to throw about 10 bound minion knights into his bag.

"You quit huh? Well guess we gotta find a new group of nerds to import games." He then looks at the clock.

"Whelp...30 minutes left...time for the final Boss," Kichi says as he grits his teeth.

With You Yet Again

After walking back into the kitchen, you dust the lovely soot off of your coat. You then look at the clock and realize something.

"OH BUCK! I only got 30 Minutes Left!" and you rush down the hallway, not even caring if Freddy and his friends see you...which they don't surprisingly as you see none of them around. What you do see though is the athletic griffin running next to you.

"Hey, what are you doing? I thought you quit?"

"I did! But I still owe you one, and I owe that jerk a knuckle sandwich for that collar bullspit!" she growls.

"Well, glad to have you aboard...what's a knuckle?"

"It's a Minotaur expression!"

As you finally reach the boss door in the night guard office where this whole mess began, you lift the three keys off of your neck and insert them into their spots. You hear a massive click and the door slides into the floor.

The other side of the room is darkness but you and the angry griffin step into it with determination.

Suddenly you hear a set of hooves clap together as a light comes from overhead, illuminating a chair with a figure sitting in it.

"Flash Sunshine?" you ask as you see the reporter from the bathroom relaxing in the chair.

"Hello there, I see you got the last key," he says...smugly?

"Yeah I did...how the heck did you get in here? Was there a back way in?" you ask confusedly.

"Oh no, I just walked right on through, there was a button under the Night Guard's Desk."

"ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!! This whole time, THIS WHOLE TIME!!! I could've entered here? Did I even need the keys?"

"No actually, they were just an amusing time waster!" he smiles.

"OH MOTHERBUCKER!!!"

He chuckles at this before saying, "And now that you now the truth, let's drop the a-"

"When I find you Kichi, I am going to slap you silly!" you scream to the surrounding darkness.

"What?" asks Sunshine.

"Flash, have you seen him anywhere? He might look like a purple stallion at the moment!"

"...Are you serious?" he asks incredulously.

"Yes I'm serious...although he is a changeling so he could look like literally anyling."

"Yes...anyling...absolutely anyling..." he says condescendingly.

"Yeah I know right?! So have you seen any shady characters around?!"

Flash Sunshine just stares at you dumbfounded for the longest time with his mouth open.

"Um, Red, I think that that guy is..."

"Another unfortunate victim here, yes I know, which is why we all have to stick together to save Aqua!"

"Oh, you mean this mare?" Sunshine asks as all of a sudden another overhead light comes on, revealing a tied up sleeping Aqua in a chair beside him.

"Aqua!" you yell and look to Sunshine again, "You...you..."

"Finally you figure it out, Yes I am-"

"The one who saved her! Good job man!" you cry out happily interrupting him. He again looks completely baffled at this sentence.

"Alright, pick her up and get her to safety while Samus and I deal with Kichi, I'm sure he's around here somewhere..." you say as you look around at the darkness while Samus just faceclaws.

Flash Sunshine then gets an annoyed look and says, "OK, enough of this," as he bursts into green flames, revealing a changeling in a hooded cloak as another light comes on, revealing a glass viewing room full of colts and fillies.

"Get the picture now bounty hunter?" he condescends.

"Wait, YOU'RE Kichi?!" You cry out incredulously, "Huh, who could've seen that twist coming?"

He and Samus both facehoof/claw at this.

"Why did I even put up with the charade?" Kichi mumbles to himself.

You ignore him though as you've finally found your target.

"Alright Crimson Knight, I've got you now! It's time to pay!" you shout to the instigator of the last 6 hours.

"Really, and what are you going to do?" he says without moving.

"Put you in jail of course!" you answer plainly as you start advancing towards him.

"OBJECTION!" the changeling shouts taking you by surprise.

"You're arresting me huh? Under what charges? Being a changeling? That is speciecist" he accuses.

"Gah!" you stumble back, feeling like you've been hit with your own accusatory weapon. 

"I'm not speciest! In fact, I think I've got quite an open mind when it comes to changelings!"

"Oh sure you do, uh huh, then why am I being arrested?"

You scowl at this.
"What about kidnapping foals and controlling them? Or being the leader of a mafia and a terrorist cell? Or how about drugging and taking hostages?" You point out at him.

"Or how about endangering the lives of your employees, and threatening them with death?!" Samus growls.

"Yeah, that too!"

"Meh!" He says as he shrugs.

"Meh? That's all you have to say?" you ask.

"What? It's not like you have any proof of the organization stuff. The kids are better off than on the streets, and they give me love, and It's not my fault you all ate a pizza and suddenly took a nap."

"Seriously?" you spout.

"Of course, I'm not guilty, but you on the other hoof are another story..." Kichi answers calmly

"What?!" you exclaim.

"Well, let's see what you've done this night,  Trespassing on private property, damaging said private property, assaulting several employees, wrongfully accusing the property owner, and of course, Arson! Lots and lots of arson," Kichi lists off.

"Well, err..." you rub the back of your neck as what he's said is all true, but you counter back. "What about proof? like you said before, where's the proof?" 

He simply points up at the many cameras.

"Oh..."

"Everything you've done tonight is on camera, and none of what I have is. I'm sure that if you capture me then this will get to the authorities and then you'll be wanted too. A bounty hunter with a bounty on his head, ironic, right?" he smirks.

"Well, err...." you fumble.

"You see, this could happen...or you could just join up with me. You are a very powerful individual and I feel something in you...you are not a normal pony, why fight? It's not like my friends and I are doing anything wrong," he offers.

"Seriously? Another villain askiong me to join the dark side? How cliche..." you say aloud.

Cliches...are not inherently bad... Sombra spouts.

"By the way, do you have any of that antidote left? I could really use some."

"Of course I do, and it's all yours if you say you'll join up."

"To heck with that. I have a job to do, I am going to take down all you Flag Burner wannabes!"

"Meh, It's not like I'm too interested in the Flag Burner objective, not after what happened to him. Really we all do whatever the heck we want and once in awhile an order comes down from on high...and they're pretty weird sometimes...Anyway, yeah there's really not much of an objective to follow. And if you don't want to join I could even send you to another member" Kichi states nonchalantly.

"What? Really? That easily?" you say taken aback.

"Of course. I'll send you after someling else, and all you have to do is just walk away and leave me to my projects. I'll keep giving you names as long as you leave me be. Do we have a deal?"

You consider it for a moment. On one hand, you'll have your own little rat and be able to find the rest of the Knights. On the other hand however...You look up at the dull eyed children watching, and you remember all the bullspit you just went through for the keys that you didn't even need to get. And the puzzles...THE PUZZLES!!!

You look to Samus who just gives you the same reproachfull look as you turn your head back and yell.

"NO DEAL! Those kids are getting freed, and you are going down. I don't care if you have all my actions on video because you know what? It'll be written off as collateral damage for taking down a Crimson Knight Leader. Besides, I'm burning this whole bucking place down to the ground for good measure Kichi boy!" you say as you narrow your eyes at him.

He sighs as you say that before he suddenly smiles.

"A part of me hoped you'd say that," he says before pushing a button on his chair.

The room begins to rumble a bit as you and Samus begin to freak out a little, but then all the lights in the room come on, and you see that you are in a massive fighting arena.

From the roof drops down a large, heavy monstrosity.

Your eyes widen in fear as you take it in. In a mess of wires, metal, fake fur and limbs is a 20 foot tall mishmash of all of the Freddy Fazbear electronics. It has four legs, four arms, and three heads sitting atop it's body. The heads of the two foxes (both red and pink) and an exposed exoskeleton head with a top hat twitch as they control the body and stare you down.

The body itself is made up of all the heads of all the other animatronics, and they all form one gigantic razor toothed mouth in the middle of their belly. The heads open up and screech that horrible noise at you.

A Banner Descends from the ceiling displaying the words

The Animatronic Monstrosity:
MANGLEOID

You and Samus both gulp at this monstrosity, as Kichi flies and lands amongst the three controlling heads on top. He smiles and pulls his hood on as he taunts.

"Well...as the foals these days say, GAME ON!"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 27: Final Level: The Crimson Vengence Vs. Crimson Knight Leader Kichi! (Video Game Arc Part Finale)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Solarkness's Comment



As soon as the metal monster appeared, this has been playing throughout the room

"Kichi," you mutter, "What have you done?"

You take a fighting stance, looking over your opponent, getting more frightened with every detail you see...

Until you can't bear it anymore. You shout as you psycho-crusher yourself at Mangleoid, "FALCON PUNCH!"

You fly through Mangleoid, because Kichi is confused for a moment. "What, but that's not... Hey!" Mangleoid turns back to you, "That's not a falcon punch!"

You smirk, before shouting: "Psycho-Crusher!"

This time, you use Shoryuken instead.

Kichi gets mad, and you just keep going: "No Shadow Kick!" and falcon-punch in truth, and just call out all the wrong names until your opponent can't take it anymore.

"STOP! The names you use for them are all WRONG! What you did just now is called 'Shoryuken, not falcon-punch! What you did before was the falcon-punch and...," while Kichi is distracted, you examine Mangleoid.

"How," you wonder, "How does it rebuild itself again and again? And where does it get the energy to do so from?"

You muse. If you could find the generator and destroy it, you could just take your opponent out without truly taking him out.

Gameplan in mind, you realize something: You have no idea where to search.

"Hooooo-," you begin, reminding Kichi that you are in a fight, "-orseapples," you finish as he charges at you.

Thinking quickly, you jump out of the way just as it hits the wall behind you. You smirk at this...till you see sparks flying off the Mangloid as it begins to turn towards you. You can see a hole in it's arm, which shows a bunch of machinery working together to repair the injury. You begin to growl in rage as you realize a machine is trying to stop you. A evil, no good, dirty machine! Your eyes widen at this realization, and you feel the last of your buttons get pushed as you begin to rant in anger,




BrownDog's Comment



“OK, I could deal with roaming mascot animals, I could deal with the robozombies, and I could deal with all this other bucking machinery because, as much as I hate it, it was all pony controlled. What I cannot handle is the fact that that bucking fox actually took my advice! That it thought on it’s own. That it’s choosing to side against me! This is how Skynet starts! This is how Judgment Day happens!!! MACHINES!!!” you yell as your sanity slips a little.

Completely forgoing the plan you just made, you rush forth trying to stop the artificial intelligence monster with everything you have.

“Would you kindly burn machine?! BURN!!!” you yell, sending out an inferno…but it seems the Terminators have given it upgrades!

“EEEEEEVVVVVIIIILLLL!!!!” you shout as you begin to whack at the legs wildly.

“Red, look out!” Samus screams, but you don’t hear her as you madly keep whacking at the limbs, you even do some damage to one of the leg joints. Unfortunately, there are 3 more, and two of those are used to kick you.

“MMMMMAAAAACCCCCHHHHIIII-*KLUNK* EEEEEeeeee!!!”

“I got you-Oomph!” Samus yells as she catches you.

“You’re gonna have to come up with a better plan than that!” Kichi taunts.

“EEEEEVVVVIIIILLLL!!!” is all you can reply.

“Snap out of it!” the griffin screeches as she grips you harder and dodges out of the way of the robots stomp.

“I can’t, Machines! Evil!”

“Oh for,” she yelps before she bonks you on the head.

“OW! The buck?!”

“Concentrate, she yells as she throws you back as she dodges forward striking at the bot with her talons.

“Alright fine, take the fun out of robot induced mental breakdown why don’t you?” you huff.

You stay back for a bit and watch the robot, trying to figure out a way to do some damage to it. As you watch you notice something out of the corner of your eyes. As you turn to look at it, you realizes its a...



Kersey's Comment



BFG 9000!  

Your eyes widen in pure joy as you quickly grab it with a crazed smile  before you turn towards the Mangloid and yell,

"OI BUCKER!"

Kichi and the Mangloid towards you...and Kichi immediately gains a look of horror at the sight of the BFG before he says,

"You..you wouldn't dare! You'd take the whole building with us if you use that thing!"

Samus also has a look of worry on her face, but you don't care as your eyes only gain a look of insanity and you begin to laugh in insane joy as  you say,

"MAYBE SO! BUT I HONESTLY DON'T GIVE A BUCK! HASTA LA VISTA BUCKER!"

With that you pull the trigger and begin to laugh even more insanely as it charges up it's green orb of death... only to pathetically stick out a small flag that reads Ka-Boom!

Your insanity leaves your eyes almost immediately and is replaced with disappointment as you say,

"Oh come on! You make a bunch of real video game weapons, but the one badflank one is fake?!"

"What? Can't get it on big boy?" Kichi taunts, "No wonder you can't get a date-*poink* MY EYE!!!" Kichi screams as you managed to shoot off the flag from the fake weapon which pokes Kichi in the eye.

You just get a smug look at this, which disappears at the site of the now enraged Kichi charging the Mangloid right at you.

"Oh buck m-*whack*"

You couldn't finish that sentence as the Mangloid smacks you and sends you flying into the wall on the other side of the room. You groan in pain as you think,

Ohhhh...anyling get the license of the robot that hit me?

I believe the numbers were 101001001011100-

You tone Selena's ranting out as you get out of the wall and see the Mangloid heading towards you once again, with Samus desperately trying to attack it from behind. You begin to run away from the Mangeloid as it nears you as you think,

There's no way to hurt this thing with all the plastic and fur it has guarding the inside. So there's two things I can do. The easy thing to do would be  to find whatever's powering it, destroy that and have it shut down. The hard thing I can do is melt off it's armor with glorious flame, expose it's inner evil machinery long enough to do internal damage and hope to destroy it into enough pieces that it can't be reformed. But which one should I go for...?  

The answer was obvious...



Fireheart 1945's Comment




Love the Changeling's Comment



You smirk insanely as you turn around to face the Mangloid, aim the Power Glove at it, and say,

"WOULD YOU KINDLY TASTE FIRE AND LIGHTING?!"

Your duel attack sends out a beautiful wave of electrified flame...which shouldn't even be physically possible. The electric flame strikes right in the maw of heads and begins to work it's magic. The fire strips away at the fur and plastic, and the lightning gets into the nooks and crannies, making it seize up momentarily.

"What the buck is-BBBZZZZZZTTTTPPP!!!" Kichi yells as the charge strikes him through the endoskeleton head, sending him upwards off the robot before the flames could get him. Once he's over the initial shock (pun intended) he hovers above the storm.

Now that he's off the Mangleoid, you let loose with your favorite thing in the world.

"Would you kindly, fire, Fire, FIRE?!!!" and keep spamming the heat till a melted hole opens up on it's chest. Inside you see a glowing white capsule in the shape of a heart.

"Power source Identified!" you yell as you rush forth to the stunned and smoking Gundam. "Falcon Pu-*ZAP*" OUCHIE!" you yell as you are suddenly hit by a green streak of magic. You look up and see the hovering Kichi.

"That was a cheap shot and you know it!" you rant.

"What, I'm not just gonna let you break my last toy that easily, so cut it out!"

"Oh yeah? Well guess what? I'm gonna-"

"Too late!" he calls.

You look back and see the chest wound get covered in new metal and wire as the now exposed animatronic heads clamp down together over it in a snarl.

"Son of a...well at least I know where to attack now!" you grumble as you glare at Kichi and are about to attack when you notice Samus standing next to you looking freaked out. Sighing you say,

"Look, I like fire. I can understand if you have a problem with that, but for now can we please focus on destroying the evil robot and capturing your ex-boss?"

Samus sighs before she says,

"Fine, but when this is over no more fire!"

You roll your eyes as you nod your head. With that both of you charge at the Mangloid. As you both do Samus shouts out to Kichi,




Kichi's Comment



"Why did you treat me so badly? I was nothing but loyal, and then you stick me with the crazy guy that captured me in the first place in a death pit? I was one of your top contributers!" she angrily yells.

"Hey I'm not crazy...on most days, but yeah, she did help give you awesome video games and stuff, so why the backstabbing?" you add as you both shoot under the legs of the Mangleoid.

"Hmmm, well I guess I could show you..." he murmurs as you and Samus evade a hit. 

"With a Graph Chart!" he yells as he has Mangleoid jump to the ceiling.

From his horn he produces a hologram showing a pyramid graph.

"Wait, what now?" you ask confused.

"You wanted an explanation, and so here it is, My Pyramid of Respect" he says as he hovers near the chart.

"At the top of the Pyramid of Respect is our crazy Queen who during the invasion seemed to forget how to disguise herself properly. And even if she went a little cooky, I still respect her." 

The top pyramid shows a picture of your former Queen, and upon seeing it it makes you both angry and...saddened?

"After her are the other changelings, brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, etc." The second part of the pyramid glows revealing the images of many changelings. "The majority of which I have not actually seen in a long time, save for a few stragglers like Silver Strange, or Erised...wherever the heck he went to... But they're like me. Lost and unbound."

"Have, you ever run into any other?" you ask.

"No, not really, but there were rumors of some appearing in Ponyville a few months ago, but sadly all leads were lost in a forest fire, so who knows?" he shrugs.

You nod at this and look down, while Samus still looks very confused.

"Next is the Hooded Offender himself. Very powerful, sticking it to the authority, and because of him, a new organization opened up that I could thrive in. I really do respect him, heck, really all the Knights do in some way," he says as he flourishes his cloak.

You then look up at him again. "So did you join the Knights out of respect or necessity.


"Both really. Kind of hard being a lone changeling in a world that wants to kill or imprison you." He then slumps his shoulders.

"Still, I wonder sometimes about what is going to happen to us changelings in general... With all the different factions, even if the Queen reappeared, it's going to be hard to unite again. Some might not be happy" he sighs.

"Wait... Factions?" you ask confused.

"Meh, nothing important. Before the invasion there were some of us that thought that the Queen needed to change a couple of things in the Hive. She kind of proved our point since we've all been unbound, captured or killed over the last 3 years. If we ever reunite, things have got to change or things like the invasion are going to happen again," he rants. Before shaking his head.


"I mean, just look what I've got here. Without too much effort I managed to rise in the ranks of the Crimson Knights, fund a mafia, and bring in children that could very well feed many us with their love. "We are under the nose of Celestia but thanks to Kersey's paperwork and the absence of proof, she can't take us away. But I'm getting ahead of myself. In short, some will no doubt religously wait for the Queen and follow her once more, some will want things to change, and some may even want to be the next king or Queen themselves...and maybe some want to remain...unbound..." he says with a shiver. 

"Freedom isn't anything to shiver at," you counter at his response.

He gives you a weird look before he says,
"Let's continue, in the next level on the pyramid is Celestia, her lackeys the Elements of harmony and Luna..."

"Wait, really? The ponies that hunt changelings the most?"

"Just because they're the enemy, doesn't mean they aren't powerful. I can respect that. Plus, one of them started up the Original Horde which in turn gave birth the the Crimson Knights...Come to think of it I still haven't heard any word back from those Knights I sent to her," he ponders.

"Sent to...You sent goons after Fluttershy?" you huff as you realize what he was implying. "If you or your messenger hurt her I will-"

"Whoa, whoah, calm down... I only sent her some noobie teen Knights as messengers to invite her here since she used to be a president of a club. You know how hard is to manage a mafia, pizza parolor, and lead a bunch of Knights? It's pretty taxing. Her organizational experience could work wonders. But yeah, I'm sure nothing bad happened, they probably got lost..." he mutters.

You calm down too as you realize he only sent messengers, and that they probably failed in even asking since Kichi hadn't heard back from them. Kichi returns his attention back to the hologram.

"Anyway, The next step are the foals I have here. Yeah yeah, some are brainwashed just a little bit, but most of them are here because they want to. They don't have a good home or home at all, here they have games, food and friends, but of course you don't care about that right?" he accuses.

It is at this point that Samus gets impatient and blurts out, "Look, as interesting as this school lesson is, How does this answer my original question you turd?"

"Oh yeah, true." Kichi then points to the last layer in the pyramid and it glows showing the words Crimson Knights/Mafia Crew. "And here is the last layer of my respect. You featherbrain, are not on it."

"What?!"

"Yeah, I don't really like tattle tales, plus you and your crew are nothing but menial labor, which are nothing but dirt and garbage under the Pyramid of Respect. In essence, you were always Expendable," he explains matter of factly.

You look over and see her eye twitch as he says this.

"Oh yeah? Well Buck your Changelings, Buck your Knights, and BUCK YOU!!!" she yells as she beats her wings hard and launches herself straight at Kichi, rolling into a spinning ball, and striking him hard with her tail. Kichi's hologram flickers out as he is launched back toward the ceiling perched Mangleoid, clanking into it hard.

"Ow! Hey, I'm only stating the fa-"

"RRRRRAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" she screeches as she lands on top of him and starts slashing at his cloak, putting holes and slashes into it.

"Dang, that is one pissed off Griffon," you mutter as you watch the spectacle.

"Oi! Watch the cloak lady!" he screams as he tries to scramble back. Mangleoid, tries to dislodge her, but in the process, it loses it's grip and falls to the ground. Kichi is able to hang on, but Samus gets launched backward. Luckily, the machine is disorientated, and Kichi himself is dizzied, so you decide to use this to your advantage as you start to formulate a plan to damage the Mangeloid for good.


MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE



The Pony Spartan's Comment



The blue pony known as Changer stood by a tree right in front of the Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria.

He looked at the building for a second before walking towards it while thinking, 

If you're in there Kichi, I'm coming for you. You ungrateful Changeling.

He took out a magma-colored book. "This one's fully charged." He took out two more. A light blue one, and a yellow one. He nodded when he saw that books were "fully charged" and kept walking towards the restaurant. As he got closer to it though a scent hit his nostrils.

"*Sniff* *Sniff* Is that smoke?"


BACK AT THE FIGHT



BrownDog's Comment



After staring at the monstrosity, you realize that perhaps the solution itself is like a videogame (as most of this bucking adventure has been). And when presented with a large creature, you immediately realize what you must do. You gain a smirk as you begin to charge towards the Mangloid while taking out the chainsaw. As you pass by Samus you say,

“Samus, cover me, I’m about to Shadow this Colossus!”

“That…doesn’t make any sense, but I know what you mean,” she declares, apparently calmer then she was a few moments before, as she rolls herself into a ball and starts spam hitting the robot monster in it’s limbs.

“Hey! Pay attention to the red guy. The red guy!” Kichi yells to Mangleoid, but it’s too late. Channeling your inner Wanderer, you rush right up to the things back and hold on as it shakes. When it pauses you start ramming the chainsaw into it’s joints and wires, and anything else that looks important that's already exposed or hasn't completely healed yet from your last attack.

“Hey! Stop that right now!” Kichi orders.

“Why don’t you make me?” you taunt.

“Alright. Fine!” he says as he pulls the heads back and makes the machine fall on its back, luckily you are able to dodge and roll…Kichi…not so much.

“Oooooohhhh” he moans as his head spins and he dizzily gets up and walks around.

“That was not a good plan on my part.”

“No, no it wasn’t” Samus says from right behind him. He gulps and turns around only to be met by an uppercut, which sends him flying backward.

“Consider that my resignation. The Extra Lives are out!” 

Kichi sits up, rubbing his jaw before he suddenly flees into the foal room.

“Hey get back he-“ she calls out before being interrupted by Mangleoid as it sits up and shoves her in his mouth of heads.

“SAMUS!!!” you cry out as you rush forth with your Boomstick and shove it into the maw before they close down fully, causing the jaw to spring open, and the terrified griffin to roll out.

“Holy Balls! I was almost a chicken dinner!” she yelps.

“Your words, not mine, now help me!” you yell as the monster keeps trying to chomp on you.

You again attach yourself to its back and are able to take out two of it’s arms by cutting them off at the joints and burning them to ash on the ground for good measure. The beast roars in pain before it's eight eyes start to glow red, and it's attacks begin to get even faster and stronger. You are thrown of eventually and Samus gets slapped into you. As the both of you get up, you both have to dodge as the Mangloid bull charges you. The both of you have to continually dodge as the attacks are starting to become less of a pattern and more of random flurry.  

Through all of that though, you hear from inside the foal room.

“Hey kids, guess what, I’m taking you all to Whinny Land tomorrow!”

Followed by the cheers of many, many children.

“The buck?” you say aloud.

The door then opens and Kichi comes out looking pumped up.

“Alright, got my second wind. WOOO!”

“Are you seriously using those kids as a bucking battery you sick buck?!”

“What, it’s not like that’s any different from what you were doing with that little filly today. We Changelings need love as you know.”

“That is not what she is for!!!" you declare angrily before realizing what you've just admitted. Your eyes sharpen quickly though as you ask him, "And wait, What? How’d you figure that out? I-Whoah!” you yell as you are picked up and thrown by Mangleoid in your distraction.

“Wait, for real? You actually are a changeling?" Kichi says surprised.

"I...What? I thought you knew!" you declare.

"Well not really, I knew it was a 50/50 shot with your blue eyes and all, but dang did I call it or what?!” Kichi says happily.

“Wait seriously? You’re a changeling too?”  Samus says flabbergasted as she lands on top of Mangleoid.

“Well…” you say as you nervously rub the back of your neck.

“Really? 3 Changelings in one night? I thought all you guys got imprisoned or killed after the invasion like his slide show said!”

“Well clearly not all of us! And no, that Filly is not a bucking power source!” you growl indignantly. 

And here it comes to you that Kichi is using children, children of all things, and nothing more than batteries to feed his love. he may spruce it up with the fancy orphan stories, but it doesn't excuse the fact that they are being used. You picture Nightshade in that situation, and your eyes glow orange as you begin to charge at Kichi in rage. He looks surprised and starts to blast at you, but you manage to dodge his shouts as you yell at him in rage as you get closer,




Kersey's Comment 



"I'm gonna have a dick punching party at your house Kichi! Dick-punching party 2.0, except I'm gonna get like those big Saddle Rager fists, and we’re just going to town ON YOUR CROTCH, for making these games, for using these foals! We’re going to pound you into submission Kichi, and not in a good way!"

You can barely hear Samus hold back a laugh and you can see Kichi physically pale as he starts trying to blast you even more. But you just keep dodging and dodging and your about to reach hi-*SMACK*

You go flying backwards as the Mangleoid protects it's master from harm. Kichi laughs at you, and this pushes you to the brink as you yell,

"Enough is ENOUGH!!!I have had it with these motherbucking references in this motherbucking bounty!!!"

Isn't that the bug calling the slick, slimy... Selena druggedly comments.

QUIET DRUGGY!

With that said you charge towards the Mangleoid while holding out the Power Glove as you charge it up. As you are about to reach it, you jump towards it and...




joyjumper94's Comment

 


rainbowPOOTIS's Comemnt



"WOULD YOU KINDLY BURN?!"

You begin to blast fire ball after fire ball at the animatronic. This, like before, melts off it's armor and revels it's machinery. Not giving it any time to retaliate you quickly shout,

"WOULD YOU KINDLY FREEZE?!"

You begin, while somehow still in the air, to freeze the Mangleoid's circuits and joints, slowing it's healing to a crawl. The Mangloid tries to swat at you, but with less arms it misses and soon most of it is frozen and it begins to move slowly away from you. Not giving it a chance to get away you rev up your chainsaw and you slice it right in half. Straight from the middle head and through it's power chord and to the floor. But you don't stop there. You begin to use your momentum and begin to jump all round the Mangleoid, slicing and dicing everything you come near. All the while you are shouting,

"DIE ,DIE MY PRETTIES! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!"

You soon cut it one last time before jumping behind it with your back towards it. You are now facing Kichi who, after seeing you blast the Mangleoid with fire again, decided to move farther away from it.

The Mangloid begins to spark and crackle all over itself, and some of it's parts begin to fall of it or slide away. You don't look at it as you slam the chain saw into the ground blade first while saying,

"Knight secured, boss defeated!"

As if those were magical words, the Mangleoid gives out one last cry of pain before falling over...and then exploding for no reason whatsoever.   

You coat flutters from the wind and you smile evilly at this. While on the outside you're calm, on the inside...

So bucking cool! I just pulled off a "Cool stallions don't look at explosions!" and with a kickflank line before hoof! Double points!

Shaking your head to remain calm, you begin to stalk towards Kichi, who is looking at you in pure terror...until he starts to smile at you smugly. You gain a confused look at this and are about to ask why he looks so smug when...*SMACK*

You are sent flying into a wall. You quickly recover as you look over and see...

"OH COME THE BUCK ON!"

The Mangloid. It only has 1 arm left, no legs, it's body is halved down the middle, and two of it's heads are gone. The one head left being Mangle's and that one is missing half it's head as well. There are holes all over it's body and sparks fly from it everywhere. I riggidly uses it's one arm to crawl what's left of it's body towards you. Your anger gets the best of you, as usual, as you yell in rage,

"WHY WON'T YOU STAY DEAD! FOR THE LOVE OF LUNA YOU BLEW UP! JUST DIE AND STAY DEAD WILL YA!"

The Mangloid just growls, and Kichi just smirks as he's about to say something,

"Well you see the reason why this beast keeps living is-"

*BOOM*



The Pony Spartan's Comment



The wall to your right explodes, making rubble and smoke fly everywhere. You, Samus, and Kichi cover your eyes from the smoke.

"Oh COME ON!" Kichi yelled, still covering his eyes a bit. "WHY IS EVERYTHING GETTING DESTROYED?! THESE ARE ALL VERY EXSPENSI-" He gasps.

The smoke finally cleared, and you see a blue pony with a black jacket without sleeves. 

"Y-you are..."

The pony looks up at Kichi with no expression, not saying a word.

"Pony... Spartan..." You notice that Kichi sounds surprised.

"Who is that guy?" You ask Samus in a whisper.

"Beats me. Has a weird name though." She whispers back.

Pony Spartan stares at Kichi. "Pony Spartan... it's been a long time since I've been called that."

Kichi's eyes widen. "I can't believe it... you're alive!"

Spartan stood still. "Does that surprise you?"

"Y-yes actually... But still, Spartan, blowing up your friend's wall is not how you greet the-"

"You left me to die! And my name is not Spartan, it never was!" the blue pony shouts.

Kichi laughs at this "You and your silly jokes, of course it was," he chuckles while walking up to him. "So what's your name now then?"

"I am Changer. And I never was Spartan!"

"Well, anyways, glad to have you back buddy. Look I could really use your help righ-" A burst of magic sends Kichi flying back into the wall behind him.

Once Kichi collects himself, he asks in confusion, "What in Tartarus was that for?!"

Changer growled. "One, I didn't come back to join the Crimson Knight's, Two, you AREN'T my Buddy, And three, You better prepare yourself, bastard!"

"He was a Crimson Knight before?!" You say aloud.

"I guess so?" she shrugs.

Changer stepped forward. "First, you, then the others..." he growls.

"Huh...must have some beef with them all like me...still, former Knight means...yep, there's your name," you say as you open up your wanted book and see his name. Pony Spartan. You then look back to the unfolding drama.

"Why are you acting so crazy? And since when could you use magic like this?" Kichi mumbles as he backs away. Changer keeps advancing, until Mangleoid crawls in between them

It screeches and tries to strike him with it's one arm, but he teleports out of the way and appears behind Kichi.

Kichi whirls around and squeaks in surprise. "Okay...clearly you learned something, but come on, stop trying to hurt me or the robot will take you out," he warns.

Changer just rolls his eyes and looks back at the sparking crazy thing. "Hmph. Hiding behind a piece of junk? Pathetic. Fine, I'll play your game just this once, but then you're next!" Changer teleports again...

Right in front of Mangleoid. 

Before the animatronic can do anything, Changer takes out a magma-colored book, opens showing the monster the pages, and yells "Fire Ball!"

After that, a fireball flies from the book, striking the robot and sending it flying back.

He then jumps in the air and two more fireballs come out, making the robot dismantle even more then it already was.

He then lands and takes out a light blue book with the same design. He opens it and a blue stream comes from the page, striking the animatronic, encasing it in ice. 

"There, takes care of that," he says facing Kichi again with a smug expression.

"Oh big deal, I already had it beat," you snark at the former Knight.

He just looks at you and your appearance and raises an eyebrow.

"Then why wasn't it dead?" he monotones.

"Well it would have been had you not gate crashed the party!"

He just rolls his eyes and says, "Whatever," before looking back at Kichi, "You're nex-"

"That was amazing! I don't know how you got so strong, Spartan, but those spells were like that Bounty Hunter's" he says excitedly while pointing at you. "Now come on, quit being so weird, we could use that kind of magic on our side and-". 

"AFTER YOU ALL LEFT ME TO DIE YOU THINK I WILL COME BACK TO YOU?!" he growls angrily.

Kichi flinched, "But...we didn't..."

"And my name... ISN'T PONY SPARTAN!" With that he runs up to Kichi and punchess him square in the gut, making him gag.

Samus looks at you questioningly, "Shouldn't we help him?"

You look at the soon-to-be fight between Kichi and Changer before looking back at Samus.

"Nah, I think this Changer guy's got it."

"No, I meant Kichi, he's our target," Samus clarifies.

"Oh...nah to that too," you declare.

"Why not?"

"Think about it. This Spartan guy takes care of him, and we don't have to get dirty. And there's a bounty on his head too so we take him in after he's exhausted himself."

"What if he kills him though?!"

"Well I'm not going to let that happen, I need my paycheck after all."

Samus looked hesitant for a second before sitting down next to you.

You watch the fight go on...well fight is the wrong word. Kichi keeps mumbling and sending out spells to which Changer dodges and just keeps advancing menacingly.


"Why? Why are you like this? Where's the kind, friendly, and goofy Spartan we all knew? You were on my pyramid..." Kichi blubbers in hurt and confusion.

Changer stops at this. "Yes, I can admit that I was anything but smart or strong back then, but that was the past. Focus on the future you stupid foal stealing bug. Oh, and by the way, your future isn't pleasant!" He kicks the Knight in the chest sending him to the floor. You really wish you had a bag of popcorn for this moment as it's been awhile since you've seen a movie. But then your head crowd decide to comment.




BrownDog's Comment



This guy is stealing all our fun…I has a sad face now…

Sadness is fleeting…as is life…

“Oh for, WAIT!!!” you yell out to the combatants. They both turn to you.

“Before go any further, I need to know something from Kichi.”

“What is it?” they both ask.

“Where in the buck is the antidote to the tranqs you gave me?!”

“Over there on your waterbending friend,” he points out.

“Alright thanks, carry on then.”

They then resume and you walk over and search the tied up bounty hunter. Sure enough she’s got a syringe of blue stuff on her. You then untie and start shaking Aqua, who groggily groans and blinks her eyes.

“CV…that you?”

“Yeah, hey good to see you, anyway, no time to really talk, but do you remember where they injected this antidote?”

“My neck…right here…” she woozily says and points to the side of her neck.

“Alright, here goes nothing,” you proclaim as you raise the needle and jam it in your neck.

You pause for a good 3 heartbeats before you suddenly scream at the pain caused by what you just did.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!Why did I do that?!” you scream as you throw the needle away, causing Kichi and Changer to give you a sideglance, before continuing their little drama.

Bugze…what is this new stuff?

“It’s the antidote, drink up, I don’t want you loopy for another 3 days, this will speed things up hopefully.”

Aww…do I have to share? She pouts

“…actually no, take it all, let Smokey Joe be mellow for as long as we can”

Hooray! She cheers.

Karma is a wheel insect…what goes around…comes around… he philosophizes.

Eh, I just believe that Lady Luck has it out for me, but if Lady Karma is who hates ya so be it.

You snap out of your conversation when you here Aqua come to again and say,

"What... happened? CV? Samus?"

"Well look who decided to finally wake up," Samus snarks.

"Yeah but-" She looks over at Changer, who freezes Kichi's limbs together and his mouth and slings him over his back. "Isn't that- Hey!"

Changer turns and looks at Aqua, "What?"

"What do you think you're doing. That's our bounty!"

"Bounty? Hmph, I have no interest in that."

"Huh?"

"I do this for revenge. So I'll kindly walk out of here thank you very much."

Aqua makes a mini wave out of her canteens and moves it to block the doorway. "Oh no, you don't. I want my bounty. You can have your revenge after he goes to jail."

"Yeah, I have to agree with the lady pal. After all the crap we went through tonight, he's ours."

Changer glares at you three and growls.

"You better stay out of my way bounty hunters..."

"Yeah, I don't think so. See, you got a price on your head too buddy. So would you kindly drop the schmuck?" 

"I'm not with the Knights anymore, and I'm not here to fight you, but I will if you try anything," he warns.

"Oh we will for sure, not give up, You're not getting out the door," you growl back.

Changer closes his eyes at this "Oh gee, well I guess I'll just go through the hole I made then," he says sarcastically as he turns towards his Kool-Aid Stallion Entrance Hole he made. But stops as he sees something coming from it.

"U-uh..." he mumbles as smoke is pouring through it.

It's then that you realize how warm it's getting in this boss chamber.

"Why is it so hot in here, and where'd that smoke come from?" Aqua asks.

"Yeah, I didn't set fire to anything with that blast..." Changer says in confusion.

Both you and Samus's eyes shrink as you realize you never put out those fires you set in the challenge rooms.

"Uh-oh..."

*Whoosh*

As if those are the magic words, the whole room suddenly fills with smoke and fire.

"We need to get out of her-" 

Samus was cut off when she heard a booming voice.

"THIS IS THE BASTION GUARD! IF ANYONE IS IN THE BUILDING, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!!!"

You and your two companions gasp at the voice as Changer looks more annoyed.

"Royal Guards, great, but it doesn't change anything, I'm not going to-."

"Oi Buckface, think fast!" you yell as you take advantage of the distraction to rush up and falcon punch him in the jaw, sending him flying through the hole he made, disappearing into the smoke and causing Kichi to fall off his back at your feet.

"We'll deal with you later!" you yell to the smoke as you look down at the dropped icebound Changeling and pick him up. "Alright, let's get out of here before he comes back or the building falls down.

"What about the children?" Samus coughs. 

"Yeah, We need to get them out of here!" Aqua agrees, coughing as well.

"Both of you! Take this saddle bag and get them in there, I'll look for any straggles or kids who are still in the building! I'll meet you both outside!"

They both nod and take the Prison Saddle before heading off to the children's room. You on the other hoof head out of the boss room door with the bound Kichi on your back to look for anyling in the building.

Entering the Night Guard station, you find it clear from smoke at the moment, so you use your glove to melt the ice off his face as you ask.

"Is there anyling else left in the building? Anyling at all?"

"No, just me and two traitors to my pyramid..." he growls.

"Say what now?"

"I can't believe it, why would Spartan do this? He always had that stupid little grin on his face. Why did he betray me?" he then glares right at you. "And YOU!" he punctuates with a point blank blast of magic to your face, sending you scrambling into the wall behind you.

"OW! You son of a-" you look back at him as his ice restraints melt from the heat. He's breathing heavily and looks to be on his last legs. You are about to attack him, when he asks,

"Why?"

You gain a confused look as he continues,

"I had it made. I had a steady supply of love and games to last me a life time. I was finally able to live life in luxury. I even had some friends who didn't care that I was a changeling. I had everything. Then you had to come along! You ruined everything! If you had just minded your own business I could have made it big! And to make matters worse, you're a changeling like me! Why would you betray our kind! Why? Tell me bucking why you had to ruin it all?!"

You gain a cold, almost robotic look as you say,


"Because you are a criminal, that's why. Kichi, you are under arrest..." you say as you grip his shoulders.

"Oh Buck you..." he replies, to which you slam him down and through the desk."Owwww...." he groans before looking back up at you."Wait a minute, now wait a minute..." he pleads before you pick him up again.

"For the crimes of Terrorism," you declare before tossing him through the right guard viewing window.

"AAAAAHHHHH *Crash*" You walk around pick him up again.

"Child Kidnapping!" you then throw him through the second guard window.

"GYAGH! Celestia Damnit, listen to me!"
You walk up and grab him again.

"And for being an all around jerk," you say before punching him in the face, back into the guard room.

"OK! I Get it! Just Stop! I'll give you a name!" he pleads as you pick him up and start throttling him.

"I've got plenty of names, and I've heard some of them tonight. Tell me a location...now..." you growl. You then loosen up on your choking. He gasps in a breath full of smoke, and begins choking as his eyes water.



-Try to get information out of the defeated Kichi and Silver Strange and they refuse to talk... until you lock them in a room with nothing but various copies of T.E. and Supermare 64 and force them to play it until they talk.



"I can't! I can give you names, but they'll revoke my video game money if I rat one of them out!"

"Would you rather end up smoked ham?" you threaten using the voice-deepening part of your mask.

"I don't care what you do! You'll never make me talk."

You're about to respond when you spot a small open door to a low room with some familiar looking cartridges.

"Is that so..." you smirk under your mask.

A FEW MINUTES LATER

We now find you leaning against a door to a small compartment that's low to the ground and away from the smoke so you shoved Kichi in there. It sounds like you were doing him a favor-

"AAAAAAAAHH!!! LET ME OUT!!!"

...But that compartment was filled with a console and multiple cartiridges of T.E. and Supermare 64.

"What? I thought you liked video games?" you snark.

"THESE CONTROLS BUCKING SUCK!!!" he wails, "I'D RATHER TAKE MY CHANCES WITH THE BUCKING FIRE!!!" 

"Oh don't be like that." you snark.

"YOU'LL BURN OR SUFFOCATE OUT THERE IN THE FLAMES AND SMOKE TOO YOU DUMBFLANK!!!"

"Eh, I got a mask on and my coat is fire-resistant so this smoke and fire might as well be fresh air on the lakeside." you nonchalantly say as your eyes look around the room for snacks.

You think as a gamer, he'd have some snacks lying aroun-

"FOR THE LOVE OF CHRYSALIS LET ME OUT!!!"

"So you ready to talk now or do you want 9001 more attempts to fly through those ring-?"

"FINE FINE! I'LL BUCKING TALK!!!"

With that, you get off the door, open it, and drag out Kichi.

He coughs, looks you in the eye and gives you one of the names you heard this night, and where to find them.

"You better not be lying," you warn.

"Oh I'm not...Have...fun..." he says before the smoke causes him to pass out.

You cuff him just as Aqua and Samus come running past you with the saddlebag.

"We got'em all, anyone else?!" Aqua asks as she hands you the bags, to which you put the Crimson Knight into.

"No, just him. Let's go!" you yell as you all make your way down the burning corridors of Freddy Fazbear's.

Aqua runs ahead, clearing a path with her waterbending towards the exit.

"Before you continue further, Samus stops you with a claw to the shoulder.

"What?" 

She sighs before she says,



BrownDog's Comment



“Red...after everything tonight…can you please just let me go? I swear I won’t go back to my old ways.”

“I…well you are wanted…I really should…” you tell her.

“Oh come on...Look, I don’t want to be mean or anything, but I will say this. I won’t tell anyone about you being a Changeling if you let me go alright?”

Your eyes widen a bit.

“But…isn’t that like blackmail?”

“It doesn’t have to be…come on Red…please just let me go? Please?”

“CV! What are you doing? Get out of there!” Aqua yells.

The place is still on fire, smoke is no doubt causing her to see double, but you see the desperation in her eyes. She did help you, her crimes are nowhere near as severe as the Knights, and you're already getting a lot of reward money for tonight. Plus, she's an attractive female giving you puppy dog eyes...

“Alright alright, hop in the prison bag and I’ll get you past the cops alright?”

She smiles and hops in as you run out.

When you catch back up to Aqua she asks.

“Yo, where’d she chicken go?”

“She’s gone,” you say.

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Aqua asks confused.

“She’s not here, and if the cops ask, we don’t know where she went, OK?”

“I-Alright then…” Aqua says assuredly.

You two then broke through the entrance way and were greeted by the sight of several fire brigades and Royal Guard members who were keeping the crowd back.

"We got two victims!" a voice cries out. You flip your mask lid over your teeth as they get closer and take you to the medic cart.

While you two recuperate, you watch as the fire ponies fail to stop the inferno and watch Freddy Fazbear's go up, which brings a smile to your face.

Later, one of the royal guards interview you and Aqua, and you give them your statement and show him your bounty hunter cards. 

"Bounty Hunters? Who was the target?"

"Kichi, a Crimson Knight leader, and a changeling."

His eyes widen at this.

"A Crimson Knight leader?"

"Yep, and about 10 of his subordinates," you say as you reach into the bag and pull out all the bound and knocked out Knights.

"Holy Tartarus!" the Guard declares as other guards gather around.

You show them all the Speared Sun symbol on their cloaks and they gasp.

They then all start rounding them up and putting them into paddy wagons.

"Crimson Knights...and two of them were Changelings! What does this mean...?" he questions.

"That the Knights are taking in anyone. Apparently they're equal opportunists...also, you might want to get all these kids to child services."

"Kids, what ki-" he starts before you take out all the foals.

"Where did they all come from?!" he declares.

"Kichi was using them as love batteries, we freed them."

The guards then start rounding up the traumatized kids to get them to help.

"That's a horrifying thought...but still, thank you. Thank you both. Equestria holds a great debt to you two. This is the first Knight Leader that we've captured."

"Well you can pay that debt by giving us the bounty on their heads," you say nonchalantly.

"Oh of course," he says as he starts adding up the total of the 12 Knights.

"Plus, I think there's a bonus for two of them being changelings, and Kichi being a leader," Aqua adds.

"Of course," the guard says as he changes his total, "so you two will be recieving...16,000 bits."

"WOOHOO!!!" you and Aqua shout aloud.

You are given the bond, and as he does he asks, "By the way, what are your names?"

You pose yourself and declare, "I am The Crimson Vengeance, and you can quote me on this, I will be bringing more of the Crimson Knights down. And this is Aqua."

"Oh gee, thanks for the grand title," she snarks at you.

Meanwhile On A Nearby Hill

The soot covered blue stallion glares at the building as it burns down and watches as the guards take Kichi and the rest away.

"So now Kichi is beyond my reach...Damn. I'll get to him somehow one day. Still, there are still others out there." He then glares at you. "And you Bounty Hunter, you better not get in my way again..."

Back with You

After the interview, you both head to the now opening bank and cash out your reward, before splitting it 50/50.

8,000 Bits Added to Inventory

Then, you head to the edge of town near the woods, not noticing a small smoking figure tailing you. 

You look around seeing noling, so you take the Griffon out of your bags and set her down.

"Alright, you're free now. Get going before I change my mind..."

Aqua seems surprised by this, but she keeps her mouth closed.

“Thanks Red…and I swear it, I will turn over a new leaf, and I swear I won't tell anyone about...you know what..." Samus responds.

“You better, or I’ll find you again,” you threaten.

“Yeah…I guess you will,” she chuckles nervously. You decide to lighten the mood though.

“So what will you do now?”

“Well my buddies don’t get out of jail for another 3 years, so I guess I could go back to Griffonstone, much as I don’t want to. Full of money grubby jerks and broken dreams... but it is home.”

You nod at this.

“Well good luck to you…say, what is your real name?”

“Well I haven’t gone by it in so long, but I guess I’ll have to while I lay low,” she says as she takes off her Zero Suit, letting her red fur breathe, as her green feather highlighted eyes become softer and she pulls you into a hug.

“It’s Greta…nice to meet ya Crimson Vengeance." She then lets go and giggles at the bit of blood coming out of your nose. "Be careful out there you two...I’ll see you around…” She smiles before walking off into the woods.

You smile slightly as she leaves, and start walking back into town when...



LordSegal's Comment



...you feel a faint tap on one of your hind legs. You turn only to see the smoking doll-sized remains of Mangle fruitlessly pounding against your carapace. Merely a shadow of its former self, it can barely muster the strength of a filly.

"You're still alive?!" you yell in exasperation at the tiny animatronic. "Your boss is in jail, your home is gone, and you're tiny, what do you hope to accomplish?!"

The little fox gives a pathetic metallic whine and keeps whacking at your legs.

You just roll your eyes and lift the tiny wriggling plush in front of your face.

"Well it sure is determined...maybe you should put it out of it's misery?" Aqua suggests.

You start thinking that maybe she's right, until you hear from behind you.

"Alright Daddy, what's the deal? I haven't been able to get in your head all night and everything smells like smoke and-*GASP* Kanojo wa totemo kawaīdesu! Watashi wa kanojo o tamotsu koto ga dekimasu ka? (Translation: She's so cute! Can I keep her?)" Nightshade shouts as she bounds out of the inventory to hug the tiny menace. It freezes up in shock for a moment (and you prepare to pound it into dust if it tries anything), before its expression softens and it returns the hug.

Aww, that is adorable...No wait, this thing tried to eat me!

"Can I keep her daddy? Can I?" Nightshade declares holding onto Plush Mangle for dear life.

We did talk about getting her a pet... Selena suggests, sounding a little coherent.

"That thing is not a-Look Nightshade we can't..."

She then gives you the pouty lips and puppy dog eyes.

"I-But-Gyagh! Fine, you can keep it!" you yell as you throw your arms up in frustration. 

"Yay!" she yells as she, and even the tiny mangle give you a hug. "Thank you Daddy, you're the best! I love you!" She then looks to the plush robot and says.

"Come on Mangle, i'll show you my room!" she then hops into the inventory with her new pet.

*Plush Mangle added to inventory*

Rolling your eyes, you turn to the stunned Aqua and say.

"Yeah, weird stuff is always happening, it's best just to roll with it."

She nods at this.

"And anyway, I'm sorry you got caught up in all this. But it was good working with you Aqua. I'll see you around," you say before heading back into town toward the train station. You are stopped however by an indignant voice. 

"Wait, What? Just where do you think you're going?"

You gain a confused looks as you turn around to her and say,

"Uh...to find another Knight for capture?"

She continues to glare at you as she says,

"And you were gonna leave without me?"

"Well, yeah. We got our bounty for Kichi and I thought..."

"Listen buster, I don't know about you, but I am not through with any of this," she says as she glares at you.

"But I thought you said..."

"I know what I said, but if you recall, I was drugged for most of the night and didn't even get to help with the boss, your Griffon Girlfriend helped more than I did!"

"Well...I figured that would show you how dangerous it was and..."

"Hey, I just made 8,000 bits for one nights work. If you're still going after these cash cows, I'm not going anywhere. Plus, I still owe you one...heck, I owe you two now since you did all the work tonight."

"Sooo...?" you trail off.

"So, I'm still in, whether you want it or not," she declares.

You smirk at this and say, "Alright then, glad that's cleared up. Let's get the train station then, I already got our new target."

She smirks back, "Awesome sauce. Where we heading, and who is it?"

You tell her what Kichi told you and she nods.

"Well let's go then, we got a long train ride and we can catch up on sleep there," she says and starts walking to the train.

Later

You have paid for your tickets and are on your way to your destination for your next target. You think back on the night as Aqua snoozes. You contemplate sleep yourself, but your mind is still going a mile a minute. You've just taken out your first Knight leader, and 11 others, and on your way to another. You're actually making progress. Just 3 months ago, you were wandering the wilderness hiding from everyling. But now you have everything relatively under control, things are going smoothly. You haven't had an episode like in the Crystal Empire and...Your ears flatten when you think of this.

Even if you're making progress as The Crimson Vengeance, The Hooded Offender is still a monster to them. Heck, the whole situation probably would've worked itself out had you not been there. And Cadance...

It's been three months since your first friend has heard from you. You may have still felt uneasy around her considering what her doppelganger did, but you turned into a monster in front of her, you left her with an injured husband, and a broken city...and you have not told her a thing. Hanging your head, you realize that before you sleep, there is something that you have to do that is way overdue.

You take out a piece of paper and a pen and you write the first few words.

Dear Cadance,

I'm Sorry...

I know that it's probably 3 months overdue, but I am. I can't even begin to make up for what I did that day, and I've been a coward for not talking to you sooner. You don't have to respond to this if you don't want to, but I hope this letter at least gets read, for better or for worse. I traumatized all those ponies, and let my inner monster take over. I can't take back what I did, but I just want you to know that I am sorry. I can understand if you never forgive me, and I wouldn't blame you. I just wanted to apologize and let you know that I'm doing my best to make up for my mistakes. I am erasing the legacy of the Hooded Offender and Flag Burner. I will make sure noling else innocent is hurt by me. And if it helps, the whole Sombra thing is quite literally still haunting me.  I'm glad Shining is okay, and that you've got your own Empire to rule...and I'm happy for you. I really am. Oh, and one more thing. I know the names of several Crimson Knight Leaders. Be on the lookout for these names and keep your ponies safe.

Brown Dog
Erised Ink Moth
Grey Rebl
Kersey
Kichi
Minds Eye
Rutherford
Snap Drake
Solarkness

There's probably more names out there, but these are the ones I know of. I hope it helps.
I miss you Cadance, and I truly am sorry.

Love,

Bugze.

After writing this, trying to both be vague and comforting at the same time, you send off the note with the tube she gave you.

Hoping that she'll accept your apology, you drift off to sleep. You had a very long night.

POV Change

You are Flash Sentry, right hand stallion to Prince Shining Armor himself. You've recently gotten into hot water over some things you said during a case, and ordered to go to anger management therapy

"I don't have a Celestia Damned anger problem!" you grit your teeth as you walk towards the palace therapist. "And I'm not a speciest. I'M NOT! I don't know why things keep dropping out of my mouth, it's like something is making me blurt them..." you groan and rub your temple.

You are back at your own post in the Crystal Empire. Things have gotten better since 3 months ago. The citizens are happy, the city has been rebuilt, and a new stadium is being built in preparation for the Equestrian Games next year. But still, even as the citizens raise a statue to Spike the Dragon for his bravery, there are still worries that The Hooded Offender will return.

Thinking about the incident, you groan again. Your life is anything but stable, you've been moved around constantly as you increased in rank, and had to deal with case after case involving the one constant thing over the last 3 years.

"The Offender...ugh, why didn't I take you down that first day with the Diamond Dogs? I would have saved the entire kingdom Billions of dollars and I wouldn't be chasing down your insane fans," you rant as your blood begins to boil. "Just when I think I've settled down, somehow you show up and buck things up for me again...Just wait till Shining Armor's new program gets started..." you growl before stopping.

"Huh...maybe I do have SOME anger issues...but they're justifiable, just like Changelings!"

You grit your teeth again as you work yourself up.

"Bucking Changelings...That IS the one species I will willingly hate on. You took my Bro Tennant away..." you sigh again as your anger is replaced with sadness.

"I miss you man. I miss how random and crazy you were. How you somehow had the eyes of several cute mares, how we would hang out and talk nerdy stuff...*Sigh* I wish there was something more I could have done..."

You sniffle and shake your head from these sad thoughts. You're about to see a therapist, you don't want to give them anything that will make you stay there longer.

Staying determine, you walk on ahead down the crystal corridors. But pause as you hear somepony crying in a nearby room.

"Hello?" you say, but the mare on the other side keeps crying. You place your ear to the door and you can tell the mare is speaking as she sobs...and you recognize her voice.

Princess Cadance?

Wondering why your bosses wife is crying, you are about to knock on the door, when you hear her say something that throws you for a loop.

"Oh Bugze...*Sniff* Bugze...I miss you too...*Sob*"

Bugze. That's the name Shining Armor called The Hooded Offender back in Fillydelphia. The name of the Changeling that's caused you so much grief. From what you'd gathered, Princess Cadance had a connection to him. Was she talking to him on the other side of this very door?! Was he here?!

Not thinking for another second, you rear up and kick the door in, before leaping through and taking a battle stance.

Inside the room, you see a startled Princess Cadance with runny mascara looking at you in shock.

"Flash?! What are you doing?" she asks in shock.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 28: Jumping Jack Flash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As you continue to stare at the shocked Cadence, you suddenly get a strange look in your eye as you think

Weird, feel like 169 ponies are watching me and deciding how I'm gonna go about this situation.

Shaking off this weird feeling, you decide to take your eyes off Cadence and look around the room.



FireHeart 1945’s Comment



The room itself appears to be an office of some sort. There’s a desk, a dresser, filing cabinet, and a bulletin board full of pictures of ponies with hearts and question marks encircling them. Words written atop the board label it as, Shipping and Handling.

Huh, guess it’s no surprise the Princess of Love is a shipper…but how come I’m not up there with anypony? You wonder as you scan the room some more.

In the corner of the room is a large crossbow with heart-tipped arrows and a pink bayonet, which looks ready to be picked up and fired.
This makes you incredibly nervous, so you decide to take things nice and slow for the moment so she doesn’t use it on you.

Not wanting to make her any more anxious, you give one last glance around the room and…



BrownDog's Comment



You see no hide or tail of that bucking changeling, just the very confused Princess of Love with the tear stained mascara still giving you a questioning glance.

“Ma’am, is there anyone else in the room?!” you bark out.

“No, It’s just me…Flash, are you feeling OK?” she asks as she sees your shifty eyed movements looking to and fro.

“I-I’m fine…but what about you ma’am, you look like you’ve been crying?”

“Oh…I’m alright, I just…got carried away thinking about something…and stop calling me ma’am Flash, we’ve known each other for 3 years.” she says as she shuffles something in her hooves trying to hide it from you.

You give her an inquisitive stare. “Alright ma-Cadance…but are you sure you’re alright…sure there isn’t anything you’d like to say?”

“Um…*sniff* no…?” she guesses as she wipes the tear stains from her face.
You just continue to stare at her, and see her try to hide the object in her hooves more. From the sound of it, it’s a piece of paper.

“Flash seriously, I’m fine, I just…had some bad memories come up…and my hormones you know?...plus this shifting weather here in The Crystal Empire can’t be helping, heh heh…” she lamely excuses.

You feel like you should let this go, that maybe it is just Mare Hormones and the weather, lord knows you’ll never truly understand how any mare’s mind works…but still.

Bugze…I know I heard her say it…

Thinking about that name causes you to scowl which, since you’re facing her, causes it to be directed to the Princess.

“Flash?..” she questions apprehensively.

“Cadance…I heard you say the name Bugze…” at that her eyes widen a bit, but you press on, “And I know who that name belongs to…the question is, why were you saying it just now? Why are you crying because of it?”

Seemingly shocked, she tries to blather out an excuse.

“Flash…I-I don’t know what you’re…”

“Ma’am, don’t lie to me, I know what I heard…now I’ll ask again, Is He Here?”

She sighs and says, “No Flash, he’s not here, he’d have to be an absolute moron to come back here…” she says.

After all the encounters you’ve had with him, there is evidence to suggest said levels of moronity, but you let that go and ask.

“Then why were you crying just now ma’am? Have you spoken to him recently?”

“I…” she pauses, and again you see her trying to sneakily hide the slip of paper, but you don’t let her know that you know. “No…it’s nothing alright…?” she says dodging the question, so you press forth.




Pony Spartan’s Comment



"It’s not Nothing Cadence, I don’t know how or why, but it looks like you’ve been hurt by this... Bugze. A.K.A, The Hooded Offender!"

"B-but-"

"Look at you! Excuse me princess, but you look terrible! What did he do this time?"

"He didn't do anyt-"

"Bullspit! That changeling has only been causing trouble ever since he first appeared! That's all he does! Cause trouble, and make our lives harder!!!" you bark as your voice rises.

"FLASH!"

You are taken aback by the loudness of that shout and reel back as she gets in your face.

"Bugze didn't do anything, he's not here, and I HAVEN’T SEE HIM IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS!" She shouts breathing heavily in your face causing you to wince. You’re about to pull back when you hear her say under her breath "...I miss him..."

"What was that?" you question, tempting your luck.

She glares at you. "I. Miss. Him." She says with a serious voice.
Your eyes turn from fearful to incredulous.

“You miss him? Seriously? After everything he’s done?”



BrownDog’s Comment



She continues to glare at you before she suddenly sits back down, puts a hoof up to her chest and takes a deep breath before exhaling. She then looks back at you a little more calmly.

“Look Flash, I don’t care for this tone you’re taking with me right now. Yes I miss him, he IS my friend, even with what happened 3 months ago. Now leave me be, it’s none of your busi…”

“Ma’am! The Hooded Offender is Public Enemy Number One. Capta-PRINCE Shining Armor has decreed to capture him. He is absolutely my business,” You counter, causing her to falter.

“That may be so, but-.”

“I know you have some sort of past relationship that with this Changeling, but ma’am, if you’ve been in contact with him, you have to let us know! He is a fugitive and needs to be brought to justice before more ponies die!” you declare as your pent up emotions flow forth.

“I…I…*Sniff* *Sniff*” she falters as you see tears start to form in her eyes and her lips tremble. Seeing this, you immediately lose your tough guy persona as guilt eats away at you.

“Oh no, geez, Cadance no, don’t cry…” you say in a comforting tone, but her lip still quivers.

From out in the hallway, you hear a Crystal Maid suddenly scream, “AAAAHHH!!! What the buck?! Who are you?! Kill who now?!... What the buck is a waifu thief?...He made who cry?!...”

Your eyes widen as you realize the mysterious voices are back. You slam the door behind you and lock it, before begging Cadance.

“Cadance, please, for the love of your aunts, please stop crying, I’m sorry! I was being a jerk and I let my anger get a hold of me, please stop crying?!” you beg while on your knees.

She sniffles and wipes her eyes and nose once more, while looking away from you. 

“It’s alright Flash…I-I understand…*sniff*”

Out in the hallway, you hear the maid say,

“Th-they gone? Oh thank goodness…” she sighs which causes you to give a sigh of relief as well.

Cadence looks back to you and continues.

“Flash, I can understand your suspicions and your anger…all the problems he’s caused for you…for all of us…”

“Problems is an understatement,” you quip and she nods.

“But Flash, you have to understand…I owe him Everything. He saved my life in my darkest moment…When I was all alone in the world, he was there for me…I know he’s caused mayhem…but he still is a good soul, I know it…and I miss him so…” she says sadly.

Oh…so he saved your life during the Invasion, you think as you look at the miserable looking Princess. I guess I can understand where you’re coming from Cadance…but it still doesn’t excuse everything else he’s done…

“So that’s why I’ve been crying Flash, because I do honestly miss him, even with all the world against him, I still miss that brave Changeling who saved my life,” she declares looking you straight in the eye.

You nod at this, it’s as good an excuse as any…but that paper…

“Alright…sorry for prying Cadence, I guess I’ve been a bit jumpy lately… But are you absolutely sure you haven’t seen or heard from him?”

You see the telltale sign of a lie in her eye as she mumbles, 

“I…of course not…I just told you that…”

“Uh-huh, well if that’s the case then-OH SWEET CELESTIA HE’S HERE!” you yell pointing behind her.

“WHAT?!” she shouts as she turn to look. As she does, you see the paper, which you can tell is a letter now, hanging from her hooves. You quickly dart forward and snatch it.

“Hey!” she yells as she feels your tug and holds on. This causes you to rip only the very bottom of the letter into your hooves. You quickly look at it and your jaw drops at what it says.

I miss you Cadance, and I truly am sorry.
Love,
Bugze

Cadance looks from the torn bottom of her letter to the piece you’re holding and seizes up.

“Now Flash, take it easy. Let’s not jump to any conclu-“.

“OH SWEET CELESTIA, PRINCESS CADANCE IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE HOODED OFFENDER!!!” you yell as you jump to all the wrong conclusions and fly out the door before she can stop you.

“WHAT?! NO! Flash come back!” you hear her call, but you ignore her and fly to Shining Armor’s office before she can even think of grabbing that crossbow. He has to know!

Meanwhile with Cadence.

“OH you stupid…Crud Crud Crud!” she squeaks as she tears off the top half of Bugze’s letter and burns it, while keeping the Crimson Knight names in tact before she runs out the door.

“Oh crud, where did Shining say he was going to be today?” she panics and runs off in a random direction.

BACK WITH YOU

You’ve flown so fast Rainbow Dash would probably be jealous, and taken every shortcut you can think of. You now stand in front of Shining Armor’s office and you have minutes at best to tell him what you’ve discovered before a heart shaped arrow finds your back.

You quickly and loudly knock on the door.



Kichi’s Comment



"It’s unlocked Sentry, come on in" he says from the other side.
You open the door a little confused as you look around the office and see Armor waiting there for you.

"How did you know it was me, sir?" you ask.

"Because when you knocked, strange voices in my head began to whisper things like 'waifu stealer' 'protect your sister' ‘drown him in wet cement’, and other strange things like that,” he says as he rubs his temple and your eyes widen. “That kind of thing only happens with you around, ergo it must’ve been you on the other side of the door.”

“Yeah…I’m really sorry about that sir, I don’t have any control over them,” you say nervously.

“You should really look into getting that fixed,” he tells you plainly.

"I tried sir. I went to several exorcists, and last I heard they’re all still in the insane asylum. Then I went to that Zebra Shaman Zecora, but even she couldn’t do anything. All she could do was figure out that the voices’ wrath is towards someone very similar to me, but that it’s been mistakenly bonded to me. My next plan is to locate the Demon Hunting WhinnyChester Brothers, but they are always travelling and…” 

"Okay, Okay, you got it covered, I get it,” Shining stops you. “Let’s move on, why are you here and not at your therapy session?”
Your eyes pop as you realize you’ve wasted precious time complaining about the voices instead of dishing the dirt. You quickly lock the door behind you and turn to your superior officer.

"Sir, we have a problem!”

"Easy,  what happened?" your boss asks.

"It’s the Offender sir,” you begin and see his eyes harden in response, “Princess Cadence has been in contact with him, and if this bottom half of this letter is any indication, there’s betrayal afoot,” you declare as you hand him the parchment. 
He glares at it for a second before looking up at you.

“Alright Flash, tell me what happened,” he says.

“Well sir, I was walking down the hall towards my...*Sigh* mandatory therapy, when I heard her crying in a room…”



BrownDog’s Comment



You then recap the situation and conversation with Princess Cadence as fast as you can. 

“…And then I flew here as fast as I could. She’s no doubt hunting me down right now with that Crossbow of hers.”
Shining’s face has been pretty unreadable during the recap, but now he gives you an incredulous look.

“Flash…really? You honestly think my wife, whom I’ve loved and been with since High School, is cheating on me? With the Hooded Offender?”

“I know it’s hard to imagine sir, I would never have thought such a thing either. I thought she was my friend…”

“She is your friend Flash! You’re just jumping to-“

“But I think the evidence speaks for itself. If anything, she’s been subverting us in the investigation by staying in contact with him.”
He physically sighs

“Flash…I’m happy you brought this to me…but I don’t like the insinuation that my wife is cheating on me with that…thing…” he growls.

“But sir,”

“Flash, my wife and…him, it’s true that he saved her. She never lets me forget. It was during the wedding when she was still imprisoned and he fed her. He got punished for his actions, and Cadence has felt like she’s owed him greatly ever since,” he explains before steeling his eyes at you. “But that’s ALL it is. She feels indebted to him. That’s it! No double dealing behind my back or anything else sinister” he says exasperated.

“Are you sure sir?” you ask trying not to shrink under his gaze.

“I’m pretty positive.” he says confidently

“But sir, aren’t you the least bit suspicious that she may be feeling the Nightingale effect towards him? While you were spending weeks being seduced by Queen Chrysalis which was then shown to Cadance in her prison, this Changeling saved her life and gave her the will to live, thus giving her a new outlet to express her feelings. It would explain why she has stayed in contact with him after all these years, why she always speaks against his incarceration, why she lied about talking to him and why I found her crying over a note that ends with Love, Bugze.” You exposit rapid firedly.

You see Shining’s eyes shrink as your explanation sinks into him.

“Did you ever think of that sir?”

“Well NOW I am!” he growls at you to which you back up a bit. Thankfully this awkward situation is interrupted as Cadence begins to bang on the locked door.

“SHINING! WAIT! Don’t listen to what he says! It’s not what you think!” Cadance yells.

You see your Boss look to the door then back to you.

“Sentry, open the door, let my wife in, then wait on the other side till I call you back. That’s an order,” he growls.

You nod nervously, salute, then quickly unlock and open the door, causing Cadence to burst through.

“It isn’t how it looks or sounds Shiny I swear!” she pleads, before glaring at your exiting form.

“Where do you think you’re going mister? You get right back in here and…”

“Ignore him Cady, you and I need to talk privately,” Shining says sternly. Taking this as your cue, you shut the door and stand at attention, as you do, you can’t help but hear their raised voices.

“Cadance, you mind telling me the meaning behind this?”

“Shining, it isn’t what it looks like I swear. Whatever Flash told you is wrong, I would never do that to you!”

“Oh I never believed that part…much…I know how melodramatic and jumpy Flash has been lately,”

Hey! I’m not melodramatic!

“*Sigh* Thank you Shiny, I couldn’t bear the thought of you thinking that I would…”

“That said, I do still feel betrayed Cadence. How long have you still been writing to him!”

“Shiny, I…”

“No, no excuses, how long have you still been in contact with him?!”

“I haven’t been Shining, that’s what I’m trying to tell you,” she pleads.

“Then what in the name of Tartarus is this? I group hallucination?”

“No you Oaf! HE wrote to ME!” you hear her growl.

“Oh really, and how’d he do that?”

“There’s such thing as the postal service remember?!”

“Oh…right…then where’s the rest of the letter?”

“I burned it!”

“Why?”

“Because it was written for my eyes only! I don’t care how much you hate him, he’s still my friend. And no, he didn’t tell me where he was so don’t even ask.”

“But Cad-.”

“Shining! The letter was an apology letter for the Incident. He just wanted to tell me sorry. I know it doesn’t mean anything for the Empire or the law, but it means something to me!” she declares before he hear her start crying again.

“Oh Cady…” you hear Shining say and get up from his chair.
You mentally chide yourself.

Well way to go Flash, you just made a blunder over an apology letter. Good going!

“But how was I supposed to know?” you moan aloud.

You then hear the conversation start again.

“Cadance, I’m sorry…”

“*Sniff* I know…I am too Shining. I can’t help it. I do miss him, even after all he’s done…”

“I know baby, I know. And I can’t stay mad at you, I love you too dang much.”

“Heh…you sweet talker. Ditto,” you hear her say before you hear the sound of a kiss…followed by another kiss, and another.

“Cady…”

“Shiny…” you hear them breathlessly say as you hear items being pushed off his desk and more smooching.

“Ummm…” you say aloud as you hear this commotion with a blush on your face.

“SENTRY!!! Make a circuit around the palace and be back here in 20 minutes!”

“Sir yes sir!” you yell as you quickly gallop away from that awkward situation.

20 MINUTES LATER

You arrive back at the office door and, hearing no sounds of…stuff, you knock.

“Enter,” comes your boss’s voice.

You do so and see both Shining and Cadence sitting close together as if nothing has happened.

“Is everything alright sir?” you ask apprehensively.

“It is indeed Lieutenant, nothing to worry about here,” he says while giving his wife a squeeze to which she giggles.

“But on the other hoof, I believe that you owe someone an apology, so get to it…” he commands.
You nod then look to the Princess of Love.

“Ma-Cadance. I’m sorry for being invasive of your privacy, for jumping to conclusions, and for making a general ass out of myself…” you say as you bow your head.

You hear her chuckle and say, “It’s alright Flash, I forgive you. But let’s not make a habit of doing this shall we? I enjoy our friendship and don’t want to see it burn for silly reasons.”

“Yes Ma’am, happy to forget this whole situation!” you salute very fast and hit yourself in the forehead and they both grin.

“Maybe you should lay off the pills a bit there Flash,” she teases.

“NO!!! I need them!” you yell out loud in anger causing them to look at you in confusion.
“Ahem, sorry, I meant, no thank you…I don’t have an anger problem…”

“Good, now that that’s out of the way, we can focus on a bit of good news,” Shining says as he sits up in his chair straighter.

“Good news sir?”

“Yes, it appears that this whole…letter situation did yield some promising new information,” he says as he places a piece of parchment in front of you. You pick it up and see it is a list of names.

“What is this sir?”

“This is a list of names that are supposedly Crimson Knight Leaders,” Cadence answers.
Your eyes widen as you look back over the note. Small fry Knights had been captured here and there, but the leaders were always unknown.

“Really? How do we know it’s legit?” you ask surprised.

“Because there is one name on there that has been apprehended already,” he says as he places a newspaper paper in front of you.



Kichi’s Comment



Crimson Knight Leader Apprehended In Bastion Amidst Fazbear Inferno.

Last night, a Crimson Knight leader (Known only as Kichi), was captured along with 11 of his subordinates at the burning family restaurant, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. This franchise, which had been investigated last year due to multiple disappearances, was found to actually have been a cover for a criminal organization known as the Video Game Mafia. Kichi, The leader of this mafia just so happens to also be a high ranking member of the Crimson Knights. On top of those crimes, Kichi was also found to have kidnapped children and forced them to work for him and feed him love. Confused by that last crime? Wait till you hear his race. Kichi, the leader of a group of terrorists and mobsters, is a Changeling! And not only that, one of his subordinates was as well.

“We couldn’t believe it, we had gone out to help the fire brigade with a blazing restaurant, instead we ended up hauling away a wagon load of kids and 12 Crimson Knights, two of whom were B@#$%ing Changelings,” reported one of the officers on the scene.

That’s right folks, not only are these Knights the fanatical worshipers of The Hooded Offender, they also employ the help of Changelings. Celestia help their twisted souls.

Though in the custody of the Royal Guard, the criminals themselves were actually captured by an untold number of Bounty Hunters who engaged them in battle, which in turn caused the building to catch fire.
When asked about the bounty hunters, the police refused to give names, but one of them did give us this little tidbit.

“The red masked one, he told me to quote him on this, he said that he would be bringing more of the Crimson Knights down.”

It is not known where these Bounty Hunters have since gone to, but word from the Prison Guards provide insight on this Changeling Terrorist’s feelings.

“We have yet to get any prevalent information out of that bug. During our earliest interrogations, all he ranted about was that he was putting a bounty on the Bounty Hunters that burned down his establishment and that they were the bad guys. What we didn’t tell the little cockroach was that all of his assets have been frozen and seized for evidence of his illegal deeds, so he literally has nothing to offer,” the Guard then proceeded to laugh. 

No other information was given, but with his capture, the Royal Guards and civilians of Equestria themselves have shown these terrorists that we will not live in fear of their shadowy ways.

You look at the date of the article then look up slackjawed.

“This…happened yesterday morning?”

“Yes, and I’m actually kind of upset the media caught wind of it before I did.”

“So the list is legit?”

“Maybe. Cadence has told me of The Offender’s hatred for the Knights, so there’s reason to think he’d find their names. The only problem is the report of Bounty Hunters taking down this crew. It makes me think he has leaked out these names to their lot as well.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” you ask, confused by his troubled look.

“No, bounty hunters are only in it for the money, and don’t care about collateral damage. These ones allegedly burned the place down unnecessarily. It’s what their kind do,” he explains.

“Huh…you’d think the Offender Himself would take these guys down if he hated them so much.”

“Yeah, instead he’s having others do his dirty work, which just shows what a coward he is,” Shining says as Cadence gives him a reproachful look. “He probably put himself back into exile again after what happened three months ago…” Shining Armor muses as he rubs his stomach wound.

Cadence puts a leg around his shoulder and Shining sighs again before saying,



Kersey's Comment



"I just hope that with the development of the new Exoskeleton program he'll be easier to capture when he comes out of hiding."
Cadence glares at the mention of the program as she says,

"You know that I still don't approve of hunting him down with metal monstrosities Shining."
Shining sighs before saying,

"I know honey, but you have to remember that it was put to vote and you were outvoted two to one."
Cadence glare just deepens as she mumbles under her breath, (Which you don’t hear since you’re respecting her privacy at the moment)

"If only Luna had decided to side with me instead of abstaining to keep her cover to look for Bugze."

"What was that honey?"

Cadence's eyes widen before she puts up a smile and says,

"Oh nothing honey, just thinking out loud."

Shining get's a suspicious look before asking,

"About what exactly?"

Cadence looks around before saying,

"About...how annoying Blueblood's been lately in HIS rants on Bugze."

You can see your commanding officers face contort into annoyance as he says,

"Please don't mention that idiot's idea for the program. It's annoying enough that I have to hear about it from him at the meetings."
You gain a confused look as you ask,

"If I may ask sir, what is Prince Noball-I mean Blueblood’s idea is for the program?"

You hear Cadence hold back a laugh as Shining looks at you with a raised brow as he asks,

"Prince Noballs?"

Cadence once again holds back a laugh as you chuckle nervously and explain,

"Oh well...you know how no one on the guard likes the jerk for his treatment of us and how he thinks we're nothing but over paid bodyguards? Well after the whole incident at the Gala happened we started calling him "Noballs" because he basically has none anymore. One of the few good things that Offender has done."

By now Cadence is about to explode in laughter as Shining just sighs and says,

"While I understand how the guards feel about him, he's still royalty. For that we have to treat him as such...," Shining get's a sly smirk as he continues, "Of course that doesn't mean I won't turn a blind eye if you do treat him like trash."
Cadence finally can't take it as she begins to laugh uncontrollably and you are tempted to join in, but you hold back as you say,

"Thank you sir, but about what he's been asking about...?"

Shining sighs before saying,

"Oh yeah, that. Apparently his royal highness has chosen the “perfect guard” to be one of the potential candidates for the program. One who has past experience with The Offender.  I suspect that this guard might be under Blueblood’s payroll, but I have no proof to show it."
You nod your head at this as you ask,

"What's this guard’s name sir?"'

"I don't remember exactly, but it was some unicorn named "Song Lead" or something like that."

The name seems to ring some bells, but all you can remember is a really annoying voice yelling at you to get back to the front lines, so you choose to just ignore it.

Shining sighs again before looking over to Cadence and saying,

"Honey, why don't you go and relax? Me and Flash have to discuss more about these Knights."

Cadence gets a confused look before nodding her head and leaving. You look at Shining confused, to which he says,

"What I’m about to tell you is confidential, and only for the likes of military minds, plus Cadence doesn’t like this kind of talk.”
You only get more confused as Shining stands up and says,

“Flash, when the program is finally finished, I want you to be one of the candidates.”
You look up at him awed and flattered that he would even suggest that.

“R-really sir?”

“Yes Flash, really. It may be a year out, but I don’t need to think about who I want in it. I know where your loyalties lie when it comes to The Offender. Heck, even if it was careless, the fact that you would rat out a Princess over him shows where you stand.”
You nod at this truth.

“Also, aside from my Sister and the other Elements of Harmony, you are the one who has encountered him the most. You have more experience in his mannerisms and insanity. Also with you on the team, you could keep Blueblood’s candidate in line. You are literally the best choice in this regard.”

“Thank you sir, I’m honored and…”

“But unfortunately, your recent headlines will impede that,” he says as he scowls, causing you to flatten your ears.

“Sir?”

“Flash, I know we all have our prejudices, but you can’t go saying things like you’ve done in the past. It’s a PR nightmare.”

“Prince Armor I…” 

“And you just now that Blueblood will try to bring it back around and use it to keep you out of the program,” Shining sighs.
You look downcast at the floor.

“I’m sorry sir…Really, I’m not a Speciest. I don’t know what’s wrong with me…It’s like I can’t help it...like someting's making me say those things...” you say as you rub your temple as a headache forms.

“Well whether you can help it or not, it’s in the public eye. That’s why I’ve had you go to these Therapy sessions. Good PR. But if you really want to help your image and help you get into the program, then I might have something for you.”

“Yes sir, anything, what is it?” you say as you stand at attention.

He opens a drawer and takes out a poster and places it on the desk.
It says,

The Power of the Knight’s
Coming Next Year

With a drawing of the Hooded Offender.

“This is a movie that is currently being filmed, and from what I’ve heard, it’s setting itself up to be a blockbuster.

“Somepony’s making a movie about him?”

“Apparently so, which tells me 1 of 2 things. Either this is just a shock value movie made by some Applewood jerk trying to make a quick buck…”

“Or…?”

“It’s propaganda…” he says with a serious look.

Your eyes widen. “Do you think that this is being made by the Knights themselves?”

“It’s a possibility, that’s why I’m sending you to investigate undercover. Get to the movie studios and take note of the situation. Report to me if you find anything suspicious. Heck, listen for the names on this list,” he says holding up the Leader name paper. “If you do this, and perhaps a few more deep cover missions, then you could insult Celestia to her face and still get into my program.”

You chuckle nervously at that scenario as you memorize the names.

“Well, hopefully it will just be the Applewood guys trying to make a buck,” you say.

“That situation is just as bad,” Armor responds.

“It is?”

He gives you a look and says, “What if the Crimson Knights don’t like the idea of them and the Hooded Offender being portrayed on screen? Who knows how they’ll respond…”

You gulp at this thinking back to Fillydelphia.

“So what say you Flash? Will you still do this and prove your worth?”



The Pony Spartan's Comment



You grow a determined look as you salute him and say, “Sir yes sir! I will do whatever I can to help out with this plan sir. If it helps take down those monsters, I’m in. It's what my good friend would have done."

"That’s what I like to hear. And who's this good friend of yours?"

A tear falls down your face as you remember your bro and his poor little daughter. "B.S.T..."
Shining notices your saddened look as he gains a grim look before saying,

"Ah...my condolences. I'm sure he's in a better place now."
You nod your head at this, before taking out the pills that Dr. Q gave you after the forest fire and popping some.

Keep taking them till all the pain goes away, need them, Need them... you think as you swallow the pills.

As you do Shining looks at the clock before looking to you and saying,

“Anyway, you’ve already missed your therapy session. I expect you on the first train out to Applewood. Good luck to you…and try and keep your…outbursts to yourself alright?

You nod at this.

“Alright then, dismissed.”

You salute Shining quickly before turning around and beginning to rush out the door, but as you do you hear Shining mumble under his breath



Grey Rebl's Comment



"Heh, isn’t it ironic how the alleged 'waifu stealer' was concerned about my wife being stolen..." 

Your eyes widen at this as you ask in surprise,

"...Sir, what—?"

Suddenly, internal screams ring out in Shining’s Head.

"Nothing! You heard nothing!" Shining cries out suddenly, eyes bulging. He hurries you out himself, much to your confusion, before he slams the door. From the other side, you hear him lean against the door muttering, “Buck off Voices…” 

You stare at the door in confusion before you say,

"Dear Celestia I hope those Whinnychester brothers can help me…If I ever find them, *Sigh* Whelp, better pack my stuff.
With that said you did what...you said....yeah.

Later, While Walking To The Train Station

You breathe in deeply as you practice those breathing exercises your therapist taught you. You DON’T have an anger problem, you know this, stupid quacks! But the exercise are good for calming nerves.
You’ve got your guitar case, your sunglasses, and other supplies in your suitcase and are passing an ally way when…



Protomane's Comment



You are suddenly pulled into it by a magical force, causing you to yelp.

"Gotcha!" comes a mare’s voice as you get pushed up into a wall and you feel a hoof pressed against your neck. You gasp out in pain from the surprise, and see that whoever this mare is, she is shrouded in a cloak.

"Foolish guard to walk around without a partner, don’t you know there are crazy ponies all around you?”

“What do you want with me cultist?!” you snarl.

The figure seems taken aback. “Cultist? I’m not a cultist, I’m an entertainer…or I was…”

“OK…then why are you ambushing me?”

“The voices! They whispered about you. Something about stealing Sparkle and to hurt you! Stupid mare, it was all her fault! She turned him on me!” the cloaked mare rants.

“Oh for the love of- Lady you just have to ignore those voices and they’ll go away. They’re insufferable jerks!”

“Right…yes, you’re not the one I seek,” she says as she cuts off her blue magic, causing you to drop to the floor, where you rub your throat. The mare then looks over you and asks.

“Now, would you mind pointing me to the nearest Antique or Trinket Shop? I’m looking for something,” she says not even apologizing.

“I do mind, and I don’t know, have you tried downtown?”

“Bah, what use are you?” she huffs and walks away, “Go ahead and steal Sparkler, she’ll be weaker with you around.”

As the mare rounds the corner you get up and watched the cloaked figure walk away.

“Stupid voices, what have I ever done to you?” you whimper as you pick up your guitar case and head to the train station.

The ticket mare asks you your destination, and with a determined look, you tell her,

"I'm heading off to see a friend in Apple-

POV CHANGE: BUGZE

"wood! At last we've made it!” you say as you an Aqua finally get off of the train after 2 days.

You look around at all the sunshine and the distant beaches and ponies in summer clothes.

“You think we’ll have time to go to Whinny Land after we’re done?” Aqua snarks and you turn and try to shush her, but from your bags pops Nightshade with her new “pet”

“Did somepony say WhinnyLand?” she says excitedly.

“Uh…no honey, we said…Kidney…Fan…”

“Okay…ew…” she says as she looks around.

“Yeesh it’s warm here, I’m going back in the shade, good luck with your…Kidneys…” she says before popping back in.
Sighing as you dodged a bullet you whisper to Aqua,

“To answer your question…maybe.”

She nods at this and you turn your attention to the Applewood movie studio district.

“Somewhere amongst those hundreds of movie studios is our next target along with any other Knights with him. Now we just got to figure out where they are and what movie they’re working on.”

Your fearsome teeth appear as you steel your eyes and say in a menacing tone,

"Solarkness, here I come!"

And somewhere on a movie set, a cloaked Timberwolf and Cloaked Wyvern suddenly shiver.

What Do You Do?

Outro:

> Episode 29: Applewood Exploring Time! (Applewood Arc Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As you and Aqua walk through Applewood (after repeatedly telling the gaurds at the city entrance that you are not some famous movie actor) Aqua asks you,



BrownDog's Comment



“So what exactly did Kichi tell you?” asks Aqua.

“That the knight supplying all the movie props and stuff is named Solarkness. His name is on my list.”

“OK, but did he say anything specific? Like what he looks like, what the movie he’s working on is, or what studio it’s being made under?”

“Well…not exactly. I kind of went Roboguard on him and he passed out before I could get anything else,” you say as you rub the back of your head.

“Great, so what are we supposed to do, search every single studio in Applewood?”

“Not EVERY single one. I’d figure that a nutjob Knight leader wouldn’t be making anything kid friendly, comedic, or romantic,” you explain.

“And how do you figure that?” she asks.

“All those props from the makeup to the bones and robots means it’s obviously going to be a BlockBuster of some kind, with lots of violence and destruction.”

She pauses as she contemplates this.

“That’s…not actually a bad deduction. I mean, if he had enough to lend to his buddy Kichi, this Solarkness guy must be working on something with big bucks.”

“Exactly, so all we have to do is find all the big box office movies being made, and look for any mysterious figures in cloaks.”

“And how many of those are being made?”

“Well, as much as I hate him, the fact that Michael Beigh is making another Transformares…GRRRR…means that we should look at blockbusters whose release schedule coincides with his. From what Silver Strange slipped before I knocked him out, they feel the same way towards him. Wherever Solarkness is, my guess is that he wants audiences to watch his movie instead of Beigh’s so that he has the satisfaction of making him lose money.”

“You think that’s their overall goal? To screw over Beigh?”

“*Sigh* Probably not, but I wouldn’t put it past them to do it as an added benefit.”

“Alright, it’s as good a plan as any. I say we visit an information kiosk or something to find out the schedules,” she agrees.

You nod your head at this as you say,

"Good idea. Once we get to the studio district we'll split up and search around."

Aqua nods her head and the two of you continue to walk, however as you walk Aqua asks you another question,



Kichi's Comment



"What if they are protected?"

"Uhhh, what?" you respond.

"Well, what if these guys have aliases or something? I mean, these guys are wanted and yet they're making a movie, what if these different personas have legal public backing that we can't disprove? Do you have a plan for that?"

"Of course I do," you say confidently. "I find them, ignore their threats, and make fire rain in their heads... Fiiiireeee" you moan happily as you think of that mighty red flower.

"Seriously, I think you have a problem with that, and I'm not just saying that because my deal is water," she says in a worried manner.

"I don't have a problem... The fire is good, things not on fire are evil..." you groan as your eyes take on a hint of green.

BUGZE!!! Selena shouts, knocking you out of your loop.

"Eh? Uh? What? What happened" you ask looking around as your eyes return to normal.

"You were being creepy with the fire thing again, and your eyes were getting a bit green," Aqua explains.

Green eyes? Creepy? Crap! I can't channel him like that, he'd get more power over me! you mentally panic as you shake your head. 

Selena, is he still jailed?

He is, but I did sense a glow about him just now, be careful, Selena comments, clearly more reasonable now that the drugs are gone.

Okay Good, now...Aqua is looking at me funny again, better change the subject, you think as you see Aqua giving you a questioning look.

"Um...just ignore the eye thing and let's talk about the plan for Solarkness," you say.

"Yeah, alright..." she says still looking at you funny, "So what is the plan after we figure out where he is?"

"I say we confront him, then beat the snot out of him," you declare.

"Just like that? Nothing else specific?" she deadpans.

"Well yeah, it worked for Kichi right?" you say.

"We went in blind without even finding out what species he was, and look how that turned out, you sure you don't want to find out more than nothing at all before we jump him?"

"Well...ya I see your point. Though I suspect that even if we don't he'll give a villain monologue and explaining everything like the last guy. Man, was he a windbag..."

"Yeah, after what you told me you went through to get those keys, I'd rather stay cautious,"

"Keys..." you mutter as the ordeals you went through Flash in your mind in a blast of green.

"Puzzles... Too many Puzzles..." you whisper.

You shake your head to rid your thoughts of keys, but now you can't help but think,

Great, now I have a phobia of keys! I wonder if anyling else is having as bad a realization as me.

MEANWHILE: AT A STUDIO SOMEWHERE IN APPLEWOOD

Solarkness the cloaked Timber Wolf, and Rutherford the cloaked Wyvern sit in their studio trailer. After a full day of filming yesterday, today is a day for relaxation. Unfortunately,

"Holy Crap!" shouts the dragon.

The Timberwolf looks up from his papers and asks, "What? What is it?" 

"Kichi's been captured!" Rutherford says showing his friend the paper.

"What?!"

They then both read over the article.

"Well...crap. Sucks for him," responds Solarkness.

"Yeah, but what about us? What if he spills the beans and they start looking for us?"

"Calm down, all he knew was that I was somewhere out here in Applewood, I never gave him an address or anything, only you. This city is huge so the chances of us being found are astronomical." 



Solarkness's Comment




TheRutherford's Comment



The two cloaked figures suddenly feel a shiver of dread run down their spines. The tall one looks over to the short one as it he asks,

"Sol, did you also just get overcome with a severe feeling of dread like the one we had earlier?"

The wolf figure nods his head as he says,

"Eyup"

MEANWHILE IN PONYVILLE

A big red stallion sitting in a divorce counselor's office with a light purple mare suddenly sneezes.

"Bless you Mac, you coming down with a cold?"

"No...Somepony is using my catchphrase..." he responds cryptically.

BACK WITH THE TWO KNIGHTS

Rutherford shakes his head before he takes a deep breath and says,

"Alright that does it. I feel like today is a good day to leave town. We are running low on "special" supplies and I didn't pay for the carnivorous Generals' and the more competent underlings' Hunting Licenses to look pretty. Let's take your two henchmen and go get some dinner. Some REAL dinner. It's deer season, we should take a hunting day trip to the Redwoods and be back tomorrow afternoon, in time to film."

Solarkness mulls this over it, before responding,

"Your plan sounds efficient. Besides, it's not as if they'd crash us while we are away, is it?"

The dragon begins to respond, before the wooden wolf finishes.

"And yes, I have heard of the so called "Laws of Murphy" before. No need to remind me."

"Alright cool, then is that the plan? We all go hunting today to forget about this whole Kichi thing?"

"Yeah I guess...except for Fluorite...," Solar sighs at that, "Yeah. He can stay watch here for all I care."

"Um...is something wrong?" asks the dragon. The wolf gets up and starts pacing, obviously agitated.

"Do you know these people that you immediately like, and then develop an apathy for?"

"What, like Kersey?"

"Yeah, exactly. Both of them are people like that. I mean, sure, Fluorite and I have some similarities, we both have the same underlying principles, but the more I see about how he applies them... Ugh, seriously? Instead of just trying to freeze me in our mock battles, he does things like destabilize the building so it falls onto me. Or, that one time, where he targeted my replacement-wood first..."

Solar sighs before turning back to Rutherford.  He looks down, almost defeated before he says,

"And the worst part? He's more efficient. Like, sure, I may do more harm in shorter time, but he does more harm in total. He does not let any enemies escape, because he makes it so they can't split off or something... I mean, I feel as if I have it in me to do that, but everytime I see prey I just... snap. It's like... it's like I'm mentally disabled or something," he sighed at that, "Heck, I wouldn't even blame you if you didn't listen to any of that... I told you how many times already, five?"

Rutherford gains a blank stare before he says,

"No I heard you, each time. I just don't have anything helpful to say about it, however you are right. While you act as more of a shock trooper, causing more damage in a short time-span, he goes for the long-term damage. When he removes your backup wood *chuckle* he is preventing you from healing quickly making his attacks more severe. And while you two represent two ends of the predator hunting spectrum, you are both still pack-oriented predators, which is why you likely seemed drawn to him, but as you said he is not like you in his attack style." 

"Yeah...but still..." the timberwolf pouts, to which the dragon comforts.

"We both know that your health and stamina is greater than his. That's why you are his Alpha and why he goes for the crippling blows during your mock-battles, to slow you down. However, if you are both going after a common enemy, then I think you two will likely be a force to be reckoned with. You causing major damage at the beginning and him doing small, crippling damage throughout the fight.  You would wind up being the main focus as his attacks start to drain the enemy's stamina."

At this Rutherford begins to pace around the room as he says,

"And even if bounty hunters did find us then we should have nothing to worry about. Especially if I come in during the fight, since I'm pretty efficient at my healing and water breath."

"I don't know, Kichi may have been a bit mad, but he did have a pretty elaborate set up. For all we know, these bounty hunters could be some strategic warriors."

Rutherford stops his pacing as he gains a thinking look before saying,

"Maybe...but still, I think that if we all stick together and have our subordinates around, we'll be fine."

The timberwolf looks up to the dragon and seems more relaxed.

"Thank you Rutherford. I do in fact feel more reassured. But speaking of subordinates I couldn't help but notice yours' are absent. I assume they are busy with something, yes?"

Rutherford shakes his head at this before saying,

"They all asked for transfers. Most of them went to either Kersey or Grey Rebl."

"They did?"

"Yeah, right after I went to the Crystal Empire to withdraw some crystals from the account my father set up for me there. Nice amount of foresight on his part and apparently being away for a thousand years did not stop the crystals from growing or earning interest. Makes funding this movie all the much easier, but I digress, I think that either they are afraid that them failing me will result in me eating them, stereotypical xenophobes, or they did not like me having them operate legally to amass bits and resources." 

"Maybe they feared you would be tied back through your expenses," suggest Solarkness.

Rutherford shakes his head and sighs before saying,

"I try to do a majority of things legally, but I don't use any of my personal stuff directly for the Knights. That way there's less of a chance they can pin anything on me."

"Yeah, look how well that worked out for Kichi," the wolf says pointing to the paper.

"Right...So lets go ahead and get out of here and get you away from Fluorite, shall we?"

"Yeah... alright. But when we get back to film tomorrow, don't forget that we need to get the "special" supplies as well" Solarkness agrees.

"Will do..."

As the two Knights begin to leave, Rutherford asks,

"Hey, do you feel like we just shoved out a lot of exposition for our backgrounds for some invisible beings we can't see?"

Solar gives Rutherford a strange look before saying,

"Nope, must just be your imagination."

Rutherford quirks his eyebrow up before saying,

"Hmmmm....I guess so."

BACK TO YOU

After walking for a long couple of blocks, you and Aqua near the studio district and begin to see a bunch of ponies and other beings in costumes.

"Well good luck finding cloaked figures in all this mess."

As you walk, you hear some boisterous laughter. It sounds quite masculine and manly, too. You and Aqua turn to the source, with raised brows.



Grey Rebl's Comment



On the other side of the street, there are some buff ponies and—well what do you know!—they have weapons on their person. They have Knives, a lance, and a sword for that matter as well! The weapons are wrapped in cloth just in case so that noling will get hurt. The both of you stare for a moment.

...after that moment, you just proceed to move on, effectively forgetting the whole thing.

“Hey. Hey!” Aqua calls out to you.

You tune back to face her. “Huh?” 

“Are we seriously going to ignore the ponies who have WEAPONS in broad daylight?”

“Well...yeah?” You then hear a resounding face hoof in your mindscape, of which you decide to ignore just this once for the sake of the conversation. “I mean, they’re cool and all, but they’re actors we don't even know. So we’ll just leave them be.”

Aqua just stares at you incredulously. “...what? B-but—!”

You didn't quite hear, so you continue. “Why? You know them and want an autograph?”

“Just—wait a minute! Actors? What do you mean?”

“What do I mean—oh. Oooh.” You say in realization. Of course, not everyling can be like you. It’s not like it’s common knowledge either, even if you sometimes wish it was. “You don't watch many movies, do you? Or know about Applewood for that matter.”

At this point, the rather masculine ponies are long gone, so the only thing to note is Aqua’s ignorance of the subject.

“Well I know movies get made here...but yeah, I’m not much of a movie-goer, but I’m not the only one left out in the dark without a clue.”

Looks like she’s the type to never like not knowing some things. Anyway, by the benevolence bestowed onto you by your expansive knowledge of serial flicks, you answer the call to this lost soul!

No need to be so dramatic...  Selena dryly says.

Oh, come on! Just let me have this! you think.

“You know how Applewood is the place for making movies, right? Well, that includes the action movies. You gotta have all these stunts to make everything look cool and stuff, but there's gotta be some ponies who do that sort of thing, especially the extreme and dangerous ones."

At this, Aqua nods in understanding.

You continue. "Back in the days before Applewood was, well, Applewood, the ponies were the toughest around! When they got the idea to do something cool and dangerous, they decided to do it because they actually could. Whatever they made was a hit! But now, they got too many weenies who can't do dangerous stuff, so Applewood hires all kinds of stunt actors whom you've never heard of. Also it's cheaper than setting up all the stuff to fake it, so doing the real thing saves money. Sort of. They still use the smoke and screens to make everything cooler."

Aqua nods again, this time absentmindedly. “Yeah…”

You’re not even sure if she’s actually paying attention! Still, you continue on. 

“That’s why Applewood is known for housing some of the most toughest and strongest ponies and non-ponies in the world! You’ve got martial artists, magic users, and all kinds of fighters! Hay, you can even have grandmasters of Hoof Fu in the mix!” You say excitedly. 

However, you then frown by the next words,

“But with all these kinds of strong, battle-hardened folks, there tends to be a it of a power hierarchy. ...it’s kinda also why some of the movie directors can be kinda...monstrous. Like Michael Hay and Shingading-a-long something-something. Buuut that’s just rumors! I’m sure that they can’t be...that...bad…?”

You trail off when you see that Aqua begins to have a rather thoughtful expression. She’s frowning, a hoof under her chin. Just what is she thinking about?

“I wonder if sensei is here…,” you hear her mutter, but barely.

With a head tilt, you ask, “Um, Aqua?”

She easily snaps out of it by the call of her name. “O-oh! It’s nothing. Forget that I said anything!”

“Right…” You doubt it, and it’s a gut feeling. And your gut feeling tend to mean “impending doom.” Or maybe it’s just your imagination. Although, you decide to respect her privacy, as long as it doesn't effect what you’re doing right now. Still, you’re curious. Just who might this ‘sensei’ be? Is he/she also an elemental bender? A water bender like Aqua maybe? 

With a nervous cough, Aqua gets back on track, “...Anyway, you’re surprisingly knowledgeable about this sort of thing.” 

You rub a hoof to your neck, flattered. “Aww, geez, it’s a part of my pride!” You get a happy feeling, being able to show off some of your knowledge without feeling like a—

“But it’s almost kinda sad when you think about it,” she then interjects.

...and there’s the bucking punch line.

“H-hey!”

In your head, Selena chuckles and adds to the humiliation,

She’s right you know

Ugh! Not you, too! Leave my hobby alone!

“Well! Now that I know, let’s get going.” Shrugging it off, she then says, “C’mon,” and the water bender then starts to move ahead of you.

“Wait up!” you cry out.

A FEW MOMENTS LATER

You and Aqua finally arrive at the studio district and you both begin to split up. As Aqua starts to head to the east you call out to her,



BrownDog's Comment

 

“Oh wait and one more thing,” you call out causing her to turn back.

“Kichi said that Solarkness’s closest ally is TheRutherford. Now whether that means he’s here or not is to be seen, but keep that info in mind while snooping.”

She nods and says, “Gotcha CV, see ya here around Dinner Time, you’re buying," and heads East.

You being the brilliant tactician head West. 

You know, it would be a favorable fortune if this Rutherford Knight was also here. That’s two names at once, says Selena, who is a much better conversationalist when sober.

Yeah, but if they are together that just means there’s more of their underlings hanging around probably.

True, but you did hold your own from what I remember…

Barely, despite your random druggy mood swings, I think I did alright, you chuckle.

Hmmph! I can hardly be blamed for drugged me, that mare is an idiot,

Your words, not mine…

You chuckle as you hear Selena facehoof before she says with a annoyed tone,

…Anyway, I would not have been in that situation had you not foolishly eaten random food left in the den of our enemies!

I had a rumbly in my tumbly, don’t judge me.

She gives off a sigh, 

Bugze, I will always keep toxins from infecting you, but for the love of me, don’t make a habit of taking the hard stuff. The ones that effect your brain, especially in high doses, are the ones that are most dangerous.

Alright alright, I’m sorry I got you high again…thanks again for keeping me sober.

One of us has to be, though I’m thankful even Drugged Me had the foresight to keep Nightshade from entering during that whole ordeal.

Oh so that’s what she was huffing about when that new…pet of hers showed up. I still can’t believe she took that thing in. It tried to kill me.

Well at least it’s not something she has to feed or clean up after.

Yeah… you contemplate as you see a bunch of joggers running with their panting hairy dogs.

Anyway, how’s Zambini doing?

I have not heard anything else since that incident earlier. But since I had not shared the antidote endorphins that pumped through your body, he has been pretty docile these last 2 days, spouting off his nonsensical yet threatening sounding philosophies.

Well yeah, I know that much already. Still at least it allowed Nightshade to gain some headway with him…although…

LAST NIGHT

You and Selena stood behind Nightshade (who somehow brought the Mangle Plush with her) while stoned Sombra sat in his cage. They each had a board piece for Battle Boat.

“A7” Nightshade declares.

“You have sunken my watery war vessel. All the lives on it ended as you mercilessly bombarded it into oblivion…This game is enjoyable…”he spouts.

“Ummm…right…uh, G4?” Nightshade continues.

“You have hit the troop carrier…had I succeeded, the Umbra controlled Crystal Ponies would have marched upon the land…but sadly, you have taken out a fourth of their numbers child…you are indeed a mighty warlord...”

“Thanks,” Nightshade beamed with a smile.

BACK TO NOW

Yeah, next time let’s try Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders…you contemplate.

If he still remains docile perhaps, but the last time you were drugged without antidote it took three days before I recovered, meaning he may already be slipping back to his garish self.

“*Sigh* Well let’s cross that bridge when we come to it…besides, I got till the evening, might as well enjoy this weather will Nightshade.”

You then take Nightshade and her Robot Fox Pet out. You may be on the job, but this is Applewood, she hasn't seen it before. And maybe you will go to Whinnyland after you've captured the bounty. You've got enough to actually get a resort suite there.

LATER

You treat Nightshade to a lunch of ice cream and more ice cream.

"YA! Buck my diet! We're rich now!" she shouts causing you to get the stink eye from other parents.

Avoiding eye contact, you look at the people out the window. Anyone of them could be who you're looking for.

If Solarkness and The Rutherford ARE both here it could be more difficult. Hopefully there aren’t any more in this town.

Meanwhile: On the Far Side of Town In a Celebrity Residential Neighborhood.

Two cloaked figures knock on a door that say Shamalamadingdong.

After a few moments a dark brown earth pony with a curly mane opens up the door.

“Yes, may I help you?” he asks to the figures.

“Hi, are you M. Night Shamalamadingdong?” asks the shorter one.

“Why yes I am,” he says proudly as he poses. “Director of such classic films as The Seventh Sense, Unhurtable, Messages, and The Last Spellbender!”

The larger figure grits his teeth and growls under his breath, “That last one is not a classic you hack…kill you, burn you, destroy you…

“What was that?” he asks.

“I said, that last one is not a classic you hack…kill you, burn you, destroy you…,” the figure says plainly.

“Oh…well nice catch there, because even I’ll admit I don’t  like that movie!” he says happily before turning to the audience (Yes US) and shouting

“What a twist!”

Both figures just facehoof/paw at this.

“Ha ha, but anyway, what can I do for you gentleman?”

The shorter pony figure asks, “What is your opinion of Michael Beigh?”

“Eh, he’s alright. I’d give anything to make the money he makes for movies the critics say are as bad as mine.”

“Well guess what, he says he hates all of your movies, including the 2 and a half good ones!” the larger fur covered figure says.

The director just shrugs and says. “Well them’s the breaks here in Applewood. You can’t make everyone happy.”

The pony and diamond dog look at each other and back before the pony asks, 

“Y-you’re not mad?”

“Nope, I’ve come to accept that not everypony will love my movies, and that’s OK. It’s nothing to get upset over.”

“R-really?” the Diamond Dog asks, “You don’t mind that the hack that ruined one of the best toy and cartoon franchises hates your movies?”

“Nah, some things you just have to let go,” he says with a smile.

“Umm…he also said that he thinks your hair is stupid,” the pony adds.

“HE SAID WHAT?!!!” the director yells as a blast of hot air escapes him, sending the two Crimson Knights flying off into the neighbor’s hedges.

“Nopony insults my hair, NOPONY!!!” shouts M. Night.

“Oh just you wait Beigh, I’ll get you for this! You reckoning is NIGH!!!”

The two knights smile widely at this declaration in the bushes…

“Let’s see you make your next movie when Meighgan Fox and Shia LaHoof are working for me! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” he laughs as he uses his wind powers to hover in the air.

“What?!” Brown Dog and SnapDrake declare.

The director looks in their direction, which is also ours DEAR LORD LOOK AT HIS SOULESS EYES!!! And says 

“What a Twist,” with a wink before he blasts off laughing as he does so.

After that insanity, the knights dust the leaves off themselves.

“Well that isn’t what we wanted…” Brown Dog moans.

“No this could still work, Beigh is a hot head, I’m sure he’ll go after Shamalamadingdong when he loses his actors,” Snap Drake reasons.

“Hmmm…good point…So, do you think we should visit Solarkness while we’re here?”

“Eh, we could, but you know how temperamental that wooden mutt gets when doing “Serious Work,” Snap Drake points out.

“First of all, I’m a mutt, he’s just some weird spiritual swamp wolf creature, and yeah, I see your point. He’s not exactly into our idea of fun.”

“Exactly. So I say we get some drinks and go to Whinny Land,”

“Liking the drinks part, but not the Whinny Land. If we’re going to a theme park, let’s go to one with better rides.”

“But Magic Mountain is like 2 hours North of here.”

“It will be worth it dude. Let’s catch a cab.”

“Eh…alright then, plus there’ll probably be more hot mares there our age” Snap Drake says happily. 

“Exactly, and then we can…Wait What?! I’mnotattractedtofemalesoutsideofmyownrace!!!, Who told you that?! Because they’re lying! Yeah…lying…” Brown Dog stammers as he looks around shiftily causing Snap drake to laugh at his expense.

As they walk on, the pony asks the Diamond Dog, “So, you think Silver and Kichi are getting along at his awesome base?”

“Oh heck yeah. Why else would he have asked to borrow him? Changelings love sticking together. Plus they get to play videogames all day.”

MEANWHILE WITH KICHI: LOCATION UNKNOWN 

The former Crimson Knight Leader sits in a featureless white room in solitary confinement. Nothing aside from a cot and a toilet and sink. And it is booooring.

"Stupid bucking gag order from Shining Armor. What, just because I was part of a "Terrorist Organization," I get supermax prison conditions? Bullspit!" he yells at the walls. He then looks down sadly. "What I wouldn't give for one video game...just one..."

"Yeah, preach it brother!" comes the faded voice in the next cell.

"Shut up Silver Strange! This is all your fault! You didn't stop that bounty hunter!"

"Well neither did you!" comes the muffled angry cry of the changeling next door.

"Shut up! I wish Brown Dog and Snap Drake never loaned you to me!"

"Well they're a hell of a lot funner than you!"

"Whatever! I just hope that at least Solarkness or Rutherford read the paper. I kind of sold them up the creek!"

"I'm sure everyone's seen the news at this point, so they'll all be prepared..."

Back with Drake and Dog

"...And until they bring back the Far Side, I will not read the paper anymore," explains Brown Dog as they keep walking.

"Wow, never knew you felt so strongly about the funny pages," remarks Drake.

"I have a limited amount of bucks to give, comics are one of them."

"How'd we get on this topic again?"

"Well we were talking about Kichi and Strange, and then that led to changelings, then to bugs, then to smacking bugs with newspapers, and voila!"

“Oh yeah...speaking of Kichi, he makes me wish we had a cool supervillain lair like him.”

“Yeah, but to do that we would have had to build a criminal syndicate or ask Kersey for more money, and either option is not appealing…”

"Yeah...."

"But yeah, let's stop talking about work, let's go ride roller coasters!"

"Buck Ya!"

With that said the two cloak figures walk off, not knowing the chaos they just sparked....

BACK WITH YOU

You gain a sense of dread, but you shake it off and decide to focus on looking for the Knight's studio.

So far all you've found is that the biggest blockbusters coming out are either super secret projects with codenames, or the next few Superhero movies.

"Hmm...I wonder...what if this Solarkness is making the next Marvel movie...how would I feel...?" you contemplate aloud.

You feel a tug at your side as you look and see Nightshade giving you a questioning look,

"Who are you talking about daddy?"

You chuckle slightly at how you were thinking out loud...again, and are about to respond when...



Kersey's Comment



You see a poster for an upcoming movie, on it is art that takes your breath away. A large hooded figure with glowing eyes and wings. When you turn your head you  briefly see the APPLEWOOD sign, and you suddenly freeze up as you start to flashback to that vision of Las Pegasus in that other world. Dead dragons and smashed buildings everywhere, the most notable being a massive dragon with large horns and grayish-arctic scales lying dead with each of the letters of the APPLEWOOD sign having been jammed into each of his major organs.

"Oh Luna No...not again..." you moan.

Suddenly there's a bit of purplish mist on the edges of the vision and as quickly as the flashback happened, it disappears in a flash of green, snapping you out of it and making you shake your head.

"What the buck?"

"Daddy? What is it?" Nightshade asks.

"It's...it's nothing Shade, um...say, why don't you head back into your room for a bit huh?"

"But you said we were going to dinner..." she whines.

"I promise I'll let you know when we do eat, but please get in honey, I just got a real bad feeling."

"Ugh...fine, come on Mangle," she says to her fox hopping into the bag.

The fox looks and gives you a disapproving shake of the head before hopping in too.

Oh like I care what you think tinker toy!...Selena, did you see that?

I did indeed. It has been awhile since you've had one of these episodes.

Yeah...they're still not pleasant. But still that ending flash.

Indeed, Sombra's magic.

Hey! Did you do this Smokey?! you growl.

I do many things...your repression is delicious...but not applicable to the waking world...I take them for myself...he philosophizes.

Oh great, still drugged I hear. What does that even mean?

Your waking nightmares of guilt...they do you no good in one regard...forgetting them makes you stronger...I take them for you...

Oh...um...thanks I guess?

You are welcome...you are welcome...ahahahahahaaaa... he chuckles to himself.

Bugze...I know it's how he normally sounds, but that sounded extremely suspicious and ominous...

Well the way I see it, this guy is saving all my nightmares for his own pleasure, and the less I see of them, the better.

I guess...but...

Hey look, we can talk about it later, right now I have to focus. I think I've found my movie, you say as you look at the poster again.

The monster on the picture looks like Nightmare You, and who else would be so crazy to make a movie about you?

Deciding to scope it out a little early you head for Studio 101 where this movie is being filmed.

Unfortunately when you get there, you find the set closed to the public, and some stallion arguing with a security guard.

"What do you mean they went out for a personal day?" asks the stallion...who looks very familiar from the back.

"Exactly what I said buddy, movie makers got lives too ya know?" says the security guard.

Well great, guess I won't be finding any clues today...

'Ugh, but do you know when they'll be back?"

"Buddy, it ain't my job to keep track of their schedules, so take your little wings and buzz off!"


"Fine! You snobbish horn..." the stallion strains as the Unicorn Guard gives him a look.

"BAH!" the stallion shouts and turns around...right into you.

CRASH

"Ooof!"

"Hey watch where you're going you...you...," you start but then your tongue seizes up as you see who exactly who just crashed into you.



Lord Sergal's Comment



Flash Bucking Sentry. Your brother from another mother and your most persistent enemy outside the Evil 6. Almost immediately, you are assaulted by dozens of voices shouting to kill him and, oddly enough, three shouting 'FLASH AHHH-AHH, SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!' Must be a weird Applewood thing.

"Oh, sorry about that miste-WHOAH! What's up with the mask and clothes?" he asks as he looks you over.

You are so shocked to see Flash, and trying to block out the voices, that you blurt out the first thing hat comes to mind. "It's a... A skin condition." You say, although it ends up sounding more like a question.

"A skin condition?" he asks back.

You then think, 

Well, buck. Might as well run with it. 

"Yeah, I can't be out in the sunlight without full body coverings. Heck, I even need this mask just to breathe in sunlight..."

You see Flash's face take on a sad look when you explain that.

"Oh, well I'm sorry for prying. I had a great friend that had the same condition, except he didn't need a respirator..."

Oh geeze, look at his face. He's still sad that BST "died." If only I could tell him...

Don't even think about it Bugze! Selena chides.

I'm not going to tell him! you shout back. But at the same time I don't want him still feeling down. He is my bro after all...Wait a minute...Bro...

"Don't worry about it buddy, it's not a very common disease, but it does run in my family. My brother would always dress in some of his Doctor Whooves costumes, good thing his daughter didn't catch it."

"Wait...Wha..." says Flash as he looks at you in surprise.

"But of course that's before he went into hiding and took on a different name," you add and you see the shock on his face.

"You mean Baker Sylvester Tennant was your brother?!" he says.

You put on a face of fake shock and say,

"How did you know his alias?"

"I...I knew him...he was my friend...H-he was your brother..." he says as he can't quite comprehend it.

"What do you mean 'was'? He still is. I just got a letter from them last week," you say going in for the kill.

"He...wha...HUH? But he and his daughter died in a fire..." Flash says as he tries to register your words.

"No no, he told me SOMETHING about losing his scarf in a fire, but he felt the place he was at wasn't safe anymore...he talked about Buglings or something? But yeah, he moved, and if the stamp on his letter is anything to go by, he's somewhere in Neighsia," you lie on the spot. 

"I...I..." Flash sputters as his world comes crashing down.

Congratulations Bugze; you are now your own brother.

Well don't say it like that, it sounds wrong...

"BST...is alive?!? He's bucking alive..."

You eyes widen in surprise as you see Flash's eyes start to water. He then starts bawling right on the spot. Thinking quickly to avoid causing even more of a scene and blowing your cover you say...

WHAT DO YOU DO?   

Outro:

> Episode 30: A Bromance Remembered (Applewood Arc Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


Yep, those sure are tears coming out of his face at an alarming rate, you think to yourself as the Orangish Pegasus continues to bawl in front of you. The grumpy security guard from before raises and eyebrow and other onlookers on the street turn their heads in curiosity.

“Oh boy,” you say looking around nervously at this unwanted attention. Thinking quickly you… 



You give Flash a pat on the back and lead him to an area where the public won't see. Then before you can even really process it, you've wrapped him in a huge hug.



Put your hoof on Flash’s shoulder and give him a pat.

“Hey, calm down man, there’s no need to get emotional,” you try to comfort.

“I-*Sniff* can’t-*hick* help it-*bawls*,” the hysterical stallion continues.

You look up at all the still curious crowd he’s attracting so you lead him by the hoof away from prying eyes.

“Hey, mind your own business! His, uh, his marefriend just broke up with him!” you yell at the people watching. The onlookers seem to bye this, but still watch you as you drag the crying stallion into the alley way till they can’t see you anymore.

Out of the public eye you just look at your broken bro, and before you can even process what you are doing, you pull him into a huge hug…which he returns, nearly crushing you. And he’s STILL crying.

Yeesh Flash, who would have thought you’d be the emotional one?

Wanting to make sure he stops crying for good you pat him on the back and mutter,



Solarkness’s Comment



"There there, it’s alright now. Everything’s fine. Shhh, no tears, only dreams now."
He sniffles and his crying gets less loud, so you continue.

"By the way, how did you even get the idea that he could be dead? I mean, sure, fire and all, but... Didn't he tell you about how our family's blessed or something?"

“*Sniff* Blessed?” he asks.

“Yeah…we’re all pretty lucky in my family,” you lie.

In the heavens, a certain goddess of fortune sneezes, realizing she has to step up her game.

"I mean, heck, for all the professions our ancestors had, or the crazy situations they got into, none of them actually died from anything but old age...," you're just pulling anything out of your mouth so that Flash stops crying. Time to double down.

"I have this one uncle, he's actually uh…” you look around and see a poster for the next Pirates of Horseshoe Bay Movie, “…a pirate, in this age! Four years ago, they made him walk the plank, y'know? And then, five months ago, he just came back during a family-reunion and acted as if nothing happened at all!”

He sniffles less and makes a confused noise, so you continue.

“And then there’s my great-great-grandfather who was…”you see a poster for the next season of Game of Stones, “…a mercenary during some sort of political conflict. Basically, it ended with a banquet where all the houses and the parties they hired had to attend and everyone put poison into the food. Well he had a migraine so he stayed at home. He was the only survivor. And and..."

You realize Flash has stopped crying and is staring at you, so you stop. You think back to what you just said and think.

Oh way to go me, now he's gonna think your whole family is just a bunch of criminals and...

"Whoa. Your family really gets around, doesn't it?" Flash asks shocked as he wipes his tears away.

"...yeah," you 'admit', even though the only ones in your family even remotely like that are you and Grandbuggy.
“But yeah, there shouldn’t have been any doubt about his safety,” you say. He nods at this, wipes his eyes one more time and mumbles to himself



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"So he's really alive..." 

"My brother would never die that easily. It would take more than a forest fire to kill him. Also, he  told me about getting some help saving his daughter from those changelings." You smirk under your mask as an idea comes to your head.

"Some help?" he asks.

"Yeah... though you probably don't want to know who." you say, trying to sound nervous.

"Who was it? Please! You have to tell me. He's my brot- friend! I have to know!" Flash is in your face now.
You dramatically sigh, 

"It was the Hooded Offender."

Technically... that's not lying.

I know. Aren’t I brilliant?

You Have your moments

Flash looks even more shocked, 

"What... really?"

"Yeah. He said the guy showed up and helped him from the fire and bugs. Guess the Offender doesn’t like it when children get drugged and kidnapped."
Flash nods at this with a look of confliction on his face, 

"Yeah...I can see that…"

“I mean, I know a lot of folks don’t like him all that much, but he did save my brother and niece, so there’s that,” you point out.
He nods again and gets quiet as he thinks to himself. You decide not to break the silence.

"I..." He eventually say. "I have to tell the others. They'll be so happy."

Uh-oh...

"U-um..." Flash looks at you with a serious look. "Where did you say he was? Neighsia? If I tell the others, they'll help me look, and they’ll be happy to see him again!"

That would be amusing. For them to go all the way there never to find you.

You groan as Selena deviously laughs in your head.

"As soon as I'm off my duties, I'm going straight to Ponyville,” Flash continues to himself. “If Tennant thinks he's in danger I can get Twilight, and the Elements and the Princesses to help protect him. We won't let him live that terrible life all alone with his daughter."

Oh boy, this is getting out of hoof…though protection does sound nice

That would make things... complicated. If we were to be put under the protection of the princesses to protect you from the princesses and the guards... and Flash... the Element Bearers... alright even I'm getting confused.

Wait, I think I got it... Flash is going to try putting us under the protection of Celestia, Luna and their guards, away from the 'ponies after us', which is Celestia Luna and their guards?

*Sigh* Pretty much.



After you say this, you hear M. Night Shamalamadingdong's laughter in your head before he says, "What a plot twist."



After she says this, you hear from the skies above you,

“WHAT A PLOT TWIST!!!”

You and Flash quickly look up and see a dark fast flying pony streaking across the sky. The thing is, you don’t see any wings or horn on him. Before either of you can question this, he is gone from your sight.

“Huh…for some reason I feel incredibly angry and annoyed…but I don’t know why…” you say aloud.

“Oh, so it wasn’t just me, good. But yeah, thank you so much for letting me know sir, you have no idea how happy you’ve just made a lot of ponies.”

You look back to him and see the wide smile on his face. You sigh though because you know have to get rid of it.

“Flash, listen, I know you’re happy right now but…” you start and he looks at you curiously. You sigh once more and continue.



BrownDog’s Comment



“Look, I think I’ve said more than I should, I just got my tongue rolling and spilled too much. Please don’t let anypony else know that my brother is still alive. If he faked his death for you and others, there probably was a good reason.”

He looks very confused at this and starts stammering.

“What? But I just said that I know all the biggest protectors in the country. He doesn’t have to hide anymore!”

“He already is in “protection” He just won’t say who it is, but I’m sure he’s already good on that front.”

“But, there were all kinds of friends he made that were really upset. He even had a group of mares that gawked over him relentlessly, even members of the Elements of Harmony,” Flash responds.

You chuckle at that, “Yeah, that sounds like my brother…always the lady killer…”

You have all the charisma of a bullfrog. Selena teases.

“But be that as it may, I don’t want the wrong ears hearing he’s back, so please promise me you won’t tell anyone? In fact, Pinkie Promise me.”

He flinches at that.

“How do you know about a Pinkie Promise?”

“I’ve heard the rumors of the psychotic pink ball of party fur that comes for those that break them, they tell it as far away as Dodge Junction.”

He gives off a sad sigh and say, “Fine, but on one condition,”

“Alright,” you say wondering where this is going.

“If you ever get in contact with him again, can you tell him that Flash Sentry said he’s a major Asshat for making his friends think he was dead…” Flash snarls and you flinch, but then he continues, “And that I really really miss his stupid face.”

“Yeah, alright, I’ll tell him. So…get on with it then,” you say motioning towards him.

“Oh, right. I Pinkie Promise I won’t let anyone else know about him and his daughter being alive,” he says before reciting Pinkie’s verbal contract.

“Cross my heart, and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Far away in Ponyville, the pink party mare shakes a bit as she inexplicably knows that somepony has made a pinkie promise.

After Flash says this though, he looks down at the ground, a bit downtrodden again.

“Seems a bit wrong to keep this from the others, but I will, if it keeps him safe,” he says.

You place a hoof on his shoulder and give him another pat.



Protomane’s Comment



"You'll get a letter from him, I promise," you say soothingly.

“I-I will?” he asks happily.

“I guarantee it,” you say before you hoof him 20 bits.

20 Bits Removed from Inventory

"Here, go catch a nice comedy movie and remember how to smile."
Flash nods appreciatively.

“Thanks, I guess I can take a break from the investigation for just a bit. They don’t even shoot till tomorrow,” he says.

“Yeah that’s the spirit now…wait, what do you mean by that?”

“Oh, well, don’t tell anypony, but I’m an undercover guard. I’m investigating that blatant Hooded Offender movie getting made.”

Your eyes widen at this.

“Really? Why? Just you?”

“It’s a matter of national security, but yeah it’s just me. I really can’t say much else, but I’d stay clear of that studio we met at, just in case.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. But anyway Mr. Sentry, I should be going, I got places to be and schedules to keep.

He nods, but before you walk away, he stops you,

“Wait, I never caught your name.”

“You can call me CV,” you say as you shake his hoof.

“Nice to meet you. So, are you like the rest of your family? Cool and awesome like your brother?"
You smile wistfully, even though he can’t see it, "You could say that. Our grandfather showed us everything we know"

Flash laughs and says "Really? I guess mine did too for better or for worse. He had his faults, but he did fight the Bluebloods during the rebellion. He inspired me to become a guard."

You chuckle and say, “Bucking Bluebloods right?”

He laughs back and says, “Bucking Bluebloods…Listen, if you or your family need anything give me a shout. I’d give anything to help those BST cares about.”

You nod at this. “Thank you Flash.”

You then go your own separate ways, and as you do, you swear you hear Selena sniffling slightly.



BrownDog’s Comment



What’s up with you?

What? That was beautiful. You and him. So quick to rekindle your bromance with the enemy.

Quit calling it a bromance! We were just bros that were really really close and hung out a lot.

Whatever helps you sleep at night…oh wait, that’s me.she chuckles.

Rolling your eyes, you wander off back to go meet Aqua.

Sure make fun of it, you were the one who was sniffling.

Just because it was humorous, does not make the emotion any less true, she counters.

Yeah, I guess you got me there. Maybe one day, somehow, I can hang out with him again…but until then, we got our next lead.

Ah, so I wasn’t the only one who made that deduction.

Nope. If Flash is here undercover investigating that movie, then that means that Armor also suspects the Knights are making it. I just have to take them down and get my cash before they get even more involved.

Agreed. Though it sounds as though the one we suspect is out for the day. We should reconvene with the Water Bender and set out a plan for tomorrow when they return.

Way ahead of you there. Now hopefully there won’t be any more distractions and…OH NO!!!

What?!

Ahead of you are two sad looking Filly Scouts.

Oh no! Not them again! Every time I see them I get guilt tripped into buying all their cookies!

Then go around them.

But these scouts look sad and dejected. I can’t bear to see sad children…Gorramit! You mentally ramble before asking them

“Hey kids, what’s wrong?”

One of the fillies looks up and sniffles. 

“We failed to raise the bits needed to meet our goal…” 

You look behind them and see a graph detailing number of bits and the dates.

“Oh I’m sorry about that,” you say as you try to comfort.

“It’s not fair! These stupid health conscience ponies didn’t buy any of our cookies! You should have heard them. ‘Oh it’s not gluten free? Well never mind then! You little girls should be ashamed for contributing to obesity, I can get cheaper at the store,’  and other crap like that,” she huffs.

You look around at all the joggers and now you feel angry for these snobbish healthy jerks for shaming little kids.

“Well that just isn’t right! When it comes to life, I’d rather be fat and happy with cookies than miserable and healthy!”

“Exactly! This guy gets it. If only there were more folks like him and then our troop would have been able to go to Whinny Land” the one filly says to the other.

“Your Filly Scout group was going to Whinny Land?” you ask.

“Well we were, but barely anypony bought cookies, and today was the last day…” she says sadly.
Even more self righteous anger courses through you.

“UNACCEPTABLE!!!” you screech to the heavens before looking the two startled fillies in the eye and saying, “How much to reach your goal?”

“Well, we were down about 7,000 bits, and none of the other girls have done any…”
You interrupt her by slamming down 7,000 of your bits, causing the fillies’ eyes to expand.

“Take it little ones! Let your entire troup know! The Crimson Vengeance has provided! YOU’RE ALL GOING TO WHINNY LAND!!!”

“YYYAAAYYY!!!WHINNY LAND!!!” they all cheer.

They then give you a card that signifies that you are a friend of the Filly Scouts, and can receive free cookies from them for life.

7,000 Bits Removed from Inventory
Free Filly Scout Cookies For Life Card Added to Inventory

As you walk away from the celebrating fillies.

“OK Daddy, I know I heard someling say Whinny Land this time!” Nightshade pops out and accuses.

“N-No you didn’t…” you lie.

She lifts and eyebrow and pulls Mangle up. She opens her mouth and you hear the recorded voices of the Filly Scouts shouting about the theme park.

You facehoof at this, “Busted…”

Later at a Restaurant

You, Nightshade, and Aqua are eating. You have explained the situation to Aqua about your findings.

“And then I gave most of my money to those scouts…so yeah, that’s why you have to pay for dinner,” you tell a bemused Aqua.

“So after you take these guys down, and after you get more money, THEN can we go to Whinny Land Daddy?” Nightshade huffs, still a little ticked off that you paid for about 200 other foals but not her.

“Maybe honey. We don’t know how smoothly this whole thing will go.”

“Hmmph, you still shouldn’t have lied to me. Mr. Sombra said lies are the start of darkness."

“Mr Who?” Aqua says not quite having heard.

“Nopony,” you tell her then look back at Nightshade who blushes. Luckily Aqua just shrugs it off. “Now baby, I am sorry, but look, I can’t promise you that we’ll go. But I’ll TRY, OK? Emphasis on Try.”

“Alright fine…” she says as she takes a bite out of her sandwich.

You roll your eyes and look to Aqua again.

“So yeah, that’s what I found out today.”

“Well it looks like you found out a heck of a lot more than I did. The only interesting thing I saw was some strange flying Earth Pony who was screaming about Twists and finding Shia…whatever the heck that means.”

“Well that’s Applewood for you…I think…anyway, from what I found out, the Director and Producer of the movie won’t be back till tomorrow to film. When they do start filming, I’m gonna scope the studio out and see what I can find.”

“You think that’s wise with that Royal Guard hanging around?”

“That’s where you’ll come in. I’m gonna need someone keeping an eye not only on the perimeter in case I find these guys and they make a run for it, but also to make sure Sentry doesn’t get in the way of our bounty.” 

“So you wanna split up AGAIN? We can’t exactly be called a team if we keep separating. Besides, why can’t I be the one sneaking in?”

“I really think it’s our best option to cover the grounds, and why are you so upset? Your job is easier than mine?”

“Because Sneaking is way more fun! Besides, I think I would be less suspicious.”

“Ahem, you’re forgetting that I come from a species of highly skilled infiltrators? Being a master of sneaking is in my blood.”

Even though your track record has yet to prove that.

Your eye twitches at that, but Aqua sighs and admits, 



Kropsling’s Comment



"Fine, I’ll watch the perimeter. But if you find them don't start the party without me. I’d hate to miss all the fun again."

"Will do" you nod.

“And what about me Daddy? What do I get to do? Stay in my room like a ‘good girl’ again?” Nightshade hisses with a bit of venom in her voice.

Dear Luna she’s getting rebellious awfully fast.

Although I admire it, we cannot allow her out for the mission.

“Sweetheart, you know I can’t have you out and about while I’m sneaking.”

“Daddy, I’m not 2 anymore! You know I can handle myself, and I don’t want to keep getting shoved back into my room like I’m in trouble. Please?”

“Honey…” you start and you can already see her starting to pout in anger, when an idea comes to you.
"Actually, you know what, you’re right. Aqua, tomorrow I want you to also take Nightshade with you." 

You see Nightshade’s eyes widen in happiness, while Aqua’s widen in shock.

"Wait a minute I'm a bounty hunter not a foal sitter."

"I'm not asking you to foal sit her, she knows not to run off. I just need you to let her tag along and to stretch her legs a bit. If all goes well, you’ll just be scoping outside a movie studio, so nothing dangerous. Also this might be a good for you two know each over a bit more.”

“Yeah, besides your name I have no clue who you are…your name was Amber right?” Nightshade says enthusiastically.

“But, I mean-She’s a kid? What am I supposed to do if things go south?”

“If there’s any trouble, I’m sure the two of you can handle it. I hate to admit it, but Nightshade is probably the more powerful out of the three of us,” you whisper to her.

“You’re kidding?” Aqua says before looking at you, her eyes widening “…You’re not…”

“Yeah, so think as her your back up. But only if there’s no other option, if anything does happen, just run with her to safety alright?”

“I-but…”

“Come on lady, I’ve squashed a Dictator, Daddy at his worst, and kicked a Hydra in the nards, you and I will have fun!” Nightshade beams.

“I…fine, OK, but seriously kid, don’t make me regret this.”

“Yay! Did you hear that Mangle? We’ll get to be helpful!” she says to her pet who lets out an enthusiastic metallic screech.

“I gotta watch that thing too?” Aqua moans.

“She’s part of the package,” Nightshade snaps back while petting the robot fox.
You chuckle at this, before you are interrupted by an angry Selena.

Are you crazy?! Why would you allow or even suggest this?!

Calm down, I have my reasons.

What reasons? What reasons could you possibly have?

Three reasons actually. Firstly, this is safer for her. I didn’t exactly admit it, but if the Knights are in that studio when I sneak in, things will get hairy inside the studio rather than outside it. I’d rather she was as far away from the action as possible.

Alright, that is sound, but what about…

Secondly, she needs to get out more and meet new ponies. She’s right, we can’t keep locking her in her room, she’ll start rebelling more and not listening. 
And thirdly, I think she needs a break from Sombrero. We can’t just let him be the only other pony she talks to aside from us, something tells me that won’t end well. With Aqua, she’ll have more options.

I…fine, I concede to that point. Though I believe a talk with him tonight is pertinent after the visions of this afternoon.

Alright, I guess I’ll see you tonight then.

You then look back to Nightshade who is laughing while an uncomfortable Aqua tries to push a hugging Mangle off her leg.

"OK sweetheart. Tomorrow you will be with Aqua for a bit, so I want you to be a good filly and do what she tells you, Alright?”

"Got it daddy I will help her if she needs it."

"I know you will." you said rubbing her head. “Also, you’re going to have to be Evening Shadow while you’re out with her OK?”

“Pegasus or Earth Pony?” she asks.

“Go earth pony, just in case you guys do see Mr. Flash.”

“Gotcha, thanks daddy,” she beams and you smile.

“Seriously, get this bucking thing off me!” Aqua shrieks trying to get Mangle out of her mane, causing you two and Selena to laugh.

LATER IN THE DREAMSCAPE



Kersey’s Comment



When you arrive in the dreamscape, you encounter Selena.

“Good Evening Bugze, fancy meeting you here,” she jests.

You smirk, but then ask her, “You think he’s clean enough to talk clearly?”

Her smirk vanishes and she says, “I assume we will find out soon enough. What exactly will we ask of him?”

“Well for one, we find out what exactly he meant when he talked about my other world flashback.”

Selena nods at this then asks, “It has been months since your last trauma induced flashback, I simply thought you had gotten over them.”

“I know…I kind of stopped having them around the time…he showed up.”

“You think there is a connection?” she asks.

“Only one way to find out. Let’s bring him up.”

She nods and lights up her horn. The cage materializes out of the ground, and the Unicorn inside still looks dazed.

"What daw yaw want...?" Sombra slurs, the drugs still making their way out of his system. “Where is the brat? I talk to her, not you…” he says sounding a bit more coherent than this afternoon.

"Alright Roomba, I got some questions fo-"

"I don't have to tell ya n-" Sombra back-talks, but Selena sends out a blast from her horn onto Sombra's horn, knocking him over and causing him to howl in agony as he tries to clutch at his burning horn with his shackled hooves.

"Answer his questions!" Selena threatens, horn glowing for emphasis.

“Fine, you stupid witch, what izit you wan bug?”

“This afternoon, I had a flashback.”

“Yes, I saw…dead dragons. Very intriguing.”

“More like horrifying. And then there was a flash of your magic and it was gone.”

“Yeah, and?” he asks.

“Well what exactly did you do? You druggedly told us that you took it and the others for yourself.”

“And so I did. I remember now, you thanked me for it only this afternoon…” he says as he shakes his head.

“Yeah, but I’d like to know how and why?”

“Yes, how have you taken these waking Nightmares? You are imprisoned.” Selena asks.

“Well, the how is actually quite simple. You may have suppressed me to the subconscious, but that is also the source of the Waking Nigthmares. I know a thing or two about those.”
You remember the scary door in the Crystal Empire and shudder.

“I don’t have much power because of you, but what little I do have, I was able to take these Traumatic experiences and keep them back from you. Since I have been a bit dazed, the dragon one slipped through today, but I was able to get it in the end, you do like not having them don’t you?” he taunts.

"How noble of you." you snark.

"Altruism has nothing to do with it." he snarls. 

“I figured that much. So why would you do something that helps me?”

"Well as it stands right now, perhaps I feel like it’s in my best interest to keep you alive a bit longer,” he says vaguely. “However, these frequent nightmares of yours do nothing but haunt you with guilt and thus keep causing you to hold back when you should be going all out, doing anything to stay alive. They are a weakness, so I take them. And as an added bonus, I get to view your suffering within them…” he chuckles darkly.

You just shake your head at his vagueness, knowing there’s probably a lot he’s not telling, but for now, you know the how and why.

“Selena, put him away, I think that’s all for the night.”
She nods and sinks him back into the floor while he still chuckles.

“I will look into his influence on the flashbacks and stop it. I’m certain my own power should be able to suppress them,” Selena tells you.

“Thanks…I just can’t shake the feeling like there’s more going on than what he lets on.”

“Most likely there is. He is a rather devious character.”

“I mean, even when it was the old you, you were straight, simple and to the point. Kill, Kill, Kill! That was it.”

Her cheeks darken and she looks away in shame. 

“Bugze…I’m not…”

“Hey now, calm down, I didn’t mean anything by it,” you say as you pat her back. “I know you’re different now.” This seems to calm her down.

“All I’m saying is that it used to be more straightforward. With him, he’s probably got schemes from here to the wazoo that I can’t quite figure out. I mean, the only time when he made sense was, ironically, when he was on drugs.”

“Hmmm…” Selena holds a hoof to her chin in thought.

“What? You have an idea?” you ask.

“Just speculating. You are right, he was more manageable when he was inebriated. His talks with Nigthshade were less dangerous, there was no outcry when you used his shadow powers, and we did not have to worry about his scheming.”

“Yeah, but I mean, it’s not like we can just constantly keep him drugged though right?”
She gives you a questioning look, 

“Why not?”

“Huh?”

“Why can’t we keep him drugged?” she repeats.

“Well, because I don’t want to keep losing you. I need your help constantly.”

“That’s sweet of you to say,” she smirks, “but if YOU were the one to knowingly dose us, then I would have time to prepare the psychotropics and transfer them to him completely. I would remain clean.”

“Huh…maybe that could work? But that means I’ll need to keep dosing every three days, and it has to be the high end stuff that affects deep into my brain like what Quacksilver and Kichi gave me. That ain’t cheap.”

“Well I’d keep it in mind Bugze, he is still our enemy after all.”

“Yeah, alright,” you nod in agreement. You then look to her and say, “So, do you wanna play a board game or something? It’s been so long since you and I did something ourselves that was relaxing.”

She smirks at this. “Why not? Let us test out these games and see which ones will annoy that cretin the most during Nightshade’s next talk.”
You smile and walk off with her.

“You say that now, but once Candy Land gets into your blood, it will never leave…” you joke, causing her to chuckle.

Deep in your Subconcious.
Sombra sits and smiles as his connection to the nightmares is cut off and Selena’s is implemented.

“That’s right, suppress your guilt. Fear not the consequences. Become loose with the Brat’s safety. You’ll eventually lose control. You’ll let me out. Then you will die and I will be free…” he chuckles before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

The Next Morning

You find yourself in front of the studio you and Flash were at yesterday. The studio where the Hooded Offender movie is being shot. Nightshade and Aqua are watching the perimeter (IE eating ice cream at a café and sitting down) while you look for a way to sneak in. Deciding not to deal with the security guard from yesterday, you go around to the other side via an alleyway. 

And as you do, you pass by Director Zack Snaffle himself throwing a bunch of comics at an empty script (Titled Batmane v Supermane) attached to a wall in slow motion while wailing,
"Sweet Celestia, Come on! Something has to stick!!!"

“Why not just not use the characterization from All Star Supermane?” you suggest.

“NO! That’s what they’ll all be expecting,” he says cryptically before throwing more comics at the wall.

Shrugging, you continue on.



Kichi’s Comment



As you find the other studio checkpoint, you see two guards. One a minotaur, the other a tall adolescent red dragon.

Wait... Is that the spawn of Smaug? Selena asks.

You look more closely, and sure enough, it is Garble. There’s no mistaking that arrogant looking face of his. Still, you don’t know why or how he’s here, so you scoot in closer to eavesdrop on his conversation.

"I can't believe my dad was so angry about what happened with those namby ponies and the phoenix eggs that he forced me to take a job here, in ponyland...” he grumbles to the minotaur. The bull beast shrugs and says, 

“Hey, at least the pay is good and you only need to take care of intruders. I’d say it’s an easy gig."

Garble nods and says, “Yeah, I guess I like that part, being able to hurt ponies and get paid for it. I sure hope someone tries to sneak in…”

Hearing this, you duck back around the building.

"Okay... we have an angry adolescent dragon and a minotaur guarding this side. Buck you Lady Luck, how am I going to get passed?" you curse.

As you do, you suddenly hear an explosion above you. You look up and see someling in a cloak flying out before landing on the ground with a crack, followed by a lot of moaning. A door opens up and two ponies, one with a clipboard and one with a medical hat pick him up on a stretcher.

"Crap, not again! We lost another Knight Stunt double. The director’s a mad man!” says the one with the hat.

“Hey, this is the price we have to pay to make practical effects, do you want this thing to be soulless CGI?” asks the one with the clipboard.

“Well it would be safer. This guy only lasted 10 minutes. At this rate, we’ll run out of extras and doubles before the evening. We are going to need to make another casting call for replacements.”

*Ding*

Bugze, what was that ding? What are you thinking?

I have an idea…

Oh, no... Tell me you're not going to do what I think you’re about to do? she asks worriedly.

Come on, it's perfect... I’ll be hiding in plain sight! you then walk up to the two ponies and say, 

“Excuse me gentleman, I’m here for the stunt double gig,” you say as you partially hold your cloak out of your bag.

“Well that’s convenient,” the guy with the clipboard says.

“Go inside and get changed, there’s still 7 doubles working the scenes right now, but be ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice,” they tell you as they usher you inside. They then carry the injured stunt actor away leaving you alone.

You smirk at how easy that was. You then find a rack of cloak costumes. Rather than mess up your own, you throw one of these costumes on over your CV disguise. You then head out and see a lot of other crew members and extras walking around and you realize this warehouse is huge.

"And now... To investigate..." you mutter.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 31: Painfully Investigating The Set! (Applewood Arc Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Kersey's Comment




PrinceDuskRiser's Comment



In a single moment in time, we see a strange sight on the road; an Earth Pony with his head covered in a small swarm of bees screaming as he dangles out of a carriage as a spilled cup of coffee labeled "DWC" spills out over him, a crossbow going off, a tabloid magazine with Prince Blueblood's face on it, another Unicorn dangling out of the carriage as his wallet hangs on by a chain, a hoof smashing through a window, a unicorn's face in the center of some black trousers, a Power Glove fist in the face of the unicorn with the crossbow, and a faceless figure reaching an arm out of the carriage and grabbing a surprised-looking pegasus with a movie camera by the back of his "camerapony" vest. We also see that this chaotic moment in time taking place in a carriage that's on fire and half-flipped in mid air as the faceless figure cries out a thought;

If you're all wondering what the buck is going on, perhaps we need to rewind back a bit...

15 MINUTES AGO

"And now... To investigate..." you mutter as you walk onto the film set under the guise of a stunt pony when.

"HEY YOU!"

"I didn't do it!" you reflexively respond.

"Of course not, we're not even shooting yet."

"Huh?" you say turning around and see... a figure in a cloak?

"You in the Hooded Offender hood," he says pointing at you, "Make your way to set 7."

"Uh... I mean, on it!" you say as you scurry away towards where he was pointing.

That was a close one, you think, Although it is ironic I'm "playing" the Hooded Offender.

Soon you find yourself on a film set that looks like a city street.

"Alright, this scene is really simple," the director says as he approaches, "You're walking down the street all casual-like about to buy a new trampoline from that vendor when you notice a carriage of suspicious-looking ponies passing by in a carriage and decide to covertly follow them." he says pointing to a carriage where you see an earth pony carrying a beehive, another Earth Pony trying to make his wallet stay in his vest pocket as he carries a tabloid magazine, a unicorn with a cup of coffee, and another unicorn with a crossbow all entering the carriage.

"Wait, if I'm supposed to be the Hooded Offender, why would I just be walking the street in full gar-"

"ALRIGHT, PLACES EVERYPONY!" the figure barks ignoring the plot hole you brought up as you shrug and go to your place across the street.

"LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!"

On cue, you start walking across the street, but can't help but muse,

Okay, I'm an incognito stuntman so I better keep my eyes peeled for anything I can use to identify the Horde members he-

Bugze! Look out!

You look up and see the carriage rolling straight at you!

"Buck!" you yell as you try to dive out of the way, but trip on your cloak, bounce off the trampoline salespony extra, and get launched into the carriage and accidentally knock the Earth Pony out of the carriage causing him to be dragged along by the seat-belt looped around his hoof.

"Buck, Sorry!" you try to apologize, but accidentally flail a hoof and hit one of the unicorns in the face.

"Ow! Nopony said this was supposed to be a fight scene!"

"Just ad lib with it!" the other unicorn says as he punches you in the face and the others join in.

"Wait-*sok*ow! This was-*pow*ouch! I said-*wham*ow! *snap* BUCK IT! Cockshot!" you declare punching the Earth Pony in the nards, knocking the beehive out of his hooves causing bees to be released inside the carriage.

"Eh, don't worry." the Earth Pony nonchalantly says, "These are specially trained stunt-bee-Ow ow ow! Wrong bees! Wrong bees!"

Soon all 4 of you (minus the Earth Pony being dragged and screaming the whole way) start flailing around the carriage due to the bees. You quickly get your Power Glove on in an attempt to control the bees when the commotion eventually tips over the carriage causing it to catch fire and start rolling on it's side at high speeds.

"STOP THIS CRAZY THING!" the seat-belt Earth Pony yells.

"Camerapony 3! Get in closer!" the director orders.

"This is as close as I can safely g-WAH!!" the pegasus camerapony manages to reply before you suddenly reach out with the Power Glove and grab him by the back of his vest in a desperate attempt to stop this crazy ride.

Now we return to the moment we were previously at. As the world is seemingly frozen in this moment, only one thought goes through your mind;

Buck you lady luck...

Soon time returns to it's normal pace and the carriage continues it's fiery cannon rollover, roughly dumping out its occupants into the asphalt and sending the unicorn dangling by the seatbelt flying and smashing into a billboard for Catcher Mitt repairs before the carriage itself crashes into a cabbage cart and explodes.

"MY CABBAGES!!!"

As you groggily get off the ground you see several ponies behind you on the ground groaning in pain and the shocked expressions of the studio hooves and you chuckle nervously as you say,

"Ehehehhe....Did I do that?"

That seems to snap the director (who you notice is wearing a similar concealing cloak) out of his trance as he starts clapping (which you note oddly enough sounds like drumstick at the start of a concert) and says,

"Brilliant, wonderful, awesome! Cut! Check the gate!"

The rest of the crew, as well as the guy standing next to the director, also wearing a cloak, just stare in awe and horror at what happened. You just chuckle embarrassingly and begin to leave to search the studio when the director says,

"Gah! We left the lens cap on! *sigh* Oh well, guess we just have to do the scene all over again! PLACES EVERYPONY, AND I WANT EVERYTHING TO GO EXACTLY AS IT JUST DID. PLACES PONIES, PLACES!"

You pale as you think,

Oh buck me...   

MANY PAINFUL TAKES LATER

We now see you walking through one of the studio's connecting hallway's between sets ...limping and wincing whenever you put too much pressure on your back hooves. As you subtly look around this new set, you can't help but think angrily,

These directors are bucking NUTS! Not only do they have a obsession with explosives that borders Beigh's, but now I'm prematurely injured! If I have to fight these guys before Aqua can get here then...

Don't worry, if worse comes to worse we retreat and deal with these supposed Knights at a later date.

You nod your head at this as you think,

I know, but it's gonna bug me if we let them go. I wish we could just find some evidence proving they're knights already! I mean how hard is it to find a directors offi-oh look movie star rooms!

You gain an excited smile as you see some movie star makeup rooms in front of you. Forgetting what you were just complaining about you rush (limped quickly) towards the first room and peak inside to see...



TartarusFire's Comment



"Hey! Occupied!" shouts the persistent Orange Pegasus.

Oh you've got to be kidding me...

"Flash? What're you doing here?! I told you to watch a comedy!"

"Wait, CV is that you?"

"Yeah of course it's me don't you...oh right, the costume..." you bumble.

"Wow, it really does look authentic...but yeah, I'm surprised you're part of the movie."

"I'm only in it for a quick few bucks? What about you? What are you doing here?"

"I'm reading my lines for the upcoming scene," he says holding up a page of script.

"What? Since when are you in this production?"

"Well...It really was the only way to get into the studio...but it's also genius, it's like I'm born for this role.'"

You facehoof at this and ask, "What's the next scene?"

"Well, the Hooded Offender is going to come around this corner and while he has his back turned, I will jump out from under a tarp and subdue him....Ha! Like it would ever be that easy."

"So, what exactly is you're character?"

"Oh, I'm playing an undercover guard."

"...Really?"

"I know right? What are the odds?"

Your simpleton bro knows not the implications. I'd say his cover is blown.

"Flash, I really think that you should-"

"They're ready for you sir," says a stage hoof from the open doorway.

"Alright, wish me luck CV, I'll catch up with you later," he says as he walks out.

You facehoof and you mutter, "He is really going to regret taking this case. I'm sure the director will have him get hurt multiple times as well.

"Oh, and we do need the extras pretty quickly, so no dawdling for you either sir," says the stage hoof as they walk off.

Before you can think of anything else, you hear Nightshade say something...from inside your head.



Kichi's Comment



Hey Daddy, just wanted to update you, Mr. Sentry walked into the studio with some movie ponies.

Kind of already figured that out...and What? Nightshade, how are you talking to me in my head? I thought you were with Aqua?

I still am. I'm kinda of asleep at the moment.

What? You're supposed to be on watch...Did you know she was here? you ask Selena.

She literally just showed up before I could say anything, Selena informs.

Well I wasn't just gonna sneak in. But anyway, I just wanted to tell you that and thought that I could visit Uncle Sombrero.

Sombra! Comes the faraway voice of the dictator.

Whatever, Nightshade sighs.

Getting back on track, why are you asleep?

Well we were standing next to a theater showing an early showing of some movie about a talking cat...but it kind of sucked so I passed out.

Great...you guys are supposed to be on watch you know?

We were taking a break. We saw Mr. Sentry then went inside because it's "Safer."

Is that all?

Well, me and Ms. Aqua talked a bit I guess.

About what?

You hear Nightshade chuckle nervously before she begins to say,

Well...

TIME FOR A FLASHBACK



PonySpartan's Comment



"Buck this is so bucking stupid!" 

"Wow kid, you got a filthy mouth. Not that I'm mad or anything."

Nightshade nods happily, almost like she was proud of it... which she was.

"But won't your dad get mad or something?" Aqua asks.

Nightshade shook her head. "No. He's the one who taught me these cool, bad-flank words!" She said with a smirk.

"Oh."

Nightshade giggled and she said, "You had a MUCH better reaction than my teacher."

"Oh really? I could see that, she and I are probably nothing alike."

Nightshade nods her head before she begins to retell the tale of how her teacher reacted to her swearing...

SURPRISE! IT'S A FLASHBACK WITHIN A FLASHBACK! FLASHBACKCEPTION

Nightshade had just spread her bad mouth around the classroom when Cheerilee walked in. The whole class shut their mouths and paid attention to her math lesson.

Once she was done, she asked the class to answer an example on the board. "Come on class, don't be shy." Diamond Tiara put her hoof up first. "I think I know the answer Ms. Cheerilee!" She said.

Nightshade, not sitting far from her, had an idea and mimicked her voice to make her sound stupid.

Diamond turned to her with a glare and yelled. "Quiet! Fat Dessert Eater!"

Before Cheerilee had time to respond Nightshade yelled back, "Ey! Don't call me fat you stupid bucker!"

Cheerilee cut in with a sharp voice. "Nightshade did you just say the B word again?!"

Nightshade turned to Cheerliee. "Um? No?"

"Yes, you did! You called me a bucker you bucking idiot!" Diamond shot at her.

"Diamond Tiara!"

"And why the buck can't I?"

"Nightshade!"

"You said buck again!"

"Scootaloo!"

"...Buck."She gasped this time. "Apple Bloom!"

Sweetie Belle shivered and drooped down underneath her desk.

Nightshade stood on her desk. "What's the big deal anyways?! It doesn't hurt anypony. Buck buck buckity buck!"

"How would you like to go to the principal's office?"

"How would you like to go to Tartarus?"

The whole class, including Tiara, gasped.

"What did you just say?!"

"My apologies teacher..." She used her magic and yelled in a booming voice. "HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO BUCKING TARTARUS?!"

An hour later you were walking your daughter out of school, both of you laughing as your eyes were dripping tears of pride. 

END OF THE FLASHBACK WITHIN THE FLASHBACK

"...Damn kid," Aqua said impressed.

Nightshade shrugs at this, "It wasn't that big of a surprise, she hates Daddy so I go out of my way to annoy her." .

END OF THE ORIGNAL FLASHBACK

Wait a second... How did we see that second flashback if we were already seeing the first flashback?

I don't know, Pinkie Pie, 4 Walls Breaking or something...though that was like 16 walls...she muses.

I-Who-What?

*sigh* Nightshade, as interesting as this is, we need you to wake up and scope out the area still. Your father can't handle any more distractions.

Well alright then...be careful Daddy, she says before her voice fades out.

Ugh, thanks for that Selly. I do have to focus more. All I have to do is find that office and-

"Alright, breaks over sir! Time for the next scene!" says the Stage Hoof who grabs your arm.

"Wait wha-HEY!!!"

The pony then proceeds to drag you across the area to a new set. You finally snap out of it when you hear the pony say,



BrownDog's Comment

 

“Alright, cultist blows himself up with dynamite, take 53!"

“Wait, Wha-?” suddenly you are pushed down a ramp on a set in a wagon full of lit fireworks. You hit a ramp, screaming in the air as you do so until the cart hits it’s peak and blows up.

You are sent flying to the ground, right in front of a camera, your body smoking.

“Owwwwww….” You groan.

“PERFECT!!! now that’s how you do a practical effect people! Alright, on to the next scene,” Says the hooded figure from before with a director’s cone…and you can’t help but notice there is a strange scent about him. Something really unpleasant.

“Wait, I…WHOA!” you yelp as you are picked up and dragged to a new set. Along the way, you see a battered and bruised Flash Sentry on a cot.

"Flash, you OK?"

"Yeah...I nailed it!" he says with a goofy smile. "Are you proud now granddad?" he says loopily before passing out.

"Oh great, now whaaaaaaaaaa...." your voice is taken away as you are placed on the new set in front of a big practical looking puppet monstrosity. You briefly flash back to the other world, but it is immediately suppressed, because the big set piece looks like Nightmare You…only more Applewoodesque (Bigger and Bloodier)

“How…how the heck did they get this design?” you shudder.

“Alright, in this scene, the Horde members are viciously beaten by the Nightmare, so when this robot hits you, sell that you’ve really been hurt,” says the Director.

“How can we sell it any harder? That thing is literally beating the snot out of us, and I’m actually using Literally correctly,” says another cloaked stunt double.

You see the director in the darkened cloak stiffen, before he points at the actor who spoke up and says, “ACTION!!!”

The actor that spoke up is immediately hit by one of the tails and sent flying up into the rafters.”

All the actors begin to panic, you included as the machine starts hitting you all left and right with it’s tails …although this animatronic makes them look like tentacles with scary glowing eyes and sharp teeth.

“THIS GUY’S A FREAKING PSYCHOPATH!!!” you scream as you and 3 other actors are slammed into a fake store front.

“Somepony help us!” another actor screams.

“Make it stop! Oh just make it stop!”

“CUT!” great ad lib there guys, loving the looks of desperation and despair…unfortunately boom was in the shot, so we’re gonna have to do it again.”

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!” you scream with all the actors.

SEVERAL BRUTAL TAKES LATER

You stumble around, your head a little loopy, but still relatively in one piece. 3 Years of almost constant fighting and beatings has toughened you up more than the run of the mill background actor. However your back hooves feels even more in pain due to multiple, multiple, multiple heavy things being dropped on them. If you weren't who you were you're pretty sure it would have fallen off by now. So you, and about 15 other hooded actors that are still standing are rounded up and taken to the next scene.

“This guy is nuts! Why are we even still here?” whimpers one of the actors.

“Because we’re getting paid?” chimes another.

“Oh yeah…” 

“Ahem, hey, do you guys happen to know who the director even is?” you ask.

“Well yeah, he’s the guy in the cloak,” the actor says.

“No, I mean, what’s his name? And why does he always wear that cloak?”

“I don’t know, he’s crediting himself as Alan Smithee, but every director that doesn’t want his name out there uses that. I’m guessing he’s doing that, and hiding himself so he doesn’t get sued for all these injuries we keep getting.”

“That’s probably why the producer hides in a cloak as well. He’s a big dude from what I’ve seen,” chimes in another actor.

“Hmmm, that could be the case…or they’ve got something to hide…” you mutter under your breath.

But how are they even making this movie? How would they even know about what happened in the otherworld? Could…could they be seeing flashes too?

Before you can reflect more on this, you are tossed into another scene.

“Alright, this is a dialogue scene, so just run around in the background like it’s the end of the world. And…Cue the time traveler and assistant…ACTION!”

“Wait, wha…” you say, fully expecting to see Doctor and Derpy but instead you see…An older stallion with frizzy white hair, and a younger stallion in a red vest wander out.

“Great Scott! We’ve got to repair the flux capacitor and get back to our own time!”

“But Doc! What about the Offender? We can’t just let him get away with this!”

“There’s nothing we can do! Unless…Wait a minute! Perhaps with the capacitor itself, we can dampen his powers so that the Princesses may get a chance!”

“That’s the Doc I know! Hurry!” yells the younger stallion as they run off.

Okay…maybe they don’t know the whole story…only pieces of it, because that sure as heck wasn’t how it went…

“CUT! How’d it look?”

“It was alright, but one of the extras was just standing still,” the camera pony says pointing to you.

“Ugh, take it from the top, and YOU! Put some effort into it, what are we paying you people for?!”

You gulp and nod, as they do the scene again.

LATER

After a Grueling couple of hours getting beat up, set on fire, and abused, Lunch is called, and everyone takes a break. You take this opportunity to finally sneak away.

You FINALLY find the Director’s office, and you sneak in and search for clues.

Really it’s pretty messy, and smelly. You can’t help but feel that you’ve smelt it before. Also, there are wood pieces sprinkled here and there, along with what looks like claw marks on the couch. There's also a grill in here, to your utter confusion.

“Hmmm…curious,” you say as you wander to the desk. 

Looking through, all you really see is a bunch of documents for the film and stuff, including some budget reports…from a Bank from the Crystal Empire for someone with the initials TR.

“Huh…”

Your search soon brings you to the nearby trash bin, because of course important documents are thrown into the trash for all to see. But it appears searching through someling's trash like a hobo pays off as you find...



Kersey's Comment



Some crumbled messages indicating a mail exchange/conversation.

The first one is a screenplay written by... Kersey. The name immediately jumps out to you. It's one of the ones on the list. You skim over the document for potential clues, You don't find any, but the screenplay is solid, well-paced, and grounded enough in its internal logic to make it Honest Advert-proof (a satirical newspaper column written in the style of a movie advert that points out flaws in the movie, basically it's the Equestrian print version of Honest Trailers).

Next you find a reply with several tears and holes in it reading,

Dear Kersey,

Sorry, but we already have a screenplay. Besides it's a propaganda piece about the Hooded Offender, not Shakespony so you're overthinking it.

Solarkness

"BOOM! Name Drop!" you say happily seeing your target's name.

You then find a torn-in-half response from Kersey that says... well it's smudged in hayburger sauce stains, spit, and loaded with swear words (some of which you've never even heard of and others so extreme that you would even ground Nightshade if you heard her say them...probably), but it's basically Kersey cursing and whining that the group has gone absolutely Family Pony-style random with no structure or goal and is full of dumbflanks doing whatever the hay they want and cursing Solarkness for not using his screenplay punctuated with threats to completely cut off Solarkness's funding.

Dang, and I thought I had anger issues. But this new info could be useful... you think.

You stuff the papers into the Inventory for safe keeping, just in case you need to have actual evidence for why you needed to beat two directors into a pulp. 

Evidence against Solarkness added to Inventory

Now I just need proof that Rutherford is here and I'll be set.

Nodding your head at this thought you begin to look through a nearby filing cabinet. Inside you coincidentally find...



PrinceDuskRiser's Comment



A suspicious looking document signed by the Rutherford stating how the role of "Stunt Double" is actually for idiots and possible guards or bounty hunters who suspect that the film is being produce by the Crimson Knights (but don't actually know, but come on who would actually make an Offender movie.), which is why there's no official paperwork and why the doubles keep needing to be replace. 

You eyes widen at this information as you think,

That's why the stunts are so bucking dangerous! It all makes sense now! Show the potential threats how dangerous this place is and they'll give up on trying to get the bounty. Or they'll leave on a stretcher, either or really. Too bad these guys didn't plan on someone as determined as me to show up!

I think what you meant to say was smelling so desperate, with a high pain tolerance, and pure idiocy to try and catch them.

Your eye twitch's in annoyance and your about to retaliate, but you stop when you hear someling start jiggling the doorknob. Your eyes widen in panic and you do the first thing you can think of.

You stuff the evidence against Rutherford into the Inventory before diving into a nearby closet. You shut the door just in time as the door to the office opens and you hear two voices say,

"Gah I hate that door. Always getting stuck on something."

"You know that's only a excuse you made up, right?"

"Oh shut it scaly!"

The voices end there and you hear ponies moving around the other side of the closet door. Cracking it open slightly, you see two hooded figures in the room. One of them is sitting down at the desk while the other...is cooking ribs on the grill? You start to wonder how a pony could even stomach that when the two start talking again...



The Rutherford's Comment




Solarkness's Comment



"I'm really glad that this room has a grill and high quality ventilation in here. I hate the look ponies give me whenever I grill ribs or cook burgers. *Looks at the Ribs* Hmm, needs some more Bar-B-Que sauce.  Anyway how is the new changeling Offender stunt actor doing?"

Your eyes widen at the tall ones words as you begin to panic,

BUCK! How the bucking buck did they figure me out so quickly! I know I suck at disguises but come on this one was full proof! Heck I fooled all of Equestria wearing the Nobody Cloak, which looks just like this one, for nearly a year! What gives!?!?

The short one at the desk stops writing on a document (using his mouth for some reason) and raises an eyebrow at that (at least you think he is, hood and all that), before replying impressed, 

"He's a changeling? Huh, good to know. How did you figure that out, what with us being unable to see him through that mass of clothes, and not having talked to him, meaning that his voice could not have been it either..."

The tall one turns back from the grill and says,

"He was wandering around earlier when I went to the head, and I got a whiff of changeling coming from him, no mistaking it."

You gain a confused look as you think,

He...smelled me? I know I haven't showered in a while but I don't think it's that bad. And changelings have a specific smell? Since when?

I have a bad feeling about this.

The small one mulls over that, before slumping down, 

"Damn. I love my perfect smell, but sometimes... It's a burden. I would never figure someone's species out through their smell. Oh, and what do you mean, 'the head'? I thought we are the heads of this operation."

Okay what the buck is going on!?

The tall one slumps his shoulders before saying,

"*Sigh* The bathroom. My family lives next to the sea outside of Equestria and we use nautical terms for things. Head is one of those terms. I thought I already explained it to you before...Or was that Kichi?"

Your eyes widen at this information as you think,

That nails it! These two have to be Solarkness and Rutherford!

The short one nods, and responds,

"Ah. Yeah, I think it was Kichi...Is that how you know the scent?"

"Well yeah, though he really is the only Changeling I've smelled..."

"That sounds weird out loud...Anyways, that changeling could be used for more important action scenes if what you said is true. I mean, he's gone through all the other stunts and is still going," the shorter figure muses.

"He must really want to be an actor, and he's not bad at improvising lines either."

"Well, changelings are rare to come by, too bad we couldn't use the Brown Dog's and Snap Drake's new recruit. Kichi took him down with him. But yeah, some of the coming action scenes are the ones where the clothing might be torn, what with the blades and fire and whatnot. In that case, seeing a changeling would make more sense in the movie, since the Offender is a changeling."

"Perhaps. It would save on make up. Let's keep watching him to see how he does before we talk to him."

There's a moment of silence before the tall one says,

"Hey mind if I take my cloak off? It's getting kinda stuffy in here," he says pointing to the still cooking ribs.

"Yeah sure. Now that you mention it, it is kinda stuffy in here. I guess I'll take mine off too."

With that said they both take their cloaks off and you see...



PrinceDuskRiser's Comment



No bucking way! You've gotta be kidding me!

I-is that a dragon AND A TIMBERWOLF?

And suddenly I have lost all faith in pony kind. 

Sadly You Can't help but agree, for there before you is...

A dragon like creature that has a Sea Green color for skin with Cerulean (a blue) for his wing membranes and the fines for the spine going down his back. He has sharp silver eyes. He has a fin-shaped tail and looks to be about the same height as Garble, if slightly smaller. It looks like his wings are attached to his arms as well. 

The smaller cloaked leader is what you would normally assume is a run of the mill timberwolf...except that it's TALKING!!!

Can they all talk? Cuz now I feel bad about burning and smashing them...

They were in the woods, they are fine. This one...this one is an anomaly...

"You know something Solar, I smell something."

"Yeah I know, delicious delicious venison ribs and..."

"No, *sniff* something else..." he says as he starts looking around the room.

You suddenly get a feeling of dread as Solarkness says,

"What?"

The dragon, you assume he's Rutherford, keeps looking around

"I smell..."

He then looks directly at the closet door. At you...

"Changeling!"

And with that you can only think of one thing...

Oh Buck Oh Buck Oh BUCK! BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!!!

What Do You Do?

Outro:


> Episode 32: Bluffing For The Win! (Applewood Arc Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As the timberwolf's eyes widen in shock you feel your breath hitch in your throat and you do the only thing you know how to do in these kind's of situations...




Kichi's Comment



You begin to panic like there's no tomorrow.

Oh buck me! I'm backed into a corner and there's no way of me getting out of here without getting caught! I mean I could punch my way out of here but then not only will my cover be blown, but I'm out numbered two to one. That usually wouldn't be a problem, but the fact that they're Knight leaders means they have to have some skill when it comes to fighting, plus the advantages to being a dragon and timberwolf don't help me either! Not to mention I'm still healing from my injuries due to those bucking stunts. So in other words...

You take a deep, calming breath as you finish your thought,

I'M BUCKED!

Bugze calm down! You panicking isn't going to make this situation any better. You need to calm down and think straight so we can come up with a plan!

You feel your eye twitch in annoyance as you think,

Oh I'm sorry, but you're not the one who'll be getting the snot kicked out of you now are ya! Now unless you can come up with a plan in the next ten seconds then I'm gonna-

Your annoyed rant is cut off when you hear someling say,

Daddy, what if you try to let them think that Kichi changeling sent you or something like that?

Why would he send me? I'm the one who put him away!


MEANWHILE, IN A HIGH-SECURTIY CELL

A certain changeling sneezed and looked around

"Grah, I'm hungry... Not even I treated my lackeys this bad... Damn ponies and their pony food, how many times do I need to tell them that I need some love?" groans Kichi.

"Oh, quit your whining, I'm also hungry and you don't hear me complaining" Silver's voice comes from the other side of the wall.


BACK WITH YOU

But then again, maybe if they think I'm on their side then I can get closer and...no then they'd ask me questions about Kichi and... you debate with yourself until realization hits you.

Gah! Nightshade, when did you get back into my head!?

Your head goes quiet for a few seconds before Nightshade says,

Well, I did...but then waiting in this waiting room was boring and...

Before you can hear any more of what she has to say, or process it, you notice that the two Knight Leaders are heading right your way! Your eyes widen in panic again as you think,



BrownDog's Comment



Crud, Crud, Crud! What do I do?

Either make a run and blow your cover, follow our daughter's plan, or capture them now!

Your mind starts to scramble as you try to think of what Nightshade's plan was, but the panic is making you forget everything! You start to sweat as you desperately try to think of something. It's almost as stressful as that time in Las Pegasus when Grandbuggy almost got caught cheating at cards...

*Ding*

Or…I can Bluff'em!

You can hear  Selena facehoof as she says,

What do you…

You ignore Selena and immediately lay in the closet and pretend to sleep.

Bugze! Now’s not the time for-

Yes it is. Would you rather they found a sneaking bounty hunter, or some scrub actor who decided to take a nap?

But what if…

“GOTCHA!!! Huh?”

The door opens and both the dragon and timberwolf are standing in the doorway, but you have your eyes shut, hidden under your hood, and you let out some snores. From what you can hear, they sound confused.

“Hey, you there! What are you doing here?”

“zzzzzz,” you snore.

“Um, hello?” says the dragon, but you continue to snore.

“Huh, he’s asleep,” says the Timberwolf.

“What’s he doing in here?”

“Well if I wanted a nap in the middle of this busy studio, I’d choose my office.”

“Huh, so he’s a tough changeling actor who’s also pretty crafty…neato,” says the Wyvrn.

“ZZZZZZZ” you snore again.

“Well let’s hurry up and put our cloaks back on, he hasn’t seen us yet,” the Timberwolf commands.

“Good idea,” the dragon agrees.

You hear them put on their cloaks and hear them whisper.

“Woo, dodged an arrow there,”

“I know right? And while he’s hear we can talk to him about the upcoming scenes.”

“Right. Changelings like ribs right?” asks the dragon.

“I think they only feed on love, but they do have sharp teeth. Let’s ask him,” the Timberwolf director muses.

You hear them walk back over to you.

“Now remember, act like we’re upset and that we might fire him and turn him in, we don’t want him to know how much we want him in the next scenes,” you hear the wooden wolf whisper.

“Gotcha.”

You then feel a claw on your shoulder starting to shake you awake.

“Hey! Hey Changeling! WAKE UP!” they yell in your ear.

You suddenly sit bolt upright “waking up” and look around in a “confused daze”

“What?! Huh?! Who?!”

“What do you think you’re doing in my office?” comes the intimidating voice of the wolf.

You then stare down the two cloaked figures and chuckle nervously.

“Eh hehehe, Sorry, I was just taking a nap and…”

“This is my office you worthless actor! I don’t pay you to nap in MY closet!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It’s just that, it’s been a rough day, and I was so tired and-“ you lie.

“I don’t want to hear it! You know, I should just turn you into the guards you worthless bug!”

“But I-Wait! I’m not a bug!”

“The heck you aren’t, I can smell it on you…Changeling,” says the cloaked dragon as he leans ominously over you.

You force a gulp, and put on a voice of mock horror, “Noooo, how could I have been found out so easily! I just wanted money. Please don’t turn me in!”

“Why shouldn’t we? Give us one good reason?” says the timberwolf.

“I’ll do anything!”

The two figures look at each other then back at you. 

“Anything huh? Alright, it just might be your lucky day bug. We do have some upcoming scenes that are a bit more dangerous and…well, we really could use a changeling on camera.”

“Alright fine, yes, please don’t turn me in!” you “plead.”

“Well alright then…by the way, do changelings eat deer ribs?” asks the Rutherford.

“I’m a veg…I mean, I only feed on love, I don’t need physical food,” you lie, even as you feel your stomach growl. You can even imagine anime tears running down your face as you say this.

“Told you so,” Solarkness chimes. 

Rutherford nod's his head before he says,

"Good, now head on to set 5, your needed there for more...work."

You feel a sweat drop form on the back of your head as you think,

Why are they smiling so menacingly! 

You snap out of it and salute before saying,

"Yes sir!"

With that you run out of there as fast as you can.


MEANWHILE, BACK WITH THE KNIGHTS



TheRutherford's Comment



The cloaked Dragon looks to the Timberwolf and says, "Hey, let's make these next stunts with the Changeling more painful Solar."

"Wha? Why?" Solarkness says with a mouthful of ribs.

"I think maybe he was faking sleep."

"How can you tell?"

"I don't know. His snoring just seemed...off. And I don't remember hearing snores before we checked the closet."

"And?" asks Solarkness.

"I feel like he could be hiding something, although I am not sure what," muses Rutherford.

"Yeah, he's a changeling in hiding," points out Solarkness.

"No I mean, like, something else."

"What would a changeling have to gain by snooping around the office?"

"I don't know...Either way, we should make the stunts more dangerous just to be sure."

"What if you are wrong?" asks the wolf.

"Then I will personally apologize for the distrust, actually give him triple the standard pay, and offer him a position in the Knights," Rutherford replies.

"You think he will go for that?"

"Who knows. stranger things have happened."

In the distance,both of them hear an angry roar "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHIA AND MEIGHAN QUIT THE PROJECT?! AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" followed by a distant explosion. Both Knights just shrug this off as not important as Solarkness says with a chuckle,

"That said, I do think we could always use more mayhem on set," 

A FEW MOMENTS LATER



Grey Rebl's Comment



After successfully escaping from the office of the two Crimson Knight leaders, you briskly trot down the hall, feeling the adrenaline from the close-call gradually leaving your system. Oh Luna! Your hooves are still shaking, though! It's a wonder you've left unscathed. Well, physically, at least. While you played the part of a scared changing pretty well, you kinda actually were scared. 

"I know I said that the directors in Applewood are kinda crazy, but I never thought it'd go that far..." You say aloud, sighing the last of the anxiety out. 

Still, I'm surprised you decided to go through with this route...

I can't always afford to start a fight. I burned an entire pizzeria the last time for crying out loud! This time, though, I have civilians to think about now. They're still in the building, after all.

Hmmm. Nice forethought. There is no sarcasm in her voice this time, so it must be a genuine compliment!

Oh, geez thanks! Still, I'll have to fight both a dragon and a timber wolf. Just my luck. Yet again, you sigh.

The former of which you have yet to be capable of defeating on your own. Selena just HAD to point that out!

H-hey! I almost did one time!

...and we know how THAT turned out.

You wince, vividly recalling how you almost killed a dragon, and a father at that. The thought of orphaning Garble like that... And he's out guarding the door outside as a part-time job, too!

Aside from the difficulty that comes with differing species, I'm somewhat amazed that you've fooled them completely.

You chuckle humorlessly, a half-hearted attempt to lighten the mood. 

Well what can I say? Out of all of the things that I've practiced over the years, lying through my teeth has been second to my fighting experience.

That, or we should be glad there are still more gullible people we'll get to work through. 

...I'm not sure if I should be relieved or insulted anymore. Can't you at least acknowledge my merit on that point?

Before Selena can respond to your question you open a nearby door to see if it'll lead to the set your supposed to go to, but instead you see..



Kichi's Comment



A pink pegasus as she puts on a plastic horn.

"Nope, wrong door," you say as you close it, the actress covering herself for some reason and screeching.

You then open another door and you see a black stallion with a cape and a red false horn.

The black stallion laughs in front of a mirror like a maniac and begins to shout something about crystals in a bunch of different tones and inflections.

You hear the former tyrant groan in your head at the site as he says,

Gah! Is that supposed to be me? How dare they tarnish my glorious image? The great master of planning and illusions. I who turned many ponies into puty with my magic!

You roll your eyes at the tyrant's rant as you say,

Are you sure that isn't you? Cause that's pretty much how you acted when we first fought back at the empire. I think you may have a crystal fetish

You can hear Sombra growl in your head as he threatens,

Why you puny little piece of- 

Before Sombra can finish you cut him off as you think,

Hold that thought Sombrozo, I think I see my daughter...WAIT WHAT!?!?

Your eyes widen in surprise as you see a very happy looking Nightshade, wearing a dark blue wig, and prosthetic wings and a horn jumping up and down as a tired looking Aqua sits next to her. You can feel your eye twitch in annoyance as you begin to walk over to them. You don't even get halfway there before Nightshade notices you and runs over to you with big stars in her eyes as she says,

"Watashi wa sutāpapa ni nari-sōdesu (I'm going to be a star daddy)!" 

You give a confused look to Aqua as she smiles sheepishly before saying,

"Yeah...the kid said that you needed help inside...but when we got in here, some talent scout kind of..."

"Kind of what?" you growl. She chuckles nervously again and says,

"They want Nightshade for the movie..."

"WHAT?!" 

"Well, it seems the previous filly that they had lined up never appeared. From what we were told, the actress was going to come in from Bastion today, but they didn't. I bet you can imagine the reason," she explains.

You then think back to all the little foals Kichi was using like batteries and grit your teeth in anger. 

"Yeah... Guess that's another fate we saved those kids from. Child actors never grow up right. But seriously, why did you allow Nightshade to be chosen? I wanted you guys outside where it was safer."

"It wasn't by choice dude! I can't control her," Aqua huffs.

Worst. Babysitter. Ever! Selena growls.

You turn to Nightshade and lift up an eyebrow to which she smiles sheepishly.

"Well...they offered me a family golden ticket to Winnyland and a great quantity of bits if I accepted the job and well... I could not say no, or let Ms. Aqua take that away from me..." Nightshade explains.

You look back to Aqua with an inquisitive look and she blathers,

"Her eyes turned freaking white man! Pure white! I wasn't about to argue with that!"

You sigh and nod your head at this. 

"OK...I understand. There's no reason being mad about it now, it's already happened. Honey, just don't go around calling me Daddy right now, or use your real name got it?"

"Gotcha, and don't worry, they know me as Evening Shadow," she smiles.

"And what's with the wig?"

"They said my mane wasn't the right color for this part and made me wear it. Don't I look more like mommy now?" she says happily.

"Umm...sure, but don't go saying that aloud either alright?"

"Gotcha daddy. Oh I can't wait for this scene to start!"

You then give an urgent look to Aqua as you say,

"We need to talk. I've found some information that your gonna want to see."

Aqua nods her head at this and is about to comment, but you don't hear her as you feel a sudden feeling of fatherly dread. Looking over to Nightshade you see...

Nightshade, and a bunch of other children made to look like her, standing around the giant animatronic Nightmare You, and a very realistic looking Discord. In the scene Discord has created multiple illusions of the "Nightmare Child" as she is called and each on of the fillies begin taunting the animatronic while the Discord actor fights it.

What happens next though is terrifying, the Nightmare thing swings for the children.

"NOOOOO!!!" you yell.

"And Cut!" comes Solarkness' voice as the puppet stops. "Alright, bring in the doubles."

All the kids, including Nightshade are then ushered off stage and short mares and stallions made to look like the kids are brought out.

"Annnnddddd, ACTION!" the puppet then hits the doubles violently, before it looks to "Discord" and begins attacking.

Nightshade then comes walking back over to you down cast.

"That's it? That's all they needed me for? I thought I was going to be a star," she harumphs.

"Well honey, child labor laws don't allow child endangerment, and I'm pretty sure even Crimson Knights wouldn't want to go through that legal hell," you say as you happily hug her.

"What kind of movie is this anyway? That Discord actor kind of freaked me out, and that monster thing is kind of scary too?" she asks. 

You look back up at the scene as Discord is struck down by the Nightmare and you briefly flash back.

"You don't want to know honey..." you say feeling downcast.

Bugze, you need not watch this, Selena says sounding uncomfortable as well.

You nod, but you can't look away.

Even if it is fake, it still seems real. And even through it, you even feel some smug satisfaction watching even a fake Discord getting hurt.

"And cut... Good work everyone! Now let's move on to the fun scene. Set 5 in 15 people" says the disguised Timberwolf.

As all the actors disperse, you look to Aqua and say, "I'll catch up with you guys, after these scenes on my next break go on ahead and be safe OK?," you say as you breathe heavily.

They both nod and walk on, a bit confused about your demeanor.

That...that was...

I know Bugze. I know.

Seriously, how do they know about scenes like this?

Mayhaps they have visions of it from their dopplegangers? 

Maybe...It's all so surreal... you say as you rub your faded scar on your chest.

As you sit and muse, the Discord actor walking your way with a check in his lion paw.

"And just like that I'm an Applewood star and I am set for when I get out of...Oh hi there Tennant, how'd you get here?" he says stopping in front of you.

You sigh and wave to him, "I'm doing alright, I just..." your eyes widen as what he says hits you.

"WHAT?! How do you know that name? Who are you?!" you say as you glare at him, you voice modulator kicking in.

"Me? Oh BST don't you recognize your old uncle Dizzy? I know the makeup is new, but that's what's needed for the cameras and-"

WHAT?!?

"HOW THE BUCK ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR PRISON?!" your growl as your eyes begin to glow a combo of orange and green.

"What?  Bugze it's me, past me is...Oh wait, you're not from...Ohhhhhhh..." he says with realization. "You're past you. I didn't think...well this is awkward..." he says looking sheepish.

"What do you even-?"

Before you can even react, he says, "Like your Doc buddy always says, Spoilers...and Hey, just know I'm sorry about a lot of the stuff you'll be going through the next 2 years."

Suddenly he snaps his fingers, there is a blinding light, and suddenly your head feels scrambled as this chimes throughout. 

Bugze.exe has stopped running, please restart your system. Bugze.exe has stopped running, please restart your system.

As your mind boots back up, you see a confused pony actor in a Discord suit giving you a weird look before shrugging and walking away.

"I, but...What the...?" but no matter how much you stammer, you are now alone on the set with no one to answer you.

Selena...you saw that too right? Please tell me you saw that!?

I...I did. I'm...not sure as to what to make of it but I saw it.

Was that not Discord the Usurper? Sombra growls in...anger?

You shake your head, as well as smack your head as you think,

You know what? No. I'm not gonna deal with this. For all I know someling spiked the punch and I'm seeing things. It's not my problem, it's future Bugze's problem. I'm just gonna pretend that never happened! I swear to Luna if anyling so much as says his name in the next couple of hours I'm dropping stealth and wiping out a fresh can of kickass!

With that thought you ignore Selena and Sombra and get back to work...you find set 5 and participate in some very dangerous action scenes, nothing with dialogue as the main actor gets to sit and watch. But this time, with whatever confusing thing just happened, you cause more damage to the set and props than you receive. If only because you tend to "accidentally" smash anything they throw at you since everything you see is Discords smug face.

Ah free therapy, does wonders for the mind...And Solarkness and Rutherford are eating it up and loving it too.

A FEW MORE RELAXING SCENES LATER



Grey Rebl's Comment

 

After you have finally gotten your next break, you sigh tiredly. Who knew being an actor would be this hard? And so unhealthy? Not only have you been forced through so much physical pain, of which you haven't felt ever since...the alternative universe adventure you've also been broken down mentally. For some reason, today decided to take the time to remind you of yourself at your worst, from screw up to screw up. 

The cold depression has not been left unnoticed however, and so, Selena and Nightshade comfort you for the rest of the break. Awkwardly, Aqua just feels left out of the loop. 

It is during this time that Aqua trails her eyes somewhere else. Your partner stiffens at the sight of something. And it is shocking enough to her that she audibly gasps, a hoof hovering over her open mouth as she openly gapes. Just by her expression, you can tell it has to be a big deal.

"S-sensei?!" Aqua suddenly shouts.

Your eyes widen, and you turn your head towards wherever she is looking at, Nightshade doing the same as she shares a similar interest.

You see one pony mare who directly reacts to the call...who's also wearing a boulder costume? The buck?

"Ah. Aqua," the pony says in...recognition? You can't tell through the sheer monotone, of which you thought no one can possibly be capable to process.

Aqua rushes up to her, smiling in a way that you've never seen on her before, coming from her at least.

"Sensei Maud! What are you doing here?" she asks excitedly, as if reuniting with an old, best friend.

"Getting the extra bits," Maid says simply. Which most certainly didn't elaborate on anything at all!

"Oh! Why? Is the rock farming business going bad?" You look between the two bewildered. Rock farming?! You can even hear Selena face hoof audibly in your mindscape, non-verbally agreeing with your thoughts.

"One of our employers prematurely took her pay, and more, and left. I'm here to work it off real quickly." For a serious crime, she says it as though it doesn't actually matter. You can't help but feel nervous around that sort of attitude. It's like...the opposite of the Pink Menace. Pretty foreboding.

"And you're acting as...?"

"I'm a boulder. Just like Boulder."

Now it's your turn to be left out of the loop as you watch the two go off in a seemingly one-sided conversation.

"Sooo... They're master and student, huh?" Nightshade comments. "That's kinda cool."

"I guess that's about right," you dumbly agree, maybe a moment too late. But just how does the dynamic even work?!

Suddenly you get a idea and, seeing as how you're still on break, you decide to put it into action. You gesture for Nightshade to follow you and you begin to walk towards Aqua and her old teacher.

However as you walk towards them, you start to get a familiar vibe from Maud. This vibe you get from her is dangerous, so dangerous you actually get put on guard just from being near her. You swear you hear laughing in the background as you finally reach the duo, but as Maud look at you you can see her eyes. Your eyes widen in fear as if her eyes can destroy you if she blinked. You snap out of it before she notices as you think,

The buck was that?!

As this Maud continues to stare at you saying nothing, Aqua chimes in.

"Oh, CV, how rude of me. This is my Earth Bending Sensei Maud. Sensei this is my partner C.V. and his daughter Ni-Evening Shadow," she introduces.

You stick out your hoof nervously and she looks at your shadowed masked face.

"N-nice to meet you," you stammer.

"Ah, hello. I am Maud. I am glad my student has finally found a lover," she bluntly says as she shakes your hoof.

"WHAT?!" both of you yell, to which Maud does not seem to react at all.

"We're not-"

"He's not-"

"That's-" you both stammer embarrassingly as Maud speaks up again.

"Sorry, I guess I misunderstood. What do you mean by partner then Aqua?" she says with a lift of an eyebrow. 

"I'm...Well you see Sensei..." Aqua sweats under the emotionless face.

"I thought you weren't going to be a Mercenary anymore Aqua," she says in her monotone.

"I'm not Sensei! Not anymore. I promised. I'm a bounty hunter now. Only taking down jerks that deserve it."

"Ah, I see," Maud says with a blink, before staring back at you again, making you nervous.

"Has my student done well?" she asks you.

"Y-yeah, so far so good...and back up, You know Earth Bending?" you say to Aqua.

"Actually no. But I have learned the fighting styles of the Earth Benders and incorporated them with my Water Techniques," she explains.

"Huh, well maybe I could learn some of those, you see my Earth Bending comes and go-MMPH!" Nightshade begins before you cover her mouth and chuckle.

Maud still just stares at you creepily so you cough and say.

"Well, as interesting as this has been, I kind of have to talk to your student. We're on a job right now you see."

"Wait, CV, she can help. Maud is very powerful," Aqua says.

You look back to the blank pony and say,

"Um, do you have any problems with engaging in a fight between a pair of Crimson Knights who just so happen to be a Timberwolf and Dragon?"

"Wait, What?" Aqua says flabbergasted.

Maud just blinks and says, "No. I have no problem. I'll help you."

You see Aqua shudder back, "Dang, she really must hate the Crimson Knights," she says to you.

"How can you even...you know what, never mind. Alright, here's what I've found out..."

You then proceed to tell them all you've found out about Solarkness and Rutherford, whispering to Aqua that they know you're a changeling so Maud doesn't hear.

Aqua then chimes in, "The dragon sounds like it may be a water dragon...I'd be the better opponent for him."

You nod and say, "Yes, and I figured I'd take the wolf. Only problem is, I can't burn him up completely since we kind of need to take him alive, and I don't kill...anymore...

"What should I do Daddy?" Nightshade asks.

You open your saddle bags and give her a look to which she sighs.

"Hey, you wouldn't have had to do this if you had stuck to the plan," you chide her.

"Yeah, Yeah, whatever..." she says as she hops in the bag.

Maud does not even seem surprised at Nigthshade disappearing into your saddle bags, instead she says.

"I say we hit them now."

"What? But there's so many innocents in the way and..."

"I'll evacuate the innocents once the fighting has started, you worry about the Knights. You can't let them escape," she says completely in monotone.

"Well, I guess, but..." you start.

"She's right, if they know you're a...you know what, we can't trust them to go back on their word, and then guards will get involved, and that means no money."

"Alright. You're right. We should strike soon before I get even more exhausted. The next scene is supposed to be the fight between the Offender and the Nightmare, and will be the most dangerous. Maybe we make it look like a stunt go wrong when we attack before they realize what's going on. Will certainly give us an edge," you muse.

The two of them agree, and Aqua asks you.

"So, do you have a plan?"

"Kind of...alright, when Solarkness yells action, I'm gonna..." you then tell them your plan.

Moments Later

You stand on call as the actor playing you yells up to the Nightmare puppet with zoom ins on his face. It's weird seeing a pony wearing makeup to look like a changeling. Solarkness then yells cut and orders in the double (you) in. You stare up at the monstrosity, the moviefied version of the monster you fought and shiver slightly before looking to the two cloaked figures just behind the cameras.

You see Aqua and Maud standing ready out of the corner of your eye and you take in a breath.

"Annndddd, ACTION!!!" yells Solarkness.

You then look up and mutter to yourself, "Showtime..."

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 33: Lights! Camera! Action! Let The Battle Begin! (Applewood Arc Part 5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Crazy_Canuck's Comment




The Pony Spartan's Comment




Ersied the ink-moth's Comment



You charge forth and enact your plan, more than a bit peeved by that horrible scene you just witnessed. What scene? Oh right,

Minutes Before Action is Called

As the actor playing you finishes his lines, you can barely contain your unabashed hatred. Not because you're eager to beat the tar out of some Crimson Knights... well okay, that too. But because the actor they got to play you is so cliche!

"I must defeat you! For I am the good guy that everypony thinks is a bad guy. But you are a bad guy that is actually a bad guy!" the actor says at an annoyingly slow pace, enunciating every single word. "Your reign of horror ends here, Nightmare. You are me. But you are also not me, because I am me. There can be only one 'me', so now it is time to finish this... once and for all... ...for the last time... ...finally. Catchphrase!"

"I do not talk like that!" You mutter, grinding your teeth.

I don't know. It's actually a bit of an improvement; very on topic and to the point.

Indeed, the perfect example of the stoic yet foolish hero.

Shut up you! I didn't say you could agree with me! Selena barks.

"Shush." you tell the voices in your head as you're called on as the stunt double.

You take your place, and stare up at the giant Nightmare puppet. It seems the Knights spared no expense in making it look as terrifying as possible, cranking up the 'terrify' factor on its appearance to a ludicrous degree. Even so... you can remember first-hoof how it felt to be in the presence of the real thing, (heck, you had to fight him) and for all their effort, the puppet doesn't even come close.

"Alright," Solar calls, "you know the drill, it's time for the epic final battle! Make this epic!"

"Oh... I'm gonna." you whisper with a smirk. If they want a badflank fight scene, you're gonna give them a fight they'll never forget.

"ACTION!"

Back to the Present

The camera starts rolling and the Nightmare winds up to swing its tails at you. The script says you're supposed to get pummeled, but you've got a last-minute alteration.

The tails sweep the ground in front of you, and instead of taking the hit, you leap onto the moving mass of fabric and metal skeleton, using the momentum to launch yourself straight at the Knights! Putting on a twist with a Psycho Crusher, you barrel towards them, ready to rip off their cloaks in dramatic fashion.

The two directors scream and hug each other in fright and surprise as that clearly wasn't in the script.

"I've got you NOWWWWW!" you yell and grasp for their cloaks...

Only to sail harmlessly over them mere inches out of reach, and crash into the wall behind them.

"Ow." you moan as you get to your hooves. You look up to see the two directors looming over you.

"I knew it! I knew this guy was up to something!" Rutherford jabs an accusing claw at you.

"Looks like you were right." Solar comments, "I can't wait to see what our security has to say about thi-"

*Cloth ripping*

Everyling in the room lets out a collective gasp, and the Knight Leaders pat themselves down to find their cloaks have been torn off. They spin around to see Aqua and Maud holding their cloaks, showing everyone in the room the Crimson Knight insignia and glaring them down.

"I'm interested in what the security is going to say too," Maud monotones smugly. She then stomps the ground, causing the cement floor to spike up and lock around the Knight leaders' feet.

"Crimson Knight leaders Rutherford and Solarkness, you are hereby under arrest," you tell them like a badflank.

Suddenly a very woozy looking Flash jumps in from nowhere as he declares,

"Crimons Knights? I knew it! I'll take it from here," he tells you causing you to facehoof. "As they said, you are under arrest. Charges include multiple safety violations, conspiring against the crown, unlawful production of propaganda to induce fear into the populace, and worst of all... casting a pegasus to play the part of this psychotic version of Pinkie Pie."

"Uh... that last one's not a crime," Rutherford points out.

"It's a crime against the source material. I know the real Pinkie Pie, even if you call this one Pink Piekie, it's very obvious who she is. And the real Pinkie is an earth pony; having her played by a pegasus just isn't right."

"Speciesist."

"I AM NOT A SPECIESIST!" Flash roars, "I'M JUST AN ADVOCATE FOR POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN FILM!

"Whatever you speciesist," Solar shrugs, "We're not going anywhere with you anyway," he says as he and Rutherford break free of Maud's leg traps and get into a fighting stance. "Well Rutherford, looks like it's time for the critics to get blown away."

Rutherford nods his head at this as he begins to crack his knuckles, but he gains a look of confusion as he points to you and asks,

"But who are you? You're clearly not some random stunt double. Are you some sort of undercover guard or something?"

You chuckle slightly at this as you shake your head while saying,

"Oh no. I'm far worse then some under covered guard. For you see I am," with this you fling your hood off your body to reveal your badflank bounty hunter cloths as you finish,

"The Crimson Vengeance! Bounty hunter and ally of justice! In other words...your worse bucking nightmare!"

Several eyes widen at your statement as you hear ponies begin to mumble,

"Isn't he the guy who captured those bulls back in Dodge Junction?"

"Yeah, and he also captured the Extra Lives gang too!"

"I heard he left them barely alive when he turned them in!"

"Yeah, and didn't he kick that one puppy at-"

Your eye twitches in annoyance as you yell,

"HEY! THOSE LAST TWO AREN'T TRUE!"

The mumbling ponies merely "eep" in fear while Solark just rolls his eyes as he says,

"Whatever, bounty hunter or not we'll still gonna take you down."

Your face mask revels it's teeth and your voice modulator kicks in to menacing mode as you say,

"You wanna bet on that wolfy?"

The timberwolf growls in anger and is about to charge at you when...

"Wait a second, you're a bounty hunter?" Flash asks as he turns around to face you.

"Sigh, yes Flash, I'm a bounty hunter," you say in annoyance.

"Why didn't you tell me that?"

"Because you were too busy crying yesterday over my brother and you never asked and-OOF!" you are suddenly headbutted by Solarkness, sending you skidding backward. He then proceeds to back kick Flash in the jaw, sending him flying off the set.

"Thanks for letting your guard down!" smirks the wolf, causing you to growl and charge him. And then the battle begins.

As soon as the fighting breaks out, you tell Maud to start getting ponies to safety. She agrees, shifting the surface of the floor like a conveyor belt to bring them outside, but they're none too happy about it.

"Oh come on, I want to watch the fight!" one stallion manages to complain as he clings stubbornly to Maud's leg.

"Don't worry, it'll be coming to DVD and Redd-ray this summer, available for rental or purchase at your nearest Blocksmasher video store," Maud says as she pulls up a wall of stone and shoves him out with the rest, completely blocking any door leading in or out. Even the pegasi don't try to come back in from the top since every time they tried they looked at Maud straight in the eyes and were taken aback.

You can't help but gulp in fear at this as you think,

Note to self, if it's even possible, don't piss Maud off.

After that thought you look back over to your target...



Pony Spartan's Comment




BrownDog's Comment



Only for the timberwolf to pin you down and to sniff you. 

"I knew I shouldn't have trusted you bug, but I guess my sentimental heart got the better of me!" He growls, "Once we take you back to headquarters, we are going to have a fun time, and then I'll be sending you straight to Celestia to add insult to injury!"

"Oh shut the buck up," You say in annoyance before falcon kicking him off of you.

He hits the ceiling and gets stuck up there for a second, soon after falling down and grunting while getting back up.

"You really have to teach me that," Aqua tells you.

You shake your head as you say,

"Sorry, that move's trademarked."

"Oh you filthy bucking changeling!" yells the Timberwolf.

You then stand with her and take up a battle stance. Staring down the two foes, you declare to them

"You fools are going down, just like your buddy Kichi!"

"What? You're the ones who took that self absorbed bug down?" asks Solarkness.

"No spit Sherlock. That's what you smelled on my cloak. And your stupid dragon friend thought that changeling scent was me, how bucking stupid are you? Why would a changeling need this awesome of an outfit?" you lie.

And with this explanation, also in accordance with the Doctor's Perception filter still being attached to you, they buy it.

"Ah! I knew that scent was familiar! Guess I should sniff other changelings for a reference and-" yells Rutherford. 

"It doesn't matter if you're not a changeling! You're still going down for ruining my movie on the LAST BUCKING SCENE!!!" yells the Timberwolf in anger.

"Oh boohoo, we ruined your snuff film, get over it!"

"Enemy of the Knights, you will be purged!" yells Solarkness melodramatically.

"Nice line Solar," compliments Rutherford.

"Thanks, I thought it would sound cool," barks the Timberwolf.

Aqua rolls her eyes and is about to say something...when a jet of water smacks into her and sends her flying into a wall. Your eyes widen in shock and your about to go and help her, but you get tackled again by the timberwolf and are forced to deal with him before helping out your partner, although looking back at her, you see her smirk and stop the Dragon's Water Breath in midair.

"What the buck?!"

"Water Bender Sweetheart," she smirks before blasting him with his own attack. This momentarily distracts Solarkness, so you take advantage and uppercut him, splintering some of his face.

"AAAAHHHH!!! Ah to tartarus with this!" he snarls before looking up and shouting.



Solarkness's Comment



"FLOUR! TANTA! Get over here NOW!" 

"There's noling coming to save you Solarkness!" you mock.

He crouches down while forming a wooden sword, right afterwards leaping high into the air. As he closes the distance, you can't help but feel that attack is familiar. At the last second, you snap out of it and roll to the side.

The ground shatters on impact, and so do his forelegs. He grunts, and his shattered forelimbs move back into position, as if they always were made out of many more small pieces.

"Oh, great, you have regeneration," you grin. He just grins back at you, before somersaulting into the air, slamming his sword down vertically. You step to the side, narrowly avoiding it, "Hey! Not fair!" To which he just repeats his maneuver, and you sidestep it once again, "Seriously, no need to-" Once more, he repeats this maneuver, shattering his sword. "Ha!" you shout out, "Your sword is-"

He pummels you, interrupting you for the second time. You groaned at that, "Okay. Now you're just asking for it," you punch him, while he's still shoving you back, and as that does not help, you punch again, and again, and again...

Until you can't feel your hind legs suddenly. Or, to be more accurate, you can still feel them, and they feel cold, "You've got to be kidding me," you mumble.

"We're not," a voice whispers behind you, "We're doing pretty much the opposite." You discreetly activate your fire to melt your hind legs, while still grasping for a hoofhold against Solarkness.

"Oh, great. Two against one, just the way I like it," you reply, trying to figure out who's behind you, "So, would you kindly-," you're interrupted as your throat starts freezing. You cough, gasping for air.

"I wouldn't talk," the voice whispers, "It wouldn't end well."

Your forelegs start freezing too, and as you look down, you see just what has come to the fight: A wendigo.

"You're kidding," you breath out, before shutting up, seeing the maniacal grin the wendigo bore.

"Flour," Solarkness growls, "Once you're done freezing his forelegs, go help Rutherford. I'll make sure this guy doesn't melt your ice."

"Sure," 'Flour' responds, "But he's already trying. I am replenishing frost on his hind legs and-"

The Wendigo is suddenly caught up in a water blast that was also carrying Rutherford, and the two fly away from you and the wolf as Aqua chases after them.

"Wait, Aqua! Careful! There's a Wendo-OW!" you try to warn before Solarkness starts clawing at your face. Luckily your mask protects most of it, but the exposed parts are taking in plenty of scratches and splinters.

"Would you kindly Fire it Up?!" you yell, melting your limb manacles. Before he even realizes what you've done, you punch out at him, splintering more of his face.

"Oh Come On!" he shouts.



Grey Rebl's Comment



MEANWHILE WITH AQUA

Only faintly hearing your warning, she just thinks you're telling her to be careful, she continues to whip the dragon. 

She gets one of her whips around his throat...but then suddenly it turns to ice and shatters around his neck.

"Wait, what the heck was...?" you begin to ask, before you are blasted back by Rutherford taking a cheap shot.

You growl and try to send out another whip, but it too freezes in mid swing.

"HOW?! I didn't-GRAGH!"

Again she is hit back by a punch from the dragon, this time into a wall. Rutherford, now having the upper claw, gloats at her.

“Hehehe...Having a hard time? Ready to give up?”

Aqua growls in response as she dodges a casual swipe from Rutherford’s claw. It is so wide of a motion that it catches the frozen results of her attempts to waterbend, and crushes it like glass. 

She then finally sees the spectral looking enemy hovering around the dragon that's been freezing her attacks.

"A Wendigo?! Are you serious?!"

"Deadly. But if you think he's bad, wait until you meet Tanta," smirks the dragon as he rushes you again.

It turns into a frustrating dance of chase as Aqua is left with hardly any way to counterattack. Rutherford would swipe, Aqua would dodge, and then she would execute a seemingly perfect counter, only for it to get frozen over by Flour’s influence. Rinse, and repeat. Even worse, it’s getting inexplicitly colder. Her legs are getting stiff. She knows she'll tire out eventually! And she’s not the type to contest a wyvern of all things with endurance.

Aqua gives a cocky smirk in an attempt hide how tired she’s getting. “Is that it? I’m just warming up!” She dodges another swing.

Rutherford raises a brow, smiling with his sharp teeth showing. “Oh?” He swings, ice shatters, and Aqua remains out of reach. “Warming up? Well why don’t we just amp up the pace?” He suddenly rushes forward, his wings thrusting him on.

The waterbender ducks out of instinct to avoid the claw overhead, but she has no time to think nor the time to attempt to waterbend as the claws come rapidly one after another. It turns into a barrage of claw attacks, violent and relentless. He is unpredictable. Even if it seems the attack is imbalanced, the wings keeps him stable. Soon enough, Aqua is pushed back towards another wall.

“Now I have you!” Rutherford yells and rears back a claw.

At the last possible moment, she weaves around through an a crushing downward palm strike and beneath the underbelly of the wyvern. Smirking tauntingly, she says, “Too fast?” and consecutively snaps several whips of water in an instant. She has to roll away from under away, because that too freezes, and then shatters as Rutherford thrashes around out of surprise. In his stumble, he accidentally causes cracks to form on the wall.

This causes Aqua a few precious seconds to catch her breath as the battle pauses. When Rutherford stands back up straight, he chuckles. Aqua tenses.

“Clever girl. Was I really that predictable?”

“Hmph. You’re attacks?” Aqua begins, “Naw, it’s just you’re wing beats. They seem to follow a certain rhythm. I just followed the beat.”

“All that on your first try? Impressive.” He nods respectfully. “Not even scared by the claws, too,” he notes.

“...I’ve seen scarier,” Aqua says darkly. After all, nothing can hold a candle to CV in his Nightmare form. Her leg hurts just thinking about it.

“I’ll keep that in mind. But I guess this means I won’t be needing to hold back against such an interesting opponent.”

She tries her best not gulp at that statement. “Aw. All for little ol’ me? You cheater, it’s already two against one,” she teases.

“Hydro Pump!” Rutherford roars.

Eyes wide, Aqua dives to the side right when a jet of water slices across the floor and towards where she once stood. The attack cuts it clean, a small trench formed. Turning back towards the wyvern, with even more caution than before, she takes a ready stance.

“I can still use water, unlike you. Then again, all you’ve got is ice anyways.” To prove his point, Flour the Wendigo floats by him. “What’ll you do now?”

Aqua is silent for a moment. But then she chuckles. This confuses the wyvern and winter spirit as the pony apparently saw something funny that they didn’t.

“What’s so funny?” Rutherford asks wearily.

Aqua elaborates, still in a fit of giggles. “Oh, nothing. It’s just that I’ve never thought that I'd be doing this again.”

“‘Again?’” This sets off warnings in Rutherford's head.

“Normally, I don’t. Never had enough ice to work with. It’s also just not my style. But then again, I was trained by an Earthbender, one of the best in fact...”

At this, Rutherford’s eyes widen, looking around the icy battlefield that’s been caused by the Flour’s influence.  Icy spikes begins to extend from the frozen floor around him. Looking to the Wendigo, he realizes it isn't Flour doing it.

“You…! It was a set up the entire time!”

Aqua smirks. “It's called a hustle sweetheart. Now, let’s do this.”


BACK WITH YOU



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



We go back to your battle with the timberwolf, which has escalated to the two of you punching (or biting in the timberwolf's case) each other. You soon tackle the timberwolf with enough force to crash through a studio wall, and you find yourself in a room full of assorted movie weapons. And just by chance, a lightsaber happened to roll towards each of them, Solar's a bright green and your's a dark red.

"Where in the heck do you guys keep getting these wonderful toys?!"

"Trade secret!"

Grabbing the elegant weapons from a more civilized age, the two of you get ready for the ultimate duel of the fates. Charging at each other, you strike at the wooden wolf with sparks and laser sounds flying as they struck at each other.

The duel leads onto the rafters above the movie set as Solar's attacks continue relentlessly. And the fighting only gets more intense when beams start falling and giant lights begin to swing loose around them.

Finally though, Bugze gets an opening when the platform under Solar tilts, throwing him off balance. Seeing his chance, Bugze slashes his lightsaber at Solar, severing his right paw and causing his own saber to fall.

"Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father." Bugze says, using his mask's modulator to give his voice an intimidating low pitch.

Solar blinks. "What?"

"I am your father."

Solar just stares at Bugze while his missing paw reforms. "Seriously? We're in the middle of a fight and you choose to quote Mare Wars?"

Bugze chuckles awkwardly. "I couldn't resist."

Solar just growls in annoyance and swipes at you, but you manage to dodge it. Sadly the laser sword cuts through the last support beam, sending you, Solar, and the walkway you were standing on crashing towards the ground. The walkway lands right in between Aqua and Rutherford, causing them to pause their battle in order to dodge. As you get up and rub your soar body, you barely dodge a claw swipe and land next to Aqua. Solar jumps back from the crash and lands next to Rutherford.

After this bit of interuption, both sides take a moment to catch their breaths.

Oh man, I hope we can end this fight quickly. I mean, with all this racket we're making, the authorities are bound to notice. Unless of course something even more epic than our fight occurs right this moment, but what are the chances of that?




BrownDog's Comment



ELSEWHERE

An angry Michael Beigh, currently on fire, explodes a studio door in front of him.

"SHAMALAMADINGDONG!!!" he yells at the top of his lungs.

"Ah, nice of you to drop by Michael. I have been expecting you," comes the muffled mask voiced of the other bad director who sits in a chair in a darkened room.

Beigh looks him over and see that he is wearing, some sort of white mask with a red circle on the forehead and writing all over it, and a large black overcoat.

Next to him are a dazed looking Shia Lahoof and Meighan Fox.

"Give me back my actors! My fans are screaming for their return!"

In the distance someone heckles.

"NO WE'RE NOT!!!"

"SHUT UP!" Beigh yells and sends a fireball out the hole he made, launching the heckler into the sky.

"Ah, I would Beigh, but unfortunately, they have already signed a contract to appear in my new show Wayward Birch," says M. Night as he gestures to the two actors.

"Yes...we will act..." says the dazed Lahoof.

"Acting...good..." says the equally dazed Fox.

"Oh Sweet Explosivey Goodness, they're actually MORE coherent than usual! What have you done to them?"

"I Shamalized them," says the masked director as he holds up his glowing hoof. "Normally it takes a bit of energy to suck out talent and emotions from someone...but these two were surprisingly easy."

"You son of a b!%$#! I need them for my new Transformares Trilogy! The muse of explosions has spoken!" he roars as his fire becomes more brighter.

Shamalamadingdong sits up angrily.

"Never! You called my perfect beautiful hair stupid! I will never concede! Never surrender!" he says as he places his glowing hoof over Beigh's forehead.

"Now be Shamalized!" he says. After a moment of nothing happening, Beigh just laughs and says,

"You idiot, you can't take talent that was never there!"

He then explodes M. Night off of him, who recovers with his air bending.

"WHAT A TWIST! Very well then. Let us engage in Mortal Kombat!"

"Bring it on!"

They then both rush forth, flying at each other as they yell.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"

As they strike, a powerful shockwave radiates out, destroying most of the studio and making a sound so loud, it busts the windows of every building in a 5 mile radius.

And epic battle of Horrible Directors then begins, that is so much more chaotic and powerful than your battle, that your incident is completely ignored by guards and civilians alike who witness the battle of Beigh vs Shamalamadingdong. 

Thanks to two of your most despised Applewood personalities, you don't have to worry about the Cops.

Back With You in a 5 Mile Radius.

All the windows and glass near you suddenly explode in shards, causing your enemies to become distracted. Taking the opportunity, you cheap shot The Timberwolf. You then see exactly how his face and limbs keep regenerating. There are hidden piles of forest trees around the set. Smirking, you  burn some of his stockpile of replacement wood.

"NO! Cut that out!" shouts Solarkness.

"Why don't you make me?" you yell as you continue looking for wood piles, burning all you find.

MEANWHILE

As you do that, Aqua rengages with Rutherford and Flour, unfortunately, they were the ones to cheapshot her when all the glass exploded.

They have frozen her limbs against the wall, causing her to snarl.

"Not so tough now are ya Pony?" smirks the dragon as he raises his fist, only for a stone pillar to knock him and the wendigo back.

"I wouldn't be harming my pupil if I were you," comes the almost bored sounding voice of Maud as she causally walks into battle.

"Wait a minute, aren't you a background actor? Rock number 5?"

"Yes. And now I'm here to rock you...like a hurricane," she says the one liner in her same bored tone.

"Good one sensei, but I can take him if it weren't for that damned Wendigo!" snarls Aqua as she finally breaks out. 

Maud just looks at Flour and goes,

"Hmmm..." she then starts moving her arms around her causing all the bits of broken glass to lift up off the ground."

"What the...but that's not earth, how are you...?" questions a flabbergasted Rutherford.

"Glass is just superheated sand. Thousands of tiny little rocks," she says before bending the glass shards in fine sharp dust towards the Wendigo, who's storm magic brings it into it's body, causing it pain. She then solidifies it within it's body, causing it to drop to the floor. Aqua then uses her bending to form mud from the shards in it's body, encasing it in a sharp clay prison, trapping it.

"Holy Tartarus! Flour!" Rutherford shouts seeing this. "Why you no good monotone bi-Uh Oh..." he notices that Maud still has glass dust swirling around her, before unleashing it at him.

Closing his eyes and Mouth, the dust only scrapes off his scales harmlessly, but not so much his wing Membranes. Hurting them enough to keep him grounded for the fight.

"AH!" he yells as he tries to move his bleeding, aching wings. 

Maud then looks to the speechless Aqua and says.

"There, now the fight should be more even," she then looks back at the very pissed looking Rutherford. "You two can fight again."

"NO! I don't care about her anymore. It's you I want!" he shouts as he tackles Maud and the two end up rolling across the set fighting for dominance, while Aqua runs after them, intending to assist her master.

Back to You

You burn yet another pile of wood and take a look at Solarkness...and he looks like he's about to explode in pure anger. No literally his face is super red, steam is coming out of his ears, and some parts of him are on fire (not your doing) His anger reaches it's breaking point as he shouts towards the heavens,

"THAT'S IT! YOU'RE BUCKING DEAD!!!"



Solarkness's Comment



He leaps high into the air and slams his sword overhead and at you, a roll being the only thing saving you from being hit by it. He then continues his assault, going faster and faster, anger fueling him. It gets so fast, you aren't able to dodge all of them. 

"Ow! Ouch! Son of a! WHAH!" you yell as he cuts you.

Luckily though, you are saved from a massive overhead strike that surely would have hit you, by a pair of stone knives. Both of you look to the source and see Maud looking in your direction with her hoof raised, as she dodges a swipe by Rutherford, who has injured wings. He is then whipped by Aqua with her bending, sending him stumbling.

"Flour!" Solarkness yells while literally vibrating, unable to move, "Go destroy that waterbender, and let Tanta distract the earthbender!" When nothing happens he just shouts, "Flour?!" in confusion, before You bodyslam him just as he stops vibrating, and scream, 

"GERONIMO!" You don't let up on your attack, kicking, punching and kicking him towards the Nightmare-you animatronic, that is still throwing its tails everywhere, smashing anything too close to it.

"RUTHERFORD," Solar screeches right before he enters the field the animatronic is devastating, "Where is-?! *whack*" He is suddenly struck out of your hooves by the flailing animatronic. He lands on the other side of it, and starts getting his second wind, staring at the two ponies ganging up on Rutherford. As you try to reach him, the flailing tails of the Nightmare Prop keep swinging wildly, keeping you from reaching him.

Your eye twitches in annoyance at the animatronic as it's constant flailing is keeping you from stopping Solar. So you do the most reasonable thing to stop it...



Lord Sergal's Comment



You smash through its head only to find out that it isn't a robot. You stare down at... Well, you're not sure what it is, but it is staring back.

"HEY, YOU AREN'T SUPPOSED TO ACTUALLY BREAK THE SUIT!"

You just stare at the...whatever it is as you think,

Wait, what?

Shaking your head you focus back on the creature as you ask it,

"This isn't an act we'r-"

"WHAT WAS THAT? YOU'LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP!"

"I SAID- YOWCH!" You jump back and rub your just-bitten nose as the weird creature runs off shouting "WOPWOPWOPWOP!"

Why do I get the feeling he's going to cause problems?

You are about to respond when a new flurry of sparks bursts up in your face and you look down to see Mangle reaching out of the Inventory and grabbing random wires. It quickly attaches them to its voice box just as you hear a howl behind you. You turn around to see Solark is about to strike Aqua from behind. Your eyes widen and you attempt to stop him when Mangle suddenly shouts blasting ear-shattering music through its suped -up speakers,

"-DROP THE BASS!-"

The timbrwolf literally shakes apart  from the vibrations; too bad you can't hear anything else that's going on. You decide to ignore the ringing in your ears in favor of attacking the disassembled wolf. You quickly catch up to his reforming body and Falcon Punch him back towards your side of the studio-turn battlefield. Solar growls in annoyance and he tackles you as you get close to him before jumping onto a nearby structure. You growl in annoyance looking at him on his high ground, so you yell out,



Solarkness's Comment



"Maud! I need a lift!" When nothing happens, you say again, "Maud?" As you look around, you see her... passed out on the floor?

Weird, you think to yourself, She didn't seem the type to... No. He said something about letting Tanta distract the earthbender, whatever the heck that means. That's probably magically induced. Someone's firing sleep spells and...

Don't be ridiculous. If that was the case, then why only her? And do you see anyone that could have cast the spell?

You do not, in fact, see a spellcaster aside from Aqua, and why would she make Maud pass out? But still, you think, Isn't it-

Selena interrupts you, audibly stressed,

Unless...oh no...oh no no no.

What? What is it?

The magic is familiar. But I thought there was only one... They didn't... she says even more stressed

You run towards the battle, leaving Solarkness on his perch, asking,

What? What did they not do? 

But you're interrupted by Solark throwing wooden daggers at you, to which you barely dodge. As you slowly get back up, you can't help but feel annoyed. They don't seem to want to let you do anything.

This is worse than I thought, Selena tells you.

Why? you wonder, Sure, we're not winning at the moment, Maud is out already it seems, but...

They have the Tantabus.

After that revelation, you could only think of one thing, 

What the buck is a Tantabus?

The Tantabus is basically anti-Luna. There has always been a Tantabus, even though it's incarnation has changed over time, Selena explains as you dodge another water jet.
It's the concentration of every nightmare someone has had. If it's part of these Crimson Knights, then it would explain why Maud is asleep, since it is able to induce sleep. A dark sleep that would be haunted by nightmares.

You nod your head at this information and are about to reply when Solar tackles you to the ground and attempts to naw your head off. Luckily again, your mask saves you. In retaliation you attack, but so does he.



Grey Rebl's  Comment



One hoof crashes through wood, and One paw tears through cloth. You and Solarkness trade strike after strike, not looking to back down. You both make this exchange for a few seconds before you end it with a swift hook to the Timberwolf’s snout, causing him to flinch.

Taking a chance, you shout, “No Shadow Kick!” and proceed to chip away the wood of his bare chest. You hop away when he tries to retaliate with a swing of his blade. Unfortunately, every bit of damage that you did regenerates. With the distance between the both of you, you both begin to circle around each other, testing who’ll blink first.

“You’re tough. I didn’t think you’d shrug off a blow from my blade,” Solarkness comments.

“Meh, not even that sharp,” you reply coolly. 

Ow ow ow! Oh Luna, I think I cracked my chitin!

“Hehehe,” Solarkness chuckles. Coming from a Timberwolf, it sounds awfully hollow. “Don’t think you can outlast me. I’m not like the rest of my kind, who can follow apart just by the whip of a branch or by a thrown rock.”

“Well, you are still made of wood…” you snark

“Then can wood do this?!” He shouts and pounces.

You dodge deftly to the side, preparing to make a swing at him. Suddenly, hardened wooden spikes protrudes out from the wolf’s hide and digs into your clothes!

“Argh!” 

You flinch away, but Solarkness’s maw comes down on you. You try to block it off with your Power Glove, preventing the deceptively weak, stick teeth from cutting through your clothes yet again. However, he holds firm and lifts you off the ground by your hoof and--

“Oh, Buc--!” 

*Smack!*

--slams you to the ground. Lifts you up again. And slams you to the ground. Again.

“--ing, MOTHER OF--!”

*Smack!*

“--LUNA, PLEASE JUST--”

*Smack!*

Solarkness does this several more times as you repeatedly curse obscenely before you finally shout, “WOULD YOU KINDLY EAT SOME BEES?!”

The insides of the Timberwolf’s mouth buzzes with life and his eyes widen. He lets you fall and tumble to the ground as something much more important matters: Getting the bees out.

“Aaarghh! Not the bees! Not the bees!” he shouts as he scratches his face to get rid the buzzing horrors. “You’ll pay for this. You’re going to pay!”

You chuckle at the scene and say, “Never gets old with that reference,” but then you cough as the beating takes its toll on your body.

Bugze, focus!

“Huh--? Oof!” was the only thing that came out of your mouth before you get tackled across the studio by the snarling mass of wood and tumble violently away.

“Now you’ve done it! No more Mister Nice Guy! It’s time for the big bad wolf to join the party!” Solarkness shouts.

You unsteadily stand back up and give a roar of your own. “Bring it on then!”

Solarkness lunges with a maw wide open. Deciding not to keep too close, you slide right underneath him. You rear up for a kick right when he is going to turn around, but wooden spikes suddenly struck out from the blindspot of the wolf’s body, forcing you to clumsily roll away. You hop away with a yelp when he seizes the moment to stomp at you. The place from where you were before is dented from the stomp.

“Okay...he’s really mad,” you say nervously.

Solarkness comes in with another lunge. You try to sidestep it, but the wolf does something surprising. His front limbs detach, separating from each joint and turning into massive paws as an eerie, green glow surrounds it, effectively increasing its range. It contracts after it swallows you up into a dangerous hug. Sticks sting you everywhere, even through your clothes.

You are forced into a wrestling match as the both of your struggle to obtain dominance. You both tumble around all over the place, crashing through the props, the sets and even a chair. Finally, Solarkness gets you pinned. Wooden stakes extend from his underbelly as it pins you to the floor. His paw keeps your front hooves away, preventing you from aiming Power Hoof from anywhere that you want. He stares down at you with a cocky grin.

“Well, well, well. You broke my director’s chair. It was my new favorite, too. I’ll feel better once I break you.”

You grunt. “Would you kindly get the buck off?!”

And with that, your hoof releases Bucking Bronco. It fires off into a box of to the side that says “Warning: Volatile Explosives.” Your plasmid causes it to float crookedly several feet into the air.

You stare at the box. Solarkness stares at the box. You then both stare at each other. You both look around. All around you, there are other boxes with the same exact labels. This is apparently where they keep ALL of the explosives, particularly for the purpose of letting the final scene go off with a bang. Then, you both look back at the floating box again. The plasmid runs out of time on the Bucking Bronco, and releases it from its hold, letting gravity take over.

“Uh, whoops--?”

“Oh, bucking gre--!”

It lands with a crash and whatever pin that has been pulled causes a great chain reaction of explosions that blows you both away.

MEANWHILE OUTSIDE

The evacuated ponies looked on the studio building as an epic battle appears to be taking place from the inside. Roars and crashes resounded, causing the people outside to flinch in anticipation. All they could do was listen in antsy silence.

“Man, it sounds like a good fight is going on in there,” says a random pony.

Another pony, next to the speaker replies,“Yeah. It’s a shame we can’t go in and watch. Not even pegasi seem to be willing to go watch from above. Something scared them."

“Scared? Dude, it sounds awesome inside there! What could make them want to miss out on the show?!”

“I’m not sure about your sort of thinking, but it sounds serious in there…”

“Okay, yeah, but you gotta admit, aren’t you curious about what’s going? Instead of, you know, just listening to the noises and using your imagination?”

“...yeah. It does sound awesome in there…” the other pony admits.

Suddenly, more random ponies are seen running across the street and then out of view. This catches the attention of the evacuated ponies.

“Hey! Yo! What’s going on?” shouts one of the evacuees 

“Didn’t you hear? Michael Beigh and M. Night Shamalamadingdong, the two worst directors in Applewood, are duking it out! It’s going to be the fight of the century!”

“Are you serious?!”

“Yeah, I’m serious. Come quick, or else there won't be any more room to get a good view of the match!”

Out of the excitement of something else to do, the crowd of the original staff of theHooded Offender movie rush off to partake in spectating the ultimate showdown. Soon enough, all is empty. Just in time, too. Because the entire studio explodes.

Back Inside the Explosivey Goodness

Dust. Dust from the battle and explosion is everywhere. It obscures your vision as your ears stop ringing. You hear coughing to your left and find Aqua, a little banged up, but still kicking. In front of you in the dust you see Rutherford picking Solarkness up. You all glare at each other through the dust... but then a figure comes crashing down between you all as fast as lightning. It effectively shatters the floor into shards and leaves a crater as a result.

“Sorry about that. I got caught up by something.” When the dust clears, Maud is seen standing in the middle.

“Sensei!”

“Maud?!”

“What the--What in Tartarus?!” Solarkness sputters. “You were supposed to be taken care off by Tanta!”

“Oh, the shadowy figure in my dream? She ran away.”

“‘Ran away’? You can’t be serious! There’s no way you can out scare her! She's the embodiment of nightmares in the Dreamscape!”

Hmmph! Selena pouts.

“Well, she did,” Maud says, unbothered. “Can we please get this over with? I have a score to settle. My sister had a lot of things to say about you guys for a while now...”

Suddenly, Rutherford pauses, looking at the grey mare with some deep consideration. “Wait, that bored sounding voice...now I remember!”

“What is it, Rutherford?”

It’s her!” he says, pointing at Maud. “She’s the voice actress of the character from One Punch Mare!”

Silence.

“Wait, really?!” you shout, breaking the mood even further.

"Actually no. But I do receive royalties since that character IS somewhat based on me," she says in her usual bored tone.

Everyling, aside from Aqua, begins to eye her wearily till you see the roof starting to break up.

"Alright Maud, how about you One Punch these guys after fixing that? We'll hold them off till then!"

She looks up and nods, before jumping up to repair the roof with her bending.

Aqua then speaks up. "Hey, let's switch it up. You take the dragon and I'll take the wolf."

"Umm, you sure you want to," you start before she rushes Solarkness and engages him.

"Why does everyling keep rushing in and cutting me off?!"

You then see Rutherford look at you with bared teeth (very sharp teeth) and rush you.



Solarkness's Comment



You jump back, shouting, "Come on! Stop rushing me! In fact, would you kindly just buck off so we can take out Solarkness first?" you say annoyed.

"Oh Tartarus no! I'm keeping you from hindering my ally," Rutherford replies, not missing a beat to attack again. This time with a hydro blast. As you sidestep it, you realize too late that he shot two at once, meaning you still get hit.

You lose your balance, not getting up in time to dodge the next waterjet, and are hit rapidly, again and again and again. Just as you start to think you won't get out of this predicament, you hear a shout of, "IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I WILL PUNISH YOU!" and the blasts stop.

"Ugh," you mumble, "Way to go, me," you look over to where the Rutherford was, and you see Flash Sentry flying at you, "STOP!" you shout, stumbling over yourself to dodge him. Needless to say, you failed and you both end up dogpilled.

"OH...did anyone get the number of that dragon...Oh, heyo CV," Flash tells you, once he gets back on his hooves, "Want to help me take them down?"

You shrug, and reply, "I was working at that before you came in and got your ass handed to you," also having gotten back up, and circling the Rutherford.

"Hey, he's a dragon, cut me some slack," Flash defends himself, "Also, It's not my fault. That grey mare threw me at him before I even realized what was going on...or even that she threw me!"

"Oh, so Maud threw you... that makes sense...," you say, as your head starts to feel heavy, your eyelids droopy, "Excuse me, I think I'll go off to sleep," you mumble.

"Wait, what? CV what are you...

And everything goes black.

You can't move. It's the first thing you realize. The second is that there is only one thing here besides you, a transparent, midnight blue with purple outlines, equine-shaped blur.

"The Tantabus," you hear Selena's voice from beside you. You look to your left and see her standing there, gazing at it inquisitively, 

"Although the void is unusual. Normally there would be nightmares."

"It's...kind of weird looking," you say as you finally regain movement and stand up.

"Yes it is...and it's behavior is strange as well," Selena says suspiciously.

"Um, hello dear Tantabus," you dare to say, "Lovely weather, right?"

"What are you doing?!" she shrieks to you.

"Trying to show it I'm not a threat?"

Objective: Distract Enemy it says before it's misty body swirls around you.

"Uuh, okay?" you wonder, "Is that all?"

Objective: Distract Enemy it says as it continues to swirl around you, doing absolutely nothing.

"...this is boring," you mutter, "I hope this blows over soon, I got a fight to get back to."

"Agreed, now wake up Bugze," Selena says as she places a hoof on your forehead. But nothing happens. Her eyes widen as she says again, "Wake up!" But nothing happens.

"Uhhh, Selly? What gives?"

She looks very confused and startled, "I don't know, something has gone wrong! I don't understand what is ha-"

Suddenly Selena's panicking is cut of by...static? You see her look fearfully towards you and calling out, "Bugze! You have to wake up! You have to-" but but the static cuts her off again. She then fades out of your vision as the void becomes even more dark. You begin to look around in confusion as you mumble,

"What the buck...Selena? Selena where'd you..."

Suddenly the whole dreamscape begins to shake and...change? The dull void begins to change as your surroundings begin to change into a run-down red rusted looking factory. Your eyes widen as you remember the last time you saw a scene like this, and you're about to yell in panic when suddenly this begins to play. It starts softly, but it soon it begins to get louder and louder until it is almost unbearable.

"Oh No! Oh Tartarus no! Not again!" you shout.

You look down at yourself and see you have nothing on you. No inventory, no clothing, nothing but your bare chitin.
You hear some sort of distorting sound coming from the Tantabus and you turn around. It's fuzzy equine like form stands before you as the surroundings finish changing. The tantabus itself then begins changing forms. Changing into something you were really hoping to never see again. Something that fills you with dread. Just before the transformation is complete you hear the Tantabus say,

Nightmare...complete.

Soon after it's transformation is complete and now standing before you, with the disturbing music playing from nowhere is...

...

Pyramid Head

"Oh buck me!"  

WHAT DO YOU DO!?!  

Outro:

> Episode 34: The Tantabus's Strike! Bugze Vs. Pyramid Head; Round 2! (Applewood Part 6)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




The Rutherford's Comment



You can only stare in horror as Pyramid Head begins to slowly advance towards you with its blade sparking as it is dragged along the ground. You begin to back away in terror as you shout out,

"Selena help me stop this nightmare! Please! Selena?"

........

Your plea falls on deaf ears it seems as all you receive is silence. Pyramid Head creeps closer, the shrieks of the damned wailing with every step. You start to back off even faster as you desperately call out,

"Selena!?"

.......

More silence to your pleas as your back hits a wall. Pyramid Head continues to trudge towards you with his blade being dragged behind him.
Getting even more desperate to escape you call out for even Sombra, but still no answer. Pyramid Head gets about four feet from you as he starts to bring his blade towards you. As his blade nears you you dodge and roll under his legs before making a run for it. As you turn a few corners you take a rest to think, 

Okay Bugze calm down, you need to think and fast. How did you defeat him in the game and in Sunny Town? Wait you didn't. You just avoided him and held him off long enough for the sirens to signal the danger had passed. So logic dictates that I sho-

Your thought is cut off when Pyramid Head's blade gets stabbed right above your head. Your eyes widen in fear as you begin to book it while shouting,

"RUN AWAY!!"

You duck as the blade swings again where your head was just moments before. You continue to run for your life as Pyramid Head continues to slowly stalk you. As you hit another dead end you can't help but face him and question him,



BrownDog's Comment



“How? How are you even here? You walked off into the fog! Along with the rest of Sunny Town!” you shout.

The monster doesn’t answer you, instead, it begins to drag the great knife behind it, making that horrible screeching noise again.

“You have no reason to be here now! Go away! Falcon Punch!” you yell as you raise your hoof back and strike at his chest…but it does nothing. The fiery force usually surrounding your hoof as you punch is gone as well. If anything, your attack was akin to a slap.

You chuckle nervously before he reaches out and grabs you by the throat. You try to summon up some magic…but it fails.

“Why am I so powerless?!” you gag as he squeezes your throat harder before throwing you through a rusted chain link fence. Through being the optimal word.

“AAAAHHHH!!!” you yell as bits of the rusted metal stick out of your chitin.

“What is this? My hide is more durable than a pony's, I shouldn’t get cut this easily!”

You then notice something even worse.

“Why the buck aren’t I healing?!”

You wounds drip your midnight blue blood onto the ground and they are not fading.

Pyramid Head continues to stalk towards you.

“Crap, Crap, Crap!” you say as you get up and run. But even then, your gallop is not as fast as it should be.

“Selena! Selena Where are you?!” you yell to the skies, but no reply comes.

As you round a corner you come across some precariously placed steel beams. You knock them over behind you to give you some more distance between the lurking enemy.

MEAMWHILE IN THE WAKING WORLD



The Rutherford's Comment



Flash stares at CV's passed out body in shock as he grabs his body and starts to shake him while saying, 

"Wait, what? CV what are you doing?" CV has completely passed out and is now no longer responding to anything he tries to do. "Get up man! There is still an angry Dragon trying to kill you!"

"Wyvern!"

Flash's eyes widen in surprise as he stops shaking CV and looks at the dragon as he asks,

"What?"

The dragon rolls his eyes in annoyance as he says,

"I'm a wyvern for the All-father's sake! Not some greedy gem-eating brute who follows whoever holds some stupid stick. Now guard," he begins but stops and smirks when Flash's eyes widen in surprise. "Oh yes we knew who you were and who you worked for. Don't act so surprised. Sol and I are not mindless beasts, nor do we fail to read the newspapers. A speciest guard tends to make headlines."

Flash's eye twitches in annoyance as he shouts,

"I"M NOT A SPECIEST!"

Rutherford once again rolls his eyes in annoyance as he says,

"Well the news says otherwise, and we all know that the news never lies or over exaggerates when it comes to stories. Now, I will give you this one chance to leave. Leave before you actually get hurt, you are nowhere near as resilient as your friend."

Flash growls in annoyance as he prepares to charge at the wyvern as he says,

"Whatever pal, it's my job as a royal guard to bring in scum like you and protect those who can't protect themselves! So you're going nowhere! IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE I WILL TAKE YOU DOWN!"

Rutherford winces at Flash's volume as he picks his ear and says,

"Is the yelling really necessary? You aren't that far away. And anyway, I'm not going after him now."

Flash gains a confused look as he asks,

"What?"

Rutherford sighs in annoyance as he says,

"Look at him. He's asleep. Tanta is likely dealing with him now , so I will not take her fight from her. Plus there is no honor to be had for defeating a sleeping opponent. And since you so loudly proclaimed, I guess you will be my opponent. So remember fight with honor little flyer."

Flash just growls at him before charging at him with his hoof pulled back for a punch, but Rutherford just smirks as he easily dodges the punch and then uses his tail to smack Flash into some nearby props.

"Really? Second in Command under Prince Armor and that's the best you got?"

Flash snarls and charges him again, but like last time, Rutherford does the same move and smacks him into more props.

"Honestly, It's no wonder The Offender has defeated you so many times. You're an embarrassment," he teases as Flash once again takes up a stance, flaps his wings hard and charges once more.

Rutherford rolls his eyes and attempts to do the same dodge attack again...only this time, Flash drops at the last second, skidding along the floor underneath the tail swing. As Rutherford's eyes widen, flash takes hold of the tail, and using his momentum, is able to spin Rutherford around, causing him to get dizzy and fall. Flash then flaps his wings, halting his skid, and punches the Wyvern right in the teeth.

"GGGRRRAAAGGGHHH!!!" Rutherford yells as he holds his maw, causing Flash to smirk.

"Oh I'm sorry did I break your concentration?" Flash mocks before flipping over Rutherford and hitting him in his glass wounded wings.

In pain, Rutherford lashes out and catches Flash across the chest hard, sending him flying backwards towards Aqua. 

"Little pony twerp!" Rutherford growls as he stalks towards Flash.

As Flash shakes his head from the hit, he looks behind him to see the Blue Unicorn Mare that was fighting alongside CV. She is flipping and dodging the swipes of the Timberwolf, but he is fast and she is having a hard time trying to strike back.

She is eventually kicked back into Flash.

"OOOMMMPH!" they both cry as they hit one another.

"Thanks for the catch flyboy!" she says getting off Flash.

"Y-yeah no problem, Umm..."

"Aqua!" she says as she turns to face Solarkness.

"Flash Sentry!" he says as he turns around to face Rutherford.

Both of them go back to back watching their opponents.

"Pleasure. Where's CV?" she asks.

"He passed out or something," Flash explains.

"What?!" she shouts. "What did you do?!" she accuses.

"Nothing! Jeez. I came to help him out and he just conked out, I don't know why."

"Alright then...balls. Could really use his strength for this fight," she muses.

"Well don't worry Ms. Aqua, I'll help you out," he boasts.

"...Could really use his strength for this fight," she repeats.

"Hey!" Flash cries offended.

"No offense, but unless you can figure out a way to slow that wolf down, and take out that Dragon at the same time-"

"Wyvern!" shouts Rutherford.

"Whatever!" Aqua rolls her eyes. "Then this fight is going to get messy.

"Are you two done chatting? We'd like to rip and tear you now," says an annoyed Solarkness.

Aqua grits her teeth and forms one of her water whips, causing Flash's eyes to light up with an idea.



BrownDog's Comment



“Wait, if you’re a water bender, why don’t you control the water in the Timberwolf’s wood?”

Her eyes widen as she never thought to try that. Surely his wood should hold moisture as it's not brittle. She holds out her hooves and focuses on Solarkness…who stops dead in his tracks.

“What…What are you doing…” he grunts as Aqua begins to manipulate him like a puppet.

"Dance for me wolfy! Dance!" she cackles.

"Oh you bucking Witch!" Solar groans as he is forced to do the can-can.

"Oh that is just plain awesome!" shouts Flash, who gets picked up by Rutherford in a bone crushing hold while he's distracted.

"GRAGH!" he groans as the Wyvern begins to squeeze him.

Aqua sees his predicament, and then forces Solarkness to strike Rutherford with his sword.

“GRAGH! Friendly Fire! Friendly Fire you dumbass!” shouts the dragon as he drops the gasping Pegasus.

“It’s not me…” groans the wolf.

"Thanks for the assist!" Flash shouts as he catches his breath next to Aqua while she has the Timberwolf fight the dragon.

"No worries!" Aqua says gleefully.

"Oh enough of this!" Solarkness yells as he jettisons all the water out of his wooden pours. It makes his wood drier, but at least Aqua can’t control him anymore. He glares and growls at Aqua as he rushes towards her.

"Well, there goes my fun," Aqua groans as she manipulates water whips again. She takes a swipe at him, but again, he is quick and he retaliates by biting one of her legs.

"Buck!" she shouts as the splintery teeth pierce her flesh.

"HA! How do you like that you Water Bi-AAAAHHH!!!" the wolf is hauled off of the bender by the scruff of his neck and thrown into the dragon.

It seems Maud has finally finished fixing the roof.

“NO! Not the overpowered One Punch Mare!” Solarkness shouts.

“Yes, the overpowered One Punch Mare,” Maud says boredly before shattering Solarkness. He begins to reform himself after that punch, albeit a bit more slowly.

"Holy Crap! Don't worry Sol, I'll-WHOAH!"

Also, Maud grabs Rutherford by the tail and swings him around like a tossing hammer and throws him through several set walls and into the break room where hot coffee gets in his eye.

“AAAAHHHH!!! What are the chances?!”

Flash and Aqua just stare blankly as Maud proceeds' to kick the flank out of the two knights. After awhile of this Aqua snaps out of it and says,

"We should probably...get to waking CV up huh?"

Flash snaps out of it as well as he says,

"Uh...yeah. You're probably right." 

With that said the both of them proceed to...



The Pony Spartan's Comment



slap you in the face with water and equipment from the studio. Aqua used the water of course, and Flash used the latter.

"He's still alive... Right?"

"He's still breathing and his heart is beating, but with all the things you're smashing him with I don't think he'll make it!" She said the last bit harshly poking him in the chest and glaring at him.

Flash laughs with nervousness before he proceeds to give CPR to you.

"I told you his heart was already beating, how is that going to help?"

"I don't know, you got any better ideas?"

Before she can respond, Maud suddenly lands between them. "You two, worry about your coltfriend later, we need to stop these criminals."

Aqua blushed. "Sensei!"

"What?!" Flash looks between CV and Aqua, and to him cradling CV's chest. He then sits bolt upright. "Oh Heck No!"

"We're just business partners!"

"And I don't swing that way!" Flash yelps.

"Can't you take a joke?" Maud asks.

Aqua pauses in shock at this statement as she says questionably,

"Did...did you just make a joke?"

Maud doesn't answer, but instead stares down Rutherford and Solarkness as they catch their second wind.

"Not to sound rude or anything, but why haven't you taken them down yet?" asks Flash.

"What, and use my full power? Do you intend for me to kill them?" Maud asks.

"That wasn't your full power?!" shouts Solarkness.

"Well...No..." Flash stammers.

"Then join the fight," Maud says as she rushes forth.

Aqua and Flash just stare at each other and shrug, before rushing after her.

Solarkness and Rutherford both grit their teeth and yell out their own battle cries as they too rush to meet their opponents.

This manages to take the fight away from CV's unconscious body to avoid any damage to him.

MEANWHILE IN THE DREAMSCAPE

In your head, Selena looks around in worry and jumps up when something appears behind her.

"Nightshade?"

The filly runs up to her urgently "Hi mommy! Listen, Daddy passed out or something and I heard the others trying to wake him up. Can you wake up daddy before he gets squashed in his sleep?"

"Uhh... That's kind of the issue sweetie. I can't seen to awaken him with the presence of the Tantabus here."

"Tanta...bus?"

"I'll tell you the tale later, but right now, I can actually say I need your help."

Nightshade's eyes brighten and sparkle, but they immediately disappear when she realizes she needs to be serious, "What do you need my help for?" She asks getting into a fighting stance. "Do we have to kick some dream butt?"

"Actually, yes. But the problem is that I can't find the dream."

"Oh..."

"Help me search your father's head Nightshade, and when you find something immediately tell me."

"Hmm... Okay mommy!"

The two of them then close their eyes as they touch their horns together, causing them to glow.

Meanwhile, Sombra, having peaked into both the waking and dream world clicks his tongue curiously.

"Some anti-Luna being is doing this? What sorcery! Nightmares are my speciality. This I've got to see" Sombra chuckles then concentrates what little magic he can conjure to search as well.

MEANWHILE BACK WITH YOU

You breath heavily as you are now covered in even more cuts and bruises from many close calls from Pyramid Head. You managed to get out of the rusted factory and are now in a desolated town that has clearly seen better days. The houses are either in shambles or just rubble, and the streets themselves are cracked and destroyed. Of course you don't really care at the moment considering the walking nightmare is STILL CHASING YOU!



Solarkness's Comment



Sprinting down the street, you stumble over a cardboard-box. "Horseapples," you exclaim, right before getting back up. You look over your shoulder, but Pyramid Head is nowhere to be seen. "Uuuuh," you mumble, "I am not okay with this...," realizing your almost-error, you jump forward.

Behind you Pyramid Head is crawling out of the cardboard-box. 

"Hey," you exclaim, "No bullspit teleportation!"

Fear detected: Bullspit Teleportation, a voice resounds around you, Initializing inclusion...

"Oh, and what you just did was not bullspit teleportation?", you angrily shout, running away from Pyramid Head once again.

Fear included: Bullspit Teleportation

You squeak as Pyramid suddenly just appears in front of you. You barely miss him by jumping over his helment, 

"WHAT THE TARTARUS?"

You breath heavily, as Pyramid now just appears in front of you every time you try to calm down, 

"Okay, this is not funny...," you mumble.

Fear Inclusion: Successful. Scanning for further fears...

'Oh Luna, hopefully he does not include Pyramid Head doubling himself or something... Notgonnasayitnotgonnasayit,' you tell yourself mentally.

Fear detected, resounds around you. You gasp, fearful he knows what you just thought of.

Danger to entity designation 'Daughter'. Inclusion start...

You start crying, knowing he figured out something better, "Who the hell makes self-evolving nightmares?"

All around you, you from the mist of the Tantabus, you hear crying, screaming, and accusations of a little filly. Of Nightshade.

Daddy...? Daddy where are you? Where are you Daddy?

Why Daddy? Why did you kill them?

Why did you leave them to die?

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

*Sobbing*

You're a monster!

I hate you!

"NO! Stop It! This isn't rea-GRAGH!" you yell as Pyramid Head slices you across the shoulder. You run away again, running as the sounds of the many voices of Nightshade echoing all around you. Everywhere you run though, HE keeps appearing before you. As you reach the edge of town you stop and stare as all there is is a bottomless pit. Just like in Sunny Town.

Eventually, with all the screams, the wounds, and the exhaustion, you collapse on this edge and whimper.

"Why? Why is this happening?"

You hear the dragging knife sound as your executioner makes his way towards you slowly. With nowhere to go, you just stare as your doom gets closer and closer. Meanwhile, all you can do is keep asking yourself,



BrownDog's Comment



"Why, Why is it him that is my worst Nightmare? It could've started with the Nightshade thing, but it didn't. Why start with HIM? Why not images of Nightmare Me, or everyone I love dying? Why is it Pyramid Head?" you ask aloud. The monster doesn't answer you as he keeps walking forward.

"He's a being I only happened upon by chance, and I didn't even think he was real. Why is my worst Nightmare not the people I’ve hurt, or Flag Burner or Sin or…

Through your addled mind, and epiphany comes to you. He is all those things. Every. Last. One. 

“I’ve made him my Nightmare…” you say outloud, causing Pyramid Head to stop in his tracks. You then look him in where you guess his eyes would be.

“In the game, and in Sunny Town, you are the manifestation of self punishment. Of unpunished guilt…” you say as you slowly stare down your attacker.

“You’re made to punish the wicked…and I’ve been pretty wicked these last three years. You’re the face of my Nightmare because of all the guilt I have. The guilt of failing that otherworld, the guilt of killing Burner, and for nearly killing everyling else. The guilt of all my failures.”

Pyramid Head merely growls at your musings.

“A part of me wants to be punished…wants to be stopped...wants it to end...but I can’t allow that now,” you say as you look up in determination. “I have a job to do, and I can’t let things like this halt me any longer. As much as I hate to say it, my guilt is a hindrance…and I don’t need YOU anymore,” you growl at the Executioner. “Besides, you’re not the real Pyramid Head anyway!” you shout as you thrust your fist forward and Electricity shoots out, causing the monster to spasm. You look down at your hoof and see the power glove attached once again.

Smiling, you face down your foe as...



Find new weapons (or think some up, its a DREAM) and use them.



you notice that you have your clothes, equipment and power back, and “Pyramid Head” takes a few steps back.

“This is a dream. You’re that Tantabus thing. I don’t know what Maud did to scare you off, but I’m going to make her seem like a cake walk now!” you growl as your eyes start glowing.

Pyramid Head flickers momentarily to the Tantabus’s color, but then it solidifies and saunters towards you.

“Well come on then Tanta, let’s make a Nightmare together,” you snarl with a smirk as you charge forth.

This is your dream. You are in control. Anything is possible.

With that you charge at your nightmare, with the pained sounds of Nightshade fading into the darkness as the Tantabus's power falters.

As it's power falters, and your eyes glow. Three sets of eyes all open at the same time.

"There..." you hear three voices say at once. This does not distract you however as you punch through the great Knife and into "Pryamid Head" knocking it back with a mighty Falcon Punch. This sends the being flying backwards, as the surroundings flicker, no longer becoming stable.

The Tantabus Pyramid Head then stands up, and points it's broken knife at you, but you smirk and



Jim Sol's Comment



Imagine yourself as a giant. You smirk at your new form before you rush forth, grab Pyramid Head by his legs, and proceed to bash him repeatedly into the ground.

"You Puny Monster! How does it taste huh? This is what happens when you buck with my head!"

The knife flies out of its hands, and you hear both it's bones and helmet crack. You then slam it once more into the ground, causing a crater. You then shrink back down to your regular size and stare at the broken monster in the crater.

It's a weird image seeing Pyramid Head in this state, but it is also satisfying. 

A smile then comes to your face as you suddenly feel the pressence of the two ponies you most care about, and the one who you would rather get rid of.

Daddy! Oh my gosh, are you OK?! asks Nightshade.

I'm fine honey, I finally got the upper hoof!

Oh thank goodness, we feared the worst Bugze.

Don't go worrying about little ol me. By the way, why aren't you guys here? How come I only hear you?

Because the Tantabus is not yet driven out. It's power still lingers, and this is the best we can do, explains Selena.

Not yet driven...But I just beat it down, what more can...?you begin to ask, before you see mist swirling around inside the crater. The being inside now is an amalgamation of Pyramid Head, and the Tantabus. Tendrills of dark blue and purple magic flow off of it.

Nightmare Unstable...Nightmare Unstable...Rebooting in Progress...

"Oh boy..." you mutter before turning to the returned voices in your head and asking,



Kichi's Comment



Okay... so it's still kicking even after that beating. Maybe if I wake up now then it'll leave my head?

I still can't wake you up Bugze, it's Magic is still halting me! she shouts.

Huh...Alright, I'm open to suggestions. What about you Smokey?

Sombra! And I cannot stop this abomination as I am now you worthless Bug, nor would I want to. Perhaps you should just give up and die...

That's not helpful...Nightshade?

Ummm...hit him really hard? I don't really have much daddy. I mean, I looked into your head for some answers, but all I found was video game stuff, chalkboards full of names, images of Mommy in strange poses and costumes...

Wait, What was that last o-? Selena begins before you shout out.

"Oh Look, I found the solution! I'll hit him even harder!" you shout with your cheeks reddened.

No seriously what was that last o-

"GGGRRRAAAGGGHHH!!!" you shout not wanting to have that conversation at the moment.

You fly at the amalgamation and strike it even harder. The being flies backward and you see it struggling to maintain a single form.

Laughing madly, you then proceed to keep attacking it left and right with whatever you can imagine. Falling Anvils, Banana Peels, Turtle Shells, anything your mind can imagine.

The Tantabus keeps taking the abuse as it begins to shout

Error! Error! Nightmare...Failing!

"Well No Duh!" you shout, striking it with your fist sending it sprawling on the ground. By now the void has returned and nothing surrounds you, aside from the glitching form on the ground.

As the Tantabus slowly gets up and starts to glitch in and out of it's Pyramid Head form you can't help but smirk as Selena says in you mind,

I think it's time to show our guest out? Don't you agree Bugze? 

You nod your head at this as you think,

Right with ya Selly, in fact I have just the idea.

With that thought you turn to face your nightmare and say,

"I've had to deal with my nightmares for long enough!"

Soon a glow begins to surround you as three figures form behind you. The figures soon form into your personas, wearing the Nobody Cloak, the El Hunko suit, and the BST clothes. You smile smugly at this as you continue,

"I'm tired of running from my guilt and pain! I've excepted that I've done terrible things in the past. Hay, I'll probably do more in the future. But you know what..."

Soon you and the other versions of you begin to charge up their Power Gloves as you finish,

"I'll survive! I'll move on! AND I'LL KEEP ON FIGHTING TILL THE END! SO WOULD YOU KINDLY GET THE BUCK OUT OF MY HEAD!"

With that final shout you and your copies all fire beams of energy that head straight towards the Tantabus. Too weakened to dodge, the blast hits it dead on. The power of the blast is so strong that it sends the nightmare maker out of your mind, with it's final thoughts being,

Objective Failed: Enemy Distraction Failed

...

Forgive me...master.

With the Tantabus finally gone from your mind, a bright light blinds you as you return to the waking world.

BACK IN THE WAKING WORLD

You slowly open you eyes as you start to wake up. After ignoring the headache of staring into the sun (as the roof of the studio is now gone...again) and not noticing the trail of Tantabus mist leaving your head, you get up and begin to look around.

"Alright Solarkness and Rutherford, I've gotten through your pet, now let's...finish...this?" you taper off as you take in the scene in front of you. And what you see is down-right strange.

You see the two knights tied up and knocked out, and the Windego in a cage... but you also see Flash hanging upside down by a rope with an annoyed expression, Aqua covered head to hoof in chicken feathers, and Maud who it seems has decided to go with the new fashion choice of being bald. A thousand thoughts go through your mind as you try to wrap your brain around the situation, but you can only utter one thing to properly express your feelings on what you're seeing...

...

"WHAT THE BUCK HAPPENED!?"

At your outburst, all three of them look to you.

Maud gives you a deadpanned stare as she says,

"It's a long story..."

FLASHBACK

WHAT HAPPENED!?!?

Outro:

> Episode 35: So While You Were Sleeping...(Applewood Arc Finale)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Erised the ink-moth's Comment



"What the buck happened!?" you shout, seeing the knights already defeated and detained, and your allies looking ragged as Tartarus.

"It's a long story." Maud tells you.

"And we'd love to tell you all about it. But could somepony please get me down from here first?! I'm not a pinata!" Flash yells as he fruitlessly flails his arms and wings. Aqua takes pity on the stallion and cuts him down with a water slice. But unfortunately for Flash there was nothing below him to cushion his fall, so when Aqua sliced the rope holding him...

*Bonk*

"Ohhhh...my head...."

Well let's just be glad he has a thick head. 

Flash gets up and shoots a quick glare towards Aqua before shaking his head and saying,

"Thanks. Now as for what happened..."

THE FIRST OF MANY FLASHBACKS FOR THIS CHAPTER

* For the sake of avoiding headaches, italic text will only be used when they're explaining something in the flashback, the rest of the flashback will remain as normal text

"After you conked out on us, things were getting pretty dicey. The three of us got split up in the fighting; Aqua and Maud were keeping Rutherford busy, leaving me with the timberwolf. It was intense. I didn't even have a weapon with me, so all I had to fight back with was my agility, speed, and skill with my bare hooves."

"All very important things when you're being chased around like a scared rabbit." Aqua cuts in.

"GET BACK HERE YOU STEREOTYPING WAIFU STEALER!" Solar roars as he wildly claws after Flash, who's ducking over and around props while sprinting for his life.

"I only said you could use a breath mint!" Flash weakly tries to defend himself, "It was a battle quip! I didn't know timberwolves were sensitive about their rancid garbage breath!"

"I brush my teeth every day!" Solar shouts and continues to chase him. "Feel my minty-fresh fury!"

Flash keeps running, barely looking where he's going before a giant shadowy tail nearly crushes him flat. Looking up he sees he's right underneath the Nightmare robot, still flailing its tails and sweeping with its claws across the floor in a frenzy. Flash hears Solar bearing down behind him and gulps.

"You know what they say about being stuck between a rock and a hard place? Try a meat-grinder... and another meat-grinder.

Right as Solar reaches him and winds up for a slice with his sword, Flash jumps into the frantic mess of nightmare tails and starts jumping, ducking and dodging for all he's worth. Surely no one could hate his guts enough to risk getting smashed to-

Oh dear Celestia, Solar comes rushing in after him!

  "So there I was, struggling to not get hit. All of my training could never have prepared me for-"

"Meanwhile, back the the important ponies."

"Hey!"

"While powerless pegasus over here was distracting Solar, Maud and I were trying to finish off Rutherford. He was tough, but I knew that nothing could defeat sensei."

"Sensei!" Aqua screams while Maud takes a direct hit from Rutherford's water jet and slams through several scenery backdrops before finally cratering in the far wall. Aqua throws a wave of water back at the wyvern as a distraction while she goes to her master; thankfully Maud seems perfectly unharmed.

"Sensei, why are you holding back so much? With your strength the fight could be over by now!"

Maud just turns a stare at her. But there's something in her eyes this time: an honesty she'd held back before. "Because I won't. After your training was complete, and you departed to seek your own path, I decided to seal away my power. I no longer wish to call upon the strength you remember."

Aqua stammers, flabbergasted. "I- but you- why would you do that?"

"Because my student, the one lesson I did not teach you... is that there's more to life than being strong. I sealed away my power so I could finally live my life as a normal mare, and follow my true passion." Maud tells her. "My true passion is for rocks. I like rocks."

"A-hem!" Rutherford grabs their attention, "Not that I don't enjoy some sage wisdom now and then, but are we going to fight or what?"

Aqua steps forward and summons her water whips, filled with a new determination as she and her enemy get into their battle stances again. 

"I have to admit, sensei gave me a lot to think about in that moment. But rethinking my goals in life would have to wait until after the fight, assuming I still had a life to live."

END OF 1ST FLASHBACK

"Look, that's really great and all," you interrupt, "but none of that explains why you're covered in feathers, why you were hanging upside down, and why Maud is missing her mane!"

"CV has a point." Maud tells them, "Maybe we should get to the good part. It happened when those two directors decided to join the fight. It was quite a twist... and there were lots of explosions."

You gain a confused look at this as you ask,

"Okay, so what happened?"

Maud gives you a blank look before she says,

"We had just regrouped and..."

2ND FLASHBACK IS A-GO



Ruteherford's Comment



Solarkness and Rutherford stood against Flash and Aqua looking rather beat up. Sol's wood is lined with deep gashes and is splintered in many places while Rutherford's wing membranes have a few holes and he's missing some scales. Aqua and Flash, however, are in much better shape. Aqua gives a smug smile as she says,

"Give it up. You two can't keep up with us."

Rutherford just growls in annoyance before gaining a smug look as he says,

"I guess you are right. We can't win in our current state. If only we had a healer with us. Oh wait!"

Rutherford takes in a deep breath and breathes out a purple flame that surrounds him and Solarkness. When the flame goes away, they look to be back at full health. Flash and Aqua's eyes widen in surprise as Rutherford calls out, 

"We do!"

Aqua growls in annoyance and gets ready for another fight as she says,

"Buck me running!"

Flash, however, just looks around in confusion as he says,

"There's no time for that! (Completely ignoring the deadpan glare Aqua, Rutherford, Solarkness, and Maud are giving him) Do you hear that? Sounds like something is coming this way."

At that time everyone can hear the sound of yelling as Michael Beigh and Shamalamadingdong come crashing in through a window and Beigh.

The Knights and your crew watch in fascination as the two floating beings fight.

"Give it up Beigh! I at least wrote and directed 2 Good movies! You have nothing!"

"Yeah, but I've made more money! And your twists are getting weaker! Though that one in 7th Sense BLEW ME AWAY!!!" Beigh yells as he causes a wave of fire, to which Shamalamadingdong makes a wind barrier around himself. The wave goes around Aqua who uses her water bending to create a barrier around her and flash as Rutherford does the same to protect him, Sol, and Flour. Maud, however, does not dodge it and is consumed by flames.

"Sensei!"

Only for Maud to walk out completely unharmed...with the exception of her mane being completely burned off, making her look more like the bald heroin based off of her. 

"What a twi-*GLUH*!"

"Say lady, how would you like a roll in the next transform-*GLAGH!*"

She then grabs both directors and throws both of them out of the window they broke. She then sees that everyone is staring at her with their mouths on the floor in amazement.

Maud looks at their amazed faces in confusion as she asks in a deadpanned tone,

"What? Do I have something in my teeth?

Rutherford and Solarkness both gulp in fear as Rutherford leans closer to Solark and whispers,

You think it is too late to recruit her to the Crimson Knights?"

"Unfortunately...yes"

"And Wait, Michalel Beigh and Shamalamadingdong are fighting to the death? Why?"

"I have no idea. To be honest, replies the Timberwolf.

"Well Silver Strange, Brown Dog, and Snap Drake failed to kill Beigh for all his terrible remakes, maybe they decided to get another director to do it for them? guesses the Wyvern.  "I told them they needed to use ice to defeat the pyromancer."

" Okay...that was kind of random. But anyway, what happened next?"



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



Maud reaches a hoof up and pats the top of her head. "Well, it seems that I have some foes that warrant breaking the seal." Slowly, a tiny smile appears on her face as she raises herself up with a large pillar of earth which lifts her into the air.

To add a final dose of epicness to the scene, a huge explosion from the director fight goes off behind her, framing her silhouette in a wall of dancing light!

END OF 2ND FLASHBACK

"Oh I get it!" you interrupt again. "So Maud went all Saddle Rager on those knights, and that how you guys won. Right?"

"Actually no." Aqua says.

"With my power released, I saw a greater need." Maud explains, "I left to settle the fight between Shamalamadingdong and Beigh once and for all, and restore balance to Applewood."

You gain a manic grin as you imagine the implications. "So Beigh and Shamalamadingdong are gone for good!? No more terrible movies? No more childhood ruining sequels?! How bad did you beat them up? Tell me every detail woman, I need to hear this!"

"I didn't." Maud puts simply.

"Wut?"

"She didn't beat them up." Aqua tells you, "Instead she got them to agree to a truce. Now instead of ruining popular franchises with their movies, they're hosting their own reality TV series."

"It's a cooking show." Maud tells you. "Bland vs. Spicy, airing every Tuesday at six."

You nod your head at this information before saying,

"Eh, I never liked cooking shows anyway. Always made me hungry if I watched them too long and I couldn't eat any of the food they showed. I wonder what those two nutjobs are doing now..."

NOT A FLASHBLACK, BUT A MEANWHILE TRANSITION



BrownDog's Comment



Beigh and Shamalamadingdong laugh and pat each other on the back. Each one of them is covered in cuts, bruises, burns, and a whole lot of assorted injuries.

“Well I did not expect that Mare to come along and make us see reason,” laughs Beigh.

“I know, What a Twist right?” laughs M. Night.

“You know, I’m not quite sure when and where I insulted your hair, but I apologize my friend.”

“No worries, I’m sorry I shamalized your two lead actors.”

“Eh, forget about it. Actor is a strong word for those two anyway. Besides, that mare has made me see the light. Why do I need more money on a franchise I despise? This little battle has already appeased my explosive muse anyway.”

“And there were so many twists today that I am satisfied as well.”

“You two are under arrest for destruction for more than half of the Applewood production district,” says an angry guard as he walks up to them.

They both look around the smoldering ruins and shrug.

“Eh, we got money and we’re famous, we’ll be out in no time,” says Beigh.

“Besides, I request him as my cell mate. We have a lot planned for this cooking show!” squees M. Night.

“I say we show ponies the glories of cooking with Gas! Flame grilled masterpieces using controlled explosions!”

“And we can make it a competition as well, but there will always be a twist ingredient thrown in halfway through the cook off!” 

As they are cuffed and put into a prison wagon they start coming up with all sorts of good ideas, for once in their lives. A hushed silence falls over Applewood as millions of fans every feel a sense of peace they haven’t felt in a long time. Then come several voices that shatter that silence and peace.

“Hey, did you hear, Paul W.S. Canterson is making another Resident Evil movie that in no way follows the plots of the games!”

“And they’re remaking Ghostbusters with an all Mare cast for some reason.”

“Also, they’re pushing out the Justice League movie way too fast even though Batmane v Supermane was kind of bad.”


A collective groan escapes and thousands of facehooves can be heard as everyone realizes one thing.

Applewood…Applewood never changes.

BACK WITH YOU

"So what happened after that?"

Flash decides to take charge again as he says,

"Well after Maud left I started getting doubled teamed after they knocked Aqua into a couple of crates. I tried to fight back but...

ALMOST DONE WITH THE FLASHBACKS

“You freaks are going down!” shouts Flash.

“Oh sure, just because we’re not the pony master race makes us freaks?” snarls Rutherford.

“What?! No! I meant…”

“Tartarus, I’m surprised that you would even work with the Unicorn witch,” adds Solarkness.

Flash snarls at this and winces as a massive headache begins to form.

“You speciest Buck,” both the Dragon and Timberwolf mock.

Flashes eyes snap open in hatred as his headache drills his brain, before dissipating in his rage.

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Flash yells as if he’s trying to go Super Saiyan, before he flies forth in speeds that Rainbow Dash would be jealous of and gives both of them a double uppercut.

“I AM NOT A SPECIEST!!!” he roars, spin kicking Rutherford in the nose.

“I AM A ROYAL GUARD AND I SERVE ALL INNOCENT CREATURES!!!” he yells as he dodges a bit from Solarkness and backhooves him.

“THEY THINGS I’VE SAID I DON’T MEAN!!!” he yells and stomps on Rutherfords wings, causing him to cry out.

“MY LITTLE BRO IS AN EARTH PONY! AND EVEN IF GRANDAD WAS BIGOTED, HE STILL LOVED HIS GRANDSON!!!” he roars as he madly keeps punching at them, his rage making him a blur.

“SAY I’M NOT A SPECIEST! SAAAAY IIIIITTTTT!!!!”

Yeesh and ponies say I have a anger problem.

I DON'T HAVE A ANGER PROBLEM!

...

...

...

Sure you don't Flashy, sure you don't. Anyway you were saying...

Ah right...were was I...oh right! So there I was in my rage...


“Holy Balls, I think we’ve broken him!” says Solar as he dodges a strike.

“Yeah? No spit!” snarks Rutherford.

As Flash charges them once again though, they both leap out of the way, causing Flash to slam head first into a wall, knocking his anger out in way of pain.

“ooooooooowwwwww…freakin scale head and wooden mutt…” Flash moans as he rubs his head.

“Huh, not so tough now are ya?” mocks Rutherford.

“Yeah, and the things you just said, totally specie-“

Solarkness begins before a water whip hits both him and Solarkness in the eye.

“OW! Oh you motherbucker!!!” roars the Wyvern and Timberwolf as the injured Flash smiles dazedly and says,

“I'm amazing...I’m Batmane…”

After that flyboy was pretty much out of the fight. So I got double teamed by these nutjobs while Savior of the Universe here decided to stay in la la land.”

“Oh hardy har har, that’s hilarious,” Flash Harumphs.

“So you were fighting both? How’d you get out of that?”


Aqua is dodging swipes left and right from both claw and paw. Everyone is tired, but the fight still commences.

“What was up with all that fighting honorably bullspit from earlier?!” Flash calls out...while pointing at a wall and barely standing.

“Well normally that would be the case, but this little witch decided to play puppet with my buddy earlier, and that’s a no no in my book,” answers Rutherford.

“Yeah, try to make me dance now Chicken!” cries Solarkness.

“Um! Anypony out there that can lend me a hoof?!” Aqua cries.

All of a sudden, a WHOOMPH noise is heard and a bunch of…well junk would be a good word. A random assortment of things come flying in mass striking both knights hard knocking them out.

As she  look over the downed knights, she sees several books, weapon models, and other assorted junk broken and charred around them.

“Yeah, we have no idea what happened there truth be told,” Aqua admits.

“Yeah, I mean we thought it was Maud, but she was kind of busy at that time, so we don’t know who through all this Junk at them.

You hear a sly giggle come from behind you and around the corner.

“Junk Jet for the win, eh Mangle?”

Followed by a mechanical laugh.

Smirking slightly you look back to them and say,

“Yeah, what a complete mystery, It’s a shame we’ll never know why that happened…”

Aqua sighs before saying,

"After that I tied up the two idiots and put  frozen fido in a cage. Sensei returned covered in soot, and You woke up a few minutes after that."

You nod your head at this, but soon gained a confused expression as you ask,

"Wait, you still haven't explained to me how you got covered in feathers and why Flash was hanging upside down."

Aqua gains a embarrassed expression as she chuckles nervously before saying,

"Yeah...about that..."

TIME FOR A 4TH FLASHBACK



Fireheart 1945's Comment




The Rutherford's Comment




Kichi's Comment



As Aqua finishes putting the Wendigo into a nearby cage, she hears something. Something she wished to never hear again. Something that sent her cowering in fear in her past. She heard the sound once again...directly behind her, Aqua slowly turned her head and saw the monstrosity before her. It was...it was...it was...

"Bawk"

A...chicken?


Yes, it was a chicken. There was no reason as to why it was here, but it was. Aqua stared at the creature from her nightmares, with it's cold dead eyes staring right back at her. They continued this little staring game for what felt like hours. They continued to stare...

and stare...

and stare...

and stare...

Soon Aqua couldn't take it anymore as she threw a water whip at the chicken while yelling,

"STOP MOCKING ME!"

Her attack hit it's mark as she sent the chicken flying. Aqua sighed in satisfaction and was about to go try and wake You up again...until she heard a cluck. 

And then another cluck...

And another...

And another...

Aqua could only let out a shrill scream as a mass of white and the sound of clucks surrounded her. And also for some reason a distant cry of,

"My imported chickens!" 

4TH ONE DOWN TWO TO GO

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You got attacked by chickens?" you laugh out loud as Flash giggles.

"Quit laughing! It was horrifying! Their clucks and feathers surrounding me! It was horrible! If Sensei hadn't shown up, I'd surely be dead!"

"Oh come on they're just chickens. And they way you described it, it sounded like you're even afraid of just one," you chuckle.

She glares angrily at you, "You haven't seen the things I've seen a chicken do. They are unbridled dangerous monsters! They're always watching...always clucking..." she whimpers as she gets into a fetal position, petting her tail. "Always clucking."

While Maud pets her head trying to comfort her, Flash chimes in.

"Oh wow, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. That's just plain silly, how could you-"

"HOLD IT!!!" you interupt.

Everyling looks shocked at your outburst, but you ignore their looks as you say,

"Before you go any further, I need to know exactly why you were stuck hanging upside down from the roof."

Flash gains a embarrassed look as he says,

"No ya don't! Trust me it's no big deal!"

You give him a deadpanned look as you say,

"Flash, buddy, either you tell me or I'll ask my partner over here how. And she'll probably make some stuff up just to embarrass you more, so I advise you tell me instead of her."

Flash gains a shocked look at the statement as he looks over to Aqua (who has come out of her fetal position and seems to have calmed down), who simply shrug's her shoulders before saying,

"He ain't lying there."

Flash looks back and forth between you and Aqua for a few moments before sighing and saying,

"Fine...I'll tell ya. You see it went a little something like this..."

THE LAST FLASHBACK I SWEAR



Protomane's Comment



As all the chickens are shooed away by Maud, and Aqua spits out feathers, Flash comes wobbling in, still dizzy from his wall crash.

"Hey pretty mares! Look what I found!" he says dopily holding a Batmane grapple gun.

"Where'd you get that?" asks Maud.

"Over there...somewhere," he points dizzily behind him. "But watch this, I'm gonna pose dramatically up there on that catwalk!" he boasts.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Maud asks, her voice tinged with deadpan concern. 

"I've got this, I'm Batmane," Flash says nonchalantly. 

3 Seconds later...

"Yes, you definitely have something alright," Maud quips to a hanging Flash. 

NO MORE FLASHBACK'S YAY

You begin laughing as Flash crosses his arms.

"Way to go Batmane. How's Robin doing?"

"Shut up, my head was still loopy," he pouts.

You are about to rip on him some more when...



Kichi's Comment



You hear Nightshade giggling again off behind you somewhere though the others don’t seem to hear it as they laugh at Flash.

You then look to them and say, “OK, clean yourselves up and keep these guys in sight. I’m gonna…go pick up something I dropped.”

They nod and you walk through the destruction and rubble towards Nightshade’s giggling. When you round the corner of destroyed set, you see a sight that really confuses you.

Nightshade is sitting with an injured Garble, his guard suit is torn/burned, and he looks miserable. Nightshade giggles and is sipping tea out of a cracked tea cup, so you interrupt them with a cough, causing them to look at you.

“Honey, what’s going on here, why are you talking with that dragon?”

“I’m having tea with him Daddy. I haven’t had tea with a dragon for awhile.”
Your eye twitches a bit at that thinking about her and Spike having tea together, probably alone!
Your overprotective father instincts are cut off when the red teenaged dragon crosses his arms and harrumphs.

“The dragon has a name you know, freaking speciest namby pamby pony” he grumbles.

“But Garble is such a weird name, and I said I was sorry…” Nightshade counters.
You just shake your head at this, wondering why the dragon you beat the snot out of is acting miserable and having tea with your daughter. 

“Alright…why are you having tea with Garble here?”

“Oh, we fought each other because I kind of thought he was with that other mean dragon you were fighting and-“

“Wait! When did this happen?”

“Oh, well after you woke up…”

OKAY I LIED ABOUT THE LAST FLASHBACK BEING THE LAST ONE, HERE'S ANOTHER ONE FOR YA

"WHAT THE BUCK HAPPENED!?" you shouted

"It's a long story..." 

FLASHBACKCEPTION

"It all begin with..." Maud began…

WAIT!

DOUBLE FLASHBACK END

"Wait, are you going to put a Flashback inside of another Flashback?" you interrupt.

"I thought you wanted to know?" she says.

"I already know them telling me about what happened, you don't need to repeat it" you explain.

"Oh, yeah, well in that case..." she begins again.

BACK TO THE FLASHBACK (I CAN'T STOP! HELP ME!)

As you sat listening to the others tell you what happened, Nightshade was busy with Mangle trying to salvage some of the junk she had fired from the junk jet.

“Dang, I hope daddy doesn’t get mad about me destroying his stuff,” she says while holding the charred remains of a movie prop from the bunker.”

Mangle just looks at her and shrugs.

“Yeah, if he asks it was you OK?”

Mangle just crosses her arms and harrumphs.

It’s then that Nightshade hears grumbling coming from behind a few broken sets.

Being curious, she sneaks over and through the ruins. There she gasps as she sees a teenaged red dragon looking at the destruction.

“Stupid crazy director ponies! Dueling eachother, raining magic down, destroying my job!” he grumbles as he picks up a smouldering clipboard. “*Sigh* Why couldn’t dad have made me go somewhere quieter?” he groans as he takes off his ripped Security hat.
“Now what am I supposed to do? I still got two months before I can go home. I guess I could look for Crackle, hopefully she’s still not mad at-“

“FALCON KICK!!!” Nightshade cried, kicking the unaware dragon in the jaw.

"Gah! OW! What the buck you stupid pony!?"

"I won’t let you get away you evil dragon! I’ll take you down just like your evil buddy in there!” she cries out.

“What the buck are you even talking ab-*SMACK* OW! That does it!” he roars as an epic battle begins. Garble and Nightshade trade kicks, punches, and slashes at eachother that is so epic and violent, that a crowd gathers. Garble ups the stakes and begins to use his fire breath, but Nightshade deflects these with her magic.

While dodging however, Garble gives a mighty punch and sends Nightshade through a wall destroying it and collapsing the building. Garble then laughs triumphantly, until Nightshade walks out of the ruins unscathed, smiles and grabs the shocked Garble before throwing him into space. He then fell towards the earth at accelerated speeds, causing many sonic booms as Nightshade prepared her final punch and…

HOLD IT!!!

 Flashback Interruption Version 2.0

“Aww, I was just getting to the good part,” whines Nightshade.

“That did not seriously happen Nightshade,” you admonish and cross your arms.

“S-sure it did. It was epic and awesome and…” she begins before you scowl and she lets out a sigh."OK fine... Maybe I exaggerated a little..." she admits.

"What really happened?" you ask.

“Well everything happened like I said, up until…”

True Flashback (Flashbacks Are Love. Flashbacks are Life)

“FALCON KICK!!!” Nightshade cried, kicking the unaware dragon in the jaw.

"Gah! OW! What the buck you stupid pony!?"

"I won’t let you get away you evil dragon! I’ll take you down just like your evil buddy in there!” she cries out.

“What the buck are you even talking ab-*SMACK* *THUD*” the teenaged dragon goes down after Nightshade uppercuts him.

“Wow…that was surprisingly easy and anticlimactic,” Nightshade says.

End of True Flashback (For Realzies This Time)

“I then found this tea set from the set of Celestia in Discord World, and thought I could interrogate him over tea.”

“You threw hot tea in my face you little punk,” Garble pouts.

“Well it woke you up right?”

He responds by grumbling and looking away.

“Well anyway, after I woke him up…I kind of found out that he had nothing to do with that dragon you were fighting and…yeah I kind of felt a little bad,” Nightshade admits.

“Well you should, not every Dragon knows each other,” he growls and Nightshade giggles nervously.

You take in this explanation. “OK, that explains a little…I think, but here’s a question, why are you just sitting there drinking the tea with her?” you ask Garble.

“It’s not like I want to,” he grumbles. Nightshade then chimes in.

“I asked that too. He mumbled something about Dragon Code and how because I defeated him in a 1vs1 fight we’re now eternal enemies, and how he’s going to follow me wherever I go until he defeats me, blah blah blah," she explains before taking a sip of tea.

You raise and eyebrow and ask
"Soooo, What’s this about eternal enemies?" The teenaged dragon looks up and says.

"She defeated me in a one versus one battle, so the dragon code, which my dad is forcing on me as punishment, says that I have to gain my honor back either through rematch. First though, I have to be courteous to my rival because of their victory.”

"Really? Huh. Then what about those dragons that I def... I mean, that the Hooded Offender defeated? Weren’t you one of them?" 

Garble looks up in surprise, as does Nightshade as you never told her about what happened when she was still drugged.

“How do you know about that?” he asks as he rubs his wing in phantom pain, causing you to wince.

“He’s… a notorious criminal and he likes to boast a lot,” you say and Garble nods at this.

“Well it was a weird mess. Apparently you can’t attack in greater numbers a supposedly weaker foe, but then that foe turned out to be stronger, and then Dad broke even more rules because he didn’t want the group to die and…The whole thing was a clusterbuck of everydragon “Breaking the Rules.”” 

“Yeah…I bet,” you admit.

“And as punishment, me and my friends had to learn humility. Dang Uncle Torch and his rules…” he growls, “I mean, it’s bad enough some little squirt and his pony harem get the better of us, but some monster nearly kills us, and WE still get in trouble. Plus, my ex girlfriend left with the ponies and never returned!”

You remember briefly about something Twilight said in the Crystal Empire. That Crackle wouldn’t leave her Library, waiting for you. You don’t share this information though.

“So you have to follow me around and be nice to me?” Nightshade asks.

“I can’t fight you yet, I have to wait awhile. But I will defeat you!” he growls.

“Cool! Can he follow us Daddy? Can he?”

“Honey, I don’t think…”

“I don’t need your permission, I will stalk you! I’m an excellent tracker! I’ll see you around namby pamby pony! Thanks for the tea. See ya!” he boasts before standing up and running away.

As you watch the dragon run off, you facehoof and think.

Great, another problem I have to worry about. But seriously, how did Nightshade knock him out in two hits? It took me forever to even wear him down. Is she getting stronger?

I wouldn't doubt it. She is our child after all.

You look to the chuckling Nightshade who finishes off her tea and says.

“Bring it on Bucker.”

With Said Bucker

Garble, after only a few minutes of running…somehow ends up in the Redwood Forrest, despite it being miles away from civilization.

“Where the heck is my motel room? Curse my lack of direction!” 

Back to you Buckers



Kersey's Comment



Shaking your head again, you have Nightshade and Mangle hop in their room and head back to the group.

“Find what you were looking for?” asks Aqua.

“Yeah, are they awake?” you ask.

She points to the two moaning tied up creatures.

You nod and tell her, “I need you to keep Flash out of the way. We don’t need the guards jumping in on our next target.”

She nods at this and tells Flash, “Come on buddy, let’s get your head bandaged and these feathers off of me.”

Flash nods, holding the big bump on his head.

You look to Maud and tell her, “You be my support alright? I’m going to interrogate them now.”

She just blinks and says, “OK. If you have to make them suffer that’s fine.”

A chill goes down your spine at that, but you just shake it off and wake them up by freezing their forelegs.

“Gah!” they cry, but then shut it and glare at you. Solarkness begins to growl.

“How in the heck are you awake? Tanta should have…” 

“Your little pet is gone, my mind is not a very nice place to be,” you growl in your intimidating filter.

They try to break their bonds, but the ice keeps them from doing so.

“Now, before I turn you over to the esteemed royal guard, I have one question for you, where are the other generals?”

“Buck you bounty hunter!” growls the Wyvern as he attempts to water jet you, until you freeze the water in his mouth.

“Wow, such Icy words,” you joke.

“Screw You! You’ll get nothing from us! You…” his words die in his throat as the ground under them rumbles and Maud steps forward.

“Yeah, keep talking like that and I might have to unleash her on you,” you say coldly. The timberwolf just shakes his head and still growls

“Whatever. Good luck trying to turn us in. You attacked us during our film. Our cloaks are gone, and there’s no one but that speciest guard, and two crazy mares to back you up! You’ve got nothing!” the Timberwolf growls.

“Ooohhh, don’t I?” you smirk as you hold up the pieces of evidence you gathered from them. Causing their eyes to widen.

“Also, I still have the cloaks. There are traces of dragon scales and wood pulp within them,” Maud says holding up the ripped Crimson Knight insignia cloaks.

“Yeah, you guys have lost. You ARE going to prison now. For the crimes of being in a Terrorist Cell, attempted murder, and for multiple assault and battery crimes for all those poor stunt doubles.”

They both glare at you as you say this.

“It’s ok, hold your enthusiasm. Now, before I put you dirtbags away, maybe you can redeem yourselves just a little in my eyes. Tell me where I can find your little friends.

Solarkness growls, leans forward and says, “We’re not snitches. Buck you.”

You sigh and close your eyes.

“Really? Kichi sang like a bird and was happy to give you up. You guys specifically. Are you telling me, you guys are that devoted?”

The both growl at hearing the Kichi bit, but they still don’t say anything.

“Hmm, tough crowd. How about this. Is there any of your Knight buddies that you detest? Someone that if you give up would surely take a righteous beating from me?

At that, their eyes light up at the prospect.

“Look, you’ve seen what me and my friends have done, the beatings we give. Are you sure there isn’t at least one of your buddies that you want beaten up and brought down? I’ll be sure to be extra mean in my takedowns,” you sweeten the deal.

Both of them look to each other and a wordless agreement is made as they nod.

“Unfreeze Rutherford’s mouth, and we’ll tell you.”

You do just that, and then say, “Alright. Spill it.”

Both Knights then give up your next target, and rather eagerly now that you think about it. They even give you a plan to go about taking them down.

“And at the end of it, tell them we send our regards," says Solarkness.

"And that we'll see them soon,” says Rutherford.

You nod at this.

“Well alright then. Anyway, nap time boys,” you say before holding up the Luna Plushie, knocking them out.

You then place both of them in your prison bags and turn to Maud.

“Listen, I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell the guards or anyone what they just said OK?”

She blinks and says, “OK. Be sure to give them tartarus. These knights and their leader have made my sister and emotional mess.”

You then swear you see her eyes harden a bit.

“What’s worse is that she still has hope that this Offender can be a good guy and a friend. I don’t know about any of that, but all I know is that anypony or thing that makes my happy sister miserable deserves to be Rocked like a Hurricane.”

You shiver in dread at this, but you say, “Thanks Maud.”

LATER 

You all regroup and head to the Guard Station, which is only manned by a skeleton crew as every other guard is busy dealing with the aftermath of the director duel.

You present the two and aim to collect the reward. With Flash there, it goes smoothly. Though they have to call in Mystical Beast Containment for the Wendigo.

“Lieutenant Sentry, are you positive about this?” asks the front desk guard.

“I’m sure officer. This Stallion, and this mare brought down these two criminals. I was there.”

The guard then gets out the reward money 10,000 bits.

You are about to accept when you really think about it. I passed out for half the fight. Maud did so much more, as did Flash.

You then split 5,000 of your Bit Half of your reward and give it to Maud and Flash.

“Maud, you said you needed money because of some thief, so take this. You more than deserve it.”

You then actually see a faint hint of a smile on her lips as she accepts and say,

“Thank you.”

Flash meanwhile won’t accept. 

“But come on, you did so much man.”

“Yeah, but it was my job. A guard accepts no rewards for his work. It’s yours,” he explains.

You smile at this and pocket your reward.

2,500 Bits Added to Inventory.

Before you leave though, the Guard at the front desk stops you.

“Are you him?”

You look back and ask, 

“What?”

“Are you the same masked bounty hunter that took down the Knights in Bastion? Are you the Crimson Vengeance?”

You nod at this and say, “That’s right. And I’ll tell you this, these two won’t be the last ones I bring in.”

He stands up and salutes you.

“Hey, you don’t have to,”

“No, I do sir. Thank you.”

You blush in embarrassment and nod and exit the Station.

You then look to Flash Sentry who stands in the doorway.

“I have to remain here and wait for Captain Armor. Do you all have to go?”

“Yeah, we still gotta job to do.”

“You already have a lead?” he asks.

You shake your head and lie, 

“No. But we’ll find one.”

He seems to buy it and just sighs.

“You know, you are just like your brother when it comes to fighting. Both of you are wasting your potential. Seriously CV, I think you could join the guard, you’d make a fine addition,” he says.

“Yeeeaaaahhhh, no. Sorry Flash, but I got my own thing going here. Oh and if you could, make sure my appearance doesn’t appear in the paper would you? I don’t want these guys to know I’m coming.”

He nods at this, “Alright, though I’m sure our little story will be overshadowed by Beigh and Shamalamadingdong. But yeah, I understand. Where will you go now?”

“Wherever the bounties lie. Goodbye Flash Sentry.”

“Goodbye CV. And don’t forget to tell…you know who, what I said alright?”

“You have my word man,” you say as you give him a very manly hug and he reciprocates.

Oh that’s just adorable coos Selena, causing your face to get red and to break the hug immediately.
You both chuckle embarrassed.

Aqua then says her goodbyes. “See ya around Batmane,” she teases as she punches him on the shoulder.

“Yeah, you too Chicken Mare,” he smirks punching her back.

You three then walk off, going to the other side of town where there isn’t any destruction.

“So, there’s still daylight left, what do we do now?” asks Aqua.

“Well, I kind of did promise a certain little filly something,” you smirk.

Aqua and Maud see where you are going and smirk/stare blankly.

“You two have fun then, I think I’ll catch up with Sensei now that we’re not fighting, and I’ll book the trip for the next hit.”

You nod and wave to them as you head for something magical.

POV CHANGE: NIGHTSHADE

You sit with your pet Mangle and watch a Godzilla movie you’ve seen about 5 times.

“Daddy really needs to get me some more movies if he keeps expecting me to stay in here,” you grumble.
Mangle just looks at you and gives a mechanical chirp.

“Look I know it’s dangerous, but dang it, I don’t want to be just an accessory. I like helping out. I’m not just a thing!”

Mangle chirps again.

“OK, maybe I did punch out an innocent dragon, but he was a wimp. Besides, now that he says he’ll follow me around I’ll have a new playmate,” you smirk.

Mangle crosses her legs and makes another noise.

“Oh come on, I’m not trying to replace Spike!” you reply indignantly. “Sure he followed me around a lot, but this is different. I actually liked Spike…gosh I miss him…and the CMC, and even the Deadly 6,” you say sadly.

Mangle pats you on the shoulder reassuringly.

“I’ll take you to Ponyville one day Mangle, and you can meet all my friends. Until then, I’m stuck in here because Daddy just HAS to always go out and fight and-“

Your complaining dies in your throat as the inventory is opened and your Daddy’s voice comes through.

“Nightshade Honey, turn into an Earth Pony and come on out, I have a surprise for you.”

Rolling your eyes, you transform and hop out with Mangle.

“What’s the surprise Daaaaaaaaaaaaaa…” you are shocked and awed by what you see.

Happy fillies and colts, mascots of famous cartoon characters, fanciful buildings and mechanical rides. You are in the Happiest Place on Equis.

“A promise is a promise honey, welcome to-“

“WHINNY LAND!!!” you shriek at the top of your lungs and rush forth.

“WHINNY LAND! WHINNY LAND! WHINNY LAND!” you cry out in happiness, dragging Mangle behind you while you leave your Daddy behind in the dust.

“Wait! Wait up Honey!” you hear him shout. Unfortunately, your mind has kind of shut down at the moment as you take in everything around you, all the while screaming.

“WHINNY LAND!!!”

WHAT DO YOU (NIGHTSHADE) DO?

Outro:

> Episode 36: In Which Walt Whinny Rolls In His Grave
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




The Rutherford's Comment



Your day with your daddy was the best one yet. You have not had this much fun with just him since that time you went to spa for that daddy-daughter day. Come to think of it, wasn't that the last time you two had a day together without being on the run? As you ponder this you remember all the fun things you guys did.

Earlier

Well obviously the first thing you did while seeing all the bright lights and happy sounds was realize one thing. You were starving. You see a food booth serving Walter Wombat shaped burgers.

"Daddy?"

"Yes dear?"

You point to the burger stand.

"Can I have some bits to get us Whinny Burgers? I'm a bit hungry."

Your dad looks at the stand and goes bug-eyed (hee hee. I will have to tell Mommy that joke tonight.) When he looks at the sign, he opens his mouth in a frown when *GURGLE* his belly starts growling.

"Yeah here's some bits. Order mine with cheese and a large Sarsaparilla."

*25 Bits gained*

"OK. But why aren't you coming with me?"

"I, um, need to write something to a friend."

"Um, OK?"

You walk away as your dad pulls out a piece of paper and starts writing. You walk up to the stall.

"Excuse me sir, I would like to order three Whinny Burgers with cheese, and all the fixings. Ooh and a large Sarsaparilla, and one in one of those souvenir cups please."

The stallion at the stand takes the order and tallies the total. He gives you a blank look that sends shivers down your spine as he says,

"25 bits."

"Really? That is a lot. Good thing that Daddy gave me that much for it."

"That's Whinny Land for you filly. Everything is overpriced and we have to act as happy as possible or we get in trouble."

What truly unnerved you was that as he said this depressing speech, he sounded cheerful and happy, while his eyes looked annoyed. The cashier gives you your order and the receipt and you start walking back to the table your dad is at. As you do you can't help but think,

Despite the way that stallion sounded, he seemed really unhappy. I wonder why. Isn't Whinny Land supposed to be the "Happiest Place in Equestria"?

You come out of your deep thought as you approach the table and a weird pink flash comes from where your dad was sitting. You look to see him smiling (how you can tell with his mask on is not important but you can), especially as he sees you. You give your own smile, which soon turns into a confused look as you ask,

"Uh Daddy...what was that strange light?"

Your daddy coughs nervously before saying,

"I was just testing something real quick, nothing to worry about dear. Now hand me that burger, I'ma starving."

You give your dad a blank stare, but just sigh before sitting next to him and hoofing him his meal. The both of you soon begin to dig into your respective meals in a nice silence. That silence is soon interrupted by your dad as he says,



The Pony Spartan's Comment

 

"Honey. I'm sorry I've been very strict lately. I just don't want you to fight and get hurt. I don't know what will happen if you do and I don't want to know."

You realize that your daddy was kinda right, but you did beat Sombra and he is a powerful king. How come he still didn't trust you to fight other stupid ponies, dragons, wood, and animals.

"Daddy I can fight. I beat Sombra remember? And I also beat that Garble dragon." 

"I know you did honey but I still don't want to risk it. What if a boulder comes flying down at you?"

"I'll teleport away," You immediately reply, taking another bite of your cotton candy.

"Uh... well... what if something stops your magic!"

"Daddyyy..." You whine.

"I know, but it can happen. Twilight did it to me a couple of times." 

"Really?"

"Yeah, and it almost got me captured by the Deadly Six"

This made you think about past decisions and if they were too risky. Your dad suddenly gets a very...pained look, as if he just fought all of the Deadly Six without being able to use his skill set, as he says, 

"I know everything may seem easy Nightshade, and some stuff is, but there are things that can happen to make things change in a flash. Some things that no matter how much you try you can never correct."

You don't like this look your daddy has, or the tone he's using when he says that. It makes you feel...scared. Like your daddy is disappearing and you'll never see him again. You quickly decided you do not like this look on your daddy, nor do you ever wish to see it on his face ever again. You silently make a vow to make sure your daddy never makes that face again as you say,

"A-...Alright, daddy. I'll try to stay safe from danger." Before you let your dad nod or say something stupid, you bark at him, "But that doesn't mean I won't fight! if someone is trying to hurt my friends or family I'll definitely teach them a lesson with a good ol' falcon kick!"

You dad laughs and hugs you. "That's my girl! A badflank superhero who fights first and asks questions later! Daddy's so proud! Now come on, lets finish up these burgers so we can go on some rides."

With that said the both of you do just that, but not before throwing your trash away like a responsible pony should. As you throw your trash away you discover something super cool that you need your daddy to see. So you call back to him,



TartarusFire's Comment



"Hey dad! Look what I found!"

Your father looks over to the trashcan and gains a blank look as he says in a deadpanned tone,

"It looks like a trashcan, sweetie. Look over there, about twenty feet, there's another one."

You roll your eyes at this before you say,

"Yes, but look at what it can do!"

You the proceed to pick up a nearby rock and toss it into trashcan. A loud woosh is heard after the flap was closed, and the rock clunks away in some unknown tube. Your daddy's eyes widen at this and he soon get's a concerned look before he says,

"Nightshade, you might want to stay back, it could be dangerous..."

"All the better reason to investigate then! If it's dangerous I can take it down!" 

You hop up top of the trash can and open the flap.

"No-no, we just talked about this!" 

"Adventure~" You yell as you get sucked down the pipe.

Somewhere underground, a large container starts shaking.

"Hey Sewage, did you hear that?"

"Nah Waste, some kid probably just threw another rock in."

A minute later the banging becomes unbearable, and the container splits open revealing You.

"Aha! A race of underground Mole Ponies! What's your game stealing our trash?!" you accuse pointing at the two stallions.

The two workers look at each other. "We are so fired."

MEANWHILE BACK WITH BUGZE (YOU)

Your eyes widen to the size of dinner plates as you stare at where Nightshade was sucked into. You would have continued to stare if it weren't for the shrill scream in your head followed by Selena's panicked voice,

Bugze! We have to get Nightshade back!

You snap out of it from her voice as you think,

I know! I'm trying to think of something to do!

Well hurry up! She could suffocate down there... wherever there is!

...*ding*

I got it!

Good, now tell me what it is before you do anything...

You proceed to jump into the trashcan, worming your way down...until your rump get's stuck in the opening of the trash can, leaving you stuck in the trashcan.

..rash...*slap* ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME?!  

You wince slightly at Selena's loud shout as she continues, 

Really? Did you seriously just get stuck? Now we'll have to wait for some random passerby to pull your idiotic flank out of here! Honestly Bugze of all the dumb ideas you've had this is by far the dumbest one...today at least.

Before you can retort to Selena's insult you hear your daughter's voice from behind you say,

"Hey Daddy! I found out what the trashcans were!"

"Nightshade? How'd you get out?" you ask.

"The sewage pony helped get out after I broke their pipe."

You hear a cough, "Well we can't have fillies get lost after all, but can you please not have your children jumping into trashcans?"

"It wasn't my idea, and that is great and all, but can you please get me out of this trashcan now?!"

POV SWITCH: NIGHTSHADE

After a few awkward minutes of trying to get your daddy out of the trashcan, you say goodbye to the friendly ponies who helped you out. You also had to sign something called an 'incident report' and swear to not tell their bosses about them. You didn't really understand why, but you can respect someling's privacy...that or you're like your daddy where you ask questions way later on in life.

Anyway, you and your daddy begin to search Whinnyland for some rides to go on now that food and random side quests are done, and you find the perfect one when you see...



Go on the tea cup ride and get dizzy from spinning around so fast. 

 

The Spinning Tea Cups! Sweetie Belle told you about these after she and her parents came here. 

"That one!" you cry as you rush forth and get on.

"Wait, Honey, maybe you should wait, you only just ate!" your dad calls after you, but you ignore him.

Getting on the ride, it starts slowly as it starts spinning and you cheer at the top of your lungs.

"Woooo This is great!"

But slowly the ride picks up more speed, spinning faster and faster, and you stop cheering so loudly.

"Ooooooohhhhhh..." you moan as your stomach starts feeling funny.

the other passengers see your face and they start getting panicked as they call out,

"Stop the ride, stop the ride!"

Your cheeks bulge as your queasiness reaches a new level.

"I apologize in advance for this..." you moan before putting your head over the edge of the ride and...

"BBBLLLEEEEEGGGGHHHH!!!" 

Losing your Lunch, not just onto the ground, but onto some innocent bystanders. The ride stops much too late, but by then your stomach actually feels a lot better.

As the ponies around the area either faint in disgust or runaway in fear you just walk over to your daddy and give a small adorable burp before saying,

"That's better."

Your daddy just sighs before taking out a napkin to wipe your mouth while saying,

"I knew going on this ride right after eating was a bad idea. *Sigh* oh well, nothing can change it now. Let's get out of hear before security finds us."

You nod your head as the both of you begin to leave, 



Grey Rebl's Comment



And you all decide to hit the next ride...that has a super long line. You had gotten into it a few minutes ago, but it feels like you've barely moved an inch...

Congratulations. You have come to experience the majority of what Whinny Land has to offer: Waiting in Line.

"So. Booored!" you whine, of which Daddy just pats your head, telling you to be patient.

From the middle of the line, standing impatiently on the staircase leading up to the platform, you hear a voice, presumably belonging to one of the park goers "...Oh my bucking god, what do you mean he's not tall enough?!"

"That's what it says, sorry."

You can only assume that the ponies up there are arguing over whether or not somepony can go on the ride. Of course, one side is trying to negotiate, being the ones who had to wait in line for a pretty long time. This eventually causes a scene that catches the attention of those waiting line. For them, it's entertainment. As for you, though, you lean against the railing boredly, not giving the argument much thought.

Is it strange how I can think that someling else's misfortune is, well, just simply boring? You shrug. Not much to think about there. You then decide to talk to Daddy to ease the waiting.

"You know, with all the hype, you'd think Whinny Land would be a bit more...," you glance at the intense squabble occuring on the platform above you both, "...Foal-friendly."

"I think this just an exception," he replies uninterestingly. "With my luck, this might make it take even longer to wait."

"Buck You Lady Luck, gotta ruin this but not the other stuff?" you mumble to yourself.

Some nearby adults give you a shocked look, while your father chuckles nervously and pulls you in close.

"We're in public honey, language," he chides while you roll your eyes.

After a long, long while, you finally got your turn. It's the moment of truth. After waiting in line for so long, you can now dictate whether or not it was worth it. You get on the ride, feeling the warmth of the seat contrasting with the cold metal around it. Everything locks into place and the ride—

—The ride ends.

You're not sure how exactly the time has passed, but needless to say, the ride defies your every expectation. And the laws of physics. In fact, it trancended EVERYTHING that your thoughts could conceive! You can say that your brain got buzzed so much after the ride that you practically forget the whole experience in an attempt to flush out all of the impossible twists and turns and crud that has happened. Truly, it's a magical, magical world, this Whinny Land.

"...what the buck happened?" Daddy says dumbfoundedly as he looks around in confusion.

"That. Was. Awesome!" you yell excitedly. "Let's do it again!"

Your daddy looks back to the long line you were all just in and asks, "Are you sure honey?"

"Heck ya, that ride was totally worth it!" you reply.

He sighs and you both head back into line.

"Wow, who'd have thunk that a ride with spinning plastic elephants would be the greatest thing ever?!"

Daddy shrugs, noticeably less enthusiastic then your bouncing form.

ANOTHER RIDE LATER



BrownDog's Comment



After that last confusing ride, you and your daddy go on a few more. The rides are pretty fun. You really enjoy the new Harry Trotter attraction. Although Daddy got a bit upset.

"Hufflepuff?! What are you smoking that you think I'm a Hufflepuff?!" he growled at the actor with the Sorting Hat.

"Uh...fine, you're uh...Slytherin!" he nervoulsy responds.

"I am not a violent sociopath! You take that back or I'll destroy you!" 

"Sir, I just work here..." he groans.

You of course were in Gryfindor, as if there was any doubt. Daddy, also finally calmed down a bit after having genuine Butterbeer in a bottle, while you bought all kinds of trick candies.

Also, now that the Walt Whinny Corporation owns Star Wars, there are plenty of troopers and light sabers around. The new park dedicated specifically to Star Wars isn't open yet, but they have their own corner of the main park.

There’s even a line for kids to meet Darth Vader and “Fight” him. You smirk at this as you decide to turn a few heads.

You walk up to the black clad Sith and he says, “Join the Dark Side…”

Instead of refusing, you instead bow,“Of course my master…” this causes everyone to gasp, before laughing since the actor in the suit has no idea how to react to this.

With Bugze  (You) In The Crowd

“Did she just join the dark side? Oh what the heck!”

She is still my daughter after all, *giggle*

Back with You.

The actor finally improvises a line,

“V-very well my new apprentice…um…perhaps we should…uh…”

“We should dance to celebrate!” you yell, further confusing him as more adults and kids laugh.

A boombox carrying mare even plays a funky tune that you start dancing to, causing all the kids and storm troopers to join in.Vader realizes the masses have spoken, and takes over as leader of the dancing…making quite possible the greatest thing ever.

After that little bit of madness, you walk back to your daddy you see him wiping tears of joy as he pats your head before saying,

"That was so beautiful honey. You are the best daughter in the world, you know that?"

You giggle at this before boastingly saying,

"Of course, the best daughter for the bestest daddy!"

"Thanks baby," he says with a hidden smile, but you can still tell.

"And hey, did you like what I did with Darth Vader Mommy?"

"It was rather amusing my precious, perhaps there is hope for you yet," she says with daddy's mouth, causing him to frown, while you giggle.

"Anyway, it's getting kind of late baby, we've gone on most of the main rides, but we still have to get going before Shining Armor gets into town," he explains.

You sigh and nod at this but then you look up and ask, "Can we go on just one more? Please Daddy?"

He sees you giving the puppy dog eyes (works every time) and he gives in.

"Alright Shade, just one more."

"YAY!"

Your daddy give you a light hug before you both begin to look for one more ride to go on. After walking around for awhile you spot a interesting one, and you point at it as you say,

"Oh! Let's go on that one daddy!"

Your daddy nods his head before saying,

"Okay, but last one before we go okay? We're almost out of bits...again."

You nod your head at this as you both head in.

LITERALLY FIVE MINUTES LATER

You find yourself running with your Daddy out the front door with other ponies following away from the burning remains of the ride.

“Why would you do that? I know I have problems with Arson, but you?!” your daddy scolds.

“But the singing daddy! The singing! It’s a small world after a-AAAAAA!!!! Make it stop!”

Suddenly behind you, you both hear a very, VERY loud explosion, causing you to both turn around. Several more rides are on fire and everyone is being evacuated.

You look up to Daddy and give a nervous chuckle, "Uh...heh heh...whoops?"

"Grounded," is all Daddy says, causing you to look down and say,

"Buck..."

You both then realize the park is slowly catching fire so you both evacuate.

LATER AT THE TRAIN STATION

POV SWICH: BUGZE (YOU)



Kichi's Comment



As you, Nightshade, and Aqua wait at the train station, you look back at where Whinnyland is as a great fire is consuming every part of it, even Ocean World, a great park dedicated to seaponies is somehow in fire. Apparently the ride that Nightshade set on fire was near a firework display, which was next to a lumber storage, which was next to some explosives they were saving for a show later.

Basically, Nightshade's fire managed to get even more bigger and stronger due to poor placement on the staff's part, so this chain of events lead to the destruction of Whinyland. 

Or at least enough of the park to close it down.

Luckily, in all the confusion, no one saw how exactly the fire got started...heck, you're not even sure yourself how Nightshade did it, and you were sitting right next to her.

Still, it's decidedly not the happiest place on earth right now.

As you stare at the frightening, terrible, and all around Beautiful flames being put out by fire ponies, Nightshade chirps beside you.

"Oh my gosh Daddy! It was so fun! Can we go another time in a future? Can we?" 

"Maybe in a future honey, maybe in a future...after they rebuild some of the rides" 

"I think you need to control a how much sugar you let her have. Plus why do I always miss out on the cool stuff happening?! This is like the fifth time you blew something up and I missed out! So not fair!" huffs Aqua

"Well sorry, it's not like we plan them out or anything! They're spur of the moment."

"Whatevs..." she says crossing her arms.

"Language!" Nightshade barks at Aqua causing her to recoil confused.

"What? But I didn't-"

"No using Valley Filly language here lady!"

You smile proudly at that as Aqua rolls her eyes and says, 

"OK, OK, whatever, happy?"

"Yes actually," Nightshade says happily.

While Aqua rolls her eyes once again, you speak up.

"Alright, let's calm down here. We're all still friends, no need to go fighting like we're Knights."

They both nod at this, and Nightshade perks up.

"Yeah, you're right! Now that Whinny Land is done, let's continue our adventure! Punish the bad guys, make them cry and kick them in their balls..."

"Seriously, she worries me..." Aqua mutters.

"...The sooner we take them out, the sooner we can go back to Ponyville" she finishes.

"Yeah, Yeah... Wait, what? What's this about going back to Ponyville?" you ask. Nightshade looks back at you with a confused expression and asks,

"After we capture all the knights and we take out their organization we are going back to Ponyville, right? And then I can go back to crusading with the girls and hanging out with Spike?"

"Umm....well you see honey...that's a bit...complicated..." you fumble.

Her ears suddenly go down in sadness as she asks, "We're never going back?"

"I...Uh...Well..." you fumble as you look at her say face, before making up an excuse. "Maybe in the future honey, but we can't think about that now. Like you said, first we need to take down the knights."

"Well alright then...stupid bucking Knights..." she mumbles to herself before letting out a big yawn.

"Oh well look at that, seems it's someling's bedtime," you tease.

"Yeah...we had a big day...I'm gonna catch a few winks. Night Daddy, Night Aqua!" she says as she jumps into your saddle bags where you hear her say, "Night Mangle."

You let out a sigh before saying to Aqua, "Well I'm not too far behind her."

"Same. Today was a draining day. I still can't believe you went to a theme park after all of it."

"Hey, I made a promise to her. I have to keep as many as I can to make up for the others I've broken..." you lament, before shaking your head from these thoughts. "So anyway, how'd it go with Maud?"

"She left on a train not long after we split up. We said our usual goodbyes, and I asked her to stick around, but family comes first for her. She took that money straight back to the farm. Still can't believe some two bit thief had the nerve to steal from them, AND got away with it."

"Well if you believe in Karma, I'm sure that mare will get what's coming to her..."

A shiver of fate swims over you causing you to shiver, but you brush it off. It happens so often you tend to ignore it.

"But yeah, shame Maud had to go. But I get it, home is where the heart is."

"Yeah, speaking of home, what was up with that Ponyville stuff earlier?"

"Huh?"

"The Kid, when she was talking about going back to Ponyville like she missed it? What's up with that? Aren't the Elements of Harmony there?"

"I...well...you see it's comp-"

"No, uh-uh, no it's complicated to me. Why would the kid miss the place where your greatest enemies live?"

You sigh and say, "Weeeee...stayed there for a bit incognito."

"Seriously? Right under there noses? Why would you do that?"

"It's not like I had a choice I was kind of doing someone a favor, and don't ask WHO because that is a can of worms I do not want to dig into."

"Alright?" she says confused.

"Yeah...anyway, she made some friends there and it's no surprise she misses them. But I had to get out of there since interacting with those mares on daily basis was giving me a headache...plus Nightshade was getting too chummy with a few colts and a certain DRAGON!" you growl.

"Yeesh, overprotective much?" You give her a deadpanned stare and she chuckles,

"Guess that was a dumb question, heh heh."

"Eyup. But still, after everything that happened in Fillydelphia I couldn't just sit around anymore, and I'm really in no hurry to go back there...even if she misses it so much."

Aqua nods at this as you then both see the train light coming in the distance.

"I get what you mean. But can I offer a little advice?"

"Sure," you say nonchalantly.

"When it comes to friends, I'm not much of an expert. There's only a few I truly trust, but when it comes down to it, I'd do anything for them. The Kid seems to already have found her close buddies, so it wouldn't be good for anypony to NEVER let them see each other again."

You sigh at this.

"I know...and I know you'll hate this, but it really is complicated..."

"Eh, food for thought CV. Anyway looks like our ride is here, and with it, sleep."

The Train pulls up in front of you.

"Now Arriving, Applewood to Vanhoover. All Aboard," comes a voice from overhead.

"Vanhoover here we come," you say aloud as you board the train.

2 Days Later

You step off of the train into a seaside town where the sky seems to be perpetually covered by clouds, and the air always seems wet.

You steel your eyes looking at this big city as you say aloud, "Alright, let's see how Rutherford and Solarkness's little money plan will work on this KERSEY!!!


WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 36: The Search For Crimson Knight Kersey Begins! (Cutting The Funds Arc Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you and Aqua step off the train and begin to head into Vanhoover, you can't help but let out a content sigh as you think,

This has been a good couple of weeks. Captured three knight leaders and their minions and I am about to find the next one. Yep these past weeks have been great, so great that I have no doubt in my mind that nothing can ruin my good mo- 



Bugze immediately trips and crashes into a cart full of cabbages.  After he gets up Nightshade then jumps out of the inventory and yells "DIE VEGETABLES" and sets the cart on fire.



-*FWUMP*

"My cabbages!" shrieks a stallion as you tumble to the ground with a cabbage cart after running into it. 

"Dang it! My must I keep tempting fate? And how many Cabbage carts am I going to run into in my life?"

"My cart is ruined! Ruined!" shrieks the stallion.

"No no, it's fine buddy," you apologize as you get up, "it's just a little tumble, I'm sure that-"

"DIE VEGETABLES!!!" you hear shriek from behind you, followed by the glorious sounds of fire.

Both you and the cabbage stallion look back and see the cart and veggies all lit up with a smiling Nightshade standing off to the side.

"Um...heh heh..." you chuckle before unceremoniously grabbing Nightshade and running away, the Stallion still dazed and shocked as he watches his cabbages burn for seemingly no reason.

After getting far enough away from that little scene, you look down at Nightshade and glare. 

"The heck was that about?"

"What? Cabbages are gross, and they keep attacking you. I stopped them once and for all," she explains.

"Nightshade, you're in trouble, now get into your room."

"But Daddy," she whines.

"No buts! Now get in," you order.

"I learned it from watching you!" she shrieks and grumpily jumps into the inventory.

You let out a sigh and look at Aqua who was trying to stay out of the awkward conversation.

"It's true, she did learn it from me. But that's not why she's in trouble, she's already caused a scene and we want to remain low key."

"That's why? Not that she's picking up the act of arson?" says a dumbfounded Aqua.

"Hey, just because you keep setting fires doesn't mean you're an arsonist. Besides, she's only set a FEW things on fire...just like her old man. I don't know whether that's a good or bad thing at the moment, but I'll deal with it later."

"But she just-"

"Later I said! Right now we have to be more focused on Kersey," you explain away.

She just rolls her eyes and follows you as you walk further into Vanhoover. After awhile she speaks up.

"Speaking of Kersey, what was that plan Rutherford and Solarkness gave you again?"

"Don't you remember?"

She just shrugs, so you sigh and say,



BrownDog's Comment



“Ok, so really, all we have to do is find Kersey's messenger, find all of the Knight's account information and overspend and force this guy to make a move in the open, and then we’ll find him…or at least that’s what the Timber Wolf and Wyvern said.”

"We're going to spend him out of hiding? Why is he hiding?"

"Well he's not hiding exactly, he just...doesn't really get out of his hideout all that often."

“This guy is that much of a recluse?” asks Aqua.

“Well they didn’t use that word, but they said that I’d know him when I see him because of all the rolls…whatever that means.”

“Find the messenger…well that's simple. So what we just gotta search this whole city?” she sarcastically replies.

“Not exactly, they gave me vague hints of where to look. Stupid Knights, I guess even if they hate this guy they still have to make my life difficult.”

"Well we did beat and ruin all of their goals, Spite isn't enough to make them spill everything."

"I guess not...still, I hope Armor gives them what's for."

"Well we live in a Diarchrastic Kingdom where enemies of the crown can be locked up and have the key thrown away without trial, so I would say so."

You gulp at this since you've nearly had that fate and worse the last three years.

“Speaking of these Knights, do you get the feeling that something’s off about them?” Aqua asks.

“Like what?” you ask.

“Well when I picture “Terrorist” these guys are not the traditional definition.”

“Well just because they don’t look it, doesn’t mean they aren’t. These guys seem to be long term picture kind of guys. Just look at the paper, they’re still taking credit for some messed up stuff…on top of all the weird things they do.”

“Or both I guess…” Aqua says while looking at this morning's paper.

Stocks Plummet to Record Low After Crimson Knight Attack

The article details how the ventilation system on Wall Street was flooded with Hallucinogenics causing everyone to trip and cause a riot. This led to many stocks plummeting, and several businesses going bankrupt. The Symbol of the Crimson Knights was spray painted on the wall outside the building.

“Guess they all act innocent and naive, and then wham, they go and do something like this. Masters of Deception the whole lot of them," Aqua mutters.

YESTERDAY

The Brown Dog finishes spraying the Crimson Knight symbol on the side of the building while chaos and drugged laughing can be heard.

“And that takes care of that, let’s get lunch.”

“Yeah let’s, this is the most work we’ve done since…well Beigh I guess,” Snap Drake agrees.

“Well that was different, we WANTED to try and kill Beigh...even if we failed spectacularly...twice. This though was what Management wanted,” Brown Dog huffs as he throws the paint can away.

“Ugh, management. We don’t hear from them for days on end, and when we do it’s, cut power to this residential neighborhood, frame nobles for scandals, spike the water supply with Viagra, and now crash the stock market, I mean, what’s the point of all that?” whines Snap Drake.

“Well it’s not just us, everyone gets Management's orders once in a while. As much as I hate actual work it is an even balance for us being able to do our own thing.”

“Yeah I guess, just wish it made more sense, I mean one day it’s destruction, the other day it’s weird…”

“Buddy, in life there are very few bucks you should give, this…is not one of them. Really we should still be celebrating that we got Transformares 5 Cancelled,” rejoices the Brown Dog.

“Yeah, and also inadvertently caused the destruction of most of Applewood’s Studios.”

“That too. I bet you anything Solarkness used the destruction in his movie somehow.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him. Do you think they’ll let us all know when it’s coming out?”

“I hope so. I mean, we may not be chummy chummy with him and Rutherford, but we at least aren’t Kersey levels of annoyances to them.”

“Good point, which reminds me, you should probably send in a letter asking for payment. We did do a management job so we’ll get a bonus,” remarks the pony.

“Oh Heck Yeah!” whoops the Diamond Dog.

"And we'll be able to keep all of it since we don't have our underlings anymore," Snap adds.

"WE HAD UNDERLINGS?!"

"Yes, the ones we gave to Grey Rebl awhile ago since we never used them?"

"Huh, guess they weren't noticeable. Except for Silver. When the heck is Kichi going to send him back? I miss the little Bug," bemoans the Dog.

"My bet is he won't. What with Kichi's Love source...that's still kind of weird in my opinion."

"Yeah...if he ever pisses us off we could call Chris Hayson on him, heh heh heh," the Brown Dog chuckles evilly.

Snap Drake smiles and says, "I'll add that to the list. Now let's get some lunch."

BACK TO TODAY

You nod your head in agreement with Aqua as you say,

"Anyway, one of the locations they told me wa-OH MY LUNA!"

Aqua's eyes widen in surprise at your outburst and turns to look at you to ask what's wrong, but all she sees is a dust version of you. She blinks her eyes in confusion as the dust starts to deform, and she soon looks over to where the dust trail led to see you bouncing excitedly like Pinkie Pie.



Kersey's Comment



"OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh! I  can't believe she's here!" you squee as you look upon a poster advertising the Pony of Pop herself, Sapphire Shores. She's in town for a concert that is Tonight. TONIGHT!!!

"Oh sweet sugary goodness, I hope there's still tickets left!"

Aqua walks up and gives you a deadpan stare upon seeing your geekout.

"Really? Sapphire Shores?"

I agree with the water tart, why do you even care? We have a job to do.

You respond to both of them outloud.

"Oh come on! It's THE Sapphire Shores! Her songs are catchy as heck, she's one of the hottest mares in the business, and I've personally saved her life!"

"Wait, what? When was this?" asks a confused Aqua.

You realize your slip of the tongue and immediately feel bad. You didn't save this world's Sapphire Shores, you saved the otherworld's one, and not for that long.

"I...uh...it was out of the press heh heh," you mumble. Before Aqua can ask any more questions, you hear an even bigger gasp than the one you gave. You look behind you and see Nightshade halfway out of the inventory and looking at the same poster.

"See? It's not just me. The pony of pop is loved by children and adults of all-"

"Oh My Gosh!  Da Coltz From Yo Cul-de-sac are opening for her!" she shrieks.

You look back and look at the fine print of the poster and see a picture of a...COLT BAND! And indeed, they are opening for Sapphire Shores.

"Oh wow, can we go daddy, can we? They're sooooooo cool and handsome and..." she trails off as she looks at the picture again with a blush on her face.

"NO BAD SHADE! How do you even know about these guys?"

"Oh well Scoootaloo had a poster of them at her house and..." 

"Alright enough, double grounded now! Back in your room," you order.

She harumphs once more and goes back into her room, while you hear her grumble something about you being too old to understand anything.

"Wasn't that a bit harsh?" asks Aqua.

"Heck no! That's a colt band! They feed on the insecurities of fillies too young to know any better. It causes their emotions to become a mixed up mess that tastes funny. Also, even my kind have heard of the dreaded backstage passes..." you shiver in dread at the though of Nightshade having one of those. And as you do, you hear Selena humming in though.

Hmmm, It appears she is already starting on the early stages of puberty, she is starting to discover the opposite sex.

*snap* Urge to kill, rising.

Yes... You should burn those pretty colts, show the world your-

Selena!

I'm on it.

*ZAP*

GGRRAAGGHH!!!

Sombra's outburst manages to snap you out of it, and just in time as Aqua asks you,

"So...getting back on track here, what were the locations you were talking about?"

You open your mouth to tell her...but....

"I...forgot."

Aqua's eye twitches in annoyance as she says,

"How did you forget that!"

You chuckle nervously before you say,

"Uh...the power of idols is strong?"

Aqua gives you a deadpanned stare before she says,

"You've got ten seconds to either remember the locations or tell me some new information, or I swear to Celestia I will take Nightshade to that colt band concert."

Your eyes widen in pure horror as you say,

"No! You wouldn't do that! Right!?!"

"ten, nine, eight, sev-"

Realizing she's serious about taking your daughter to one of the worse things to ever take a young mare to, you begin to put your brain in overdrive to think of something. Soon she hits two, but you remember something as you say,

"Wait! WAIT! I remember something! The Knights also told me that the messenger is very secretive since he's part of Kersey's complex money laundering network, and it's never the same pony. They had only seen a messenger three times, and in those times, the messengers were different pony species, colors, differing clothes and genders, but that they could be spotted each time by an item they carried," you repeat as you mentally recall what Rutherford said.

"And what item is that?"

"Aaaa...blue-and-white-polka-dot lollipop," you answer.

"A piece of candy? Really?"

"That's what they said," you shrug.

Aqua nods her head at this information before saying,

"So all we have to do is find information on that lollipop brand, where and how recently they were sold, and then we'll be able to shorten the list of suspects right?"

You quickly nod your head, not trusting your mouth to say something that could change Aqua's mind and bring Nightshade to a colt band. Aqua nod's her head at this information once more before she says,

"Well lucky for us I know where the biggest candy shop in Vanhoover is."

"How do you-?"

"I like candy! Follow me."

With that said, she begins walking North so you follow her. As you all walk you hear Selena muse to you, 

A series of messengers who all carry the same sweet treat and work for this accountant? Hmmm... Possible changeling? 

Yeah I know, it sounded very suspicious to me as well.

You caught on as well? Then do you think as I do? That this messenger is possibly a changeling?

Maybe. Kichi and Silver Strange were proof of that. Hm, I wonder if the Knights are all being held in the same place or if they separate by species...

MEANWHILE IN AN UNKNOWN PRISON



Kichi's Comment




Solarkness's Comment




The Rutherford's Comment




As Kichi sits in his four walled cell staring up at the blank boring ceiling, he feels as though he's going mad. If only there were someling to talk to. He is also angrily mumbling about how Kersey has yet to get him a lawyer.  

"Hey! Hey Kichi!" comes the muffled voice for Silver Strange.

Besides him!

"What do you want?"

"I hear multiple steps coming down the hall!"

Looking through the window slot in the door, Kichi sees the guards bring in a Timberwolf and a Wyvern.

"Hey Bugs, we brought some friends of yours, enjoy the company," snarks a guard.

As both creatures are placed in their cells and the guards leave, Kichi nervously calls out to them.

"Sol? Rutherford? Is that really you?"

"Yes it's us!" comes Solarkness's muffled growl.

"Yeah, great going Kichi! Ratting us out like that!" adds Rutherford.

"Hey now, the dude was hurting me! Besides, I thought you two could handle that dang bounty hunter."

"Well it wasn't just one! He had back up! Damnit! This cell is energy proof!" snarls Solarkness.

"Yeah, and where the heck are the other knights at? You'd have thunk Grey Rebl, Erised, or even Kersey would have sent someone to break us out of the dang prison wagon, but no! Do those guys even know or care?" groans Rutherford.

"Apparently not. And good thing too, I'd actually feel a bit bad if Kersey had seeing how badly we threw him under the bus."

"Meh, if it had to be someone y'know?"

"So wait, he's going after Kersey now?" asks Silver Strange.

"Hopefully, and hopefully by now all the others will realize what's happening and get off their butts and take this guy out!" snarls the timberwolf.

"Well let's see, aside from Kersey's inevitable beatdown, all we have left is the sociopathic Grey Rebl, the on again off again disappearing Erised, the drunken duo of Brown Dog and Snap Drake, and our ever mysterious Management... So I'd say 11% chance that happens," Kichi snarks before continuing, "I still can't believe that he got you two... I mean, really? Me it was luck and I was weakened, but you two? You're a dragon and a timberwolf, how did he get you?" 

"Like we said, he had help!" answers Solarkness.

"Oh, so Pony Spartan was there as well?"

"Pony Spartan?" both Knights ask.

"Yeah, wasn't he there?"

"He's alive?" asks Rutherford.

"Well seeing as how he showed up and punched my face a bunch, I'd say so."

"I thought he died in that accident..." Solarkness muses.

"Yeah, newsflash, he didn't. And for some reason he's gotten very mean and sadistic. It's probably those magic books he's got."

"Interesting...but no, we didn't see any sign of him," answers Solarkness.

"Then how'd you lose?"

"They had the friggen One Punch Mare with them!" answers Rutherford.

"Oh...well I guess that's understandable," Kichi relents. "But seriously, I know it's a slim chance knowing it's Kersey, but I do hope that he somehow takes him down. I'm going nuts in here with all these speciesist guards."

"I severely doubt it, and do not worry about that, we do have a plan of sorts to get out of here eventually" Sol replies, his paw steps echoing from his room, "However, I believe we might gain a tactical advantage from waiting."

"Waiting? But we've been waiting for so long already," says Silver Strange.

"Exactly, we recently came in here, they will expect us to try something. As long as the guards watch for that kind of thing, it would be stupid and useless to try."

"The bugs do have a point though Solar, I mean, I got a friggen anti-magic collar on my neck and a Hannibal Lector mask on."

"I told you, speciests!" replies Kichi.

"But as much as I hate this stuff, I agree with Sol here. If we stay we will not draw anymore attention. Besides I have a plan for, if not getting us out early and our cases dropped completely, at least getting the sentence reduced.  For now, though, relax, behave, and try not to get anymore heat on us. We will likely be getting more friends brought in here soon as it is." On an unrelated note, can you help me and Sol settle a bet? Can changelings eat meat?

Sol snickers, "Can Windigos eat love? Actually, that is a good question...," he stops running around, "Huh. Poor Flour being taken by the Magical Beast department. Do you think they got the Tantabus?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't heard anything from her for the last couple of days. You don't think they damaged her enough that she rejoined Luna's Prime Tantabus do you?"

"I'm not sure, but even if she didn't, I doubt she'd be able to get through these security barriers...wherever the heck we are. You got any clue Kichi?"

"No idea, we've been here for what seems like an eternity. But getting back to your first question, food is like a temporary substitute for love. It'll work for awhile, but eventually if a changeling doesn't get any love...well lets just say the results aren't pretty.  There are rumors now and again of those that don't need love, but these are usually filthy halfbreeds, or just that, rumors. The only problem is that the size of the food around here is minuscule and practically devoid of love. Though some of the food they have given us is said to be "Made with Love" by their chefs, but it barely even satisfies. Maybe if we had shared cells I could feed of whatever relationship we all have, but these cells won't allow it, and there's a anti magic ring on my horn and everything sucks!" he angrily rants.

"We're all in the same boat now Kichi, just be patient. Play the long game and trust in our plan."

"And what is that plan?" Silver asks.

"Well I have studied a bit of the law, so using that I can take them up in court and get us all out of here."

"Heh, good luck with that scale head," comes a guard's voice as he wheels in a cart of food. "You're in supermax isolation, You're not even leaving your cell for the foreseeable future."

"What? But that's not right, we should be allowed to present our case and..."

"Yeah, I doubt that's happening either buddy," he interrupts. "Let me ask you something, do you remember any changelings getting trials or lawyers after the Canterlot Invasion? No, they just imprisoned them somewhere secret. They were enemies of the state and their judgement was handed down. What makes you think you boys are any different?"

"What? But..."

"We are technically war criminals after what Flag Burner did..." Solar points out.

"Buck..." says Rutherford in realization.

BACK WITH YOU



Kersey's Comment



After being led by Aqua through the streets, you finally arrived at the biggest candy shop you've seen in awhile. You know it's legit too because there is a sign that shows the Pink Psycho's face in a circle with a line through it.

But anyway, after buying a few treats and giving them to Nightshade to make sure she doesn't run amok in the place, you and Aqua showed your bounty hunter licenses to the store clerk and grilled him for information. It turns out the candy with the polka dots is actually the custom "Blueberry Pie a la mode" flavor which is not publicly advertised and has to be specially asked to be made. With some persuasion, and a few bits for good measure, the clerk revealed that somepony did in fact order that lollipop today. When asked for a description, he reveals that it was a grey female unicorn with sunglasses on, and a t shirt with Da Colts From Yo Cul-de-sac on it. They were even humming one of their  tunes.

After that, you both exited the candy shop and that leads us back to now as Aqua gives you a nervous look and says,

"I know you hate this idea...but it's possible this messenger is going to be at that concert tonight."

You nod solemnly, and are about to retort when Nightshade pops out of your Inventory and Squees loudly while Mangle gives her mechanical cheer.

"Hooray for convenient contrivances!"

*snap* Actually, maybe he is a changeling AND one of the members of the group. Hay, maybe all 5 are changelings and knights to boot! you think crazily, Oh well, better roast all 5 of their faces just to be sur-

Bugze, cease jumping to self-serving conclusions. Selena says flatly.

Aaaaawwww. But I'd be making the world a much better place Selly... you pout.

Just follow this lead and worry about their horrible racket later. Speaking of horrible racket, perhaps we should finally sedate our caged animal lest he cause problems while we hunt.

You look up and see a pharmacy as she says that.

Good idea.

You had better not you lowlife pieces of-*ZAP* AAAAAA


Walking into the Pharmacy, You buy a total of 10 sedatives in syringe form. When asked why you were buying so many you told the clerk,

"I have stress problem to the point I hear voices in my head that tell me to kill everypony. This is more for your safety then mine."

Needless to say, "Bob's Pharmacy" can now be added to the list of places you are banned from. Still got the sedatives so...it's a win-win.

Now we have a way to keep our doggy calm when he gets angry, you taunt getting a growl in response.

10 Sedatives Added to Inventory

SOMETIME LATER

As your group of three (Yes three since Nightshade refused to stay in her room so she could see the concert) near the stadium, you...



The Pony Spartan's Comment



unknowingly walk past somepony. This blue pony formerly known as Pony Spartan also unknowingly passed you as he was too busy stuffing his face with chocolate chip cookies and angrily ranting.

"I can't believe..." Changer pops another chocolate chip cookie into his mouth and keeps speaking "That bastard bounty hunter took out Solarkness and Rutherford" He swallows his mouthful of cookies before continuing. "He keeps stealing my vengeance! I was going to get to them after I got that fat buck Kersey, But nooooo, I can't bucking find him!" he crumples up the cookie bag and throws it on the ground.
"I better find him first, because I am sick of that kill stealing money hound putting my victims far out of my reach in some unknown hole!  Kersey and the rest are mine to destroy!" He yells as his blue eyes faintly glow blue. He then yells to the sky, "Where are you you sweaty bucker?!"

Since you passed this individual unknowingly, all you hear from behind you is some random weirdo shouting at the sky. You've done worse on a Friday night, so you ignore it.

In fact, you feel a little like yelling yourself since you have to see a horrible colt band opener...but then you realize you'll actually get to see Sapphire Shores in Concert! It's enough to make your eyes sparkle in happiness...until you hear a voice that sours your mood.

"Well of course I have backstage passes. Who do you think I am, some sort of peasant?" says the snobbish voice followed by chortling.

Your eyes immediately glow orange with rage.

"Whoah, calm down CV," says Aqua.

"Yeah daddy, everything's alright," says Nightshade.

"Bblluueebblloodd..." you grind your teeth. Nightshade immediately whips around, sees the Prince up ahead and grinds her own teeth as her eyes start slightly glowing as well.

"Oh...No-Balls...In that case maybe we shouldn't calm down..." she snarls.

You may add my rage too you know! The last time we met I wanted to rip his guts out for what he tried to do to my baby!

We have a mutual feeling.

"Will the both of you unglow?! We got bigger fish to fry! We gotta find that messenger, so will the two of you just take a chill pill? Besides, Prince Dumbass is already far ahead of us" Aqua berates.

Reluctantly, the three of you settle down quell your blood lust, realizing you don't want another Gala incident.

As you all walk on again, Aqua asks.

"You know... I did read in the papers that Blue Blood was a big part of the Gala being wrecked. What was up with that anyways?"

Selena chuckles nervously as you say, "Memories... really bad memories... let's try not to see him again." You immediately regret saying 'try' and 'not see' in the same sentence referring to Blue Blood. Nightshade solemnly nods her head in agreement.

At last you all arrive at the concert... with one small problem.

"Sold Out?! What do you mean Sold Out?!" you shout to the ticket mare.

"Buddy, this is Sapphire Shores being headlined by the hottest new colt band, what made you think there would be any tickets left?"

"I don't know? Convenience?" you say and she just shakes her head.

"Don't shake your head at me young lady, I am a grown bu-er-Stallion! And I deserve respect! And that respect is watching Sapphire Shores!"

"Oh gee, how stirring," she says sarcastically.

"That's it! You've made the list little filly!" you threaten like a madman.

"And so have you," she says nonchalantly taking a picture of you before magically scanning it and sending it off.

"What was that?"

"You're not allowed in the building now for your violent tendencies, and your picture has been given to all the Stadium Security for reference. Good day sir." she says pulling the shutter down.

"Oh Motherbucker!" you yell as Aqua, Nightshade and Selena facehoof at this.

"Buck You Lady Luck," you grumble as you look at the concert stadium.

"I got to get in there, that messenger and our only lead to Kersey are most likely inside. Not only that, but it's Sapphire Shores Dangit! Now how do I get in?"

You then start looking around as large crowds begin entering the stadium.

"Maybe a back entrance? Or sneaking through the vents? A full frontal assault maybe? What?"

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

 
> Episode 37: Infiltrating The Concert! (Cutting The Funds Part 2) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Kersey's Comment



Your eye twitches in annoyance due to your situation. You try to think of a way to solve this, but the more you think about it the more frustrated you become. It comes to the point that you throw your hooves up into the air and yell,

"Buck it. I'm forcing my way in there. I mean I AM a bounty hunter against some rent-a-guards so how hard can it be?!"

Before Aqua or Nightshade can stop you, you rush off at the bouncers to try and get past them...


SEVERAL "EJECTIONS" LATER

"Okay... going to need a new plan..." a disheveled looking you says as you wobble away from being ejected by bouncers a 5th time.

"Ya think?" Aqua snarks

You just sigh in annoyance before you put on your thinking face and you begin to pace, but before you can think too much...



The Mechanic's Comment



"Hey, hey buddy. You in the mask," comes a voice from some stallion with a neckbeard and a trucker hat.

"Yeah? What do you want?" you ask the shady looking guy.

"Well I heard you were looking for a way in to that concert...I might be able to help you there," he says with a conspiratorial smirk.

"Really?" you say perking up. "OK, I'm listening, do you know a back way in or something?"

"Nah, nothing like that. I just so happen to have some extra tickets here," he says holding up a stack full of said tickets. "And I might be willing to part with them...for a price."

"Well that sounds more than reasonable," you say with a happy grin.

"Don't seem too eager CV, Scalper always increase the price if they see that," Aqua warns.

"He's A What?!" you yell.

"A scalper," Aqua repeats.

"Oh Dear Luna! Begone foul beast!" you yell at the stallion as you snatch his tickets, shove them in his mouth, and kick him so hard he flies off into a dumpster across the street.

"Wh-Why would you do that?" Aqua asks.

"I am not willing to part with my glorious hair thank you very much, It's one of my unique features," you say as you take off your hat and run your hoof through your orange mane.

"Scalper isn't literal, it just means they charge you so much that it's as unpleasant as being scalped."

"...Ooooooohhhhhhh," you say as you look back at the scalper who falls out of the trash and runs off crying.

Aqua eventually just sighs before saying,

"Anyway now that your little freakout got rid of our way in, you got any ideas to fix this mess?"

You let out a nervous chuckle as you say, "Uh, give me a second, let me think with a smarter mind." You then close your eyes and think,



The Rutherford's Comment

  

Hello, smarter mind, you there?

As always my feeble minded bug, she teases.

OK, so aside from the bouncers throwing me out, and me assaulting a random civilian, I guess I am not allowed into the concert huh?

That is what that mare said, and since she got all your pictures, the guards will be looking for us all if we tried to sneak in.

Yeah, would be kind of hard to sneak at this point after attacking all the bouncers. They know what I look like. What should I do? It is not like I can....

I know that pause, you are thinking of something.  Tell me before you say it-

"I got it!"

Out loud. *You hear her face-hoof*

Aqua gives you a confused look before she asks,

"What? Do you have a way to get in?"

You nod your head before saying,

"Okay so the Crimson Vengeance is banned from the concert right?"

Aqua, Nightshade, and Selena (Even though you can't see it) all nod their heads before saying,

"Yes?"

You can even here Sombra mumble to himself,

I know where this fool is going with this.

You ignore the tyrant as you say,

"Well what if I was not the Crimson Vengeance, but someling else entirely?"

Aqua gives you another confused look as she asks,

"What do you mean?"

You gain a cunning smile as you say,

"CV is not my only persona."

Nightshade's eyes widen in realization, but soon turn into confusion as she asks,

"But you said that the Pink Psycho knows your El Hunko disguise and it's too damaged to wear. You also said that BST is supposedly in Neighsia. Do you have another disguise?"

You give her a blank stare as you think,

Here comes the hard part

Hard part? Bugze just what are you pla-

You cut Selena off as you say,



BrownDog's Comment



“The Nobody Cloak.”

“Wait, what?” Aqua, Nightshade and Selena all shout.

“Now here me out…” you begin, but they all start in.

“Are you crazy?!?” they grill.

“The jury’s still out on that, but look, most of the audience is made up of Teenagers, both for Sapphire and…the other band…but read the room, what do you see?”

Aqua and Nightshade both look around, and while the concert is letting in ponies of all ages, the predominant demographic is teenaged colts and fillies. A lot of them are wearing the newest trend of looking cool. Hoods. Thanks probably in no small part because of you and Tacky McStabflank.

“I don’t know daddy, things always happen when you put it on. And aren’t we supposed to be disguised? Just like how I’m an earth pony today?”

“Yeah, I know sweetheart, but I’m just talking about the clothing cloak itself, which is designed to make me inconspicuous in a crowd. As long as I don’t go around announcing myself, or exerting power, then it should be fine. Besides, you're right, I can’t go dressed as Tennant since he’s supposed to be in Neighsa and who knows who might report him, and if Pinkie was somehow here, I doubt they would even let my now shabby looking Hunko suit anywhere near the door.”

Nightshade still gives you an unsure look, and Aqua seems conflicted as well.

“That’s taking a gamble CV, but I guess in this crowd you won’t stand out as much, just don’t go all Saddle Rager on anyone and blow your cover alright?”

“Oh please, I don’t think I’m that stupid…usually. So uh…yeah, keep a lookout while I go change behind that dumpster I threw the scalper into.”

You wander off to change while they both shrug at each other behind your back.

This plan is rather risky Bugze. And Nightshade is right, when has wearing the cloak ever worked out for us?

Actually plenty of times when the Deadly 6 weren’t around. Besides, why would anyone think the Offender would be stupid enough to just blatantly walk into a crowded public place like this?

Because you are! You are literally doing that right now!

Yeah, I know that, but noling else would suspect that kind of idiocy.

…I guess I can’t fault you there. It’s still surprising to me when your stupid logic makes sense.

Really? It’s still surprising to me that after 3 years you haven’t gotten used to that.

I have, but I still feel as though I have to point it out, for my own sanity if nothing else.

"Oh hush up you, you know you enjoy it," you smirk.

After looking at the Nobody Cloak, you realize that without the tails and mist, it does just look like a regular cloak. Putting it over your other clothes, your face gets hidden by darkness and you wander back to your group, nondescript like the nobody you are.

You walk back to your group, and while Nightshade looks around nervously, Aqua has a calculating face on as she looks over your disguise. Noling bats an eye at you at all. They sigh before Aqua she says,

"This...actually might work. But that does not help with the tickets being sold out. We would still have to sneak in unless something convenient happens soon."

As if those were some magical words, suddenly...



Master of Shadow's Comment



Blueblood walks by, eating a bag of snacks.

"These concerts always have overpriced snacks, bringing in my own is the only option," he snootily says.

As if he can't afford it! you think angrily as you grind your teeth.

But as the cheapskate prince walks by, three backstage tickets drop out of his saddlebags.

You, Aqua, and Nightshade's eyes widen in surprise at the tickets as Aqua says,

"Well that seems really conve-"

All of a sudden, several Fanfilly's all swarm the tickets.

"Oh my gosh! Backstage Passes!"

"Give me, Give me!"

"And they were touched by Prince Blueblood!" they squeal as they they begin cat fighting for the passes.

Up ahead you see Blueblood smirk and say,

"Oh I can't wait for those peasants to figure out those are fake," he chortles as he "Drops" another set of passes causing another cat fight.

You, Aqua, and Nightshade stare in shock at this.

"Even without Balls, this guy is still a Dick," you growl as you watch him enter the hall."

"Well now what?" Nightshade asks.

You just sigh before saying,



Kichi's Comment



"I don't know yet, all I know is that we need to enter. If not just for finding the messenger, then for beating No Balls again," you growl.

I would have to concur with you, Selena agrees.

As do I...take him out...Sombra whispers.

Wait, you do? Why? you ask confused.

If he is a unicorn prince, then he is descended from Princess Platinum, and I would see her line end, he growls.

Yeah, I think I already accomplished that 2 years ago. Besides I'm not killing him, you think as you calm down a bit.

"Um, CV? You've gone quiet on us? Did you think of something?"

"No. The only chance we had was that scalper. Surely there's got to be more right? I say we just look for another one," you say as you all start walking around the surrounding blocks.

After a while of not finding any you just throw your hooves up and shout.

"Oh come on! How hard is it to find a guy selling overpriced tickets?"

"Maybe I could help you... Stranger" comes a creepy voice.

You look at the source of the voice and see a cloaked and masked figure in a dark alleyway between two lit torches with blue flames.

"You got tickets?" you ask as you trot over.

"Got some rare things to sell you stranger" they answer back

"Uhhhh, CV I didn't see that creepy alley before," says a shocked Aqua.

Something feels off about it as well, take caution Bugze

Hey, I don't care how it feels, I need tickets dang it!

"Welcome! Got something that could interest to you HeHeHeHe" says the mystery pony as they open up their cloak, displaying all kinds of random things, including all access tickets. The thing is, up close you get a better look at the pony as they open their cloak, you can see a orange fur, hints of a blonde mane, and green eyes.

"Applejack? Is that you?" you ask confused.

"If that's what you want to call me, stranger... but I'm not her, I am only how you perceive me" comments the pony.

"I...What?" 

"You see Applejack daddy? I see white fur, and a Celestia colored mane," Nightshade says.

"I thought this merchant was a zebra," Aqua says confused.

"Like I said, I'm perceived differently by different people. Got a collection of good things on sell stranger" the pony says as they take out three VIP tickets for the concert.

"Oooookkkkaaaaayyyy...creepy as you are, I do need those."

"A wise choice stranger,"

After that, you haggle out a price. 2,000 Bits for all three tickets, which Aqua had to chip in since you kind of went on a spending spree in the last city.

"HeHeHe Thank You... Come back anytime stranger" says the pony.

"Uuuuhhhh, yeah thanks," you say nervously as you take the tickets and walk off.

"That...was unsettling," says Aqua.

"I know right? I mean, we all saw him...her...it? As someling else."

"Wait a minute! What if it's a potion or something? That would be super useful for us. I didn't even ask!" you realize as you turn around. "Hey Not-Applejack, do you ha-" you begin, only to be cut off as the alley way has disappeared, and the pony with it. All there is is a wall of bricks. You would have questioned whether any of that was real, but you do still clutch the tickets in your hoof.

"...OK! That's enough creepiness today. Let's go!" you shout as you begin pushing Aqua and Nightshade away from the wall.

Before you go much further though, Aqua stops you

"Wait. You may have solved your problem of getting in, but what about me and the squirt? They still have our pictures so they won't let us in."

Your eyes widen at this information as you try to think of something to solve this little problem. You soon hear a *ding* in your head as your eyes widen before saying,



Grey Rebl's Comment



"Nah. I got that covered. You see, I have a few prepared disguises on hoof..." You then dig into the inventory and pull out your Potion Stash! "And a few transformation potions!"

"No way," says Aqua.

You held the transformation potions as though you are on a pedestal. "Yes way! Confirmed by a certified Zebra shaman, and tried by yours truly." You smile a little, looking at your reflection on the potion's glassy surface. "Wow. I never thought I'd use these again, not ever since I had a few spare personas..."

"The last one only took away my wings, I can do that on my own now Daddy."

"That's because that's what we wanted to disguise, now that we want to disguise you entirely, I'm sure it will have a new effect," you explain.

"So your plan is for us to drink that and look like different ponies entirely? Me and the kid aren't changelings CV, I doubt that we can-"

ONE MINUTE LATER

"Never mind. I guess we actually can," she says, dazed as she looks at herself. She's in Vanhoover colors: A grey coat and an auburn mane, synonymous to the city's brick and steel. Her eyes are still sky blue, which is the only feature thay signifies her true identity.

A similar case applies to Nightshade, who looks like a smaller version of Aqua's disguise. You yourself are in your default Pony persona, but the coloring is overshadowed by your Nobody Cloak. Although, it seems pointless to take a potion, you figure it'll be a nice back up in case you need to prove you're not the Offender. You're all almost unrecognizable. In fact, you all look like family, too! But for some reason, that makes Selena a bit upset...

Are...you OK?

I'm fine.

Are you su-

I said I'm fine!

You know she's not, but you'll have to worry about that later. It's time to get into the concert.

You walk right up with your disguises and flash your tickets. And that creepy scalper was on the level, because you are allowed in. The smell of food and drinks pervade the air as you all trot along the lofty red carpet. It really feels you're in for a rich welcome.

Aqua blinks and even glances towards one of the security guards that threw you out before. He doesn't bat an eye.

"Well," she begins. "That's convenient. It's almost as though luck is finally on our side."

You and Nightshade freeze. "What?" you squeak.

"I mean, it's not like the timing there at the alleyway was a coincidence, right?" Then Aqua, looks at the two of you, who both stare at her as though she has committed murder. 

"What?" she asks confused.

You sigh, accepting demise. "...We're not getting out of here unscathed."

Regardless of your demise, you're all under a time limit. Once the potion runs out, you'll have no choice but to do something drastic, like pull out the Luna Plushie to buy time and orchestrate a new plan. Well, for as long the entire concert hall is not alerted.

There's still time before the actual concert starts, you may as well start the investigation.

"All we have to do is find a mare with a T-shirt of the Colt band. Easy peasy..." you say as you look out over the massive group of fanfillies and fancolts piling up the halls. Impossibly, more seems to "spill" out from the crowds of what at first look to be a group of normal ponies.

What's worse, judging by their innane fandom speak, their sanity can come to question. What the buck is all this about marriage and extreme devotion towards their "gods"?! you think as your eyes cross.

"Easy...peasy..." you mutter again sarcastically.

"...whoever the messenger is, they must be pretty clever to take advantage of this," Aqua says. "In fact, forget being lowkey, this already looks like an accident waiting to happen! Bucking crazies are everywhere!" A great group squeal sounds off from a nearby batch of fans, making your ears hurt from the sheer pitch and proving her point.

Aqua just states blankly at you, an eyebrow raised. After a pause, she asks with a more normal expression, "Any ideas? We know the messenger is using a lolipop for identification, but it's going to be hard  to see with this many ponies to sort through."

"Hmmm. That's right. It would be hard to see. That must mean they would need to be some place where it can be more easily be seen. And that's hard to do in such a big crowd..." 

*DING*

"So, that means the best place and time must be where everything is more orderly arranged, like when the concert starts and everyling's seated and the halls are relatively empty.

"Ah!" Aqua seems to realize the same thing, "So the best time to look for our little friend is to find them during the concert, away from the crowds!"

"Exactly. Though this messenger mare sounds like a fan, she'll probably be watching the colt band in the crowd before she goes off to the hallways to meet the contact."

And there are multiple exits to the halls, she could go through any of them. And security guards do patrol them so us loitering would look suspicious," Aqua adds.

"Dang it. Now if only there was a way to watch all the exits without looking suspicious, but this place is huge. It'd be easier if we could find her in the crowd first then follow her when she leaves. But I don't know how we could do that," you grumble.



BrownDog's Comment



Nightshade hums for a moment before her eyes sparkle and she gasps.

“I have an idea!”

She reaches into the Inventory and pulls out Mangle.

“Mangle, we need you to hunt down the scent of a combination of blueberry and candy in this building, can you do it?"

The Fox gives a mechanical bark before it’s eyes turn a shade of green and lines of numbers roll across it’s eyes. It then starts sniffing and wandering and it beckons you to follow.

“Huh…good idea Shade,” you compliment.

“Thanks!” she beams with a large smile.

As the robot fox leads you through the crowds, finding some sort of path, you realize you might just find the messenger before the concert even starts. But then another horrible thought comes to your mind



GreyRebl's Comment



"Oh. Buck! If we get this messenger early, I won't be able to see Sapphire Shores during our mission!"

Aqua sighs, the gray of her coat seemingly getting grayer. "Okay, who's the crazy fanboy here?"

"Wait! Does that mean I can't see the Colt Band either!?" Nightshade asks worriedly.

A twitch of the eye, and yet another sigh comes from the unicorn mare, her sights set low. "...why am I the only sane one?"



Protomane's Comment



"Hyper Competent Sidekick Syndrome," says a voice from somewhere and nowhere. 

Aqua looks around confused as she asks,

"Uh...did anypony else hear that?"

Aqua only receives blank stares. Aqua sighs before mumbling in defeat,

"Nevermind, lets just keep following that fox..."

SOMETIME LATER

And follow the fox you do. Through the reckless crowds, it's kind of tough, but Mangle seems dead set on a path...until she stops and looks around.

"What's the matter Mangle? Did you lose it?" asks Nightshade.

The fox shakes it's head. It then points in two directions, one further into the crowd, and one to a path leading backstage.

"It's caught two scents," you realize. "Buck, someling else must have the scent of blueberries and candy on them."

"So we have two paths now, and only one fox," Aqua says.

"I think we need to split up. I'll go backstage and look around, you two take the robot and keep going through the crowd."

"Awww, why don't I get to go backstage?" Nightshade moans.

"Because no daughter of mine is going to turn into a groupie! Besides, you and your pet need to find the scent in the crowd, it will be easier to search backstage where there's less ponies.

Aqua and Nightshade and Mangle nod at this. You look to Aqua and say,

"Keep her safe alright?"

"Yeah, sure," she agrees as you all split up.



Kersey's Comment



Using your backstage VIP pass, you enter the backstage, and see it is all set up for the VIP's. Since the concert has almost started, scarcely anyling is back there. Those that you do find are not the mare in the shirt, nor do they have the lollipop. You do find the source of the blueberry smell though.

"Pancakes?" you say aloud as you look at the breakfast platter on the snack table. Also on the table are bowls of MM's all separated by color.

"Crazy celebrities and their snack OCD," you mumble. Realizing this trail was a dead end, you prepare to head back into the pit of fans, when you hear arguing between a young filly and an annoying stallion.

"But I was here first mister!"

"Why you little pest! Don't you know who I am?! I get to be in front of this door when those colts come through! Now move!"

"No!"

"Move!"

"NO!"

"Why you little, you worthless lot, get her out of my sight!" Followed by a terrified scream.

Your curiosity getting the best of you, you go towards the shout to see...

Blueblood and  8 bodyguards cornering  Nightshade in her disguise with no Aqua in sight.

WHAT?! What's she doing back here? Where's Aqua?!

Who cares! Do something! Selena shouts.

You do just that. You jump out and roar in the RCV

"STAY THE BUCK AWAY FROM HER!!!"

The guards and Blueblood all look to your form as Nightshade...cowers?

"Stay out of this peasant! This little brat needs to learn who's important and who's not around here!" he answers.

"You touch her and I will show you who's not important No-Balls," you respond in a threatening tone.

"Why you insolent. I hate that nickname! I still have one functioning one left! Get this one first you maggots!" he orders the guards.

The 8 Bodyguards, all as big as the bouncers that threw you out charge at you, blocking your view of Blueblood and Nightshade, who is still cowering for some reason.

As your eyes begin to glow orange, you realize there's not that much maneuverability in this hallway. You have to get through them fast and get to your baby.

Bugze- Selena begins to warn, before another more compelling voice says

Do it...

SNAP

"Hah, once these muscle heads get a hold of you, we'll show you who has no-"

Suddenly all the body guards stop dead in their tracks as a misty tendril wraps around all of them.

"Balls?" Blueblood finishes confused.

Suddenly, the tendril then proceeds to start repeatedly smashing the guards around the walls, ceiling, and even floor of the hallway over and over again as Blueblood watches in fear and confusion. The tendril then retracts quickly, the momentum causes all the battered bouncers to smash and pileup against the wall in an unconscious heap.

Blueblood looks from his knocked out guards to the source of of the tendril, and sees you with glowing orange eyes, and slight wisps of the Nightmare Cloak around you.

"Hi Blue, long time no see..." you growl threateningly.

"No, not you! Anypony but you!" Blueblood shrieks in fear.

"Sorry No...or rather One Ball, but it is me," you smirk.

He squeals like a filly and backs up against the wall where Nightshade is. Nightshade herself looks uncharacteristically scared and is shaking as well.

What the heck is wrong with her?

"Please don't hurt me anymore!" he shouts as he picks up the shaking Nightshade and holds her in front of him. "Hurt this brat first, but let me go!"

Your eyes glow fiercer as you growl.

"You shouldn't have did that..."



MEANWHILE ON STAGE

We see a group of coltish-looking stallions on stage reaching the end of one of their signature hits as a decked-out Sapphire Shores stands by behind stage.

Da Coltz From Yo Cul-de-sac: "It's gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna-"
Sapphire Shores is about to make her vocal debut when everypony hears another more crazed voice shout out,

"IT'S GONNA BE MEEEEEEE!!!"

Suddenly you burst through the bottom of the stage in the middle of the colt band as you Shoryukens Prince Blueblood through the floor. The colts go flying all across the stage as you then do a superhero landing on stage as  Blueblood smashes into a speaker. You can't help but smile at that, and you begin to
look around with your glowing orange eyes,and notice that you are being stared at buy a terrified audience. Realizing what you've just done, you freeze up as you stare back at the audience. Not even the Colt Band is getting up from where they've been sprawled. No one is speaking, nor are they moving except for...Nightshade? With Aqua and Mangle?

Indeed, you see Nightshade with her pet and Aqua in their disguises flabbergasted as they point to an equally mesmerized mare whom you see is holding a polka dotted lollipop.

They point at her then you and back with confusion before facehooving hard.

Your eyes unglow as you take this all in. You look back at your daughter and then down into the hole you made. The shaking filly is still there, looking up at you in fear. You continue to look back and forth in utter confusion as you think,

Tw...TWO NIGHTSHADES! I'M NOT READY FOR TWINS! I CAN BARELY HANDLE ONE DAUGHTER!!!

That is not our daughter below. That is just some random filly that Nightshade's disguise looks like! Selena berates you.

"Oh....oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh..." you says realizing how badly you've screwed up. Maybe bad stuff always does happen when you put on your cloak.

 Oh indeed. It appears you blew our cover. I don't know how you overrode me, but it wasn't even our daughter who was in danger! And it was for nothing, they found the messenger!

You can hear this and Sombra's roaring laughter in your skull, but you are too lost in your panic to respond to either as you think,

It's not over yet. I can still fix this. The audience is still staring at me, silently judging. I can fix this!

With that thought you pick up a fallen microphone  and speak into it,

"Uh mic check! Mic check! May I have your attention, please?"

Not hearing your voice carry out over the speakers and taking the crowds silence as a no you continue,

"Hello? Is this thing on? Can you hear me? Ahem, very well then..."

Now hearing your voice carry out over the speakers you cough awkwardly before saying,

"Hello folks... Lovely weather today huh? Perfect weather for a concert you know? I'm sure the Colt Boy's that were just playing were just a blast, am I right?"

*cricket cricket*

"Sheesh tough crowd. Guess I'll just get straight to the point then."

With a sigh you say,

"Now I know you all probably think you just saw a cloaked figure with glowing eyes explode out from under the stage and send a stupid Prince jerk  flying into a speaker, and maybe have sent the colt band sprawling all over the ground...and that might be the case..." you struggle as the audience still stares at you.

"But...BUT that doesn't mean I'm the Hooded Offender alright?" you lie. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm NOT The Hooded Offender. Now before anypony does anything rash, can we all just pretend this didn't happen?"

All you get in reply is more silence while it seems Aqua, Nightshade and Mangle facehoof even harder.

"Can I get any feedback at all? No? Well in that case..."

Quickly pointing your hoof behind the crowd you yell,

"OH LOOK A DISTRACTION!"

The entire crowd quickly turns around to stare behind them, and you can't help but laugh silently at that as you think,

Ah...never gets old. Good thing I just remember how useful that is. Now to exit, stage left!

You then drop the mic and try to trot off stage, only to bump into somepony. You let out a 'oof' as you stumble back from the pony, and you look up to see who you ran into...

and you see Sapphire Shores.

Running into your idol momentarily makes you forget the danger you're in as you two stare at each other.

OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH! It's her! Oh what should I say? Should I tell her about my shrine? Or is that too creepy? Holy Cow is she hot!

What comes out of your actual mouth is

"Dddddduuuuuuhhhh..."

Sapphire stares at you as well with what looks like a mixture of shock, intrigue and...recognition? 

You see her eye briefly flinch as she puts a hoof to her head and shakes it, giving you the same look. This look actually makes you stop your fangasm.

No not recognition...but something like that. Like maybe she's trying to remember something?

"Big strong arms...fire in the sky...have we met before?" she asks you in confusion as she rubs her head again.

"Umm...not exactly..." you mumble nervously.

The Other Sapphire Shores I met when everything was burning.

"No...like in a dream..." she says contemplatively as she keeps closing her eyes and shaking her head

Wait, that's how Cadance looked back at the Crystal Empire...How the heck...?

After another few moments of giving you that look, she gives you a stunning smile, before looking behind you.

You look back and see the audience again staring at you silently.

"Crud, I should have run. Look Ms. Shores, I'm a huge fan, but I've really got to get going before-"

"OH NO! Who could have foreseen this! The Hooded Offender is kidnapping me!" she bellows out so the whole audience hears.

"WHAT?! No I'm-" you begin before she wraps your arm around her, and bit of your cloak getting really close to you and making you blush.

"It's no use everypony! He's got me in his big strong arms!" she says as she starts dragging you.

"I-But-Wh-" you stammer.

"Play me off boys, let the show go on!" she yells dramatically as she drags you into the hole you made in the ground.

"Whoah!" you yell as you both fall, causing you to instinctively catch her as you land. 

You both land in front of the still shaking Filly who looks like Nightshade's disguise. "It's alright kid, here, have an autograph," she says as she hands the kid a photo, before proceeding to drag you down the hall.

"Wait a minute, what's going on?!" you yelp, but she doesn't answer.

Back on Stage

Da Colts and the audience all look at the hole The Hooded Offender and Sapphire Shores disappeared into for a good minute, before the lead vocalist gets up and talks to his crew.

"Um, do you think this is an act?"

"If it is, she didn't tell us about it," says one of the singers.

"She did say let the show go on. I think we should before we lose the audience."

"Alright sounds good, just play it off."

They then pick up their microphones as the music starts back up and they start singing again.

The audience, still a bit confused, go along with it as the band gets back into the swing of things. The Fan Fillies soon forgetting about the incident.

Nightshade and Aqua look at this turn of events in confusion before they sigh.

"I told him this would happen. Every Bucking Time..." Nightshade groans.

"Well, I'm sure he's fine...but let's grab that mare before it's too late. She's already on the move," Aqua points out as the Mare with the Lollipop starts walking through the crowd towards a hallway.

Nightshade and Mangle both nod at this as all three of them move through the crowd.

Back With You

You are dragged by the Pop Star into what looks like a dressing room with a couch where she finally stops moving. You finally are able to catch your breath after being dragged so much without so much as an answer. You then hear the door behind you lock. Your eyes widen in shock as you turn around to see Sapphire Shores giving you that look again as she takes her hoof off the the lock. 

"There, that should give us some alone time, don't you think sugar?" she asks.

Your eyes widen in surprise as you think,

Holy mother of Luna I'm locked in a room alone with Sapphire Shores!

...

...

...

Should I consider that a good thing or a bad thing?

What should you do?

Outro:

> Episode 38: Never Meet Your Idols...(Cutting the Funds Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Master of Shadow's Comment




Protomane's Comment



All of your body parts stiffen up and you fall over as you realize the fact that you are locked in a room with Sapphire Shores. THE Sapphire Shores.

OhMyGosh! OhMyGosh! This is the "BEST!  POSSIBLE! THING!

Calm your hormones you spazz!

"Oh No, are you OK sugar?" asks the pop star as you convulse on the floor.

Of course I'm alright! I'm amazing! I'm awesome! I'm in the same room as you! you think but all that comes out of your mouth is a squee.

Bugze, seriously, calm down, Selena implores.

Concerned, she grabs a bucket of ice used to store cider on you to get you up.

"OH Geeze that's cold!" you shriek as you stand up.

"Sorry baby, I thought you were having a seizure or something, wouldn't be the first time somepony's done that in my presence and uhhhh..." she trails off as she sees the pool of drool on the ground leading back to your mouth.

"Uh...you sure you're OK?"

Sapphire's voice snaps you out of your drooling state as you quickly say,

"What!? Who!? I'm not drooling, you're drooling!?"

Noticing Sapphire's blank look you cough nervously before saying,

"I uh...I mean I'm good."

Sapphire just gives you a confused look before she says,

"Right...well I'll just ignore that that ever happened," she giggles.

You nod your head in embarrassment, before you quickly realize that you are still in the same room with her, and that maybe you should play it cooler.



BrownDog's Comment

 


The Rutherford's Comment



“Can I please have your autograph?!”

You mentally facehoof yourself. THAT wasn’t the one thing, or playing it cool!

She smiles at that, “Sure thing sugar,” and walks over to a desk and pulls out a picture of herself and a pen and starts taking her time.

Oh my gosh, I'm actually going to get an autograph from her and-

Bugze! The messenger!

OH! Right!

"Um, look I don't know what all this is, but I kind of gotta-"

She finishes signing the picture, gives it a kiss and gives it to you.

OHMYLUNA…. You fangasm as you immediately stick the picture into your inventory and forget what you were going to say.

Sapphire Shores Signed Photo Added.

“Now then sugar, now that that’s out of the way, we can-“ she begins.

“No wait a minute! What’s going on here? That’s the first thing I should have asked,” you cut her off.

“Well, I wanted to talk with you alone, I mean, you think we’ll be able to talk after the stunt you pulled on stage?”

“Well…no, not really…So what is it? Why do you want to talk to me?”

“Why do I…? You’re the Hooded Offender! Who wouldn’t in their right mind want to talk to one of Equestria’s greatest heroes?”

“Well I can think of about 8 at the top of my head, and…wait a minute, you think I’m a hero?”

“Well of course sugar. Truth be told, I used to be a member of The Manehattan Horde,” she says with a smile.

“You were?”

“Well not actively, but I’d drop by every now and again for a group chat. Everything was going good till them nutjobs in Fillydelphia ruined everything,” she snarls.

“Yeah…Fillydelphia made a lot of things bad…” you admit.

“Well after that horribleness, every horde organization disbanded and talking about you has kind of become a bit of a taboo in the social circles. I honestly don’t know why. Even if what happened was tragic, you still saved all those ponies from those explosions.”

You briefly flash back, but the pain and guilt, it’s not as strong as it once was. You don’t say anything to her though because it wasn’t you who saved those ponies, it was The Doctor. She doesn’t seem to notice though as she continues on.

“And then nopony’s seen hide or tail from you for so many months, but here you are now in the flesh. You think it’s an honor to meet me?...Well it is, let’s not kid ourselves, but you sir, I am honored to meet you.”

“I…thank you. You have no idea how long it’s been since I’ve received genuine praise.”

“I don’t doubt it sugar,” she…purrs? 

"So what brings you to my concert, that much of a fan?" she adds.

"Oh, Right. Well as a former Horde Member, you already know about the remnants of the Fillydelphia Nutjobs. Well one of those Crimson Knights is here and I came to stop him."
She gains a surprised look on her face.

"So there's a terrorist here? At the concert?"

"Oh no no, he's somewhere in the city, but one of his buddies is here right now. And I'm out to catch him!" you declare.

"Are...are they going to do something to the concert?" she asks in even more worry.

"I don't think so, the suspect seems to actually be an avid fan of Da Colts out there, I just tracked them here by chance."

She calms down and smiles at that.

"Well, that makes me feel a bit better. Then again, I'd like to see one of those weirdos try to do something. I'd beat them down with my martial arts moves," she giggles.

"Oh you know martial arts? Which one?"

"The fighting art of dancing, sugar. It is dangerous being a celebrity. I have to find some way to defend myself after all," she smiles.

"Ssssoooo Cooooolllll," you say aloud causing her to giggle. You then snap out of it.

"Alright, well it was nice talking to you and all, but I think I really should go back out there,"

She stops you from moving towards the door however as she says, "Wait, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"Uhhh, like what?" you ask.

"Well, I got you back here because meeting you in person…I don’t know why, but it’s like we’ve met before, but I know we haven’t. Do you know what’s up with that?”

You give her a confused look, to which she sighs before saying,

"It... it just feels like we've  met before but, I'm not so sure at the same time," she says as she paces around the room. "I feel like I should be... grateful? It's weird, I know!" She stops pacing and looks at you. "I didn't expect the Offender to be this quiet." 

You were so quiet because while she was pacing the room you got glances at her nice bottom in her skin tight outfit. When she looks at you it snaps you out of it. "Oh! Uhh... sometimes I just stay quiet to, uhh..."

Be a pervert?

"Think?"

"Yes! That! To think! Um... you were saying?"

"Oh, yes! As soon as I saw you, I felt safe for some odd reason. Like I've been saved by you before. But I'm sure I wasn't...unless I was drunk or something?"

The best you can figure is that somehow she’s getting flashes of what her dead doppelganger saw and felt, just like how Cadance seemed to wince at your appearance, or how Solarkness and Rutherford were able to write that story. You’re not sure on how any of this is possible since you’re not The Doctor, so how could you possible explain that to her?

“I’m…not sure Ms. Shores-“

“Please call me Sapphire,” she says fluttering her eyelashes causing you to seize up for a moment.

“-Sapphire. But maybe you’ve just hyped yourself up in your head so much, it feels like you’ve met me?” you pull out of your flank.

“Maybe…maybe I have hyped you up as a big, strong, sexy stallion all these years,” she says as she grips your leg feeling it up. "Guess the Hype was real..."

“Umm…what’s going on here?” you ask suddenly nervous as you back up.

“Well what’s it look like sugar?” she says as she places a hoof on your chest and starts encircling it. “You don’t mind do you?”

“Duuuuuuhhhhh…” you say as you freeze in shock.

“I mean, Da Colts can hold their own for a good half hour or so, and if that terrorist is a fan, we got some time…”

Blood shoots out of your nose as you fall onto the couch.

“Wh-wh-wh…” you fail to be coherent.

“I was planning on having some fun with the lead singer of Da Colts after the show, but why settle for a colt when I can have a big strong stallion?” she whispers as she leans over you.

And your brain crashes at that.



Kersey's Comment



Bu-She-I. Sapphire Freaking Shores is hitting on me!

Bugze! We don't have time for this! Get this whorse off of you!

It's Sapphire Shores! I know I usually say I'm saving it for marriage, but come on, this should be an exception! She's a celebrity!

Bugze!

Go through with it. Indulge your vices cockroach.

You shut your mouth! 

Why should I? This turmoil is delicious.

Shut up! Bugze! Get out right now and-

Ignoring you both! you scream in your mind as you whip out a sedative syringe and jam it into you neck.

9 Sedatives Remaining

WHAT?! Did you just... she starts but you block out her voice as you focus on Sapphire in front of you.

"Did...did you just stick a needle in your neck?" she asks.

"Uh, yeah. Sorry. Kind of need it for when I get too excited," you lie. She seems to buy this explanation as she continues to feel you up.

Oh wow, oh wow. Fantasy Number 8 here I come! you squee.

Meanwhile In Your Head



Basadre’s Comment




Protomane's Comment



"WHAT?! Did you just take the drugs?! Bugze you idiot!" Selena roars in anger as she quickly summons up Sombra's cage and focuses.

"NO! You are not making me a babbling moron again!" he yells as he grips the cage bars.

"You want a bet cretin?" she asks as her magic glows, focusing the hallucinogens away from You and blasting them directly into Sombra.

"NNNNNNNOOOOOOOoooooooooooo...The word no, simply two letters long, and yet so many different meanings can come about from it..." he monotones.

Selena takes a moment to catch her breath as that took a lot of energy to keep both you and her from feeling the effects.

"Gibber on you fool. And speaking of fools. BUGZE! Why would you..." she starts before looking through your eyes and seeing Sapphire Shores's face getting dangerously closer and closer.

"I...You...You stupid..." she seethes.

"Bwahahahahaha," Sombra giggles, clearly enjoying himself.

"What's so funny?" Selena snaps back at him.

"Oh nothing, just the thought of your bug squeeing over some other mare is all, bwahahahahahaha!!!."

Selena just glares at him and grumbles angrily to herself.

Back in the Real World



Kersey's Comment



You are focused intently on one of the Hottest Mares on Equis who is, for lack of a better word, giving you a lap dance.

Grandbuggy, if I ever find you again, I am so going to bring this up! I mean, how could I ever be THIS lucky?

However, as she continues to feel you up, you find out the hard way that wanting is better than having;

"I know you've been waiting for me, I'm waiting too."

"Oh yeah..."

"In my imagination I be all up on you."

"Uh-huh..."

"If there's a camera up in here then it's gonna leave with me when I do" she says standing up and pointing.

"Yeah- Wait, what?" you say shocked.

"If there's a camera up in here then I'd best not catch this flick in the press..." she points accusingly at you.

"I guess you have to take precautions when you're famous, but you're kinda killing the mood right now, you wanna get back to the-"

"Cause if you run your mouth and brag about this secret rendez-vous, I will hunt you down."

"Okay..." you say as you get up from the couch. 

"This has gotten awkward, I'm gonna go now because you are clearly cra-"

"Cause they be all up in my business like a fast food interview."

"This is NOT how I pictured this moment in my fantasies!" you wail.

Sapphire just gives you a freaky smile that quite frankly makes you want to run for the hills and never listen to her music ever again.

"Well reality is so much better sugar, now come on. Sit back down, take your cloak off and give your hostage some company..." she says with that freaky, not seductive at all looking smile.

Hearing her say that triggers something in your brain finally.

“Wait, that reminds me. I kind of couldn’t think for a moment, and maybe I should have asked this before but, WHY DID YOU TELL EVERYONE THAT I KIDNAPPED YOU?!” you shout.

“Well come now sugar, who doesn’t like a bit of drama? It’s like that time Countess Coloratura had that “cat fight.” Both of our albums were through the roof the next day. But you're bigger than her any day of the week.”

“So wait, did you seriously stage this “Kidnapping” and “Soirée”  JUST so that your popularity would increase?” you ask her incredulously. 

“Well, yes and no. I did want to talk to you alone, but the audience was staring at us. So I took the opportunity to make an awkward situation SENSATIONAL for everyone!” she says with stars in her eyes.

“But now ponies are going to think I’m some sort of kidnapper and pervert now! I’ve already got a list of charges against me, and I don’t need this!”

“Oh come now, all exposure is good exposure in the news,” she says with a hoofwave.

“NOT FOR ME IT ISN’T!”

“Well come now sugar, I’m not the one who decked Royalty, douchebag though he may be, onto my stage. You should be thanking me, and I know a few ways you can thank me,” she says beckoning you back to the couch.

Oh how you want to feel like a few moments ago when you thought you could lose yourself to the bliss, but this self serving selfishness, her freaky song, and drama kind of kills the mood for you, overriding your primitive brain. 

Goodbye fantasy Number 8…

“Sapphire Shores, I’m still a big fan, you're very attractive... but I can’t do this. I’M SAVING IT FOR MARRIAGE!!!” you cry out as you slam headfirst into the door, knocking it off it’s hinges and running down the hallway away from her.

“What? Where are you going? No one can resist me. I’m Sapphire freaking Shores!” she yells angrily, but you make it around the corner, and out of a side exit into an alleyway where you quickly decloak and put back on your CV disguise.

“Alright, not wearing you anytime soon…again,” you say as you stuff it back into your bags.

Inside you hear a shout of, “I’ll get you for this Hooded Offender! You hear me?! I’ll show you what it means to turn down Sapphire Shores!”

Not wanting to stick around for that, you head out to the streets, keeping a wide berth of the bouncers.

Alright. That was a disaster. Guess I should have listened to you after all eh Selly? 

She doesn't respond.

Heh heh, yeah, who'd have thunk trying to give into my perversions would be so bad huh?

Still no response.

And...sorry about trying to drug you and-

I'm not speaking to you right now you ass. You wanted your alone time? Well you have it now. Leave me alone, she huffs.

Oh come on. I'm sorry alright? Alright? Selena?

All you hear is the faint drugged giggling of Sombra.

Well great, now I got two mares angry at me...or maybe 4... you think as you realize you kind of just left Nightshade and Aqua in there alone.

You facehoof over the mistakes you've made tonight and all the apologies that will have to follow.

“Crud. Alright, I'll make it up to her later, right now I just need meet up with Nightshade and Aqua somehow and maybe, just maybe we can still find the messenger and,”

“Hi daddy,” Nightshade in her disguise calls out from another alleyway.

You look over and see her and Aqua and Mangle standing there. Aqua is giving you an incredulous look while Nightshade is…eating a Polka Dotted Lollipop.

You rush over to them.

“Have fun with the pop star?” Aqua asks with a smirk.

“No actually, you know you put someling on a pedestal and they still disappoint you in the worst ways possible…anyway, what’s with the lollipop, did you find the messenger?”

“Uh-huh,” says Nightshade who points behind them to the sleeping tied up grey unicorn mare in the Da Colts shirt.

“How did you…?”

“Well after you kidnapped Sapphire Shores, we watched a little of Da Colts, soooo cool,"

"You did a lot more than just watch kid," Aqua smirks.

"Heh heh, yeah..." she chuckles and rubs the back of her head.

"Wait, what? What did you do? Did you cause damage to the show or something?"

"No, nothing like that she....well..."



Kichi's Comment



FLASHBACK

After you "Kidnapped" Sapphire Shores, Da Colts began to sing and dance causing the fans to forget about what just happened.

Aqua and Nightshade saw the Messenger with the Lollipop moving through the crowd as she headed towards the exit, but when their catchiest song began, she stopped, turned around and began cheering at the top of her lungs.

Aqua, Nightshade and Mangle stopped to not seem suspicious. It's then that Nightshade realizes how close to the stage she actually is. She becomes mesmerized by the cute guys on stage with their angelic voices and in that moment. Nothing else mattered. The only important thing was the colt band.

"Come on kid, focus," Aqua tried and failed to make you turn away, but you couldn't.

Luckily, as the song ended, the messenger didn't move on, so Aqua stuck by your side. It was then that the lead singer said to the crowd.

"Uhhh, well... Since we have some time before Sapphire gets back, we are going to invite somepony to the stage to sing with us."

The fans begin to scream maniacally in happiness as the lights go out. A spot light then rakes across the audience who all yell to be picked. Nightshade screamed along with all the fanfillies, but she decided to stand out from the crowd by holding up Mangle who's screeching was unique. This, surprisingly, worked. The spotlight fell onto Nightshade and Mangle

"Well, congratulations to the lucky filly and her awesome looking toy, come on up!" says one of the colts smiling.

Nighsthade's heart skipped a few beats as she stood mesmerized, before she finally squealed and got up on stage with her pet.

Looking around, she saw Aqua looking flabbergasted, but at the same time, she still saw the Messenger in the crowd, watching the stage like all the other fans.

"Okay, then little filly, as professional singers we'll sing with you whatever song you want," one of the colts told her.

"Really? Any song?" she asked.

"Of course, go on, sing from the heart."

Nightshade smiled, nodded. She then plugged a speaker line into Mangle and before the colts could even comprehend what was happening, Nightshade began to sing

The colts didn't know how the music was coming from the robot fox, but inspired by the how Nightshade was singing in perfect Neighponese, they began to join in, and the fans ate it up. As the lights and special effects began to increase as the tempo of the song got higher and higher, a ghostly image of wings and a horn shone as she sang, causing all to be mesmerized and cheer louder.

As the song finished on a high note with Da Colts lifting you up to applause, shouts of,

"Encore! Encore!" could be heard.

"Wow... Just... Wow... Congratulations little filly..."

FLASHBACK END

"Wait. Did that all actually happen?" you ask in amazement, and a bit of apprehension.

"Eyup. And then the Colts wanted her on stage for the rest of their songs, but by then the Messenger began to move," Aqua adds in.

"So yeah, luckily there was this filly that looked like my disguise just standing off to the side with a weird look in her eye, so I did the ol switcheroo. I think she's still standing there," Nightshade muses.

"Oh. Well nice singing Nightshade. But I told you not to get too close to Colt Bands. And you really shouldn't draw attention to yourself like that," you chide.

"Oh like you're one to talk daddy," she huffs.

"Yeah...good point," you say nervously. "But yeah, after that what happened? How'd you get her?"



BrownDog's Comment 



"Me and Aqua tracked her down in the hallways and I Luna Plushied her and all the surrounding guards” She says and points to Mangle holding the Luna plushie.

“What? How? I thought that was still in my bag?”

“Well you never really use it anymore, so I thought I could add it to my arsenal. I took it out when I got mangle out,” she admits.

"Well you should have asked. Hoof it over," you say. She sighs and does so.

Luna Plushie Re-Added to Inventory.

“After that she and I then took our “Drunk Friend” here right out the main gates. We only now just tied her up.

“Oh…well that was surprisingly easy.”

“Except for the part where you attacked a public figure in front of millions of ponies.”

“Yeah…except for that. But in my defense, I saw him and his bodyguards about to pounce on the scared shaking filly that looked like Nightshade’s disguise.

“Scared Shaking…DADDY! I’m not 1 anymore! What makes you think I would just seize up for Prince No Balls?”

“Well I obviously wasn’t thinking clearly honey!” you counter.

"I can see that. I told you not to put the cloak on."

"I know, I know. You were right baby. You were right. I'm sorry."

"Thank you. But since I helped capture this lady, can I get a bit of the reward money?" she asks hopefully.

"Yeah, sure. Fine, whatever you want honey."

"Alright!" she cheers and hoofbumps Mangle.

Rolling your eyes, you put the passed out messenger into your Prison Bags.

"Alright, let's go somewhere private to talk things out with our friend."

LATER

You all then head to the other side of town, as far from the concert as you can. You all pile into a motel room, and Aqua uses a soundproofing spell on it.

You take the Messenger out of the bag and tie her to a chair with duct tape and manacles.

You then have Nightshade and Mangle get into their room and you turn down the lights, pointing a lamp at the tied up prisoner.

"Alright Aqua, wake her up."

Aqua nods and water bends some cold water into her face. She spasms and splutters.

"*Cough* What! Huh?! What's going on? Where am I? Who's there?" she asks as the light blinds her from seeing you two. Turning the switch to intimidating, you speak to her.

"You're in no position to be asking questions lady."

Hearing your voice, she gaps and stays quiet.

"Besides, I'm pretty sure you know why you're here."

You pause for dramatic effect before you say,

"We'd like to have a word with you about Kersey."

Her eyes briefly twitch, but you do catch it.

Smiling to yourself you say, 

"It's Interrogation Time!"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 39: The Return Of The Interrogation Scene! (Cutting the Funds Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


The mare's eyes widen at your declaration as she says in terror,

"In...interrogation! What the buck is going on!?!"

You grin evilly under your mask as you say,

"Exactly what it sounds like little miss pony, or should I say...CHANGELING!"

The mare's eyes widen in shock and terror before she says,

"Wha-what! How did you know!? This is a brand new disguise!"

You just smirk before saying,

"Oh... I didn't know for sure. Thanks for confirming that by the way."

The mare just stares at you before she says in defeat,

"Oh you have got to be bucking kidding me."

"Well you hear about a messenger that's always changing appearance, race, and gender carrying the same lollipop, you get suspicious," you point out.

"Oh son of a- Who talked?!"

"That's for me to know, and you to never find out," you declare as she looks shocked. She eventually starts grumbling to herself. Though she doesn't take her disguise off for some reason.

You can't help but think at this,

Huh...that was easier then I thought. Still, shouldn't be surprised that the Knights have employed another unbound changeling. Now...

You shake your head before saying,

"Now with that little fact is out of the way, why don't you tell me everything you know about Kersey?"

The messenger looks around nervously as she says,



Kichi's Comment



"I... Uhhh... Don't know any Kersey... Nope, not at all, no Kersey at all, I don't work for any Crimson Knight named Kersey" she says with shifty eyes.

And I was thought Applejack was a bad liar

Sighing you say,

"Of course you don't. Why don't you just cut the bullspit..." you walk into her field of view showing your features to which she gasps at, "And answer the question."

"N-N-NO! I won't!"

"Come on, you're already going to be put away in some deep dark hole for being a changeling, what does it matter if you rat out some guy?"

"I don't care, I'm not giving you anything!"

You sigh before saying,

"And why, exactly, won't you tell us anything?"

The mare gives you a stubborn look before she says,



Kersey's Comment

  

"Because my employer pays me alot of bits for my job. Even if I'm going away, I'm not about to throw all that away, plus I'd never hear the end of it. I'm especially not going to give up any info for some two-bit pony wearing a ridiculous costume. Seriously do you even know what matching means?"

Your eye twitches in annoyance, but you hold back the angry rant about how your clothes are totally awesome. Instead you take a deep breath and say,



The Rutherford's Comment



"You vill tell me vat I vant to know. Zee question, is vill you tell be before zee pain? Or After?!!"

Did I mention you said it in the worse Germane accent ever heard? No, well now you know. Anyway, this only gets Aqua to facehoof and say,

"What are you doing?"

You turn to the darkness and say, "Being menacing, no shush, my associates."

"Now Zen, Vill-*cough* I mean, will you tell me or do I have to get serious?"

"You'll never get me to talk. You hear me? NEVER!"

You give her a glare before you say,

"Fine, then I'll just have to take it up a notch."

The messenger gulps at this as she asks,

"Uh...what do you mean by that?"

You don't answer, but instead stare at her menacingly as you think,



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



Interrogation... It's nasty business no matter which movie it's in.

You don't want to get too brutal on this mare, she's only a minor henchman, and not even a fighting mook. Although, there might be a way to make her talk without actually having to hurt her. You've just got to be as intimidating as possible to make her crack.

Yesss. Allow fear to be your instrument. Insert it into her soul. Insert it hard!

Did you really have to word it like that?

Stuff her mind with fear like you would stuff a turkey... which you would then proceed to make out with. Yessss... make out with that fear turkey like it's a lonely Thanksgiving night!

"Right then! Let's stop wasting time with the drugged voices in our heads and just do this thing!" you shout aloud, seeing as how Selena's still too upset with you even to make Crazy King stop talking.

"Drugged vou-What are you talking about?" the "mare" asks.

Intimidating. You need to make this feel intimidating.

"Guys... would you mind giving me a bit of elbow room? You don't want to be in the splash zone," you mutter darkly looking to the darkness behind the spotlight. The Changeling doesn't need to know there's only Aqua in there with you, and it will scare her more.

You pull over a nearby end table and start dramatically assembling random items on top of it, looking over them thoughtfully and casting wayward glances back to the tied up mare before moving onto the next.

The first is a roll of duct tape, then your last molotov cocktail, then The Boomstick and your Power Glove. At that point you realize you don't have that many threatening weapons on you, so you search the room for additional items. You come up with a cheap coffee maker, a lamp, a set of kitchen utensils, and a copy of the Daylight (Twilight) saga on DVD.

She seems nervous at all these random items, but she doesn't say anything.

"Now, tell me where Kersey is so we won't have to use these bad boys."

"You're bluffing! I ain't telling you anything!"

"Oh really?" you say as you lean towards her face.



Kichi's Comment




BrownDog's Comment



"Then it's time for... Torture" you smirk as you bear your teeth.

"Wh-what?!" she squeeks out.

"You heard me bug. I need you to be focused. Are you focused yet?" you jaunt.

Unfortunately, that little threat kind of makes her start hyperventilating.

“What are you going to do huh? Are you going to inject me with adrenaline so that I don’t pass out from the pain?”

You react to this in the most reasonable of ways,

“Huh?”

“You’re sick then. I bet you have all kinds of creepy music to get your jollies off while you put sharp objects into my skin.”

“I wasn’t gonnna…I…”

“What are you gonna do big guy? Are you going to shove knitting needles into my legs and hook me up to an electrical grid?”

“What? Oh Luna no! What are you…?”

“Oh I see, you’re more new age, you’re going to put a reverse bear trap into my mouth and force me to confess before it tears off my skull right?”

“For the love of all that is good, NO! Sweet Luna, what’s the matter with you?”

“Well I don’t know, how about the fact that you just said you'd torture me, and that’s what you speciest ponies display in your films? You’ve got me, a changeling tied to a chair in a sound proof room and want me to spill on a terrorist? I mean, look at your face for the Queen’s sake. You’re always snarling.”

“It looks awesome! And look I'm not gonna-"

"Aha! I called your bluff. You ain't got the stones. And as if torture would make me give him up. You have no idea how annoying it is to be complained at by that weasel!"

Yeesh, how bad is this guy that she’d rather have…all of that happen?

...

Nothing?

...

Oh come on, you're still mad?

...


Ugh! Fine.

“Oh really? Well we’ll just see about that,” you growl at the messenger.



ErisedTheInkMoth's Comment



You get right in her face, making her stare at the teeth, and with your modified voice you snarl, "Now then, let it never be said that I'm unreasonable. I'll give you this one chance before things get gruesome. Where... is Kersey?"

"Hah!" the mare laughs in your face. "I ain't telling ya nothin'! You hear me? Nothin'!"

You can't tell if she's serious or just trying to put on a brave face, but you'll soon find out.

"Are you afraid?" you ask, not moving an inch from her face.

"Pft, no. Of course not. I ain't scared of you. You...bluffer"

"GOOD!" you say happily, "Good. After all, now is not the time for fear. That comes later."

You walk over to the table and pick up the kitchen utensils, a knife and fork. You roll up your sleeves and walk over to her, holding the knife between the two of you. "Where's that darn Kersey?"

Her facade slips away. "But wait, I thought you weren't,"

"Well I wasn't, but you did give some good ideas..." you say menacingly.

"W-what are you gonna do? What are you going to do?" she stammers.

"Whatever I have to too get some answers." you say in a sinister voice... before bringing the knife and fork down on a clean plate! It makes the most ear-splitting, brain-grating, irritating sound next to claws on a chalkboard.

The messenger squirms in place, cringing and wishing... wishing she could cover her ears! "Stop that!" she pleas.

"You'd like me to stop it wouldn't you?" you say with a smirk.

Suddenly you're slapped from behind. When you look you see Aqua  with her ears pinned against her skull and looking very annoyed with you.

"You idiot!" Aqua scolds, "It's not as bad for you 'cause you're the one doing it. And besides, it's not working. She already called your bluff. Stand aside." she says and pushes past you with a towel. "Watch and learn. This is how you get information out of a terrorist, just ask the guys at Guacamole Bay."

She drapes the towel over the mare's head, leans her back and- OH SWEET LUNA, that looks unpleasant!

"Tell us where your boss is!" Aqua yells and gets ready for another round of waterboarding, but you rush forward and grab her before she can.

"What are you doing?! I wasn't actually going to hurt her, we just need to know where Kersey is!"

"She'll be fine! This will make her tell us!" Aqua snaps.

"You'll... *cough* never get me to talk... *sputter*" the changeling mare declares from under the wet towel.

"No Aqua, this is messed up! We gotta do this another way!"

"Oh, and what would you suggest?" she humphs.

"Well..." you trail off as you think.



The Rutherford's Comment

 


Kichi's Comment



"I'm not sure. Nothing physical, but even then...I mean, she is almost as stubborn...as...*ding*"

Aqua looks at you in confusion before she asks,

"Stubborn as who?"

You shake your head before saying,

"That doesn't matter. I know what to do."

You take the wet towel off of the messenger's face.

"Oh I just knew you had it in you jerk! What's next? The magic battery to my horn?"

"Oh no. Something much much more effective..." you trail off as you walk Aqua off into the darkness.

"What are we...?" Aqua starts, but you ignore her and stick your head into you inventory.

"Nightshade, my dear, I need you to ask the messenger where the mean Crimson Knight is."

"Really? she asks in excitement, before jumping out. Luckily, she's still in her disguised form.

"Alright, walk with me..."

All three of you then walk back into the messenger's vision, and she looks confused.

"Behold, our ultimate weapon!"

"Hello!" Nightshade calls out.

The messenger just looks at this confused.

"A kid? Really? Is he even sane?" she asks to Aqua.

"I sincerely doubt there is anyone in this room that is sane anymore" Aqua sighs

"Hey! I'm sane" you say before looking to Nightshade "Right, Honey?" 

"Uhhhh..." Nightshade doesn’t answer, because on one hand she loves her daddy, but on the other, she knows lying to him is wrong.

"Oh gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," you say depressed.

"Well it ain't gonna work, all of you insane bucks had better just kill me. It's not like my fate is gonna turn out any better," she moans.

You lean over to Nightshade and whisper to her, 

Make the cutest puppy dog pout you can."

Nightshade gets a determined look before she salutes you and says,

"Okie Dokie."

Nightshade walks up to the tied up messenger and says in the most adorable voice she could muster, 

"Can you please tell us where to find that bad guy? We really need to stop him from hurting any more innocent ponies like me. Please?"

Nightshade's eyes get huge, tears start to form. She then grabs Mangle out of her Inventory and both look at her with the saddest expression they can muster, making all the hearts of all who see it melt. Mangle starts playing a sad violin piece through her speakers. The messenger is on the verge of tears before she says,

"Alright, I will talk! Just no more sad filly please! I can't stand seeing fillies cry!"

You look at her in confusion before thinking,

Huh...interesting.

...

Really? No comment on that?

...

*sigh* Fine fine, whatever

With that onesided conversation out of the way you ask her,

"Now tell me everything you know about Kersey."

She nods her head before saying,



Kersey's Comment




BrownDog's Comment 




"I'm just a messenger, all I'm supposed to do is pick up and drop off anything that's given to me. And before you ask, no I don't know what I deliver, or where most of the time. The guys is freaking paranoid, and genre-savvy, so he only gives me the bare bones information in order to complete my tasks."

"Look, we can't judge you any further, just give us the address."

"I do know it, but even then, it wouldn't do you any good. This guy is paranoid to the extreme. His door is booby trapped, he's always talking about "secret passwords" and he’s got all kinds of experimental dohickeys there.”

“Experimental Doohickeys?” you ask.

“Yeah, he’s big into purchasing or stealing scientific stuff. I’m not supposed to be nosey, but some of this stuff is downright dangerous to anyling that would use them.”

“Well hopefully it won’t come to that, anything else about the guy?” you reply.

"Yeah, he's a gluttonous, movie-obsessed, control freak that hates all sentient life forms," she says rather quickly.

"Yeesh, sounds like you were holding that one in," you say.

"Well he is! The only reason I worked for him was because the pay was good. Event then, it didn't feel worth it sometimes, right now being a case in point. I mean, he says he's genre savvy and keeps sending out messengers to do his work, but unless it's food, movies, or money, he won't leave his little booby trapped apartment."

"Yeesh, sounds like a major nutjob," Aqua deadpans.

"Oh, and also, I don't know if this helps, but he's been doing some really shady stuff recently. More so than usual."

"Really? Like what?"

"He's been transferring a lot of bits, and shutting down a bunch of accounts all over the city's banks. The weird thing is, these accounts are the funds that are normally for his Crimson Knight buddies."

"He's stealing money from his own crew?" you say aloud.

"I don't know. Noling knows what his endgame is. All I know is he's got that money in one location, and no one know where that is aside from himself. I do know his bank personal information, just not the bank itself."

"You have his info?"

"Who the heck do you think was closing his accounts? As I said, he'd give me only some of the info, not all of it. Having a key isn't so good when you don't know where the door is."

"Hmm, good point, so would you be willing to write down this info?"

"Ummm..." she starts before Nightshade gets in her face with a pout.

"Yes, yes, yeesh!"

After getting this information, you ask her,

"So, is there really nothing else?"

"Alright then, thanks for the info," you say.

You then use the last of the Luna charges for the day to knock her out and put her back into the Prison Bags.

You then look to Aqua and say,

"OK, now we know that this guy is paranoid with his hoof on the trigger," you say.

"Yeah, I'd rather not fight him on his turf. I say we should draw him out somehow."

"Exactly. But how? Should we line up a bunch of free pizzas and lead him to a trap?"

"I don't think so, as paranoid as this guy is, I'd say he would only leave for an emergency. And after that little stunt you pulled tonight, people might be a little more suspicious looking for Knights."

You chuckle and rub the back of your neck.

"But there might be another way..." she says as she pulls out a map of Vanhoover and puts it on the desk.

"What, what is it?"

"If we can find that bank the messenger was talking about, we can drain his funds and draw him out," she explains.

"That could work, except that we don't know which bank to go to. There's like a zillion banks in a big city like this."

"I can narrow it down. He's more than likely using a Swish Bank."

"A Swish Bank account?" you ask.

"Yes. These Knights hit the stock market remember? Well Swish Bank Accounts aren't connected. He'd want the money in a safe spot."

"Oh yeah, you're right. So how many Swish Banks are there?"

"In Vanhoover? About 20," she answers.

"Yeesh..." you mumble.

"But I think I know which one," she says with a smirk and points to a spot on the map.

You see the different locations around the bank she's pointing at, and you see that there are a lot of fast food joints, a movie theaters, and apartment buildings in relatively close proximity.

"Oh wow, everything this guy likes in one convenient location," you say with a smile.

"It's our best shot, otherwise we'll have to risk a building blowing up if we try to enter his home."

"Yeah, I'd rather not deal with bombs again any time soon," you say lowly.

"Anyway, let's get to it then."

"Get to what?" Aqua asks.

"Get to the bank?" 

"It's Friday Night, the Bank won't be open till Monday," she points out.

"Oh...good point. I guess let's just lay low till then," you say as you start moving all your interrogation pieces around.

"What the heck are we going to do in Vanhoover for two days?" asks Nightshade.

"Watch TV?" you say.

Aqua and Nightshade just shrug as they have no better ideas.

Elsewhere During The Two Day Wait

Prince Blueblood, sporting a black eye and a missing tooth, is talking to a scowling unicorn guard.

“And that brute hit me into a speaker and I missed the whole show! I never got an autograph!”

“That stinks boss, but you’re sure it was him?”

“I’ll never forget those eyes. I’m positive,” he says rubbing his injured body. “Did you bring it?”

“Of course I did, the minute I received your letter I jumped at the chance to take that flankhole down. I lost a lot of favor after he and those mutts ruined everything. Knowing I have to work with that worthless Sentry is even worse.”

“Well there was nothing I could do on that part, though I tried. Armor has his favorites.”

“Yeah I know. But still, if the Offender is still around, it’ll be ready. I mean, right now it’s only bare bones, nowhere near finished, but it should still work. The tech guys don’t know I took it though.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem Strong, and from what Sapphire Shores has been singing about, he’s out looking for his little cultist friends in the city.”

“Hmmph, sounds like fun,” the Unicorn smirks.

Also Elsewhere During The Two Days

The Brown Dog and Snap Drake sit in a wagon on the side of a road while a stallion and mare have a table set up selling products. Both of the knight’s eyes are kind of red.

“Dude, where in the heck are we?” asks the Diamond Dog.

“I don’t know. After the last check bounced, and after the last bar that threw us out, I think we met some mares?” replies Snap.

“Did we?” The Brown Dog asks as he looks around the wagon interior. There are a bunch of tye dye wearing ponies with dreads and beads sitting around giggling. Some of them are actually pretty cute mares. Two are currently sleeping on with their heads on the Knights' chests.

“Whoah, I don’t remember any of that…my head feels funny…” the Diamond Dog says.

“I know right? It think it’s the brownies they keep giving us…but I can’t stop eating them, I’m too hungry,” Snap says dazed.

“Oy…ponies. Where are we?” 

“Where is anypony man? The world just kind of flows beneath our feet…” one of the mares says.

“Whoah…I never thought of it like that,” he responds.

“Hey, what’s this?” asks Snap as he pulls out a piece of paper.

“You wrote that a few days ago man, you keep forgetting to mail it,” replies a mare in bell bottom jeans.

“A few days…I don’t even remember them,” Snap says as he looks at the paper again.

The note says,

Dear Chump Lord,

Brown Dog and I are out of money again because of bounced check. Kind of need it for stuff. Last job was supposed to give us bonus, but it didn’t you lying buck. Currently in traveling band of hippies. Wire money through them at Goops and Stuff Inc.

K Thanks Bye,

SD

P.S. Lose some weight fatty

“Huh…guess that can only mean Kersey,” Snap says as he looks out the wagon.

“Hey, can somepony take this to a mail box please?”

“Well you’re in luck Snap, one of the customers in line is a pegasus from Pony Express," says a the crazy haired red eyed stallion.

“Heh, awesome. Any more brownies?”

“Oh my gosh! My paws are so soft…” Brown Dog warbles.

“Heck yeah they are,” says two of the mares.

“Heh heh heh…like marshmallows...”

BACK WITH YOU 2 DAYS LATER

You and Aqua sit inside on a the bank's bench waiting your turn. Aqua turns to you to talk.

"So, you still have that Changeling in your bag right?"

"Uh-huh. Keeping her knocked out," you respond.

"Why haven't we turned her in yet?"

"Because if we turn in a changeling Crimson Knight now, we'll be letting the cops know our plan, and then they'll follow us and try to take Kersey down before we can. And if that happens, no money," you respond.

"Oh...makes sense. Still, kind of seems messed up keeping her drugged constantly."

"Meh, it's probably better than whatever the princesses do with all the changeling prisoners they have," you mutter.



Fireheart 1945'a Comment



Elsewhere Today

Kersey reads an opinion piece in the local paper.

Where Are the Changelings, and Should They Have Trials?

The article is all about how Changeling sightings have been seen randomly all over the kingdom, but not in large quantities. The article also calls into question remarks made by Twilight Sparkle. After defeating the Queen and her Horde a second time last year, The Elements of Harmony in collusion with the Princesses have imprisoned them all in some unknown location. When asked about the conditions Twilight said,

While it's true there have been outcries to their imprisonment, and even a few failed revolts, I believe the conditions they are in are of their own making. After two near successful invasions on Canterlot and Ponyville, they are deemed dangerous, and no trials are planned at this time.

The article then shows the Princesses' support for this statement, but have claimed that conditions have been taken to make sure their incarceration is not torturous. The opinion piece goes on asking whether this decision is unfair or not.

"Eh, Buck Em All! Changelings are mouth breathers just like the rest of the world! All too stupid to live, just like my "Fellow Generals." Also that stupid Sapphire Shores hack, making a media stunt with a fake Offender and making the Royal Guard watch my city! Her music sucks! Luckily, I'm far superior to any living thing. I was smart enough to keep my money safe," he smirks to himself.

BACK WITH YOU

You and Aqua walk out of the bank with three brand new debit cards, all linked into Kersey's account.

"Wow, I know my kind is good at it, but I thought Identity Theft would be a lot harder than that," you say.

"I know, the bank runners are either incredibly stupid, or they just don't care," Aqua says.

"Yeah, I didn't think I'd get the super-duper-secret code word right on the first guess. I mean 'Royale with Cheese'? He couldn't even come up with a less famous movie-food quote?" you comment as you take Nightshade out of the Inventory.

"Here you go honey." You say as you hoof her the debit card.

"What's this?" she asks as she examines the laminated card.

"That, is a platinum, no-limits debit card directly tied into Kersey's rather huge accounts."

2 "Platinum Debit Cards (tied to a vast Crimson Knight account)" added to Inventory

"Wow thanks daddy. What are we going to do with these?"

You smirk as you look up.

"We're going to spend a terrorist out of his hole."

You hold up the credit card as it glistens in the sun.

"YAY!!!" Nightshade cheers.

"Spending Spree GO!"

Nightshade and Aqua nod and are about to head out when you remember something from that episode of White Band that inspired this spending spree idea.

"Wait!" you say causing the two to pause.

"There are some ground rules for this plan we should probably go over." you say, "Number 1; We set up the accounts so Kersey can still see what's going on with his money, but will be utterly helpless to do anything about it so we need our purchases to be extravagantly huge to show this guy we're not just some two-bit thieves. We can and will drain every last bit unless he comes out himself, in pony, to the bank to change it."

"Oh, I think I can do extravagantly huge..." Aqua smirks.

"Number 2; The Royal Guard is probably going to want those account Bits as evidence against Kersey and the Crimson Knights so we'll most likely have to return everything we bought during this spending spree when this is all over."

Aqua and Nightshade groan begrudgingly at this.

"And Number 3; Kersey and the main account are both still in Vanhoover so we can't leave this city. Everypony got that?"

Aqua and Nightshade nod an affirmative.

"Okay, ahem- SPENDING SPREE GO!!!"

What do you do? 

Outro:

> Episode 40: Time For a SPENDING SPREE!!! (Cutting the Funds Part 5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




BrownDog's Comment



To start off your spending spree, you decide to order work out equipment, health food, and sugarless/butterless snacks that will be delivered to his door.

"This is just plain evil daddy, this CAN'T be food."

"Precisely the point my dear," you smirk as you stand in the Health Food store check out line.

You figured that, considering this Kersey's bio of being fat and enjoying fat food, a clear message that someling is messing with his money is by spending it on things he most likely hates/never uses. After that you all travel to the local Cable Company. You use his money to tinker with his cable subscription to where he only gets to watch Mexicoltan Soap Operas.

"Try being a recluse on this Kersey," you say as you all leave the building.

With Kersey

The screen on his Television changes, and two Mexicoltan actors are dramatically speaking to each other in an obvious set house.

"The buck is this? Where's my cartoons?!" he groans from his lazy colt recliner. He then reaches for the remote, only to notice that it is on top of the TV 4 feet away from him.

"OH NO! I'm already comfortable and I refuse to get up! It might as well be on the moon! NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" he screams to the heavens.

Back With You

After accomplishing some personal trolling on Kersey's behalf, the three of you decide to head off and just go nuts. The first place you go to is...



Kersey's Comment



A luxury airship place being guided by a salespony in a suit.

"What are we doing here Daddy? I'd figure a big fat guy would love a giant blimp" Nightshade asks.

"Well that may be true, but these are the snootiest of the snooty, and we need to send a loud-and-clear message to Kersey written in his Bits," you reply.

"The Fancy-ius 9001 -- She's the limo of the sky," the sales pony says gesturing to an airship the size of a yacht, "Each one comes with it's own rentable crew, full-pleather and Neighponese silk interiors, a fully stocked kitchen and chef, and a Jacuzzi."

"Let's talk cost," you say.

"Fully decked, around 20 million," he says

"Oh," Aqua comments.

"That's not really what we had in mind," you reply.

"We do have some more economical alternative-" the salespony tries to offer, but you interrupt

"The problem is volume," you smirk, "We'll need three... With each one plated in gold, diamond studs, and silver separately..."

His eyes light up at this.

"A-are you serious?" he asks.

"Heck yeah we are! How else are we going to play BUMPER BLIMPS OVER VANHOOVER?!!!

SOMETIME LATER

You, Aqua, and Nightshade stare at the now wrecked and burning airships on the outskirts of Vanhoover. As the three of you watch the burning display you hear Aqua sigh before saying,

"Well...that went about as well as expected."

You can't help but nod at her statement before saying,

"You're right...lets get out of here before the guards show up, can't exactly spend all of Kersey's money behind bars can we?"

Aqua and Nightshade nod their heads and the three of you run back into the city, just as the guards and firestallions show up.

As the three of you head back into the city, you come across....



Lord Sergal's Comment



a bizzare little shop placed in between two skyscrapers. "Gear Box's Invention Emporium?" you read, walking towards the large windows out front. Suddenly, a balsa wood timberwolf stalks by before being tagged by a laughing colt, who proceeds to chase after him. Paper cranes flutter around the shelves and, was that a clockwork changeling running the register?

Walking inside, you find the one actually managing the store and walk up to him. "Hey, can you tell me- YOU!!" 

The strange creature from Applewood that was in the Nightmare You Animatronic blinks for a second before recognizing you. "Oh, hai there buddy. Haven't seen you since the movie."

"I-bu-now wait just a second! You work for the Crimson Knights! Why are you here?"

"Umm, no I don't, I was hired for a gig in a high budget movie, I didn't know they were Knights," he replies as he stares at you with confusion. "Oh yeah, sorry about biting you by the way. If it helps, you taste terrible."

At this point Druggie Sombrero begins laughing  his tail off...and still no Selena to quiet him. You on the other hoof are completely flabbergasted. He reaches up and pulls down a pocket watch. "Here, this should make up for it."

"Umm... Thanks?" You pay for a set of magic erasable paints (for the extortionate price of one thousand bits) for Nightshade and Mangle before you leave. "Huh, I guess that weird thing wasn't so bad after all."

MEANWHILE

The unusual creature walks to the back room where the owner Gear Box is bound and gagged. The poor unicorn runs out immediately to call for the guards as soon as he is freed. "I tell you that clockwork's a powerful thing," he sings as he picks up a book, knocking down the rest of the shelf to draw less attention. "There's a terrible strength in those tightly wound springs." He flips to an apparently random page with a sigil covering it. "And a gentlecolt's pocket watch sits by his heart." It glows as he touches the page. "And that's where the damage can start. Hahahahahaha" His maniacal laughter fills the room even after he is sucked into the book.

BACK WITH YOU

As the three of you exit the strange shop, you can't help but look at the pocket watch the strange creature gave you. You don't know why but it seems to be omitting a feeling of dread, like it's more dangerous than it looks.

"Meh, not my problem, I'll be selling it back later anyway."

With that said you put the strange pocket watch into The Inventory and continue looking for places to waste money.



The Rutherford's Comment




Kersey's Comment



As you and your group proceed to buy up the city, you see a stallion's luxury suits shop. Deciding that this was a good place to waste money you all head in.

While Aqua and Nightshade are engaged in some uncharacteristically girly (for them) dress-trying, you try on a 5,000 Bit bespoke black two button notch lapel two piece suit made with hoof-crafted Hoovestralian wool and Neighponese silk linings, a white Prench cuff shirt made with Saddle Arabian cotton, and a red tie made from Neighponese silk with a Bowler Hat. For some reason, you feel like another changeling is currently wearing the exact same type of clothing.

"Eh, probably nothing."

With that said you buy the suit, as well as have the "El Hunko suit" repaired.

"From the ashes of homelessness, El Hunko will rise back to fanciness!" you chant in glee as the suit is cleaned, stitched, and brought back to it's former glory.

"Fancy Suit" Added to Refund Section of Inventory

El Hunko suit returned to prime status

After you get your El Hunko suit repaired, you then notice that the shop makes custom suits. You end up getting a tailor made pinstripe suit, with a (proper) fedora You decide to name this your "Scarface Outfit." 

You hope to get a chance to use it before you return it through.

"Scarface Outfit" Added to Refund Section of Inventory

LATER

You wind up in a weapons shop. As you browse around, you see many new "toys" you could use, all non-lethal of course. The one that captures you interest the most is a crossbow (disguised as a guitar case) with sleep bolts (a bit extra, but you don't care) and an umbrella with a penguin handle, that has about a dozen sleep gas canisters

Again, you really hope you get a chance to use these before returning them.

New Weapons Added to Refund Section of Inventory

As the three of you exit the weapon shop, you hear Nightshades stomach grumble, soon followed by yours and Aqua. The three of you share a look before you all rush to the nearest, fanciest, and most expensive restaurant you all could find called "Eggsy's Exorbance". It's a super fancy establishment who's decor just screams "excess" (even the "disposable" napkins are made out of fine Neighponese silk). The greeter tries to turn you away because of your clothes at first, but a flash for your Platinum cards get you a table. 

You're all chowing on the complementary bread and butter (a Trottingham-made loaf of sourdough made with 23-carat gold and champagne and Echiré butter made from 66 different Prench cows) when a snooty waiter reads you the menu,

"For the appetizer, we have the Westin Bagel. A bagel baked with the finest grains in-house with a white truffle cream cheese, goji berry-infused Riesling jelly, and gold leaf. 1,000 Bits each."

"For the entree of the day, we have the Pizza Royale; A personal-sized thin-crust wood-fire baked open sandwich with a sauce made of the finest pedigree heirloom tomatoes, white alba truffle paste, shredded aged Caciocavallo and Pule Cheeses made from a tiny sect of donkeys in Stalliongrad, Matsutake mushrooms, lobster marinated in cognac, caviar soaked in champagne, and gold shavings. 5,500 Bits. With a side of Red Bird's Nest Soup made from swiftlets in south-east Neighpon at an additional 2,500 Bits."

"If you're looking for fruit, we have a whole Densuke Watermelon. An ultra-rare, perfectly-spherical, pitch-black skinned specimen of Neighponese watermelons. 6,100 Bits each."

"For beverages we have the standard selection of centuries old wine along with a 8,000 Bit antique bottle of Swish Apple Juice for the young madam."

"And finally for dessert we have the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate; An ice cream sundae containing a blend of 28 cocoas, including 14 of the most expensive in the world. It is decorated with edible gold and served in a goblet lined with edible gold with an 18 karat gold bracelet with 1 carat of diamonds in the bottom of the sundae, served with a golden spoon decorated in white and chocolate diamonds, both of which go home with the diner. 25,000 Bits."

"Hmmm..." The three of you ponder.

"If you want something more... economical, you do have tap water from the bathroom si-" the waiter scoffs snootily.

"We'll take a dozen of each!" Nightshade says, causing the waiter's eyes to bulge out before fainting.

"And get me 2 bottles of that fancy expensive beer made from actual ice by penguins." Aqua says to the downed waiter.

SOMETIME LATER AFTER DINNER



The Pony Spartan's Comment



As you walk around with full bellies, you can't help but swear you hear a yell. The thing is, every time you were buying something new with "your" money today, you always swore you could hear faint yelling of pain. Either behind you or right in front of your face. But every time you looked there was nothing there. Nightshade asked you what was happening but you told her that it was nothing.

"Probably just the wind. The wind usually cries in sadness and pain right?"

With Crying Sadness

"Nooo...Noooo!!!" Kersey wails in his chair eating a tub of ice cream.

"Why? Why?...Why Arturo! Why? Why would you leave Gabriela for her twin sister who is actually her mother?" he blubbers as the the handsome stallion leaves a crying mare. AAAAHHHH!" he cries out in pain and holds his chest.

"Oh what are you soap operas doing to me? This sporadic pain of loss has been eating at me all day, but I can't stop!"

Back With You

After you and the others can't decide on what to buy next after all the big outlandish things, you decide on the next logical outcome.

Buy useless things!

You go out and buy several overpriced televisions along with the warranty, furniture that you just throw away in the dumpsters right after, and even a trampoline, which you will never put together, although you are a bit tempted.

You then head to a music shop to buy a bunch of records, and while there, you see the tabloids that you've seen around for the last 2 days.

Namely, it's Sapphire Shores lambasting the Hooded Offender, and claiming that he's ticked off the wrong Mare.

"Oh come on. That mare can not handle rejection at all. Why can't she just get over it?" You just shake your head and buy some sort of parody record you've never heard of by some artist called Cheese Sandwich.

Meanwhile

In a nightclub, we see a scene that can only be described as the aftermath of a brawl as Sapphire Shores's 4 suit and sunglasses-wearing bouncers/bodyguards are beaten and unconscious all around the room, broken bottles and smashed furniture are all over the floor, and even the DJ booth is on fire, yet all the ponies inside keep dancing as if nothing has happened. In the back alley of the club where we see Changer with Saphire Shores pinned against the wall. Stop thinking like that! As she struggles and tries to get away while he holds her with magic

"What do you want you nutball? I'll sign your dang autograph, just quit handling the goods" she yells.

The stallion gets straight to the point "What did you and The Offender talk about?"

"What? Really? That's what this is all about, that running jerk?" she growls.

"Yes and Don't you dare lie like you did with that Fake Kidnapping."

"Oh please, anypony's who's smart knows that I pulled that as a publicity stunt, and it worked like a charm. And I already told the press everything that jerk said and did. He's looking for some Terrorist. Stupid jerk, doesn't even have the simple common courtesy to take a Mare to Poundsville," she scoffs.

Changer just shakes his head at that, "Enough of that, and that's absolutely all he said? Did he mention the name Kersey?"

"Kersey? Who's-" The magic holding her slightly tightens its grip."He said something about looking for one of the Crimson Knights in the city! I don't know anything about a Kersey!" she says strained.

"Hmph..." He lets go of Saphire Shores who pants on the ground. "So you weren't lying to the papers. That's good to-WHOAH!" he cries out as she suddenly grabs his foreleg and slides underneath him causing him to fall on his back. Before he gets up, she swings her hoof in a hammer blow and strikes him in the nards.

"EEEEEEE" Changer cries as he cradles himself.

"Word of advice sugar, don't let your guard down in front of a mare who knows Capoeira. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a party to get back to," she replies haughtily opening the backdoor, before pausing and looking back.

"Oh and if you're going to choke a mare, go all out, otherwise you leave her unsatisfied," she growls before closing the door angrily.

Changer gets up and limps out of the alley way, using the wall for support.

"Crazy, Freaky Celebrities," he pants before walking awkwardly into the night.

"But then again, that just means The Offender does know where Kersey is. All I got to look for is explosions and screaming, and I'll find that big fat buck," he smiles.

"Now, I just need some ice..."

BACK WITH YOU



BrownDog's Comment



As the day comes to a end, you come across a few strange looking ponies with wide smiles on their faces.

“Hello sir, how are you doing this day?” says an earth pony stallion.

“Um…fine?”

“Oh wonderful, just wonderful,” he says with his unnatural smile. “So, do you have a few moments to talk about Absolute Equality?”

“Uuhhh…” you look around at all the smiling ponies behind their booth. They all have the same cutie mark, an equal sign.

Whoa that’s creepy.

Indeed

There you are! I haven't heard anything from you in three days, Simba won't stop philosophizing, and how many times do I have to say sorry? What's...

These fools have a strange magical reading about them, I can't quite place it, she says ignoring your inquiries.

Wait really? you ask as you look at the stallion who smiles at you, not saying a word. 

Yes, be cautious with them. Smiling faces tell lies.

Will do, and good to have you back. You then look back to the creepy ponies and ask.

“Why do you all have the same cutie marks? I thought each one was supposed to be unique.”

“Well that’s the beauty of it sir. With Absolute Equality, nopony is greater than the other. Our wise founder Starlight Glimmer’s message of peace and unity is unmatched,” says a pegasus mare with, you guessed it, another creepy smile.

“I see…well I probably should be going…” you say as you try to walk away.

“But sir, don’t you want to hear about our cause?”

“No thanks, I’ve dealt with too many cults to last me a lifetime, besides I got a spending spree to get back to.”

“A spending spree, then might you be willing to donate to our cause?” asks the stallion.

You stop and turn back around.

“Donate? For what?”

“Well sir, we are trying to raise funds for materials that we might build our own little community, away from unequal civilization,” he says handing you a flier.

Help Us Build Our Town it reads.

You smirk at this.

“Tell you what buddy, how about you take this card, and fund the whole thing,” you say handing him the card.

His eyes widen.

“Are you sure sir?”

“Oh yeah definitely. But buy the materials like right now, because I doubt that card is going to be working past today.”

“Oh thank you sir, you have no idea how happy you’ve made us.”

With those creepy smiles, you would never have guessed.

“No problem. Just remember, I Kersey have funded your little happy Coo-Coo Cola  cult.”

“Thank you Kersey! We have to get to Starlight immediately. Equality is at hand!”

“And just like that, Kersey has funded an entire town. Explain that to the IRS,” you smirk.

With that you decide to make your final purchase for the day. That purchase being...



Kersey's Comment



The most expensive penthouse (complete with three stories and beds made of diamond beams) in the city and fill the outside pool (overlooking the city) with gold coins.

"We already have the platinum cards," Aqua asks, "I know we're drawing that Kersey guy out of hiding, but what's with the pool of gold?"

"Simple, I'm gonna swim in it like Scrooge McGoose!"

"Uh, CV gold doesn't work lik-"

"CANNONBALL!" Nightshade declares as she rushes past you two and dives in, splashing the two of you with gold coins.

As Aqua can only stand there shocked, you give her a smug look before diving in too.

"GERONI- *crunch* SON OF A-!!!"

It turns out that Nightshade was unconsciously earthbending the gold so the collection of gold coins would part way easily like water instead of staying a massive solid mass.

Later, you put a few bouncehouses in the penthouse, and then the three of you have a watergun battle with your soaker filled with champagne (while you're wearing a white tuxedo with a red flower), Nightshade's filled with Zafiro Añejo tequila (which you STRICTLY told her NOT to drink), and Aqua just having several bottles of fine wine strapped to a super-fancy silk prom dress as she uses waterbending to splash the wine at you two.

With that final water gun fight you all go to bed.

THE NEXT DAY

Kersey sits with a happy face on. "Oh the wedding, I've waited so long for this moment. Look at Gabriella in that dress," he proclaims excitedly.

Suddenly, on the TV, the church door is kicked open, dramatic music plays, and a handsome stallion is silhouetted.

"Arturo?! NO! You had your chance you idiot!" Kersey screams.

"Artuo?! NO! Usted tuvo su oportunidad idiota!" Gabriella screams.

"That's what I'm saying! AAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" he screams as he lumbers forward, picks up the TV and throws it out the window. After that he pants heavily after that much activity.

"Ugh, stupid Arturo. Now I need to buy another TV."

He walks over to his door and opens it, and is shocked by what he says. There are packages of health foods, and a total gym and a treadmill in front of his door. All of them have labeling addressed to him.

"What the buck?" he looks at the notes and sees that "He" ordered this equipment. Also there is a note on the door from the Swish Bank asking him to come in to verify several outstanding charges.

"What?! I didn't order any of this crap! What would I need with 3 blimps? I've never eaten at that fancy place! And why in the heck would I stay at that hotel?!" he angrily crushes the note.

"Someone is bucking with me! Gorramit. Brown Dog and Snap Drake, if this is you and your Hippie friends then...no this is beyond their tiny minds. Who would be able to pull this off? Grey Rebl? That trigger happy psycho would pull this kind of stunt. Or maybe it's actually the Royal Guard...NO! They wouldn't know my account it's impossible. Well whoever it is, it ends NOW!" he roars. Before he heads off though, he grabs a few precautionary self defense items off of his desk and angrily stomps down the hall.

With You

You all sit and watch the front of the bank, waiting to see if he shows up.

"Ugh, where is he daddy? I'm so bored," Nightshade whines. She is disguised as a pegasus today.

"Whenever he gets here honey, and once he does, you go into your room, understood?"

"Yeah yeah..." she waves her hoof dismissively.

After a little while more of waiting, and no one showing up, Nightshade's eyes widen as she sees the fastest looking pony she's ever seen or rather she spots a green-coated blob of fat with earth pony features, glasses, a cutie mark of a burger on a film reel, and an orange mane and tail waddling towards the Swish Bank munching on a huge box of Swish Chocolates on his back. The Cloak, is cut open and only resting on his back like a cape as it cannot fit around him.

"I...I...I have to do this," she whispers and rushes off, pulling out something she bought the night before.

"Honey, where are you go-" you begin before your jaw drops at what she's running to. Aqua sees your shocked face and looks, her face soon being a mirror of yours. 

"Is that even a pony?" you say flabbergasted.

Nightshade gets right behind the blob and begins to play her platinum and gem-encrusted Tuba she bought, and follow him around as he lumbers along.

"Stop it!" the pony yells, not bothering to turn around. "Cut it out! I'm happy with my body you little bra-*Splat*" he trips over his own feet as he tries to turn his head and yell at Nightshade. When he flops, she lets out an ironic Tuba sound.

"You're welcome, that will be 60 bits please," Nightshade holds out her hoof.

"Buck your bits brat!" he growls as he stumbles himself up panting. "If I didn't have to go claim Identity Theft, I'd take your tuba and send you off to a Mexicoltan orphanage!"

"Oh, and what identity is that, KERSEY?"

"What?! How did...?" he turns around and sees you and Aqua staring at him menacingly.

"How'd you like your new purchases? Used the total gym yet?"

"Oh so you're the bucks who have been using my...Wait..." He looks to your visage and pales.

"All red, and a mask...You're the bounty hunter that newspaper described! The one who took down Kichi!"

"Right-o Roony. Now, why don't you be a good little blob and come quietly?" you snark.

"You'd have to catch me first!" he tries to flee... and he only makes it 5 paces before collapsing completely out of breath and sweating heavily.

"Awww..." Nightshade groans in disappointment just in front of the downed glob of fat, "I wanted to smash him in the face with the Tuba as he tried to flee."

"I know, disappointing am I right?" Aqua agrees.

"*pant* Say *pant* hello *pant* to *pant* my *pant* little *pant* friend! *wheeze*" he pants before rolling over and managing to pull out a device that looks like a box with two pieces of wood on the sides attached to a fluted silver tube at you.

"He's got a gun!" you exclaim and would be questioning how Kersey could have one when they are just fictional weapons that only exist in video games and sci-fi/fantasy movies if you weren't busy casting Force Field around yourself... only to hear several empty 

*click*

"Work you stupid bucking thing, wor- *bonk* Ouch!" Kersey whines repeatedly pulling the trigger before Nightshade hits him in the face with her tuba only for the instrument to bounce off the fat of his face making him drop the gun.

"Oh come on! Buck you you stupid Wooden Mutt and your useless props! Sure, make all the good stuff for that creepy bucking changeling and his kids at the Neverland Ranch!"

As Kersey flails around helplessly on his back Nightshade giggles, "I've fallen and I can't get up."

"Honey, that's not nice." you scold.

"But he's evil AND a fatflank!" Nightshade argues.

"Ehhh... good point."

"GRAAAAAH!!! You bucking bounty hunting motherbuckers will never take me alive!" Kersey exclaims before pulling out a vial of red-and-gray liquid. "35 Million Bits, you had better work," he exclaims as he begins drinking.

"He's got a suicide potion!" you exclaim, but before Aqua can waterbend it away from the green bespectacled blob, he manages to down the whole potion.

All of you hold your breaths and wait to see what happens. After a few seconds, Kersey burps loudly.

"OH COME ON!" he yells.

You on the other hand are glad that you have a filter mask on, because Aqua and Nightshade are busy fanning their noses.

"Alright stinky that's enough, now, let's have a little chat before we turn you in OK?" you say as you lean over him.

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" he hits your hoof away and suddenly starts spasming. You try to see what's wrong with him, but for some reason he seems to be getting...bigger?

And bigger...

And bigger...

And bigger...

And big-SWEET MOTHER OF LUNA HE'S FIVE STORIES TALL!!!

Ponies all around begin screaming and running in terror, his growing even damages the side of the bank.

"Ummm, Yeah, I'm just gonna go to my room now," Nightshade says as she hops into your saddle bags.

"Got any extra room in those bags?" Aqua asks nervously.

You don't answer as you stare at the now building sized Kersey, who rolls himself back to his feet and looks around in awe.

"Holy Crap it actually worked! Bad investment my flank!" he says with a booming, yet still irritating voice.

Staring at this...this...Titan of flesh, only one thing comes to mind to say...

"Well Buck You Too Lady Luck!"

What do you do?

Special Outro:

> Episode 41: Battle Against A Giant! The Crimson Vengence Vs. Kaiju Crimson Knight Leader Kersey! (Cutting the Funds Part 6)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Erised the Ink-moth's Comment



A full second of silence falls over the city block as ponies look up it shock, wondering just what the buck is happening. Then all is panic as ponies realize their city is being attacked by a giant monster of some sort, and it smells like greasy prench fries! They scream and proceed to run around in circles, crashing into each other and knocking over sign wavers and street musicians! Oh the equinity!

Kersey laughs maniacally as he towers over you. "You're finished bounty hunter! You may have defeated that wooden abomination, that stupid scale-head, and that borderline pedophile bug , but I'm way smarter than either of them. I'm practically a pony kaiju now, and I've seen more than enough giant monster movies to know their weaknesses and how to avoid them! There's no way you can bet me now!"

You tremble at the thought of someone genre-savvy enough to not fall for the same things that end most movie monsters. You quickly look over to Aqua and ask,

"Aqua, got any idea how to beat this guy? He's seen all the movies and knows what to avoid! You're uncultured when it comes to cool stuff. Give us something fresh!"

Aqua frowns at you, then looks up at Kersey and thinks. "Umm... get another giant monster to fight him? Shrink him back to normal size? Lead him up a building with a pretty mare and then shoot him with airplanes so he falls off? Move his heart with compassion so he leaves?"

"Aqua, those are how almost all giant monster movies do it, and he's seen all of them!" you scream.

"... launch him into outer space?"

"GAAAAAHH!"



The Rutherford's Comment



The extra large (see what I did there) Kersey just stares as you scream in annoyance, before he laughs in a deep voice and says,

"Time to squash you like a bug!"

Kersey slams a hoof down that, due to his large stature, causes a mini-earthquake. But you are easily able to dodge the attacks, as he is still slow.

As you look at the damage the stomp caused and the ponies now fleeing in terror, you can't help but think,

Well this is not good. I don't have a belt that can make me fly around buildings, I will have to think of another solution. Where is One-Punch Ma-I mean Maud? I could use her help.

AT THE PIE-FAMILY ROCK FARM

"Oh. Hello Bolder. How are you today? Yes my new mane is growing in nicely, thanks for noticing"

The rock says nothing.

BACK WITH YOU

As you dodge another stomp as well as pushing some civilians out of the way you can't help but think,

Heck I bet even the Deadly Six would be useful at this point!

IN PONYVILLE 

Twilight Sparkle sighs in happiness as the rest of the Elements of Harmony and Spike all have a lovely picnic.

"You know girls, it's been some time since we've had large unbroken chunks of peaceful days. I'm glad you're all here to share it with me," she says with a smile.

"Well aside from that jerk that attacked Fluttershy and the Cutie Mark Crusaders awhile back," Rainbow Dash points out.

"Yeah, there was that...but we'll catch him eventually" Twilight answers.

Fluttershy meekly nods at this, "I hope so, he seemed like a very angry individual."

"If he was one of those cultists, he'd have to be. But otherwise, everything is fine..."

"And that riot in the changeling prison that somehow made news," Pinkie says.

"Chrysalis and her kind are right where they belong! Evil evil bugs..." Twilight growls, before attempting to calm down. "But yes, nothing bad happened, and now it's fi-"

"Also there was also the other day when you wanted us all to go to Vanhoover because of that publicity stunt Sapphire Shores pulled," Rarity chimes in.

"Well you never know, it could have actually been him!" Twilight snaps.

"Ah don't know, you never can trust celebrity types. Look what those two directors did to Applewood and Whinny Land," Applejack interjects.

"Alright fine! I guess we'll never know. Had we left when we got the news two days ago, we would have arrived there right about now."

"Wouldn't that have been awfully convenient," Pinkie says as she looks towards us with a wink.

"I know right?!"

"Twilight, just let it go. You've finally started relaxing again," Spike urges.

"Y-you're right. It would be pointless to take two whole days out our lives based solely on a rumor. Let's enjoy this peace while we can," she says taking a bite out of a sandwich.

BACK WITH YOU...AGAIN

As You dodge yet another hoof and as Aqua ushers some ponies into a nearby subway, you can't help but feel like everyling you would want to fight this guy for you is busy, including even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna

CANTERLOT CASTLE

We see the two royal sisters going through the most dreaded thing on this planet...paperwork! As Celestia stamps yet another document she sighs before looking over to her sister and asking,

"Luna, do you think we'll be ready for the Saddle Arabian dignitaries when they visit in a few months?"

Luna looks over to her sister as she says,

"Yes Sister, it's best not to worry about such things. Everything will be handled properly. The only thing we are not handling is the magic performance. That shall be done by your student."

"You're right there is nothing to worry about. I guess I'm just a bit jumpy after that publicity stunt by Sapphire Shores. Come, let us relax, this paperwork isn't going anywhere."

With that both sisters get up from their desks, stretch, and proceed to leave...only to be interrupted by a guard bursting through the doors.

"Your Highness, I bring important news!"

Celestia gives a annoyed sigh before putting on a smile and saying,

"And what might that be?"

"It's a letter from your nephew Prince Blueblood that has only now just arrived. The address is from two days ago."

Celestia sighs and shakes her head

"Then it can wait. After the stunt he pulled at that concert, I'd rather not hear his excuses."

"Are you sure ma'am? What if he has something important to say?"

Both mares just give the guard a patronizing look, causing him to shuffle his hooves nervously.

"My sister and I are busy, let us know if anything IMPORTANT happens and do not disturb us until then. I'll read my nephew's letter later."

With that the two sisters leave, leaving the guard to put the letter near their paperwork. Inside the envelope is something along the lines of,

"Urgent! Come to Vanhoover Immediately Auntie! The Hooded Offender Really Is Here!"

YOU KNOW THE DRILL

As you dodge yet another hoof you hear Selena say,

And why would those pompous princesses help?

I don't know! Maybe they'd realize that having some random bounty hunter clean up their terrorist problem would be bad for publicity and they'd finally show up to help! Plus you would think A GIANT BUCKING PONY TENDS TO WARRANT THE PRESENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY PRINCESS ATTENTION!!!

We are two days journey via Locomotive. Unless those worthless maggots were already here, how would they immediately know about this mountain of flesh when it only appeared minutes ago, much less get here?

Stop ruining my rant with logic!!!

You anger at this situation hits it's peak at this fact as you shout out to the giant waste of space,



BrownDog's Comment



“Bullspit, Bullspit! Bucking Bullspit! How is this fair huh? How is this even fair? First killer animatronics, then movie magic, and now this?! Why are all you knights so freaking random?!”

“Hey, don’t blame me! I’m not nearly as stupid as all those non pony jerks. I’m the only one making this organization work! ME! Me alone! They should be bowing to my superiority!”

“Wow, no wonder Solarkness and Rutherford wanted me to hurt you badly.”

“WHAT?! Those script rejecting lesser beings sold me out? Well buck em anyway. Buck em all! And most of all, BUCK YOU!” he yells, large globs of spittle flies everywhere.

Fortunately the spit managed to put out some of the fires caused from this nut-job's rampage. Unfortunately it's still spit so...yeah.

SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE CITY

Blueblood runs down some stairs in a panic.

“Sergeant! The unwashed masses are screaming and there are sounds of explosions in the city!” he yells to the Unicorn.

“It’s him…it’s got to be,” comes the unicorn’s barely suppressed anger.

“I think so too. They’re yelling something about a monster. My aunties haven't shown up, so I fear they haven't gotten my letter. You know what you have to do,” Blueblood encourages.

The other unicorn nods and walks over to a large shipping container, which opens with a hiss of air.

“Well then. Guess it’s time to test out this bad boy…” he says with malicious glee.

Also Elsewhere In The City

Changer walks along the street grumbling to himself as he downs another package of cookies.

"Come on already, I thought you had a lead. When are you going to attack that fat buck?" he says bored out of his mind as he watches the sidewalk passing under him.

Suddenly, he hears something akin to an explosion and collapsing rubble.

"What the...?"

Looking up from the sidewalk, Changer sees smoke and hears crumbling buildings and screams in the distance.

"Oh thank the stars. Time for some retribution!" he declares and runs toward the destruction.

BACK WITH YOU



Erised the Ink-moth's Comment



Kersey raises his massive forehoof. "I'm gonna step on you!" he announces and brings his hoof down.

"Yipe!" you yell and try to dodge out of the way. You make it out of the way in time, but the sheer size and girth of his leg causes a shockwave to slam into you, knocking you several more feet.

"Hey... stand still already!" Kersey huffs as he tries to flatten you again. "Moving is hard, and I just put on like fifty tons of weight! I'm sure someone out there is cracking a joke about that right now!"

One of his stomps cracks open a nearby fire hydrant which starts spewing water everywhere. This gives you an idea.

"Aqua! Need a slippery surface here!" you call to your waterbending ally.

She sends the water sloshing into the streets under Kersey's giant hooves, and with a bit of effort, freezes it into a solid sheet of ice underneath him.

"HAH!" Kersey laughs. "You think just because I'm on a slippery surface I'm going to fall down and become vulnerable to your attacks? That's the oldest trick in the boo- whoa!" his hooves threaten to slide out from under him even as he says this. "No!" he commands as though it'll make his legs stop trembling. They don't. "Nooooo!"

Suddenly and comically his legs fly out to the sides and he falls flat on his fat belly with a cry of, "Curse the traction-less properties of pony hooves!"

You're about to move in to attack, but before you can, Nightshade pops out of your Inventory with Mangle. "He fell down again? Well then, It's my turn Daddy!"



Kichi's Comment



Looking, you see the decisive look in her eyes, and before you can say anything, she attempts to earth bend at Kersey...only for two medium sized rocks to strike his side. He doesn't notice.

"Goramit! Guess I'm not pissed enough!" she declares. "Buck it! Mangle! Time for stabby stabs!" she yells as she jumps out of your bags towards the flabby mass with her robot fox in hoof

"Wait, wha-" you begin before stopping in shock as you see Mangle rearrange herself into a pink and white sword. Nightshade maliciously tries to gouge out the kaiju's eyes...only for the sword to pierce and get stuck in his glasses lens.

"Holy Buck! You little B!&$#! You could've poked out my eye!" declares Kersey as he roles his massive head back, causing Nightshade and the Mangle Sword to dislodge and land in front of you. You for your part still have your mouth open in shock.

"That was the plan, and don't call me a B!&#$ you Fat Buck!" she snarls.

I have to congratulate the filly, she could be a great overlord with a little of practice. Sombra speculates in his haze.

Sometimes it surprises me how similar she is to...HER. She was also very reckless as a filly. But even so, she and I never did attempted to gouge eyes. Where did she even learn that technique?  comments Selena with a worried voice.

"Honey, where did you get the idea to fight like that? And since when can Mangle turn into a sword?" you ask mirroring Selena's inquiry.

She looks back at you,

"Huh? Oh the eye gouging. Well Button once let me play a game called  Goddess of War 2, and to take out a giant monster you gotta stab it's eye out. As for Mangle, she's essentially a transformare right? Why couldn't she turn into one?" she says nonchalantly.

See? See? This is why she shouldn't hang out with colts. They let her emulate characters from violent videogames!

You do the same daily, don't blame others for your poor role modeling.

All hail the birth of the new Overlord! May she conquer the world with no mercy and bloodshed! Sombra chuckles 

Quiet You! And I'm not the worst role model out there!

It doesn't matter now. Be wary of the recovering giant monster!


You look up and see Kersey getting back up to his massive hooves.

"Crud!"

"Dang it daddy, you distracted me and now I can't gouge out his eyes!" Nightshade huffs.

"No eye gouging! Not even for a big ol fatty fat fat like him!"

Kersey's eyes widen at this insult before he bellows out,



Pony Spartan's Comment




Solarkness's Comment




Kersey's Comment



"I'M NOT FAT! I'M BIG BONED!"

You look in awe as you see Kersey do the one thing you thought impossible: Jump.

It takes you three seconds until you realize that this is very, very bad for you. You see, he plans to just crush you. You realize this even more when he screams out,

"BELLY FLOP!!!" 

"Oh god oh god oh god," you scream as you turn around, grab Nightshade and run. Aqua is clear of the landing zone, but his shadow falls over you. "If I survive this I'll never say fat people are inferior again! Not that I'd know of saying that directly in the past...," you jump in hopes of escaping him, but it is no use. Right as he starts to come back down again, you realize what the solution is: Climb into the Inventory.

"Come on, come on," shaking, you almost manage to fail at opening the Inventory. Time seems to slow for everything but you, you can feel Kersey's fat slowly envelope you, when you...

Do it! You manage to open the Inventory, and crawl in. Kersey's fat squeezes its way partly through the opening, but stops shortly after.
You and Nightshade, who you of course dragged in with you, let out a sigh of relief before you grin and exclaim, 

"I survived, there is no god, fat people are not athletic at all and are bad at all sports!"

"Aren't the Princesses technically gods daddy?"

"Stop using logic to ruin my ramblings!"

With that said you wait for Kersey's fat to get out of the only way in, and proceed to get out of the Inventory. Nightshade follows you out and see's Kersey glaring down at you, or more specifically Nightshade.

"Bullspit! I call hacks!" he yells.

Even more ticked off now, Kersey pushes himself onto his hooves again. Peering through his cracked glasses, he glares down at Nightshade. "You're gonna pay for that you tuba-playing eye-gouging brat!"

*snap*

"Hey!" You yell back, protectively ushering Nightshade back into your inventory. "No one threatens her! Why don't you pick on someone your own si-... somewhat closer to your own size?!"

Kersey answers your challenge by ripping up a nearby newspaper stand and flinging it at you like a wad of paper times a million.

"Ugh," you groan, pulling yourself out from under the remains of the paper stand, a few newspapers clinging to your face. "I guess that's why they say the news hurts." *rimshot*

As you continue to see stars, you suddenly get a idea! That idea is...



Kurolothgarian's Comment



"Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? Kaiju 101. We just need another giant monster!"

You then stick your head in the Inventory.

"Quick honey, get out here and into this Neighponese schoolgirl outfit!"

"Way ahead of you daddy!" she declares hopping out in a stereotypical anime outfit. "What now?"

"We summon Gamera of course! He is a friend to all children!"

"Alrighty then."

She then proceeds to sing the Gamera song, and lo and behold, it actually works. The flying turtle comes careening out of the sky to save the day.

Bugze!

"Hooray, we're all saved!" you cry out as Gamera slams into the blob of fat, but Kersey then attempts to eat the giant turtle.

"Oh no! Looks like he needs help! Aqua! quickly, make my monster grow!" you yell out holding Mangle.

Bugze!

Aqua, who is for some reason wearing Rita Repulsa's outfit throws her magic water staff at the fox, and it grows to Kaiju size.

"OH NO! Giant Fox's and Turtles, My Only Weaknesses!" Kersey cries out as he is suddenly on the receiving end of being gnawed on.

"Victory! We have victo-"

BUGZE! Selena yells.

Your eyes focus at the scream and you see a massive hoof coming right at you.

"EEP!" you yell and dodge to the left.

"Hold still!" bellows Kersey.

"Wait, was that all in my head? What the buck? How hard did that newspaper stand hit me?" you say aloud.

Not hard enough, now stop fooling around and beat this jerk!


You just barely dodge the giant hoof you can't help but sigh before saying,

"That was a close one, thanks Selena."

As you begin to scan the area for a way to help you beat Kersey, you soon spot a nearby food vendor alley. Getting a idea you charge up the Power Glove and aim it at the closest food vendor station before yelling out,



Kersey's Comment



"Would you kindly BUCK OFF!"

This causes Bucking Bronco to activate, sending out a small quake that levitates a cabbage cart before you rush forward and use Falcon Punch to launch the cart towards Kersey and shatter it on his face disorienting him.

"MY CABBAGES!"

You proceed to repeat this tactic with several carts much to the annoyance of the owners,

"MY CARROT DOGS!"

"MY PRETZELS!"

"MY COUNTERFEIT WATCHES!"

Unfortunately Kersey gets wise to this strategy and just keeps turning so the carts bounce off the fat of his sides and smash into other buildings.

"Ha Ha Ha! My armor is impenetrable!. And everypony said to work out." He then notices a nearby gym which he rushes over to.

"Sending fax to the bees and the eagles!" Kersey sings powermad as he smashes the  gym.

Noooo! He must boil in his own fat for this crime! Sombra druggedly wails from within your mind.

Why do you care! you say while dodging another massive hoof.

Attack on the Titan was one of mine and...her's favorite manga.

Wait, you were alive 1000 years ago, you say as Aqua futilely waterbends at the giant blob of fat, How the buck do you even know about it?

The concept of "remakes" existed even a millennium ago...

Huh, guess originality is dead, you comment.

Bugze, focus! Selena admonishes.

Oh right! Sorry! Although this talk about Titans has given me an idea...

Dodging yet another stomp, with Aqua blasting him in the face with water.

"Blegh! Cut that out sea pony!"

"I'M NOT A SEA PONY!!!"

With that distraction, you...



Master of Shadow’s Comment




Spike in MLP’s Comment




Vesperion Seraph’s Comment



Put your hoof up to your mouth and bite down hard. You swear you see yellow electricity surround you as....absolutely nothing happens.

You look up to Kersey, then back at your bleeding hoof in your mouth, then back to him, then back to your hoof.

"OOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!! Oh why did I do that?!"

"I don't know, why did you?!" Aqua shouts as she uses a water whip to swing out of the way.

"I thought it would make me huge!" you whine holding your hoof.
You really don't know why you think that was a possibility. Maybe your head is still a bit rattled. You hide behind one of the nearby overturned food carts as you see Kersey attacking a health food store.

"Die Evil Food, DIE!!!"

"Oh, so he hates healthy food huh? Well it's time for fatty to eat his vegetables," you quip as you pick up some carrots off the ground.

"Now how do I introduce A to B?" you say looking up at his giant form.

If only I had some wings, or heck some awesome 3D Maneuver gear. But it's not like I have that kind of machine...*DING*

You reach into your inventory, "Honey, I'm borrowing Mangle for a bit!" you tell her before pulling out the fox robot.

"Alright you little monster, that thing attacked Nightshade so I know you hate it."

The Fox nods.

"Well turn into some 3D Maneuver Gear!" 

Mangle nods and transforms into said piece of equipment which you put around you...though she doesn't have any wire.

Looking around you find some downed power lines, so using your vice grips, you cut some length and feed it into the Mangle Gear.

You then look back and see that Kersey is still destoying the health food store and Aqua isn't in sight.

"Where'd she go?!" you say looking around. Shaking your head at this, you say, "Buck it!" and rush forth, activating the Mangle Maneuver Gear.

The wire with her sharp claws at the end of it shoot out and attach to a building, launching you skyward.

"WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!" you cry out as you are flung out of control.

Hearing your yell, Kersey looks in your direction, only to have your whole body smack into his face.

"GRAGH!" he yells as he falls over into the health food store, while you are kind of embedded in his neck fat. 

"Sweet Tap Dancing Luna, why is your skin so clammy?!" you moan.

Kersey responds by groaning out, and when he does, you hurl the carrots into his mouth, causing him to choke.

"Ugh! Bleh! I've been poisoned!" he cries out as he flails on the floor, reaching up to grab at his throat. Thankfully, Mangle shoots out a line and gets you out of there, landing you back on the street.

Inside you still hear Kersey screaming bloody murder.

"Snacks! I need Snacks!"

Rolling your eyes, you begin levitating and throwing junk food carts through the building striking him.

"Here's your snacks!"



Kersey's Comment



You're just about to levitate-throw an ice cream cart when Aqua admonishes,

"Stop it CV! You're just causing more damage to the city than this blob!"

You get an annoyed tick mark at this as you tell Aqua,

"Oh put it on my tab, also WHERE THE BUCK HAVE YOU BEEN!?!"

Aqua gives you an annoyed look before saying,

"I've been escorting all the civies around here so they didn't get hit during the fight, but there's still too much for us to go all out!"

You look and around and notice that Aqua is right, there are still a lot of panicking civilians around. They're all running around shouting things like "Ponyzilla" and "It's the end of the world!". 

"These panicking idiots are going to hurt themselves!" you shout before standing on a downed carriage and using the Royal Canterlot Voice, you call out



 The Mechanic's Comment



"Attention everypony!"

This somehow causes all the panicking ponies to stop what they're doing and look at you in confusion. You nod your head at their reaction before clearing your throat and saying,

"Ahem. Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla! Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla, Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla. Ponyzilla Ponyzilla Ponyzilla!"

This seems to have the right effect as the panicking ponies all calm down, mumble "Ponyzilla" a few times before all calmly walking down into the subway or out of the city. You can't help but smile at this effect, while Aqua just has the most confused look on her face as she stutters out,

"Wha-How did yo-I don't even kn-just...just how?"

You jump down from the carriage before shrugging your shoulders and saying,

"What can I say, I have a way with words."

As you say this, you can't help but feel like you're forgetting something...

"AUGHHHHHHHHH! HOW DARE YOU RUIN THIS PERFECT MOVIE REFERENCE! I'M GONNA SQUASH YOU FOR SURE NOW!"

You turn around and see Kersey getting out of the collapsing health food store with ice cream running down his chin.

Oh right, five story tall pony wanting to kill you. With that said you and Aqua begin to, once again, dodge the angry fat pony's stomps.




Erised the Ink-moth's Comment



You somehow manage to keep dodging, Kersey's hooves leaving craters in the street wherever they come down. He certainly tracks your movements better than most videogame bosses, probably because he's smarter than chunks of ones and zeros programmed to give you a chance. Thankfully he's so out of shape it doesn't matter, and you can tell he's getting tired from all this effort, and frustrated...

Like... really frustrated.

"I! *Stomp* Said! *Stomp* Stay still so I can smash you! *Stomp**Stomp**Stomp*" Kersey pauses to catch his breath, his panting sending gusts of wind through the ruined streets. "I just- hold on a second- whew! Hey, you think we can take like a fifteen minute snack break?"

He doesn't wait for you to answer though as he wobbles around looking for more snacks and you notice...



TartarusFire's Comment



A small building that was demolished by Kersy's hoof, revealing a small curry stand managed by six identical ponies.  So with Kersey suggesting a snack break, you can't help but think of a great idea to turn the tide.

You rub your hooves together before saying,

"Yo Kersey! I got a snack for you!"

He turns around, "You do?"

"Yeah, I was thinking we could spice up the fight," you quip and point at the curry stand.

"Hmmm.. Is this a challenge?" he asks.

"It most certainly is. I win, you give up and come with us, You win, I'll pay your bill and go away."

"I accept."

You go over and order a bowl of curry for yourself and a dumpster load of the stuff for the fat giant, errr blob, err Kersy. You both nod at each other before chugging the respective dumpster and bowl down. It is bucking spicy, but you keep going. If you can win through an eating competition, then no other buildings need to get destroyed. Your face gets red, but it's not as bad as Kersey's who looks like a tomato. You finish your curry a second before he does, and you declare.

"I WIN!!!" fanning your tongue. "You're coming with us!"

"Screw You! YOU CHEATED! The bet is off! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" he shouts and runs off and breathes out a gout of flame, scorching some buildings along the way. You stare in awe at the beautiful fire. "Such majesty... and ash."

Your pyromania aside, you luckily have tolerance for spicy food... as well as a friendly waterbender that can freeze the inside of your mouth for you. Kersey isn't as fortunate however.

The giant pony gallops down the street, burping fire uncontrollably, and looking frantically for anything to put out the blaze raging deep in his gut. He spots a nearby water tower and rips it off its foundation before starting to chug it down.

"Hey!" calls an old stallion from a nearby rooftop. "Why're you guzzlin' down my stockpile of highly flammable liquid?!"

Kersey's eyes go wide, dropping the remainder of the 'highly flammable liquid' tower in the street, breathing even more fire before galloping off in a panic.

The old stallion shakes his head. "Dern youngins, always turnin into giant monsters and drinkin my highly flammable liquid. It's gonna take forever to refill my supply of highly flammable liquid."

"Grandpa Boom, why not just call it gasoline?"

"Because Marang, Equestria ain't invented cars yet! Now get back inside and help me make more of that granular combustible powder, and if y'all call it 'gunpowder' again, so help me I'm takin that flickering light box of yours fer the week!"

"You mean my computer?"

"Yer grounded."

You ignore the two strange ponies as you chase after the burning Kersey, Aqua not being to far behind you. Kersey's panicked run eventually leads you all to another water tower, to which Kersey takes and drinks it. Seeing as how he doesn't burst into flames again you can safely assume that it is actually water. As Kersey drinks that last of the water, and splashes a bit on his face, you notice something about him that you had ignored earlier.



The Pony Spartan's Comment

 

His glasses!

Sure one of the lenses has a crack in it, but it's already hard for him to see your tiny bodies compared to his, without his glasses he won't be able to see at all.

Using your parkour skills and the Mangle Manuever Gear, you quickly get to a rooftop and now you're a little below his eye level. You wait until he's facing your direction and you jump off the roof and high in the air, flying towards his face. You charge up a falcon punch and ram into the left lens.

The next thing you know you're back on the streets below and when you look up and try to see what awesomeness you've done you see...

"ONLY A CRACK?!"

Kersey looks down at you and yells, "Look at what you've done! Now both lenses are broken!This was a special pair you retard!"

"Those glasses are made of plastic..."

*Ding!*

"Ah-ha! I'll just burn them!" You take out your power glove and set it on incinerate.

Aqua, who came to your side when you fell down, tells you, "You'll need to get close to use that. I'll distract him while you get on a one of the buildings again." 

"Hmm..." You ponder at that before getting a better idea. "How about this!" You put away your power glove and start to strain yourself channelling Sombra's magic into your left eye. Very soon it turns blood red and black flames consume Kersey's glasses. He is now shocked, angry, and in pain.

"Oh you HAVE GOT TO BE BUCKING KIDDING ME! I JUST PUT OUT THE FLAMES IN MY MOUTH, NOW MY BUCKING EYES ARE ON FIRE! JUST WHAT THE BUCK IS HAPPENING TODAY?!"

"Woah!" Aqua says before looking at you. "What was that?!"

"Hard to explain...just some dark magic" you wince as you grab your eye in pain.

"What?! How did you acquire-"

"No time to explain! Big giant fat pony to take down." You say as you watch Kersey running away further into town.



GreyRebl's Comment



You look  at the ensuing destruction as Kersey runs away with his glasses on fire. 
"Um...I guess that wasnt a good idea."

"Ya think!?" Aqua practically yells at your face.

While you don't understand it yourself, something about a giant pony with black Hellfire for eyes, rampaging across Vanhoover as it roars curses and depravities at the highest of scales, which is mostly translated to a rant of Vanhoover's inevitable doom, just seems to be, well... Bucking terrifying.
The populace screams their heads out, as if it's somehow a good enough gospel song to not get stomped on.

Kersey crashes through buildings, and rubble collapses onto the streets, making it nearly impossible for any taxi to escape his thunderous stomping. He isn't able to regain his balance for a good while, and it doesn't seem like he will any time soon.

"Oh no no no! That can't go on! Civilians could get hurt!" You then add, "And we'll end up paying for the damages straight out of our pay checks!"

"...we still have those platinum cards," Aqua interjects dryly. "There's not much else to panic about.

Judging by the way she's quickly becoming so calm in this mess, you can only suppose that the incident of Crimson Hearths Warming was a heck of a lot worse. And you can only agree.

Kersey finally wises up and dumps his glasses into a nearby dump...which causes the dump to start burning...

Yeah Vanhoover is gonna stink for awhile.

Deciding to take advantage of Kersey's blindness, you decide to use...



Kersey's Comment



"Mix Up Smash!" ("Would you kindly MIX IT UP!"), but remember that you can only use it 3 times in this battle before the Power Glove shuts down completely.

You set the dials on the PG to "Electro Bolt" and "Insect Swarm" before declaring with an outstretched hoof, "Would you kindly BUZZ OFF!"

This causes a swarm of Twittermites to fly up to Kersey's face.

"GAH! GET OUT OF MY FACE YOU *ZAP*-"

Disoriented by the twittermites' electrical shock, you get a running start and declare "Psycho Crusher!" causing you to spin forward... and anticlimactically get stuck in the folds of Kersey's belly fat.

"SOMEBODY GET ME THE BUCK OUT OF HERE!" you yell muffled in the fat before Aqua uses a waterbending whip to pull you out.

When she does you hear Kersey shout in rage,

"AGAIN WITH THE BUCKING FACE!"

"Yes again with the bucking face! That's what you get for being blind, fat and dumb!"

"Screw you! I have an astigmatism!"

"Yeah, well that's your downfall. Can't beat us if you can't...see...us?" you trail off as Kersey rips the giant glasses off of a decomisioned giant mascot for EyeGlass Land in the dump.

He then proceeds to put those glasses on and look around.

"Eh, not quite right, but they'll do," he declares while looking at you. "And you ain't Fawn Cena, I CAN SEE YOU!" he says while throwing the rest of the mascot statue at you. You and Aqua dodge it and get out of the dump before it completely blazes over, as Kersey exits the dump, you think quickly and use



BrownDog's Comment



the Mangle Gear to launch yourself up, you strike at his face, but you accidentally fly into his gaping maw. Kersey, on instinct, tries to chew and swallow you.

“Ew, Ew, Ew, Eeeeewwwww!!!” you squeal as you dodge his teeth and tongue.

“Oh No! I am not going through that Hydra Situation again!” you yell as you run to the back of his throat and hit him in the dangly thing, causing him to cough, and open his mouth, to which you Psycho Crush through, taking one of his teeth in the process.

“OW!” he cries, as his pizza sized tooth strikes the ground, and you break a fire hydrant to clean off excess spit.

“You idiot!” he yells, “We don’t have a dental plan!”

“Yeah, well that’s the least of your worries!” you yell to him. “Seriously, how much garlic can one being eat?”

He roars and opens his mouth wide in the process, and Aqua takes the opportunity to take the water from the gushing hydrant and jet it into his mouth, causing a coughing fit. He yells angrily and breaks a water tower off of a nearby roof and throws it her.

She in turn stops his descent, using the water from it to launch the tower back, right into his nose.

“Oof! That does it you Last Spellbender reject!” he yells as he strikes a hole in the ground, causing Aqua to fall into the sewer system underneath.

“EW! EW! EEEWWWW!!!” she cries.

“Oh calm down, you weren’t the one in this buck’s mouth,” you yell out.

“STOP TALKING!!!” he roars and begins to quickly lumber after you more seriously, causing you to 

“EEP!” and make a run for it.

“Quit chasing me!”

“NO! I have to crush you scum. Your outfit is just a hodgepodge of randomness!” he yells smashing a cab, causing an explosion.

“Oh sure, coming from explodey Beigh wanabe here!” you shout as you shadow whip to a higher elevation.

“BEIGH IS A GENIUS! Or he was until a few days ago. Bucking Snap Drake and Brown Dog ruined EVERYTHING!!!” he yells as he actually lands a swipe on you, causing you to fall towards the ground, but in your anger at Beigh being called a genius, you shadow whip around his raised foreleg, and the momentum propels you towards his gut…which you just kind of bounce back from like a trampoline, doing no damage whatsoever.

“Gorramit!” you yell as you are propelled into a coffee shop.



GreyRebl's Comment



As you are propelled through the coffee shop, Kersey seems to go a little more nuts.

"Buck! Nooo!" roars the deep and ginormous voice of Kersey. "That was my favorite caffe! Their delicious coffee didn't deserve such a cruel fate!" He then pauses as you grab a terrified waiter and try to snap him out of his stupor. "Buck you, waiter! I never liked your bullspit customer service. Go to Tartarus!" He tries to stomp the both of you, but the Mangle Gear gets you out again. "Shoot! I missed!"

About a block away, Changer finally shows up and he witnesses something he never expected to see. A giant Kersey trying to stomp those annoying bounty hunters.
Changer's eyes twitch at this scene.

"Did that bucker gain even more weight!?" he says with a slack jaw. "I mean...what? Who? When? Why? HOW?!" he snarls in confusion as Kersey keeps trying to squish you.

Shaking his head, Changer says, "Buck it. Just more for me to hit." He then rushes up the nearest fire stairwell and onto the rooftops hopping from one to the other.

You and Aqua both get a grip on his hind legs, you with Shadow Whip, her with Water.

"Let me go! Don't shackle me like some filthy diamond dog!"

"Speciest!" you call out.

"And proud of it!" he declares.

Suddenly a cry of "KKKEEERRRSSSEEEYYY!!!" is heard and you all look to the nearest rooftop by Kersey's head. There you see that guy from Freddy Fazbears that tried to steal Kichi.



BrownDog's Comment



“Hey, Book guy! Buck off! This is our fight!”

“No it’s mine! You already took Kichi, Rutherford and Solarkness, but this fat buck is mine!”

“I’m sorry, who are you again?” Kersey asks.

“What?! Don’t you recognize me?” he yells

Kersey adjusts his replacement glasses and peers at him. “Nope,” Kersey says before trying to smash you again, ignoring him.

“What?! How could you forget me?! You called me Pony Spartan, the whole lot of you! You left me to die! Now I’m going to enact my vengeance upon…”

“Oh wait a minute, you’re that dumbass that died in the accident. Ha! That wiped the smile off most of those idiot’s faces. Especially that damn mutt,” Kersey laughs, the rolls of fat billowing as he does so.

“It’s almost hypnotic,” you say as you watch.

Changer seems a bit confused at Kersey’s statement, but grits his teeth in anger as he laughs.

“But yeah, why aren’t you still dead? Crawl out of Tartarus?”

“No, but I’ll send you there!” he yells as he sends out a blast of energy from one of his books…which just bounces of his fat.

“Whelp, time for more squashing!” Kersey yells as he breaks through your whips, and lifts his arm up and smash the building.

With him distracted, you freeze his tail the ground, causing him to groan in pain.

"AAAAAHHHHH!!! Not cool man!" he yells.

“Bad pun!" you yell then look up to the book guy, "And thanks for being a distraction Booky!” you call out to the blue pony, who grits his teeth and sends a spell at you, but you dodge.

“Yeah, well buck you too! After I finish with this big guy, you’re next! You're wanted too ya know?!"



Pony Spartan's Comment



Changer just snarls at you.

"I told you not to get in my way, but you didn't listen. Now whatever happens in on you! Because this is the perfect time to use my new technique!" he then pulls out his red book.

"Fully charged, good." He opens the book facing upwards and the pages turn magma red. He smirks as a long creature that's made of fire erupts from it and flies upward.
It's...

"A DRAGON?!" You yell out loud in shock.

The dragon made of fire swirls around Changer as he points towards Kersey.

The dragon snarls and rushes for the giant pony and strikes him in the chest.

"Ooh! Hot potatoes!" he cries holding his fat rolls, as he strikes back at the dragon, but it swirls above him.

You and Aqua just look up at this.

"What the buck! Now there's going to be more damage!" Aqua yells.

"But it is made of fire..."

"Not now CV!" she chastises.

As Kersey is circled by the fire dragon, Change yells.

"This is for all the insults, all the misery, and for leaving me to die you fat buck!"

"Buck off mouth breather!" Kersey retorts.

"Don't hope to beat this dragon. He's fully charged. You have no chance of-"

*BLAST*

Suddenly there is a blast of some kind from overhead which completely evaporates the dragon, which causes You, Aqua, Kersey, and even Changer to pause in your thoughts.

"...What in the..." Changer cries out in shock and disbelief before another blast strikes the the edge he's standing on, causing him to plummet and land on a taxi next to you.

"AAAAAAHHHH!!!" *CRASH*

"Ha ha! Buck you and your stupid dragon dead guy!" Kersey calls out. "Now why don't I squish you three and-*CRACK*

He is cut of as a loud sound of metal hitting flesh is heard, and Kersey spins around and stumbles towards You. He lands on his butt holding his snout.

"What in the Tartarus?" you say as you all look around in confusion.

Suddenly, you hear the sound of controlled fire, like the kind used in hot air balloons as a hulking figure does a superhero landing in front of all of you, cracking the ground.

You are very confused by what you're looking at. It looks like some sort of robotic bipedal thing. It stands about 9 ft tall, and looks very powerful, but yet it doesn't look uniform or complete. The creature then stands up and you see that it is a suit of some kind. Again, it doesn't look polished, but it is intimidating.

"So..." comes the metallic voice from the thing's helmet. "I guess I was wrong. This wasn't the work of the Offender..." whoever's in there sounds disappointed.

"What I do have is some sort fat flanked giant, an evil sorcery, and whoever the buck you two are!" he growls pointing one of his metallic claw like digits at you and Aqua.
You swear there's something familiar about the voice, but none of you say anything.

"But that's alright. I guess this prototype does need some field testing," he chuckles and pounds one metal fist into the other.

"Hey! Wait a second! These two Crimson Knights are our bounties! You can't just swoop in here!" you yell out.

It turns to look at you.

"Bounty Hunters huh? Never did like your kind. If you know what's good for you, you'll stand back or I'll have you brought up for obstruction of justice!" he booms.

"Obstruction of-You're a Guard?!" Changer calls out.

"If you are, you're sooo ripping off Roboguard!" Kersey adds.

"I am a guard, and you two swine are Cultists eh? Well then, this day just got a whole lot more interesting," it says in glee as it stalks towards Changer and Kersey, lights on the suit lighting up.

"Why haven't I gotten ahold of this tech?" Kersey mutters.

"How the buck did he destroy my dragon?" Changer mumbles from within the wrecked carriage.

"Questions, Questions, Questions. Maybe you should be asking, how badly am I going to be beaten, or, is today the day I die? The answer may surprise you," he says stomping towards them.

"No! Kersey is my kill! Nopony elses!" Changer yells and sends out a spell which the suit lights up like a jet pack an soars up hovering.

"Buck you maggot! I'm gonna squash everyone here!" Kersey yells trying to squash Changer, but he dodges.

The figure in the suit just starts chuckling.

"Oh this is going to be fun."

"Wh-Who the heck are you?" you ask as Kersey and Changer fight in the background.

The helmet flips up and you see an arrogant jerkish face you haven't seen in two years.

"I am Sergeant Strong Head, and by order of the crown, you are all going down!"

His helmet then flips and he flies forward, striking Kersey hard, causing Changer to run after them.

You stare slack jawed at this development, but Aqua shakes you hard.

"CV, no time to zone out! We still have to take those nutjobs down, and somehow get our cash!"

You realize she's right. But this is Strong Head we're talking about. The arrogant jerk you got demoted after the diamond dog incident. He doesn't play nice with others. And now he's got some sort of power suit.

"Great...just great. BUCK YOU MACHINES!!!"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Special Outro:

> Episode 42: Four Way Meele! The Crimson Vengence Vs. Kaiju Crimson Knight Leader Kersey Vs. Mecha Strong Head Vs Former Knight Changer (Cutting the Funds Part Finale)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


The three combatants are all blasted away from each other by one of the guard's weapons, and they all stare at one another. There is a tense silence as you stare down the giant Kersey, Strong Head and Charger. This silence goes on for awhile till you hear Strong Head chuckle arrogantly before he says while punching the mecha fist of one arm into the palm of the other arm,



Kersey's Comment

 

"Alright you overstuffed maggot, you know where that bucking Hooded Offender is, and I'm gonna get it, especially if I have to beat it out of ya!" 

Kersey snorts at Strong Head's threat before he says,

"First off, even if I knew where the Offender was I wouldn't tell some low life guard his location. Second off...BUCK YOU!!!"

With that said Kersey grabs Strong Head's mecha and violently throws it into an apartment building. Strong Head lifts himself up from the debris and arrogantly declares,

"That the best you can d-"

"Oh, now you said it," Kersey interrupts as various fuses light up around Strong Head.

"What the buc-" *KA-BOOM* Strong Head manages to say before being propelled through the air by the apartment exploding as Kersey exposits,

"You see, I booby-trapped THAT apartment to explode whenever somepony says any of those annoying cliches like "You won't get away with this." or "You Just Don't Get It, Do You?" or-"

"Hey tubby!" you snark-yell, "You just missed out on an awesome explosion during your exposition dump!"

"...DO'H!!" he yells with a massive facehoof.

"Alright you overgrown maggot! Since you obviously love food so much, CHOKE ON MY ROCKETS!"

On that command, the mecha's chest opens up revealing several tubes of rockets all getting ready to fire... only to pathetically sputter out and lamely fall to the ground a few inches in front of Strong Head's mech.

"Bah!" Strong Head grunts in annoyance, "I knew they should've put more work into the rock-" *KA-BOOM*

Suddenly the rockets explode and knock Strong Head's mecha back into a mirror store causing Kersey to chuckle.

"See? This is why you ALWAYS have to test the prototypes first. Now you have at least 7 years bad- *wham* OW!!!"

"You should be the one keeping your head in the game ya overgrown film addict!" Changer declares as he conjures a rock fist from his book to smash into Kersey's face.

"Ugh! You wasted a perfect opportunity to make some sort of rock pun! This is why you fail!" he roars at the sorcerer. 

Seeing that Strong Head is probably down for the count you turn towards Aqua and say,

"Come on! That's one less annoyance down! Let's take care of the other two before Strong Head regains his senses!"

Aqua nods at your suggestion and you're both about to charge at Kersey when suddenly half of the mirror store is thrown at Kersey and Changer! The store hits it's target as it hits Charger and then slams into Kersey, sending both ponies to the ground. You look over to whats left of the mirror store and see Strong Head with a smug chuckle as he says,

"Note to self, thank those scientist for adding on a shield function."

"Oh What the Buck is this Haylo Shield Armor Bullspit?!" you roar as the Mech launches forward toward Kersey and Changer.

"GRAGH! Now the jerk with the badge is still active because of that stupid machine!" you rant as your eye twitches. Turning your wrath to the sky you yell,



The Rutherford's Comment



"BUCK YOU MACHINES!!! I knew that machines were Evil! Evil, evil, evil!" Nightshade sticks her head out of the inventory with a raised eyebrow.

"Daddy! Mangle isn't evil! You're even still wearing her," she says as she points to the transformed robot around your waist.

Sighing, you take a breath and add, "With the exception of Mangle, EEEEEVVVVVIIIILLLLL! ...Better?"

"Yep!" she declares as she goes back into her room.

As you have your "Machines are Evil" breakdown, Strong Head decides to attack Kersey by ripping a pillar off of a building. This causes the building to collapse as you hear ponies scream in terror from inside and the sign "Town Hall" falls beside him.

"What are you doing Sargent? That was an official Government building! There's innocent ponies in there!" Aqua shouts.

"Why should I care?" He yells as he dives forth with his Pillar, swinging it into Kersey's gut as Changer ducks. "If these idiots had a shred of intelligence, they would have already left!" he yells, before a blast of magic from Changer launches him backward.

Outraged by his careless attitude, you use the RCV and yell, 

"You're a bucking Royal Guard! You are supposed to help the ponies, not hurt innocents!"

He turns his helmeted head to you and growls, "Don't tell me how to do my job you worthless piece of filth! I answer to Prince Blueblood himself, and I will stop any Hooded Offender or Crimson Knight threat by any means necessary! If anypony gets in the way, it is not my fault!" he yells as he blasts off, striking Changer in the back and sending him through a wall. Kersey laughs, before Strong Head uppercuts him.

While this conversation was going on, a few brave/stupid news reporters heard and recorded ,via magic crystals audio devices, everything going on.

"Buck this! Aqua we have to get those ponies out of there and get them to safety!"

"What about Kersey and the Book Guy? I don't want to lose that bounty to that guard!" she points out.

"Buck that bounty! If we don't do something, they're all going to kill innocent ponies, if they haven't already done so. Move!"

In a combined effort of you, Aqua, Nightshade (who is scared for the ponies trapped inside, so her earth bending is at an optimal level), and even Mangle get the ponies out of the collapsed building. Aqua and several bystanders start bringing the ponies to a safe spot where first responders are to care for the wounded. Luckily nopony was killed.

As you stop to take a breather, you watch the threeway fight. All three trying to kill the others.

"Bucking Morons..." you pant as you and Aqua rush back closer. 

How can I stop Kersey, Spartan/Changer, and Strong Head in his mech-suit? There has to be a way. Come one brain think of something...*ding* I know!

With a idea in mind you shout out to Strong Head and say,



Kichi's Comment



"Ok, Mr guard, what came first, the Scoota- *cough* chicken or the egg? How many ponies live in Manehattan minus the habitants in Ponyville, multiplied by the habitants of Canterlot? Who is Celestia, the white alicorn, the pink alicorn, or the black alicorn?"

"What?! The heck are you asking- *CRINK*" he is struck by a rock fist from Changer.

"Grah! Quit distracting or I'll bring you in too!" he yells as he blasts at Changer who dodges.

"Crud! So he's more stallion than machine still! Logic puzzles are useless!"

"If we want him out of the way, we'd need to get rid of the machine parts," Aqua surmises.

"Right! And machines hate water!"

"Okay, but I'd rather do it discreetly..."

"No worries!" you yell sticking your head into your bag. "We need to make it rain, sweetie can you do it?"

"Of course daddy" Nightshade replies. She then takes out her ocarina and plays the Song of Storms. Clouds mysteriously appear above you all and it starts to slightly drizzle...but it does absolutely nothing. The three fighters don't even seem to notice it.

"Well THAT didn't work! Anyling else got any suggestions?"

Insight the masses into rioting against the Royal Guard. Down with the Solar Crown!

How about no you crazy drugged flankhole? Those guards pay my salary!

This one won't, heh heh heh... Sombra chuckles. As he does, you don't really have any other ideas, so you facehoof.

"Oh for the love of...Attention Citizens!" you call out to those who have gathered around.

"Is that the type of behavior we expect from a guard? NO! Guards are supposed to protect us from the criminals and monsters!" you yell pointing towards the chaos of the three combatants.

"He's not looking out for the ponies he's trying to protect!"

The crowd, many of them from Town Hall nod and gain angry glares.

"Yeah, Buck That Guy!" comes some random yell.

"I mean, we Bounty Hunters had to save your guys's life, and we don't get paid for that!"

"Yeah! You guys are more guard material than him!" someling yells out in agreement.

"If the guards are not doing their job, they are like criminals themselves!" you shout.

Ponies get pumped up and yell out, 

"YEAH!!!"

"And also, he's in the way of me getting 20,000 Bits!" you rant.

"Yeah! Wait..." some in the audience double take, but it is interrupted by a yell of,

"Suck Brick Guy!" as Kersey uppercuts Strong Head with a piece of debris, which sends him flying, landing near your group.

"Oh you fat piece of,"

"GET HIM!!!" come the cries of all the ponies gathered as they swarm the suit.

"What are you-?! Stop it! This is obstruction of justice!" he yells out.

"You're just scum yourself! Down with Guards!" 

"YEAH! Now let the REAL heroes clean up here! The Bounty Hunters are our true protectors!"

"BOUNTY HUNTERS! BOUNTY HUNTERS!" they begin to chant as they start rioting around his suit, and even though he was aloof about innocents getting hurt, it seems even he's hesitant about striking them directly.

As you watch the Ponies rebel against Strong Head, you can't help but nervously chuckle and think,

Okaaaaayyy...Didn't mean to put myself on a pedestal and cause a mini revolution, but at least he's occupied...

Quite so, now lets focus on the here and now. Like how those two Knights are currently battling to the death a few blocks over. 

Your eyes widen at this fact as you see the two Knights are still fighting each other. Rushing towards them, you see Changer's back is facing you as he attacks Kersey and you get a brilliant idea. You take a deep breath before shouting towards Changer,

"FUS RO DAH!"

The shout hits it's target and sends Charger right into Kersey's eye. Kersey shouts in pain before ripping your improvised missile off his eye and looking at you enraged as he shouts,

"WHAT IS WITH YOU AND THE BUCKING EYE?!" he shouts.

While his attention is on you, Changer shakes his head, and while still in Kersey's hoof says



The Pony Spartan's Comment



"I was saving this if I ever encountered the Princesses or the Offender...but desperate times..." He lights up his horn and something on his shoulders start to form. "Calls for desperate measures!" The form has the color of his magic... and it's a skeleton arm of some kind. Kersey looks down in shock as the arm rushes forth and strikes him in the nose, causing him to drop Changer. Soon skeleton hands form on the tips of the arms and hang in the air without moving.

You look at the skeleton arms and whistle impressed. "That sure is Nito."

"Ahh!" Kersey yells. "What the buck are those things?!" Instead of answering, Changer just looks up at him and smirks.

"It's been a while since I used this in a fight. Now that those two Hunters have distracted that hunk of junk,  I'll try them out on you Kersey!" he yells out, and before Kersey can react, Changer runs up to him and with his agility, jumps up to his face and delivers a hard punch to his cheek.

"OOOF!" he cries as he is knocked backward, his head spinning.

While he's dazed Changer gets behind him. Using the skeleton arms, he grabs and pulls the giant's hind legs so he loses balance and falls on his face. 

"Oh Spartan You piece of-!"

"MY NAME'S NOT SPARTAN!!!" he yells as he teleports in front of Kersey's face and starts angrily slamming him with the skeleton arm things. You even hear a crunch.

"HEY! Try not to kill him dumbflank!" you yell as you rush closer.

He doesn't comment on what you said and instead yells, "Take! *Punch!* This! *Punch!* You fat! *Punch!* Bucking! *Punch!* Traitor! *Punch!* That left me to die!"

Kersey spits some blood from his lip over Changer, who stops for a second due to grossness.

"The buck you mean left you to die? You died! The heck were we supposed to do besides leave?!" Kersey growls.

"You could have checked a little harder!" Changer yells.

"We did! Well I didn't because I didn't give a buck, but the others did. Bucking weaklings. This is why I'm superior to them in every wa-*Punch*"

Changer slams his head into the ground, causing Kersey's eyes to flutter dazed for a moment, but before he strikes again, you call out, "Would You Kindly Buck Off?!" using Bucking Bronco on him, which causes him to lift up fast, hitting his head on an overhanging piece of debris, making his own head spin. 

"You two can kill each other all you want, but not before you go to jail!...Though I am digging the ghost arms, but still!" you yell.

You then get out some hoof cuffs and walk towards them as Kersey lifts his head to say something to you...only to get blasted in the face.

You look behind you and see Strong Head fly in and land in front of you, facing the Knights.

"OH COME ON!!!" you yell, looking back down a couple blocks and still seeing yelling angry ponies.

"Stupid Civvies! Note to self, charge all of them after disposing of these two freaks!" he growls and looks back at you and Aqua. "Now for the last time, STAY AWAY!!!" he yells before running forward and back kicking Kersey back into the street.

"Freaking stupid *Punch* AAAHHHH!!!" yell as you are struck by a Skeleton Hand through a wall.

"CV! Whoah!" Aqua cries as she dodges one of them.

"I'd have to agree with the Tin Idiot! Stay Away!" he yells out hitting you two again.

He wields a strong magic Bugze...

I noticed! 

You dodge another punch of his, and Aqua is able to water lasso him and throw him out of the debris, towards Kersey and Strong Head.

Growling, he looks back from you to the giant and the mech, Strong Head is currently slamming Kersey's giant head against the remains of the Swish Bank, as you realize you're back where it all started.

"Quit hitting yourself, Quit Hitting Yourself!" Strong mocks as he slams his head all the way through the thick walls, causing Kersey to slump with his eyes spinning.

"Did someone get the number on that cart...?" he says in a stupor.

"In fact I did. It was your mother!" Strong Head mocks before raising his gauntlets and lighting them up.

"Now say goodnight Fatty, *SLAM*" Strong Head is struck by a skeleton hand into the bank.

"Alright..." Changer examines himself with a dazed Kersey in front of him. "I think I'm pretty warmed up." He then turns to you. "Don't you dare touch him while I'm taking on that stupid guard!" he yells as he jumps up at the emerging Mech, dodging it's attack.

Both of them fumble around in midair as you and Aqua look at this ridiculous scene and turn to each other.
"Sheesh, Book Guy sure is full of himself huh? Or Overconfident..."

You look at him as he slams the skeleton hands into the metal fists, both striking each other rapidly while the sorcerer dodges. "He... looks smart... I guess? But we'll see what happens. We are back in the deserted ground zero."

"Yeah, but that also brings our situation back to square one. This roboguard is just in the way!" Aqua huffs.

While you both focus on that, Kersey finally shakes the dizziness, and sees the mech and sorcerer battling. Gritting his teeth he reaches into the remains of the bank...



Kersey's Comment



And grabs the exposed vault in a massive hoof. He tears it out of the ground, and proceeds to smash Strong Head into the ground with a heavy overhead swing of the giant safe directly on top of the mecha. 

"Goodnight Fatty!" he says.

Changer's eyes widen as he looks up at the giant and yells.

"WHY WON'T YOU STAY DOWN!!!"

"Why won't you shut your bucking face?!"

Charger grits his teeth and uses his agility to launch at Kersey...but Kersey quickly notices that smash has loosened the vault hinges so he quickly dumps the vault over the spellcaster causing him to be buried in an pile of Bits and jewels pinning him under the pile.

"You've Just Been Scrooged...SEE?! That's how you do a one liner!"

A blast from strong head strikes Kersey who throws the rest of the vault at him, while Changer's skeleton hands start pushing everything away, revealing red welts, bruises, and a few cuts from the massive money glomp. He gets back up only for Kersey grab one of his legs and throw him at the Mech.

As the remains of the bank get even more damaged and turned to rubble, you realize that they all seem to be slowing down. Even the suit has damage spots and sparks randomly.

You then come up with a great plan. Turning to Aqua you say,



BrownDog's Comment




Vesperion Seraph's Comment



“Okay, here’s what we can do. We can let them all tire each other out, and when they’re all weakened, we’ll beat them all down.

“All of them? But that guy in the suit is a guard,” Aqua says.

“Well yeah, but he is a jerk, he'd deserve it.”

“Dude, even if he is a jerk, if we fight him, we’ll be charged with assaulting a guard. No license is going to change that,” she says.

“But, he, I…” you mumble.

“Look, I agree the stupid flankhole has to be taken out of the way, but it can’t be us doing it, otherwise we’re going to jail too.”

“Ah Crud! I didn't even think of that!" you yell as you Falcon Punch a piece of Rubble in front of you...which flies causes bits of rubble to strike Kersey, allowing the Mech to strike him.

*DING*

"I got it! We’ll just have to “Accidentally” hurt him then,” you declare.

“How do we do that?”

“Like this, BOOK GUY!” you yell running up behind the blue pony who is panting.

He angrily turns around and says, “My name is Cha-“

“FALCON PUNCH!!!” you yell sucker punching the sorcery as he goes flying into the back of Strong Head.”

“Ugh!” he fumbles as he is knocked into one of Kersey’s punches.

“Oh, attacking me from behind huh?!” the guard angrily shouts as he catches himself in midair, staring at the dazed Changer on the ground.  ”Two can play at that game!” he declares as Strong Head dive bombs at Changer who throws up some of skeleton arms to punch back. 

You then charge up your Shadow Whip with some dark magic fire, and you strike it out against the back of Kersey's head.

"OW! That Bucking Burns!" he yells out as he pitches forward.

"Wait, was that Dark Magic?! That's ille-AAAHHH!" Strong Head starts before yelling as Kersey fumbles forward causing his belly fat to land on both Changer and Strong Head.

"AH SICK!!!" Strong yells.

"I never wanted to see this part of you up close!" Changer screams.

As both Changer and Strong Head punch and lift Kersey up and off them, you look to Aqua and say.

“Like that, make those morons “accidentally” hit him with our attacks."

“I think I could do that,” Aqua says as she Water Whips Changer from the side, causing him to stumble into Strong Head, and with both of their attacks faltering, Kersey lands back on them.

“Oh Come On!” shouts Changer.

“Get this fat tub of lard off me!” Strong Head yells.

“Quit…*Pant* Calling *Pant* Me *Pant* FAT!!!” Kersey yells under his belly.

You and Aqua then go between two light poles behind Kersey who's flanks are hanging outside, and you wrap your shadow whip around them.

“Aqua! Grab that Newspaper Vendor,” you command.

She puts the hunk of metal in the middle of your whip and begins to pull back with her own.

Carefully aiming you yell,

“Release!!!” she does so and the Vendor goes sailing…right into Kersey’s nards.

“EEEEEEE!!!” he cries as he starts rolling in pain, grinding the other two underneath him further into the ground. You hear their muffled yells.

“ENOUGH OF THIS!!!” you hear below Kersey. Suddenly you both hear a rumbling as 20 feet from his squirming form, Strong Head pops out of the ground, covered in dirt.

“You Lardo! The only pony I want grinding on me is Countess Coloratura!!!” he yells as a light charges on the front of his metal claws.

Suddenly, a beam of energy shoots out, striking Kersey in the side, and blasts him skidding down the street in pain with smoke coming off of him.

You sniff the air.

“Anyone else smell haybacon?”

From the hole Charger comes out looking peeved as he sees Strong Head laying into Kersey who struggles to get up.

“Stop IT!” he yells as he sends out a blast of earth magic at the suit, it knocks him out of the sky, but he does a superhero landing and stares at Changer.

Changer, taking the opportunity, then jumps on Kersey and with his bone arms, begins scratching at Kersey’s chest.

“Ow! Ow!” Kersey yells as blood is drawn. “NOT THE PEPPERONIS!” he yells as he sucks in air, and blows at Changer who digs his claws in and holds on as his legs flail. He almost doesn’t hang on though as he begins gagging.

“Does your diet consist entirely on garlic?!!!”

“It grows on trees! It’s not like it’s gonna kill me!” Kersey yells.

“No, that’s what I’ll be doing!” Changer yells. One of his boney claws reaches up for a slam, but suddenly it is grabbed by Strong Head, whose gauntlets begin to glow, causing it to shrink.

“Wh-what?! You can’t…”

“I've seen the Tails before, these bones are nothing! And If anypony’s gonna be killing anypony, it’s gonna be me!” Strong Head quips before he picks Changer up by his hind leg and begins beating Kersey in the face with him like a weapon.

“Would you kindly giddyup!” you yell a little ways down the road, causing the Bucking Bronco to lift Kersey’s big head up fast, which strikes into both the sorcerer and the metal knight, giving all three a nasty hit.

This hit causes Strong Head’s rocket boosters to start sputtering out.

“Aw crud, come on, come on!” he says as he tries to stay aloft with one boot, allowing Kersey to get ahold of him.

“Gotcha! Now it’s your turn! Get over here Spartan!” Kersey yells as he keeps whacking at Changer who puts up a shield.

Strong Head gets out by burning the last of his fuel in his rocket boot to burn Kersey’s hoof, causing him to drop right onto Changer.

"OW! Enough with the fire already!"

Struggling for dominance, the mech and sorcerer's blasts launch them into Kersey’s gut and all three go stumbling backward, knocking a fire hydrant out.

“Aqua! Water Fist!” you yell.

“Huh?” she asks.

You facehoof. “Make a giant fist with that water and punch all three of them while they’re in Kersey’s gut.

“OH, Right,” she says as she manipulates the water, making a clawed fist, before sending it crashing into Kersey, Changer, and “accidentally” Strong Head.

This causes them to go skidding down the street once more, going through the empty movie theatre.

After the strike, they all begin coughing up water, even Strong Head has to open his helmet for a second to drain the water.

“Ugh! Seals aren’t perfect, add that to the list Tech Boys,” he growls before pointing one of his gauntlets at the sputtering Kersey and Changer, only for it to spark.

“Oh come on!” he declares as he looks at the malfunctioning gauntlet. “Ugh, it’s like this whole thing wasn’t even ready yet…oh wait,” he realizes.

Strong then looks over and sees the still panting Kersey as Changer gets off of him with sinister look in his eye.



The Pony Spartan's Comment




Brown Dog's Comment



Changer uses his magic hands to crack his neck.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Strong Head asks.

"About to take the little colt from his toy and make him cry." Changer says as he really let loose with his power. Strong Head growls and lights up his one of the only weapons still working on the prototype.

"Eat Anti-Magic Freak! Your dragon sure loved it!" he yells blasting at the pony, but he keeps dodging the blasts.

"Stop moving!"

After Changer dodges another one he notices that the a panel on the suit torso jitters and sparks a bit from damage.

"There!" He yells, and pulls out his red and blue books, making a large flame and ice sword which his magic arms now hold. He jumps up to the suit and stabs at the center.

"No!" Strong Head roars as he blasts the antimagic weapon, partially destroying the sword, but not before it breaks off bits of the torso, and damages the weapon. "ARG!" He picks up Changer and holds him up to his face. "Don't you DARE! I won't allow you to break this suit! It's what will finally put an end to that monstrosity!" he yells and head butts the sorcerer. Though dazed, this gives him a chance to latch onto the helmet and try to pry it off with his helmet, partially succeeding.

"Hiding behind a suit of armor, how pathetic for a guard!" Changer growls.

"How pathetic for you for not wearing armor!" he yells, jumping forward into Kersey's gut, winding him again.

In such close courters, the two of them keep slugging it out in front of a dazed and slumped Kersey.

Both firing their arsenal and beating each other relentlessly, they collapse the building on themselves.

After the collapse, you and Aqua run forth to the scene.

"Well...they're wanted dead or alive right?" Aqua says as you both look over the rubble.

"I guess...wait, look," you point out a bunch of rubble shifting.

From it, you see the Book guy emerge, with cuts all over his body, and limping with what looks like a broken leg as he pants and looks around. He sees you two.

“Alright, that takes care of that... now it’s time for you two to…” *WHACK* he starts before an iron gauntlet comes unexpectedly from the side, hitting him in the head and knocking him out cold. You see more rubble shift around the fist, and you see the dented and damaged suit.

"Puny Knight," he declares before picking up the limp Changer, slamming him into the ground a few times, hearing more snaps and cracks as he hits the ground.

"Oh Jeez!" you declare at the brutality.

Strong Head then spins his arm holding Changer's leg around and around. An elbow rocket helps pick up the speed as the spinning pony becomes a blur and launches Changer's limp form high off into the air till he's nothing but a spark in the sky.

Both you and Aqua get shocked faces at what just happened, as you examine the Guard more as his arm stops spinning.

The suit itself appears to be sparking and twitching as lights turn on and off, and you even see pieces of Strong Head exposed. He appears to be panting as he looks around.

“I…I did it! I won! WOOOO!” he declares as you and Aqua groan that you won’t be able to get your bounties now. One of them's buried, and the other one's probably dead and out of the city. While you self pity, Strong Head continues to jeer.

“Oh just you wait Offender, the next on the list is you! Nothing is gonna stop me no-“ when all of a sudden a massive hoof reaches out of the rubble and grabs him.

Kersey looks beaten and bruised and is covered in dust, but he slams Strong Head over and over again against the ground.

“Worst, Cliché, EVER! You never celebrate until you know your enemy is defeated!”

With that said he throws Strong Head down the street, causing him to smash on and off the concrete for a good while till he eventually slides to a stop. He's missing more pieces then before but the mecha is still in use. He slowly stands up and, with a grunt of pain, begins to move the mecha slowly towards Kersey, however as he does...  



 The Mechanic's Comment 



The helmet falls off from all the abuse, sparking.

"Don't...need it..." he mumbles as he continues walking, before the chest piece starts blinking red.

"OH! HOT HOT HOT!!! he yells as he detaches the upper chest piece and throws it to the side.

"It's alright, I still got my legs covered, I'll just..." only for the walking legs to start shorting out, making him unable to move.

"Oh for...Grugh!" he detaches the legs and slumps forward, having to lift his his gauntlets and walk like a normal pony...until those too fall off with no anchor points. All he has left on him, is one metal fist attached to his hoof.

He looks to the sparking fist and then up to the Giant Pony who just raises an eyebrow and says, 

"You can't be serious..."

As Strong Head looks up at the hulking form of Kersey he starts to chuckle nervously as he says,

"Hehehehehe....you wouldn't mind letting me go if I didn't arrest you right?"

Kersey puts on a thinking face before saying,

"Hmmmm....nah!"

Kersey then kicks Strong Head and sends him straight backwards into a wall, scattering all his pieces of suit pieces to the wind, and knocking him out cold. Kersey then chuckles. "Alright, so robo reject is down, and Spartan looked dead again sooo..." he trails off and sets his sights onto you and Aqua as he says,

"And then there were two pests. Prepare TO BE NOTHING BUT STAINS ON THE GROUND!"

With that Kersey...



 Lord Sergal's Comment



attempts a horizontal swipe to take you and Aqua out at once, but you dodge upwards at the last possible second and land on his hoof.

Wait... Wasn't his hoof moving past me? How did I land on it?

You look around to see that everything is moving in slow motion. And purple, for some reason.

Huh, it appears you have entered 'glitch time': a state of being where the universe can't decide whether you were hit or not, so it lags a bit.

Your video game instincts kick in at this explanation and you run up the giants arm and falcon kick him in one of his cracked teeth. It doesn't shatter or anything, but you know how much that hurts.

"Ow, you little buck!" Kersey shouts as time returns to normal, swinging his whole face to headbutt you away and sending you smashing into a carriage.
Kersey stares down at you menacingly as he prepares to perform another belly flop,

"Well this has been a distraction, but I got a triple-feature that starts in 30 minutes so I'm gonna wipe you and your friend off the face of Equestria with MY ALMIGHTY GUT!"
Your and Aqua's eyes widen at that and you decide to act fast as you declare,





Kersey's Comment



"Would you kindly BUZZ OFF!" causing a swarm of bees to come out of the Power Glove and start stinging Kersey in the eye.

"OH, NO! NOT THE BEES! NOT THE BEES! AAAAAHHHHH! OH, THEY'RE IN MY EYES! MY EYES! AAAAHHHHH! AAAAAGGHHH!"Kersey screams as he lumbers around in pain.


"All right, time to Mix-It-Up one more time!" you declare causing the 2 dials to reappear on the Power Glove, "Aqua, Fastball special!"

"What?" Aqua says confused.

"You know, that awesome team throw that Colossi does with Honey Badger!"

"Still lost," she says.

"Oh for- Whip me around you as fast as you can then throw me at him!" you say in exasperation as you set the dials to "Electro Bolt" and "Winter Blast".

Aqua is still confused by this, but complies anyway as she conjures a long water whip, grabs you, and starts spinning as fast as she can. 

"Finishing move!" you say as Aqua starts reaching the top speed of her spinning,

"Would you kindly-"

Aqua then releases the water whip sending you zooming through the air at top speed,

"Eat my!" 

You pull your Power Gloved hoof back.

"MODIFIED FALCON MISSILE!!!" 

Your hoof rapidly becomes encoated in an electrified layer of super-dense ice that shatters as your hoof smashes into Kersey's gut as the shattered ice releases a massive electrical shock that electrocutes Kersey causing his magical buildup to backfire, sending him falling into his apartment building.

As you land, you stare at Kersey as it looks like he's trying to get up.

You both prepare for another battle...until...

"BLLLLAAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!"

The force of the impact to his gut finally forces Kersey to vomit all over Strong Head's unconcious body and mecha pieces as the fat excuse of a pony begins to shrink. The continuous stream of puke forces the potion out of his system, along with what surely used to be hayburgers, pasta, eggs, garlic, mushrooms, chips, and cheesecake, until he is back to his original tubby size (and that's not saying much).

Hiding your disgust and vowing to clean your clothes thoroughly when you're done you walk over to the downed Kersey and lift him up while saying,

"Alright fatty, it's been fun, but you've been beat."

"Ggggllluuuggghhhh..." he moans as his eyes roll around.

"I'll just take that as confirmation. Now, talk. Where's the rest of your group?"

"Iiii...don't care..." he says as he head still swims.

"The buck you don't care, you took out all the fund for yourself, and keep bad mouthing them. You care alright, enough to hate them anyway. Now tell me! There's five names left! Brown Dog, Erised, Grey Rebl, MindsEye, and Snap Drake, where are they?!"

He just continues blubbering, on the verge of passing out. You hear Guards barking orders, slowly getting closer as they finally arrive.

"Hurry it up CV," Aqua says.

"I'm trying!" you yelp as you smack the fat flank in the face, focusing him a bit.

"Tell me! You hate them, so you've nothing to hide!"

His drooping eyes focus on you and he smirks. He pulls out an envelope and hands it to you.

"Hope you all die fighting each other and rot in tartarus you...feeble...mouth breathers..." he trails off before passing out.

You look at the envelope and quickly hide it in your inventory before the Guards see it. You then pull out the Changeling Messenger and drop her next to Kersey.

"Hey! You two! Don't move!" comes the voice of a guard. You look to Aqua and say,



BrownDog's Comment



“Whelp, we better lie, cheat, and steal before it’s too late," before both of you put your hooves up as some guards walk over.

Outside the City

Two Travelling Wagons are perched along a hill overlooking the city...and it does not look pretty. Quite a few destroyed buildings, smoke plumes scattered everywhere, and lots of Guards and Civilians wandering about.

Along with all the shocked Hippie Ponies, A Diamond Dog and Pony in cloaks watch with mouths open.

"Holy crap. I don't think we'll be getting a Kersey check anytime soon, the Heat's too high down there," says Snap Drake.

"You can say that again, I mean, what the heck happened down there? Kaiju attack?" comments Brown Dog.

"Unlikely bro, we're nowhere near Neighpon..." says one of the Hippie ponies.

"Oh yeah...still, do you think we can still hitch a ride with you guys? That town seems a bit too hectic right now," asks Brown Dog.

"Yeah, no problem dude. We love having you two guys here. Besides, we'll move on anyway. City Mayhem is bad for business," says a mare in bell-bottom jeans.

"Yeah...plus the Guards might not like the other stuff you guys are holding," Snap Drake points back towards the brownies.

"That too," nods the mare.

Loading up, the two Knights hop in one of the wagons as the head away from the city.

"Just great, and here I was hoping for some cold hard cash. You think these guys will make a circuit to where Erised and Grey are holed up?" Brown Dog asks.

"Who knows, we're going all over. Besides, why would we go to them? They're kind of buzzkills," Snap points out.

"True, but I don't know man, it's like we haven't seen a Knight buddy in such a long time. It's not like they're going to come to us."

*SLAM*

Suddenly, something crashes through the tarp roof of the cart and lands into the stack of extra bean bag chairs, causing the wagon to shake about for a bit.

"WHOAH DUDE...The world's trying to throw our groove off..." says one of the hippies pulling the cart, but he keeps moving, not even stopping.

Snap Drake and Brown Dog look over to the bean bag chairs and gasp in surprise.

"Spartan?!" they both declare.

The unconscious and injured Changer doesn't answer them because, he's unconscious obviously. They then look to each other.

"I thought he was dead!"

"So did I!"

"Is he now?"

"I don't know!"

They then both poke him, causing him to moan in his sleep.

"Holy Balls!" 

"It is him!"

"He's come back to us!"

"This is the BEST, POSSIBLE, THING!!!" 

They freak out a bit over having their supposed dead buddy back before they then look over his injuries.

"Yo Flax Seed, we need the med kit!"

"Right on man..." the hippie replies.

Back in the City: A Few Hours Later

After initial questioning, and showing your licenses, you were able to tell the local guards about what happened.

You gave a list of all the items bought with Kersey's money, and you gave the cops the proof of his Crimson Knight status. Upon seeing the messenger, the Guards were even more inclined to believe you.

"Freaking Changelings. These Knight nutjobs are just asking for trouble employing them," the chief guard mutters.

"I know...they're everywhere it seems like... *cough*"

The chief nods before saying, "Well your story appears to check out. We have several eyewitnesses to the battle. You saved many lives today you two. I'm just glad ponies of your integrity were on the scene. Especially when this flankhole was involved," he points over his shoulder at the injured Strong Head, who is in shackles and being put into a Paddy Wagon.

"NO! You don't understand! I have authority! I HAVE AUTHORITY!!! Ask for Blueblood! He'll back me up!"

"The only authority you'll be talking to is Shining Armor himself once word gets to him," growls another guard, causing Strong Head to pale.

He then looks over at you and Aqua.

"Well bring them in too! I saw that masked red guy using dark magic, I swear he- *Klonk* " he is cut off as ponies in the crowd throw garbage at him.

"Get out of here Mr. No Time for Innocents!" someling in the crowd yells.

"You're making a mistake!" he replies before he is shoved in and the door closed.

The chief shakes his head in shame before he says,

"Poor excuse for a guard. Certainly shouldn't have this type of weaponry."

The other CSI groups are loading up the pieces of the suit, although as scattered as it is, it'll probably take them forever to find it all.

"Yeah, well Aqua and I did what we could sir, just make sure that idiot gets what's coming to him," you say.

"Right you are son. And what about the reports of the third combatant?"

"Well, he was unconscious and got thrown up in the air and didn't come down, so your guess is as good as mine."

"Hopefully he's alive. I mean, the guy's a jerk, but I hope he ain't dead...he's worth more alive..." Aqua adds.

He nods at this.

Afterwards, you and Aqua are given a slip for 20,000 Bits for Kersey and his Messenger, and for saving the civilians. Your reputation as the Crimson Vengeance has spread to this town, and the guards and civilians give you and Aqua a standing ovation as you walk through the streets.

While you do you whisper to Aqua, "We've got to go, now! Shining's coming, and along with him the Princesses."

Aqua nods, and avoiding the train station, you both walk out of Vanhoover. You'll cash your checks somewhere else later.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing the guards are starting to respect us, otherwise we might have had to stay and talk with the Royalty," Aqua says.

"Yeah...it's weird. One part of me is wanted and hated by them, and yet as CV, I'm chummy with them."

"That's what you get for having so many identities," Aqua points out.

"Hey Daddy, can I have Mangle back now? You're still wearing her," Nightshade says popping out of the Inventory.

You look down, and see she's right.

"You heard her, get off me."

The Fox transforms back into her normal plush form and as she jumps into Nightshade's arms you say,

"And Mangle...Thanks."

The robot chirps happily at you and she and Nightshade go back into their room.

Chuckling, Aqua asks you, "So, do we know who our next target is?"

You remember the envelope and pull it out, reading it's contents before smirking.

"Yes we do..."

You continue walking not finishing the sentence.

"And?" she asks.

"Huh?"

"You just said yes we do, and you didn't elaborate."

"I did?"

"Um yeah," she answers exasperated. 

Yes, you've started doing that often after a mission. It seems you finish the sentence much later when we've started the next one.

"Oh...Right. Well, our next target is..."

"Why are you pausing? You're doing it agai-"

2 WEEKS LATER

POV CHANGE: SHINING ARMOR

You are Prince Captain Shining Armor. Husband of Princess Cadance, Co-Ruler of The Crystal Empire, and Head of the Royal Equestrian Army. You've had a rough 3 years starting from when that succubus nearly ruined your wedding. Ever since then, you've had to deal with one crisis after another, and almost all of them have that infernal changeling The Hooded Offender at the center of it, or Bugze as your wife continues to refer to him as.

Whether directly, or through proximity, this bug has given you problems. Case in point, Today's headache. Two Weeks ago, Sargent Strong Head, the hot headed candidate of Blueblood, your forced partner in this program, took an early prototype with untested weapons (even though the project is still a year out) into the city of Vanhoover over an unfounded rumor of The Offender. After a cataclysmic battle, a Crimson Knight leader and a changeling were detained, but details after that are sketchy. There were reports of a giant, a sorcerer, and a fearsome looking Bounty Hunter that fits the description of an individual your second in command Flash Sentry ran into. Whatever the case, severe property damage was inflicted, and pieces of the advanced suit were destroyed, and some were never recovered. On top of that, apparently Strong Head's own callous attitude led to much damage, and risk of civilian life.

You sigh at this, 

I can't believe bounty hunters are being looked up to over the nation's own guard...all because of you...

Shaking your head you open your eyes and see the Unicorn Strong Head sitting in a chair below you. Beside him sits Prince Blueblood, just as arrogant as ever. Sitting beside you is Flash Sentry your own candidate for the Exo Program, and to your left is Princess Celestia herself, giving her own disapproving look to the two seated below. You are all in a low lit room somewhere Classified.

Not wanting to delay the inevitable in a long line of headaches you say,

"The Disciplinary Hearing of Sargent Strong Head will now commence."

You then look him straight the eye, and he can't quite meet your glare.

"Now then, do you care to tell me what the Tartarus happened in Vanhoover?!"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 43: The Disciplinary Hearing Of Strong Head And Prince Blueblood! 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As you'er about to begin the "trial" you pause as you suddenly get a weird feeling as you think,

Strange, it feels like there are 186 ponies are watching me and are deciding how I will go about this situation.

Shaking off the strange feeling you look down at Strong Head and Bluebal-blood and say,  



The Rutherford's Comment



"The Disciplinary Hearing of Sargent Strong Head will now commence. Now then, do you care to tell me what the Tartarus happened in Vanhoover?!"

The bruised stallion looks up at you, gulps and simply says, "Well, Prince Blueblood told me that the Hooded Offender attacked him and ordered me to bring him to justice...sir."

"It's true! He attacked me for no reason! And then he had to audacity to take Saph-"

Celestia cuts him off with glare that turns both him and Strong Head's blood to ice.

"Blueblood! You will be silent unless spoken to by either myself or Captain Armor. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes Auntie," he says defeated, although you see him glancing at his watch nervously as he fidgets. 

"Good. Proceed Sergent," the Solar Princess says plainly.

"Y-yes Your Highness. Well as you know, I met with the Prince in the city, and while waiting for any reports on Offender activity, chaos happened. We both thought that it was the Offender, so I was dispatched. Instead of finding him though, there was a giant fat earth pony with glasses wrecking up the place. And if that wasn't enough, there was this giant magical dragon spell or something being projected by a blue unicorn with magical tomes. I saw the destruction they were waging and I wasted no time. I used the special anti-magic cannon to remove the dragon and attack the two criminals who turned out to be Crimson Knights. It was then that I saw two pathetic bounty hunters complaining about how the two Crimson Knights were their bounty. I told them to scram and not impede justice, but they wouldn't listen so I-"

"OK. Stop there Sargent. I know how that fight proceeded after you got there," you interrupt.

"Y-you do? How? What did you hear?" he fidgets.

Your glare becomes harsh as you say, "There were many witnesses and reporters there, some with recorders. Everything you said and did, we have seen."
His face takes on a nervous look as you relay this information.

"Do you realize how many problems you have caused the Royal Guard as a whole? Vanhoover is now in a state of unrest, the locals, including the local law enforcement do not trust us. The police were even hesitant to give ME the evidence to look over. Princess Celestia herself had to step in and personally promise that we would handle the ponies responsible!" you growl, before closing your eyes, taking a few moments to calm yourself down. You then look back to the shrinking pathetic excuse for a guard and continue your berating a more level voice.

"Do you realize the charges you face? Between you and Prince Blueblood, you stole a Top Secret battle-suit prototype that was not ready for field testing, resulting in not only a few million bits worth of damage to it, and the loss of several key components, but you also made it known to the public and, therefore, the world at large. There is also the problem of you willingly endangering the public by collapsing the Town Hall with ponies inside, and then insulting them when one of those Bounty Hunters called you out on it," you say with a sneer, before continuing.
"Which brings us to another problem. As I said before, the citizens of Vanhoover no longer trust the Royal Guard. I saw several mercenaries now working along side the police force, being paid by the police because they feel that having more Guards there will result in civilians getting hurt or extorted. And they only feel that way because of YOUR actions!"

"B-but they were powerful criminals! I had to go all out to-"

"What's more is the way you talked about the civilians, which was recorded! You insulted bystanders who were hiding in the town hall, which was built as a shelter for attacks I might add, After you went and demolished it. You were then recorded saying you would kill the Knights in a gleeful manner. What happened to the guard's oath of Lethal Force Only When Necessary?!"

"I-I-I-" he fumbles, but you don't let him finish his thought.

"Well I guess it didn't occur to you over the Knight you had beaten. It's reported that you beat this sorcerer within an inch of his life, if you did not kill him all together, and sent him flying off to Tartarus knows where! We're supposed to be setting an image of protection Sargent, not slaughter! We are better than that!" you then sigh as you rub the scar over your stomach. Flash and Celestia give you a worried look, but you just shake your head and look back down at him.

"Do you remember those idealists in the paper theorizing that perhaps the Changelings should have a public trial? Well now there are those wondering whether the Knight leaders themselves should have one, just to prove they're all still alive. And that's all because of you. What's next? Princess Luna on stand for her actions as Nightmare Moon? Discord being released to plead his case? Ridiculous notions like that are a powder keg of chaos Sargent, just waiting to go off. Nopony can control that."

He lowers his head at the shaming. Out of the corner of you eye though, you see Princess Celestia get a thoughtful look upon her face. You think you hear her whisper

"Control Chaos...hmm..." but you continue on.

"And then there's the matter of the two bounty hunters. This Crimson Vengeance and his Partner Aqua's fame has only increased due to your actions. Many of the local police chapters in several cities speak of them since they are responsible for the capture of the changeling, the timber-wolf, wyvern members of the Crimson Knights. Now they have this giant under their belts after they made him revert to normal size. Your treatment of them, along with both yours, and their subsequent actions has propelled their notoriety."

"But that bounty hunter was using dark magic! The suit identified the fire he was using as such!" Strong Head suddenly speaks up with pleading eyes.

"We have a few problems with that claim. First off, you are the only one pointing blame at the bounty hunter for using dark magic. Nopony else claims to have seen him do anything like that. Secondly, even if he did, the suit HUD recorder was knocked off line after you demolished the Town Hall, So anything you supposedly saw or heard after that fact cannot verified. Thirdly, the mechanical sensors are still not fully functional or accurate. The scientists have reported to me that something as simple as a levitation spell can be misidentified as dangerous or dark, so it is not a reliable sensor. And lastly, if anypony was using dark magic, it would have likely been the work of the Knight with the books that you brutalized. We heard about how he suddenly sprouted shadowy skeleton claws that were able to strike the giant down, luckily the gauntlets were able to nullify that power."

"Y-yeah they were, I went to town on that arrogant little..." he begins a little haughtily. 

"That was not a compliment to you Sargent, rather to the tech boys that developed this gear," you clench your teeth, causing him to lose the gleam in his eyes.

"And that Sargent, is the very, very long list of verified claims against you. Not to mention your several other discipline charges in the past such as your demotion after the Ponyville Diamond Dog fiasco," you say bluntly as Flash gives his own sneer.

You see Strong look up at this and give a tiny glare at Flash, before looking back down.

"Now," you continue, "with these charges presented, is their anything you'd like to say?"

As you take a moment to breathe after that very, very long list of crimes, Strong Head has nothing to say to rebuke any of the claims, he just continues to hold his head in defeat. 

Alright good, now we can end this and get back to important wor... you then notice Blueblood raising to hoof. You can't help but think in dread, Oh sweet Celestia please don't let...er...yourself notice his hoof. For the love of you don-



BrownDog's Comment



“Yes Blueblood? If you have something to say, you may now speak.”

Celstia dang you!

“Th-thank you auntie, he says a he glances at his watch and nervously stands up. "Look, I know things got bad back there, but the Sargent here was only following my orders.”

“That still doesn’t excuse him for his reckless behavior Blueblood,” you sneer.

“Y-y-yes…of course not. But really, he was facing two extraordinary foes. Surely the same damage would have been done had The Offender showed up?”

“That’s neither here, nor there. He DIDN’T show up. In fact, other than your claim during that Sapphire Shores publicity stunt, there’s no proof.”

“But it WAS him. I saw the eyes! My bodyguards were whipped unconscious and I was thrown through a floor just because that little brat was crying and wouldn’t get out of my way and…”

“What were you doing to the crying child?” you interrupt.

He pales at this.

“I mean, what crying child…I didn’t say anything about…”

“Can it Blueblood! If you were being a jerk to a child, I’d say anypony would try to beat you down. I know I would. ”

“Alright, forget the child, the fact is, I Swear it was him! You all didn’t come to my requests, and I hadn’t heard anything from you Auntie! I made a decision! I wanted The Offender to be brought down!”

“Well your decision cost quite a pretty penny Blueblood,” you remark.

“Oh come now, the money recovered from the Knight’s fund was given back to the city enough to repair the damage tenfold.”

“That still doesn’t excuse…”

“And another thing, I know Sergeant Strong is brash and reckless, but that’s why I chose him. He’s willing to fight with all he’s got. Even as the suit broke and he was in his bare coat, he kept going. He is still my candidate, and I will continue to support him. I’ll contribute to helping the repair fund or whatever else, but I still want him in the program.”

You sigh and facehoof and think,

Heck of a time for Blueblood to give a rat's behind about anypony. Guess he likes those that are just as rash and big headed as himself. 


“Alright Blueblood, let’s get one thing straight here. He’s still getting punished for his actions, but we will take into account your share of the fault in this matter. And another thing, after today, I don’t want any more flak for Lt. Sentry,” you say pointing to Flash.

Flash looks and flashes (pun intended) you a quick smile, before returning his glare to Strong Head and Blueblood.

“You fought tooth and hoof to try to get him disbarred due to his…outbursts, but after today, no more. Your candidate has done far worse.”

“I-I-But…”

“End your smear campaign Blueblood, and perhaps this might reflect a tad more favorably on your candidate’s judgement.”

Blueblood looks defeated at that, and gives a sad look to Strong Head who seems equally displeased.

With another sigh at their foal-like behavior you say,

"Very well then, with that out of the way, we will adjourn to discuss judgement and...

 "HOLD IT!"     



SnapeDrake's Comment



You, Flash, Celestia, Blueblood and Strong Head all jump and look back at the shout as the courtroom door is blasted open.  In walks a tan earth pony with blue suit and a really spikey mane. "Hold the judgement, your honor! There is critical information missing from this case!" 

You give pause, before asking, "We haven't discussed it yet...And just who in Tartarus are you supposed to be? This is a classified location!"

Blueblood gives a smug grin as the pony sits down. "Why, he's only Sirin Wright, the greatest defense attorney in Equestria."

"That's right," Wright replies. "And I'm about to blow this whole case wide open," he says as he stands next to Blueblood and Strong Head.

"Wait, wait, wait," you interrupt. "This isn't a trial, this is a Top Secret National Security Hearing. Nopony is supposed to know about this place Blueblood! How'd he even get in here?"

"Well I gave him my access pass to get in," he explains.

"That's only supposed to be for..." you start before sighing, "You know what, to heck with it, he's already here. You'll be debriefed later Mr. Wright."

"Thank you your honor," the lawyer says.

Blueblood then looks to spikey haired stallion and asks,  "Why didn't you show up earlier?"

Wright adopts a nervous grin and Puts a foreleg behind his head. "Well, uh, my last case involved bringing in a parrot for witness and the dry cleaner apparently takes a long time to get feathers out of a suit, plus this place isn't technically on a map... But regardless-" he slams both of his hooves on the bench with a loud bang- "I assure you the judge will have to deliver a Not Guilty verdict by the end of this case!"

"Is that so?" Celestia speaks up. "Mr. Wright, are you saying that you can submit evidence proving that Strong Head is not guilty of his alleged crimes?"

With a grin, Wright thrusts out his foreleg and yells,

 "TAKE THAT!"  

Clutched in his hoof is a letter with a royal seal still attached. For whatever reason, Celestia's eyes shoot wide in shock and Flash and you flinch away from the evidence.

"Ahem," Wright calls as he opens the letter and begins to read. "Urgent! Come to Vanhoover Immediately Auntie! The Hooded Offender Really Is Here!" He pauses a moment, before turning to Blueblood. "You know that you didn't have to start every word with a capital letter in order to convey urgency, right? And there should be a comma after 'Immediately.'"

"Shut up and do your job," Blueblood hisses.

You recover a little and say, "Well, how does that change anything?"

"It changes a very specific thing, your honor," Wright says. "The Narrative. Look at the date on this letter. It was sent long before the actual fight. That means Blueblood knew that the Hooded Offender was in town when the Crimson Knight leader first started the attack. Strong Head wasn't sent out so he could abuse a stolen suit of armor. He was just a brave guard using what he had on him to respond to a possible Hooded Offender attack."

"Yes, we already know that part. That doesn't change the fact that Strong Head helped cause extensive property damage and set the Exosuit program back by years," you point out.

"Be that as it may, the presence of the Hooded Offender changes everything. I think we all remember his nightmareish showing at the Grand Galloping Gala. His alliance with the Chaos Spirit Discord. His devastating attacks on Fillydelphia and the Crystal Empire. The fanatical terrorists he's inspired. Everypony knows that if the Hooded Offender shows up, the best chance for survival is to run away and hide. Strong Head was doing the opposite- responding to an attack so that he could hold off the Offender long enough for ponies to get away. That he encountered a different threat means nothing, as he responded in the same way."

"Objection!" you cry. "If you'll remember, there were multiple occasions during the battle when Strong Head actively endangered citizens, chose to fight rather than defend them, and even openly insulted them. How can you claim that he had the citizens' best interests at heart? 

 "HOLD IT!" Wright screams, causing everyone to flinch back. "You're forgetting the Offender again, my good General. As Blueblood has explained, we know for sure that the Offender was in the area, and, as we know, the Offender is a well-known practitioner of mind-controlling magic. Who's to say he didn't subtly influence Strong Head to focus more on the fight, to the point where he couldn't be held accountable for his actions, in order to cripple a program designed to hunt and exterminate him?"

"Subtle? The Offender?" you scoff.

"Subtle enough that its been months since he last appeared. Even with the entire nation on the lookout." Sirin Wright slammed his hooves down on the bench. "I rest my case."

"Would you stop hitting the table?" Flash interjects. "We get your points, you don't need to punctuate them like that. And besides, you're forgetting the fact that Blueblood stole the untested suit in the first place."

"Also the fact that, 'We Know For Sure The Offender was there' nonsense"

"Come again? Wright says with sweat coming off his forehead."

"There's no proof other than your client's word that he was even there, and this is the same stallion who claimed the Element of Generosity was poisoning him with cake. Sapphire Shore's publicity stunt with the so called "Offender" has skyrocketed her album sales, which is precisely what she wanted."

"Hold it! Why would my client willingly be thrown through a stage as a publicity stunt?"

"He wouldn't. Apparently someone found it distasteful that he was harassing a crying child with 8 security guards," you declare.

Wright gives a sigh, and then a guilty grin. "Well, look, I'm a lawyer, not a miracle worker. Can't save my clients from their own stupidity."

"Hey!" Blueblood interrupts. "What the buck? You're my lawyer, defend me!"

"Technically, I'm Strong Head's lawyer," Wright responds. "If you want me to be your lawyer as well, I'll get out the contract and we can discuss pricing."

Blueblood narrows his eyes. "Do you think I'm going to pay some scammer who insults me?"

Wright just grins in reply. "Do you really want to try to get away with not paying a lawyer?" Blueblood pales at this, backing off. Wright gives a sharp laugh. "Thought so. You know where to send the check." 

The lawyer then walks out of the doors he came in from, not looking back.

You give a sigh. "Flash, please alert the guards in the hall to detain the lawyer. He still needs to be questioned over barging into a classified area."

Flash nods and flies out the doors, returning less than 10 seconds later with a nod.

"Alright, after that entirely pointless interruption, let's get back to what I was saying before," you say as you rub at a migraine forming.



The Rutherford's Comment



"The Princess and I shall discuss your sentence now. We will be back soon. Don't leave Sargent. That's and order, that goes for you too Blueblood," you warn.

You, Flash Sentry, and Princess Celestia then walk into a chamber, where Luna sits at a round table.

You see her glance at you, before sharply looking away.

Sigh, I've never been able to figure her out. She absconded from the vote for the program in the first place, but still insists on witnessing matters like this, but not directly. It's like she's going out of her way to be neutral on everything. Also, why does she keep looking away from me like that, my scar's not that bad, you think as you and the others sit at the table.

"Sister, why is your niece...or rather OUR niece not here for this discussion?"

"Cadance wants nothing to do with this program Luna. She has expressed her personal objections again and again, and I will not force her into this."

Luna nods then asks, "So sister, what do you think of this predicament? The Sargent was in the wrong, but what if his words have some merit? He seemed certain that this bounty hunter was wielding dark magic."

"I know what you mean. Shining Armor, your thoughts?"

You sigh for like the hundredth time today and say "I honestly do not believe much he has to say. As I told him in the hearing, I have received no reports to back up his claim from anypony who would talk with me, and the equipment is not reliable." You then look to the orange pegasus beside you, and luckily the angry voices don't beset you. "Flash, you fought along side this bounty hunter and his partner in Applewood correct?"

"Yes Sir, although I seriously doubt that CV would be using Dark Magic. It sounds more like it was the work of the Crimson Knight Sorcerer if anything."

"CV?" Celestia asks.

Flash chuckles and says, "Yeah, you know, short for Crimson Vengeance? He said all his best friends call him that..." you and the two alicorns smirk at his dorky behavior before he coughs into hoof and continues, "Anyway, yeah, I never saw either him nor Aqua using dark magic. They are very skilled and tough fighters though."

You nod at this, "They'd have to be after taking down so many Knights. Still it's maddening trying to figure out how he keeps finding them so quickly..."

"I think he may have gotten the location of Kersey from the wyvern and timberwolf Knights we fought together sir."

"What makes you say that?" Luna asks.

"Well, I was helping the one known as Aqua to get defeathered...read the report it makes sense in context. Anyway, while I helped her, He was alone with them for at least 5 minutes. When we came back in, he had a pep to his step and the two Knights said they can't wait to see their old "Friend" again, before he knocked them out. They may have revealed his location, but for what purpose, I don't know."

"So this bounty hunter is in it for the bits then? Just looking for the next big bounty, and getting the next location from his targets?" Celestia inquires.

"I'm not so sure your highness. It seemed personal for him. I know that he has a personal vendetta against Changelings for what they did to his brother and niece, maybe he hunts the Knights too for employing them?" he guesses.

This peaks your interest, "Flash, I don't remember reading that fact in your report. Did you catch their names? It might help us in learning this bounty hunter's true names.

"I didn't put it on the report? Oh, well yeah, I know their names it's Baaaaaa..." he suddenly seizes up as a look of horror comes over his face.

"Lt. Sentry?" Celestia asks in concern.

"Um...sorry everypony, but I can't reveal that information."

"What? Come on Flash, quit kidding around, tell us."

"N-no I can't sir. I really can't."

"What insubbordination is this? We are your diarchs and this striking stallion is your superior officer, you will answer-"

"I MADE A PINKIE PROMISE!!!" he shouts.

You and the Princesses eyes shrink at that declaration.

"Sorry, but I promised in her name that I wouldn't tell anypony."

You and the princesses look at each other and nod.

"Well that's understanding," Celestia says.

"Quite true," Luna adds.

"Sorry Flash, didn't know it was that serious."

"Thank you all, I mean I already have enough murderous voices after me, I don't want to have hers. Besides, if I were to break that promise, I would also lose CV's trust and friendship..."

"FOREVER!!!" Pinkie shouts as her head pops out of Celestia's mane before retreating, leaving you all slack jawed.

"Did...did she just..." a flabbergasted Luna stammers

"Don't question it Luna...we don't need that headache."

"Too late," you say as your rub your head again while Flash shudders.

Celestia sighs and says "Let's ignore the bounty hunter for now and get back to the point of the matter. Sargent Strong Head. He has racked quite a few crimes against himself, and this not being the first set of charges he has had before. Captain Armor, as a military mind, What do you suggest?"

"Well, he was not the one responsible for taking the Exo-suit prototype, that falls onto Prince Blueblood, but he willingly used it without proper authorization, causing damage to both the suit and to the city, and revealing a suit built for war that the public was not supposed to know about until the time was right. Luckily no one knows exactly where the suit came from, but still. Then there is the danger he placed the local population in, hurting quite a few in the process of taking down the Crimson Knights. He has all but ruined the Royal Guard's image to the city's populace and to many others around Equestria. The other problem is that he brutally attacked the Crimson Knight sorcerer and likely killed this Spartan/Changer when he was already beaten."

You take a breath then say,

"If this were a normal situation I would have him stripped of his rank, and place him in a prison for at least 10 years. And that would be letting him off very lightly your Highness." You then look to her and reluctantly say, "Unfortunately, this isn't a normal situation. We can't sentence him to prison without revealing exactly what his crimes were, and we can't reveal the Exxo Program so flagrantly. We can't let anymore information leak out lest the program be cancelled."

The princesses seem to mull this over before they nod their heads before Princess Celestia says,

"You are correct in that regard. And as much as a pain as my nephew is, his funding is critical and we still need to keep him in check."

"I agree, and as much as I hate to admit it, this arrogant moron IS a fierce fighter, and he did handle the equipment well. He needs to be taken down a peg and have a swift kick in the butt for what he's done, but he is an asset, and Blueblood won't let him go so easily. I will say this though, he is not getting away scott free, and he doesn't deserve to be in any leadership role."

"You won't hear any argument from me. Thankfully we still have options when it comes to candidates," Celestia says as she looks over to Flash.



SnapDrakeGames Comment



"Lt. Flash Sentry, despite your recent negative press over your...outbursts, your role in helping capture the Knights Rutherford and Solarkness have helped improve your image. Are you still willing to accept a role in this program even after all the set backs and controversy?"

"It would be an honer, your majesty," Flash says, with a quick salute. 

"Even knowing the hardships and public backlash you'll face?"

"I'll just have to prove them wrong, your majesty," Flash grins. For a moment his confidence wavers. "Err... somehow. But I'll get it done!"  

"There's no other stallion who I'd be willing to trust with the job, your highness," you reply. Flash beams  at this, then quickly hides his appreciation, hoping nopony saw it.

"Please, Armor, we're both royals now. You can call me Celestia. As for you, Flash Sentry, congratulations, you are officially inducted into the program as it stands now."

"Thank you ma'am."

"And as such, you may express your opinion on Strong Head."

"He is a self serving, arrogant piece of subequine garbage your majesty," he replies quickly causing Luna to snicker, "But the Captain is right. We don't need any more coverage on the Exxo program till it's ready, and he is an asset, so whatever his punishment, it must be secretive, appropriate, and a bit humiliating for him if I may say so."

She and Celstia nod at this then look back to you.

"Captain, what is your decision?"

Back in the Room

Sitting before Blueblood and Strong Head again, you pass judgement.

"Strong Head, we have decided on your punishment. You shall be stripped from your rank and put on "probation" for the next year."

You see his face start to light up at this, before you continue.

"For your 'Probation' You are not aloud to leave Canterlot unless told to by me or the princesses, or your superior officer, or if a emergency of code red or higher happens. Furthermore, you will report to your superior, Lt. Sentry every day."

Strong Head's face falls at this while Flash Smirks.

"As of right now, you are neither military, nor civilian and will have neither the rights afforded to their status. You are in limbo. At the end of a year, your behavior will be judged, and you will either retain the right of Private, or Dishonorably Discharged. It's up to Lt. Sentry's word."

"Wait, what about me?" Blueblood interupts. "He's my candidate, don't I at least get to speak with..."

"And as for you Blueblood, your sentence is to pay the hospital bills of those that were injured, including your own bodyguards. Furthermore, you will pay reparations to the family of the Filly you harassed. You will no longer be smearing Lt. Sentry's name and none of this conversation will be made known to the public. Also according to your aunt, you are grounded for the next 6 months, the details of which are up to her to."

"B-but I..."

"Sentencing has been passed. This hearing is adjourned."

*Bang Bang Bang* 

SOMETIME LATER



BrownDog's Comment




Kersey's Comment




SnapDrakeGames Comment



You sit with Flash in your office in canterlot, both of you with a bottle of Apple Family Hard Cider in your hooves.

"Drink up Flash. I've all but made your former asshat of a boss your slave for a year," you chuckle.

"Thank you sir. I can't tell you how much he's going to hate it. He'll wish he could go to jail."

"Very good Flash...very good," you taper off as you look at the list of Knight Leaders on your desk with four names crossed off.

"Sir, is everything OK?"

“Not particularly. We've had four leaders, plus several subordinates brought in so far...but these Knights clam up and won’t reveal anything. They’ve taken credit for several events, but it appears the majority of them act separately from one another. How has that Bounty Hunter gotten them to rat out their peers, but not us?”

“Perhaps it’s like the opinion in Vanhoover. Perhaps these criminals respect Bounty Hunters over guards?” Flash adds.

You give out a sigh.

"Who knows...I mean, they're all so random, but this is the one thing they're similar on. At least this Kersey has an excuse being comatose and all.

"Still after two weeks?" Flash asks.

"Yeah, The doctors say that is more due to whatever experimental formula he took than the beating. They're flabbergasted about it too. There was a researcher who dabbled in such things, but he's been in an insane asylum for 20 years, so we have no idea where it came from."

"I see. Is he being held with the rest?"

"Well once he was stable they transferred him to his own little cell. Apparently he's not very popular."

When Kersey Was Wheeled To His Cell

Kersey's hospital bed is wheeled to a special cell where medical equipment is hooked up. The other Knights watch from their cells and upon seeing him begin laughing. 

"Thank Goodness!" they all laugh out in happiness.

"I was really worried he'd be awake," the Timberwolf says with a toothy smile.

"I know right? Thank goodness for small pleasures," comes the voice of the Wyvern. "Think he'll be like this for awhile?"

"I really hope so!" Kichi declares. "I never like thaaaaa...Whoah! Who's that?!" he declares as the Changeling Messenger is walked past.

She is then put into a cell across from Silver.

"Oh Come on! You're gonna put the female next to that turd?!"

"Shut up and show the lady respect Kichi! Hi I'm Silver Strange," comes the other changeling down the hall.

"H-hello..." the messenger greets from her cell.

"What's the matter, you jelly?" Rutherford taunts.

"Yes I am Jelly!"

Back In Your Office

“Either way Flash, we’re nowhere near to figuring out this problem, and two random ponies who's real names we don't know are solving a national crisis. Heck, they’re bringing them in so fast, we’ll probably eventually need better accommodations for our Knight friends." You then take a drink to calm yourself.

“Don’t worry sir. There’s five names left on that list Cadance got. I’m sure we’ll find at least one of them," Flash adds.

“Ha, if we’re lucky. If only these names came with a description for crying out loud, I mean look at these names. Mindseye, Grey Rebl Brown...”

POV CHANGE: BUGZE (AKA YOU)

"...Dog and Snap Drake, you had better freaking be here!" You say as you finally, FINALLY stand in front of the hippie commune that produces Goops and Stuff

It's been two weeks since you all left Vanhoover, and in that time, you've been travelling from town to town, looking to see if anyling knew where the heck this place was. 

"I mean, this is just bad business practice! I know they have traveling wagons and stuff, but it shouldn't take you this long to find the distributor!" you snarl.

"Calm down CV, you're upsetting the locals," Aqua says as she points to three ponies sitting under a porch with red eyes with goofy looks on their faces.

"How can you even tell?"

"Daddy, what's that weird smell coming off of them?" asks Nightshade as she holds her nose closed.

"Something you should Just Say No to sweetheart. Just, Say, No..."

Oh you're one to talk with how we're sedating the caged beast

That's different! I need the drugs and you know it!

I know, I just like poking fun at your hypocrisy, she giggles.

"Anyway," you say getting back on track, "these knights had better be here. Being flat broke out here in the middle of nowhere isn't going to get you far."

"Well there is a simple way to find out rather than just angrily ranting," Aqua says as she rolls her eyes and walks into the building with Goops and Stuff tacked on the top.

Inside, you see a green mare with red dreadlocks sitting behind the counter with a chill look on her face.

"Hello, and welcome to Goops and Stuff travelers. The Universe sends it's good tidings to you."

"Uh-huh," you say rolling your eyes, "Listen, I ain't got time for the dope talk, are you the one in charge here?"

"Whoah man, no need to harsh the mellow. No, I just work here, Wheat Grass and Flax Seed own this place, along with the wellness center. My name is Tree Hugger," she says with a spacey voice.

"I see..." Aqua says. "Well have you or anyone seen two guys in dark hooded cloaks named Brown Dog and Snap Drake or been asked for a big shipment of money?"

"I don't think so...I'm sure big money would make waves...And there's no need to wear cloaks out here, just let mother nature touch you all over."

"You're toasted aren't you?" you say bluntly.

"A little bit, but yeah like...you'd have to like ask Flax and Wheat if they've heard anything, when they get back from the travelling shop that is."

"And when will that be?" you ask.

"Dude, like...shouldn't be too much longer. Tomorrow maybe? They've been gone like...three and half weeks I think..."

"Ugh, I gotta spend a day waiting surrounded by hippies?!" you say as you look around the commune and see bongo drums, tie dyed shirts, and a plenty of haze and brownies.

"Why me?" you moan.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 44: Exploring The Hippie Camp!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


Looking around at all the hippie ponies, you realize there's no good in just randomly yelling. Besides, maybe one of these dazed freaks actually knows something. You turn to Tree Hugger behind the counter and say.

"Alright, we'll question them when they come back, do you mind if we ask around the commune?"

"It's a free world man...like, there's no such thing as private property. Our land is your land..."

"Uh-huh, I'm not gonna argue why that's stupid and just move on,"

"Right on man," she says with a smile.

Rolling your eyes you exit the little shop and into the commune proper.

"Alright, let's see if any of these nuts have any info."


"I don't know CV, it's already the evening, shouldn't we find a place to rest and ask questions tomorrow?" Aqua suggests.

"NO! We've been walking for two weeks while these guys have played bongo drums, we do this now," you snap.

"But the moon's already coming up..." she whines.

"Well that just means we have more light," you say as you walk to a hut that all the hippies seem to be walking towards. The sign above the door reads, Information.



Kichi's Comment



As you walk inside, followed begrudgingly by Aqua and a chipper Nightshade, you find that it is covered in a smoke so thick it might as well be mist.

"What the heck? I thought this was the information hut," you exclaim to the source of the smoke, a bunch of ponies around a fire pit in the center of the room.

"This is the information room man...you mind can awake to all kinds of stuff..." says one of them giggling.

"Daddy... It smells funny around here" comments Nightshade.

"Uh-Oh!" you cry as you see her wobbling.


"Nightshade honey, maybe it's best if you wait outside the door, you know, to alert us if you see them" you say as you push her out of the fumes.

"But why daddy? Everything's funny" Nightshade giggles as she looks up at the sky.

"Err...." you begin before 

"Oh wow, look at all the Pink Elephants on Parade!" she shrieks pointing up to the empty sky.

"Okay... Now I'm beginning to get worried..." says Aqua as Nightshade continues to giggle.

Why did you allow her into that room?! Selena growls.

I didn't know it was half baked central!


"What's that pink elephants? You come from the moon?...No...that's not right..." she says contemplatively as her pupils widen. "Mom did...I came from she who came from the moon...The moon is mine...it's all so clear now!" she says as he horn begins to glow.

"Umm, Honey, do you need some water or..."

Suddenly the ground begins to Quake.

As you try to regain your balance, Nightshade just giggles and says.

"Thank you Pink Elephants, my destiny is nigh..."

"What are you...?" you begin as you look up at the sky and your jaw drops. Aqua follows your vision and she follows suit.

MEANWHILE IN CANTERLOT

"Ummm... Lulu, why is the moon coming towards Equis at an alarming rate of speed?" Celestia asks in worry, staring out her window.

"It's not me, I swear! It could just be orbital wobble," Luna says as she lights up her horn halting the moon.

"Well aren't you going to put it back into place?" asks Celestia.

"I'm trying, but it won't budge! It's as if somepony has hijacked my moon!" Luna says as she grits her teeth. Suddenly, the opposing force is gone and Luna lets out a sigh of relief as she places the moon back into it's normal orbit.

"Well thank goodness for that," sighs Celestia before turning to her sister. "Do you know how this could happen?"

"I'm not sure. Unicorns have not moved the moon since we took rule...I am honestly at a loss for how this occurred," Luna pants.

"*Gasp*MaybewhathappenedwasthatNightmareMoon,aftershemanagedtoenterthe bodyofastupidandunluckychangeling,somehowhadadaughterwithhimforvengeanceonlytocometolovebothofthem,butnotbeforethechangelingbecamethenumberonevillainandherointhelandtryingtofindothervillainsonlytoaccidentallygetdosedwithvisiondrugs,causingthedaughtertowantthemoonforherself?" comes a rapid fire bubbly voice.

Luna and Celestia look at the Pink Pony who wasn't there a second ago as the two guards in the doorway rub their eyes trying to understand how she appeared.

"Pinkie...When did you get here?" asks a confused Celestia.

"Yes, and what in the world did you just say? You spoke to fast to understand," asks the flabbergasted Luna.

"Oh, I'm just here for cutaway comedic nonsensical purposes, don't think about it." she says not answering their questions at all.

"Ummm"

"Here, have some cupcakes, I gotta go be random elsewhere, Bye!" she yells as she hands them each a cupcake and sprints through a secret passageway that also wasn't there before.

Both sisters sit their flabbergasted.

"Did that happen?" asks Luna.

"Don't question it Luna" Celestia sighs.

"But... How... why... Since when is there a secret passage in there?" 

"I said not to question it! For all we know she was the one pulling on the moon."

Back With You When the Moon Was Still Being Pulled

"Whoah, gnarly light show man..." says a hippie spectator. There are quite a few looking up at the moon in awe.

"Umm, Nightshade, pretty please stop trying to destroy all life on the planet!" you beg as she continually giggles, pulling the moon down till it suddenly stops.

"Awwww, No fair. I want it more..." she moans and continues to try and tug it down.

HOW?! How can she be this strong?!

I truly do not know. I never knew her powers went to THIS extent! This must be the result of Lu...Her Blood...

The Moon is beautiful...it's destruction cleansing and fantastic...Sombra druggedly contemplates.

"Gragh! Nightshade, put the moon back or you're grounded again!"

"Awww, but I just want to put it into my inventory..." she groans.

Dang it! She's dead set. If only there was something we could distract her with...

Just then, from out of the smokey hut comes a familiar red teenaged dragon, his eyes equally red.

"Aha! At last I have found you my nemesis! I have spoke to the world and the world has spoken back!" Garble says with a goofy grin.

Nightshade's horn stops glowing, causing the moon to go back to where it once was as she looks over to Garble.

"Oh! A giant Spike with wings! But not nearly as cute or charming," she giggles. The blazed dragon begins giggling himself.

"That's right nemesis! My mind has been opened, and I have seen things! I will beat you! One day I WILL get Crackle back! I knows it!"

"Yay! Let's go play" Nightshade shouts as she lunges forth, tackling him to the ground before punching him in the nards!

"AAAAAHHHH!!! The visions have lied!" he yells in pain as Nightshade keeps kicking him up and down the road and giggling.

"...Well that works I guess," you say as you watch the spectacle.

Aqua, who has been in shock since the moon think, whips her head to you and asks,

"OK, CV, HOW IN THE BUCK DID SHE JUST DO THAT MOON STUFF?!"

"I...actually don't know. It's the first time she's done it."

"But-I...How do you have an alicorn kid that can do that? Did you knock up Princess Luna or something?!" she asks flabbergasted.

"W-what?! No, of course not! I think I would've remembered something like that," you say with a blush.

And if that whorse ever did try, she would regret it! Selena snarls.

"But...she..."

"Aqua, this is one of those things where you just don't question it OK? Your mind will thank you for it."

Aqua gives you a unsure look before sighing and saying,

"Alright, if you say so..."

"AH! My leg isn't supposed to bend that way!" comes Garble's pained voice

"Not with that attitude it isn't!" Nightshade giggles.

"Alright, now to take your mind off of that world shattering event, why don't you just watch Shade kick that dragon's flanks while I go back in and investigate?"

She looks at you with a raised eyebrow.
"Okay, but what about you? Will you be fine in there?"

You ponder this for a second before you say,

"Nah, trust me when I say I've been drugged enough times to be immune to the effect."

Yeah, that'll work. Better then saying I have a mare in my head pushing the drugs from my system into a tyrannical king to keep him in la la land and off my back.

The truth is sometimes stranger than fiction

And la la land is under my rule now. I have usurped it's colorful power...the drug fiend exposits.

"If you say so," Aqua says as she turns around to watch the fight, a group of hippies joining her.

"Usually I'm against violence, but this is awesome," says a ponytail sporting stallion.

With that said you enter and continue to explore the rest of the building. As you explore you notice...



Kersey's Comment



A stallion with a sewing machine making colorful quilts. The thing about the quilts is that they have patterns of cutie marks on them. Some of them pretty familiar to you. Raising an eyebrow, you walk over to him and his pile and take a look.

You see a few of Celestia and Luna, but then you start seeing the marks of all the Deadly 6. Each quilt corresponding to their colors as well.

"Huh, pretty good work you got here," you tell him.

"Thanks bro. I make these for the market. The Elements sure make a groovy penny."

You then notice how there are several more yellow quilts with butterflies on them than the rest.

Seeing the yellow quilt does it's purpose and reminds you of Fluttershy, and then you feel kind of sad. It's been a few months, and the last time she saw you, you ate Sombrero alive. You sigh at this, because unlike Cadance, you don't have a direct connection with which to apologize to her. Or the rest for that matter.

If I ever see her and them again, it's going to be an awkward apology.

To get your thoughts off this, you ask the stallion,

"So why are there so many Fluttershy's compared to the rest?"

"Oh, well she's Kindness you know? She's my top seller. And who doesn't like Butterflies? Besides, she's kind of my muse ever since I saw her in that Celestia's Secret issue."

"I know right? There were only limited copies, but I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one before-NO BAD BUG!!!" you yell as you stop that conversation before it begins.

"I know right? It was pretty sick. It's almost as sick as the super rare limited edition of Spitfire's shoot that I got at Rainbow Falls," he gloats.

"No freaking way! That exists?! How much did you pay fo-NO BUG! STOP IT!" you yell as you tear yourself away from the stallion and walk through the rest of the hut.

Cut it out Bugze, you got a job to do. No imagining Fluttershy and Spitfire in lingerie, no imagining them together on a bed with linge-STOP IT!

Really? Are you really having those immature thoughts now?

...I plead the Fifth! ....What's the Fifth?

Shaking off that weird thought and ignoring Selena's comeback you continue looking around the building.

And, aside from a lot of them "Opening Their Minds," there isn't much you can gather, except that everyling seems to be having a great time.

"Ugh, is there anyling that can give me any useful information in here?" you groan.

"Well, it is dinner time now man, you can, like...join us," says a mare as she walks past you and out the door.

Looking around at all the shuffling ponies, you shrug and join their exodus from the Information hut.

LATER AT DINNER

After meeting back up with a much more down to earth and clear headed Nightshade, who apparently hit Garble so hard she sent him flying off into the distance, the three of you head off to eat dinner. Thanks to the hospitality of the hippies, or the fact that they're too high to care, you all get to eat free. However....   



BrownDog's Comment




Kersey's Comment



The 'dinner,' if you can even call it that, is just plain reprehensible and disgusting. The "Burrito" is just a leaf of lettuce, with more leaves rolled inside, and the "Pizza" is nothing but Lettuce with a cut tomato on top. Nightshade especially takes it badly.

“HOW CAN YOU EAT THIS GARBAGE?!!! WHERE'S THE REAL PIZZA?! WHERE'S MY ARTERY CLOGGING GOODNESS?! WHERE’S ALL THE DESERT?!!!” she shrieks at the top of her lungs.

“Calm down little missy, sugar and oils are like really bad for you and…” Tree Hugger tries to explain, only to get Nightshade’s plate of “Food” thrown right in her face.

“CHOKE ON MY HATRED!!!” she roars as she runs across the different picnic tables, kicking everyling’s plate into the dirt.

"Not cool bro...not cool," Tree Hugger groans.

The rest of the hippies all give you a glare and you just chuckle and rub the back of your head as you think,

Well...I guess all those anti-hippie lessons Grandbuggy taught me somehow became genetic.

I would argue that genetics don't work like that...but seeing as how she nearly pulled down the moon not too long ago...

"I WILL SPREAD OIL ALL OVER YOUR CROPS FOR YOUR SINS!!!"

Yeahhhh...

Speaking of Grandbuggy's lessons, you can't help but have a flashback to one of his very first ones...

FLASHBACK

"Now *&^%#$, I know I already told you about 'slapping-hippies-until-they-get-a-haircut-and-a-real-job', but that only applies to the stallions. Hippie MARES are another more sensual creature entirely. Don't even need a disguise thanks to that whole 'free love' thing they spout. Heck, I remember one time I banged 5 at once, and let me tell you the things these mares coul-"

"LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!" you yell covering your ears.

FLASHBACK OVER

Need for brain bleach aside, you think with a shudder, At least I know if I get caught they won't rat me out...Unfortunately if I get caught they might be into me...

While you were having a flashback, it seems a shaggy looking pony with a brown Great Dane managed to calm down your daughter. The Great Dane, however, looks like its about to faint from the non-stop petting from her.

You hear a mechanical humph emerge from your inventory as you turn and see Mangle crossing her arms and glaring at the scene. Rolling your eyes, you turn back as Hippies pick up their plates of food off the ground.

You aren’t sure…but you swear you hear Nightshade talking to the dog and getting answered back…

“Oh great, I’m getting a proximity high!”

No you’re not. If you were, I’d be siphoning it as usually.

“Oh right…but still…”

After the dog escapes from Nightshade's grasp in a cartoony manner, she comes back to the table and chuckles nervously at the glaring Mangle, who gives her the cold shoulder.

It's then that Tree Hugger walks back up to your group.

"So, like, we really think the filly could use some chill. You should totally come join us at the bonfire," she says as you notice the others piling wood in a pile.

To this, you have one question.

"Will there be bongo drums?"

"Of course dude, we'll be playing all night and..."

"Aqua, Shade, we're going camping. Thanks for the dinner!" you shriek as you pick up Nightshade and run as far as you can from the drums.

As you three look back from the outskirts of the commune, Aqua harumphs and asks,

"We've been roughing it for two weeks, that had places to stay there. Probably even some beds."

"Yeah, but I am NOT going to be listening to bongos all night. Besides, it's a nice clear night, we can camp again."

Rolling their eyes, but accepting your reasoning, Aqua and Nightshade set up camp and prepare to go to sleep. However...



Master of Shadow's Comment



Just when you are about to go to sleep a raindrop hits you in the snout. After a couple more times you get up to see a storm cloud hanging directly above you, and only you. Aqua and Nightshade are drier than dirt. When you try to move it follows you and only rains on you. After a quick curse to lady luck you decide to go to bed even with the rain.

"Bullspit...why me?"

Up on the cloud, a tan pegasus with a headband giggles as he makes the cloud storm.

"Dis my bongos will ya?"

THE NEXT MORNING

When questioned why you were soaking wet, you had this to say, 

"Lady Bucking Luck."

As bask in the sun to dry yourself off you can't help but wonder,

Dear Luna, Where are those Goops and Stuff bosses? I just want to know where the buck those Knights are!



BrownDog's Comment




ThePonySpartan's Comment



MEANWHILE…BETWEEN THE TWO WEEKS AND NOW

The former Knight Changer feels the sensation of moving and blinks his eyes open. He sees the inside of a wagon and bottles and bottles of…shampoo?

He groans as he sits up from his resting spot, apparently it’s a bean bag chair. 

What happened? The building collapsed…that Bounty Hunter was there and… he then winces in pain at his left foreleg which is in a cast.

“What the buck happened?!” he growls out.

“Spartan! You’re awake comes the happy cries of some idiot who glomps the injured unicorn, causing him to wince at the bruises all over his body.

“AAGGGHHH!!! I’m injured you idiot!”

“Well yeah,” comes another voice, “you kind of fell out of the sky for some reason. We figured you fell out of the afterlife so we bandaged you up.”

“And boy are we glad you’re not dead Spartan.”

“My names not Spartan! Get off me! Who are you?!” he yells as he tries to push them off.

The two glomping figures get off of him and pull their hoods down, revealing a pony and a diamond dog (who’s wearing sunglasses).

“Heya buddy, it’s your old pals Snap Drake and Brown Dog,” says the diamond dog with a smile.

“Yeah, I mean it seems you’ve forgotten your name, but how could you’ve forgotten about us?” asks Snap.

Changer’s eyes widen in surprise before they squint in anger as he suddenly lunges forward and starts choking Brown Dog with his magic, landing on top of him.

“GRRAAAGGHHH!!!” he yells.

“Oh- Hey-Loos-en-Up-On-The-Throat-Hugs-Spart-An,” the Brown Dog gasps out as he is being throttled.

“I don’t think he’s giving you a throat hug, I think he’s trying to kill you,” Snap says nonchalantly as he witnesses the scene.

“What?-Nah-He-Would-n’t-do-that,”

“DIE YOU SON OF A BITCH DIE!” roars out the angry unicorn.

“Are you sure about that?” asks Snap Drake as he watches on.

“I’m-Gack-Sure-“ he gasps.

"I'll make this quick so NO ONE can interfere!"

"O-Kay-Now-It's-My-Turn-" Brown Dog gasps as he wraps his paws around Spartan’s horn and neck and squeezes, cutting off the magic pressure allowing him to breathe.

“I guess you’re right, he always did joke around. And your mom is a bitch, so it’s funny,” Snap says as he and Brown Dog start chuckling.

Changer looks at their laughing faces and gasps as he's choked, “The-Buck’s-the-Matter-With-You-Two?”

“Here, grab more brownies, he needs to mellow out after coming back from the dead,” the diamond dog says.

“Get that crap away from me!” he says getting loose from the stranglehold.

“Oh man, this is just like the old times!” Snap says as he’s kicked in the face.

The other hippies in the cart just watch on with amusement.

LATER DURING THOSE WEEKS

Changer, Brown Dog, and Snap Drake are all sitting in bean bag chairs listening to Bob Cartley.

“So Kersey turned into a freaking Kaiju?” asks the Brown Dog.

“Yes. I had him right where I wanted him, but that stupid guard got in the way. I have no idea how I ended up in the sky, but I’m willing to bet he had something to do with it.”

“Oh, well there goes my theory that I had the ability to ironically wish people back from the dead,” pouts the diamond dog.

“Dang, that was kind of my theory on how you got so powerful, afterlife powers and all,” exposits Snap.

“I was never dead! I’ve been over this! I got power and was hunting you guys down, but two Hunters kept getting in my way” Changer says with a  facehoof.

“So wait…you’re telling us, that Kichi, Solarkness, Rutherford and Kersey are now all in custody…and that they all got taken in by the same bounty hunter?” asks Snap as he drinks a cider.

“Yes!” Changer hisses, still holding his leg in a sling. “The Crimson Vengeance and that waterbender Aqua have been getting in my way of revenge over and over again, and I have no idea where they’ve taken them!” 

“Holy Balls. That’s why we haven’t heard from Silver Strange!” Brown Dog says as he slaps both paws to his cheeks.

“You’d think this kind of thing would make news,” says Snap.

“It has made news. How have you two not heard of this? It’s been going on for like 2 months.”

“We uh…don’t really read the papers…” Brown Dog says as he sips his cider.

“That and we’ve been practically partying the whole time,” Snap adds.

“That too.”

Changer facehooves again. “I can’t believe I thought you two were threats…”

“Hey now, don’t knock it. You used to party with us Spartan.”

“CHANGER!!! My name is Changer! You’re all the ones who gave me that name!”

“Well duh! It was a nickname. It meant you were tough like the old warriors. Don’t you remember us giving it to you after you chugged that entire bottle of Jack Spaniels and fought that Minotaur mugger,” Brown Dog admonishes.

“I…actually don’t remember that,” Changer reflects.

“Well I’m not surprised, that dude messed all of us up. Luckily, the lady that was getting mugged bashed him over the head with that bottle,” chuckles Snap.

“I…” he shakes his head.

“Yeah, good times.”

“If they were good times, then why did you all leave me to die?”

“Leave you to…Hey, we didn’t leave you bro,” Brown Dog says.

“Yes you did, all of you!”

“Nuh-uh. After the accident, we tried looking for your body, but there’s not much we can do when everything is on fire,” Snap adds.

“I…”

“Yeah, and then the cops showed up to see why there was so much fire and whatnot, and the others said we had to skedaddle.”

“We thought you were dead man. We didn’t know. There was no way we could. After that, none of us got together in big groups anymore. We kind of just did our own thing,” explains Snap.

“…” Changer just looks down in thought.

“Hey, we all got shook up…well most of us anyway, Kersey is Kersey, and Grey and Erised are just insane, so yeah…”

Changer still looks like he’s in contemplation, so Brown Dog and Snap Drake hold up their drinks to him.

“Now come on bro, if there’s one thing these hippie chicks have taught us, it’s to just ride the waves of life, right Wheat Grass?”

“You got it Dawg…” said mare says.

“Yeah, cheers to the destruction of our once great fan club,” Brown Dog toasts.

Changer rolls his eyes as they drink, but there is a slight smirk at the corner of his mouth.

Suddenly, Snap Drake spits out his drink.

“OH CRUD!”

“What?” asks the diamond dog.

“If Kersey’s in jail…how the buck are we getting paid?!”

The dog’s eyes widen and can be seen even under the glasses as the realization hits him.

“Ohhhhhh…Balls…” he then turns to Changer. “Did you at least hit him really hard?”

“You’re damn right I did,” Changer says with a dark chuckle.

BrownDog let's out a sigh at this, before his eyes widen and he says



Kersey's Comment



"Wait, I just remembered something!" BrownDog says as he starts looking through his pockets, "Lint... string... crowbar... fireworks launcher-"

"Hey, you said you lost that," Snap Drake cries out, but is ignored.

"Got it!" the dog proclaims before taking out a sheet of paper that looks pretty messy.

"A tissue?" Changer snarks.

"No, don't you remember? Kersey gave us all maps to a 'Secret Emergency Funds Stash'...that he apparently drew on the back of a used napkin."

"Eh, it was probably during one of his rants about 'not keeping up with paperwork' so I probably used mine as toilet paper," Snap Drake shrugs

“Eh, probably got more use out of it that way heh heh…Flax! More Brownies please!” orders Brown Dog.

“You guys are insane…” says a more relaxed Changer.

“Nah, we’re just having fun. Grey and Erised are the insane ones remember?” Snap Drake reminds him.

Changer sighs at this before saying,

"You two are idiots. But... you did save my life."

"So... are we friends?" Brown Dog asks.

"Idiotic friends you two are... but friends nonetheless."

BrownDog and SnapeDrake cheer and raises their bottles, Changer joining them as they have a drink. The rest of the two weeks were pretty fun. 

BACK TO YOU

After lying in the sun for Luna knows how long, Nightshade tugs at your coat.

"Daddy, there's a bunch of wagons pulling in. I think it's those bosses we were waiting for."

You look up and see about 5 wagons with the Goops and Stuff logo on it.

"Alright, let's get this over with," you say in determination.

You put Nightshade in your inventory (No Need For Her To Be Breathing The Air Again) and see several hippie clad ponies unloading.

"Oi! Any of you guys Flax Seed or Wheat Grass?" Aqua calls out.

"Yo, right here dudes," says a mare in bellbottom jeans, standing next to a spaced out stallion with curly hair.

"Hi, I'm the Crimson Vengeance, and this is Aqua. We're bounty hunters. Are you the owners of Goops and Stuff?"

"Whoah, harsh man. Yeah, we're the owners. What's up?"

"We're looking for two wanted criminals, and we have reason to believe they have or will stop by your shop for a money order," Aqua explains.

"Whoa, like...that's heavy..." Flax seed exposits.

"Extremely," you say with a roll of your eyes, "Now, have you seen anyling going by the name Snap Drake or Brown Dog in the last 2 weeks?"

"Oh you mean Drake and Dog? They're right over there with their old buddy," Wheat Grass points out with a smile.

Your eyes widen as you turn and see...

"Gorramn Evee! Quit using up my pokeballs!" 

"It's a high cp, you're going to be losing them anyway,"

"At least let me do it, I got individual digits!"

"Buck off, it's mine!"

A pony with a Joy Boy, surrounded by a diamond dog...and the book guy who's wearing a cast! The one holding the game and the diamond dog have their cloaks on with the hoods off.

You share a look with Aqua, before nodding to each other and running up to them, you flipping the switch on your mask to bear your teeth.

"Crimson Knights BrownDog and SnapeDrake and...Book Guy!" you call out, causing all of them to look up from the game and at you.

"Aw crud, are those the two bounty hunters Spartan?" asks Snap Drake.

"Yes," he seethes, "Always showing up..."

"Really? Man, I thought we'd have more time," pouts Brown Dog.

Ignoring their in talk, you growl out in your menacing voice filter.

"You are all under arrest for terrorist activates, multiple counts of vandalism, public drunkeness, mass destruction and the attempted murder of Michael Beigh not that I would have minded him being severely injured. But still, your path ends here!"

The three figures stare you down, and you prepare yourself for a fight.

Finally! Time to kick some Knight flank!

What do you d-  

"Wait a second man!"

What the!? Who interrupted my ending question!?!?

"Huh?" you say taken aback.

"I said wait a second," repeats the diamond dog wearing sunglasses.

"Um...for what?" you ask.

"You're the guy that took down Kichi, Solarkness, Rutherford and Kersey right?" asks Snap Drake.

"Well yeah, and you as well! So don't get any bright ideas or-"

"Yeah, alright, we give up," the diamond dog says as he and the other cloaked pony raise their arms in the air.

"...WHAT?!" you growl out in shock.

"We give up. You can take us in," repeats Snap Drake.

You stare at the trio, Brown Dog and Snap Drake look content, while Changer just sneers.
You turn back to Aqua who looks at you and shrugs. You turn back to them.

"Uh-D-D-Don't think we'll fall for that trick! You guys can't outwit us! We're ready for anything you can-"

"Oh for the love of Jack Spaniels, just arrest us already, this is getting boring," Brown Dog groans.

"Yeah dude, we don't have all day here," says Snap Drake impatiently.

You stare at them and realize...they are being absolutely serious.

"Wh-what? Really? You're just giving up?"

"Ugh, finally he realizes it," Snap quips.

"I know right? I bet he's making all kinds of stupid surprised faces under that mask," Brown Dog chuckles.

You look back and forth and the two knights and you are making some pretty stupid faces, but it's because you can't wrap your mind around the situation.

"W-Why? Why are you just giving up?! I don't understand!" you growl.

"Well for one, you've taken in over half our buddies...and Kersey, and every time you have, stuff's gotten wrecked, and we don't want our Hippie friends getting hurt" says Snap.

"Also, we're flat broke at the moment, and with Kersey gone we're kind of not getting paid, so why even give a buck anymore?" adds Brown Dog.

"Yeah, fighting and running away...that sounds like too much effort."

You can hear in their voices that they have no bucks to give. They bleed laziness.

"Soooo...we're NOT going to have a big epic battle causing all kinds of destruction and mayhem, utilizing our surroundings in fun and creative ways?"

"Nah."

"Yeah, that sounds like too much work."

You can't believe, you literally can't believe it. 

"So that's it then? You're just willingly coming with us where you'll be thrown in some jail?" Aqua speaks up.

"Sure, I mean, we were gonna have to go sometime right?" says the dog.

"Besides, it's where Spartan's heading, and we'd rather stick with our good buddy," Snap says as he gives a shoulder hug to Changer.

"It's Changer! How many times do I have to tell you?"

"Apparently a lot more Spartan," says Brown Dog with a smirk.

Changer sighs, "You guys are idiots..."

"What do they mean, 'where you're going Book Guy'? And how are you not dead?" you ask suspiciously.

He sighs and facehooves. "Can no one bucking learn my name..." he growls before looking back up at you in a serious manner.

"I don't have time to be dead..."

"Plus he landed on our bean bag chairs," adds Snap.

"...Yes, that too...Bounty Hunter, You are going for the last of the knights after this, correct?"

You raise an eyebrow at the question. "Yes. I'm putting all of you in jail, it's kind of my thing you know?!"

You watch as Changer thinks for a bit more, anticipating any sorcerer attacks he might throw

"Fine... Then I give up as well. You win, bounty hunter."

Your eyes widen, "H-huh?! You too?"

"See, we told ya so," says Brown Dog.

"Yeah, and we're sticking to our buddy like glue," boasts Snap.

"They're all giving up...just like that..." Aqua mutters.

This seems...way too convenient. I have never, ever seen a situation like this!

Ha ha...they think they'll get mercy...but the filly overlord will not give it to them...

"OK, these guys seem...counterproductive, but why are you giving in so easily? Aren't you all 'REVENGE IS MY FETISH" and all that?"

He chuckles. "If I get sent to jail, then I will be put in the same place as all the other knights, will I not?"

You stare at him in disbelief. "Oh Sweet Luna, it IS your fetish. You'd actually get sent to jail just for you to have your revenge?"

Changer gives a dark smile. "Of course."

You wonder if you should actually let this guy be in prison before he says something that catches your attention.

"We both win in this situation. You get your... bounty, and I get my opportunity to get my revenge."

Money money money...

You sigh. "Alright...jeez, you need help man. And what about them? Aren't they on your revenge list?

"No, not anymore. Idiots and morons they may be...but these two I know are my friends...much as it pains me to admit."

"Oh you're not far behind, get off your high horse buddy," Snap chuckles.

"What?" Flax Seed looks up.

"Not you Flax," Brown Dog calls out. "But yeah, we're all idiots and morons man. Remember that time you walked into that Police Station and peed on the front desk because of that dare?"

He gives a perplexing look at the diamond dog.

"WHY would you say that out loud right now?"

"Because it's funny?"

"Shush!" he admonishes.

"Well it is kind of funny," you chuckle.

"You shut it too!...But yes, we will all be turning ourselves in."

"Well...if that's the case then...wow. Thank you," you say as you relax. "But before you do, I have some questions about..." 

"And we know where Grey Rebl and Erised are," he finishes.

"This can't be that easy!" you shriek.

"Dude, don't look a gift horse in the mouth...or rather, two ponies and a diamond dog," Snap Drake chuckles.

"I...fine. Where are they?"

"The loony bin," Brown Dog answers.

"Where?" you ask confused.

"The nuthouse," Snap responds.

"What does that mean?"

Changer sighs, "They're in Arkhay Asylum."

Your eyes widen, "They're literally in a crazy house? Why? What are they doing there?"

All three of them just shrug.

"Don't know red guy, just where they've been," Brown Dog answers.

"They always were kind of nuts, and coming from us that says something," Snap adds.

"Quite so. Now you have your information. Let's hurry along... I'll be waiting for them," Changer smirks.

"Yeah, then we'll all be together again," Snap smiles.

"Good times...Good times," Brown Dog agrees.

"Uhh... okay then," you say to the three cooperating Knights

1 Week Later

Okay...so that happened. You traveled with the three knights to the nearest town to turn them in. Changer refused hoofcuffs since they were cooperating, and Brown Dog and Snap Drake followed suit. Since they were cooperative, you let it slide. You turned them in and received 3,000 bits for all three, which you split. It was weird how nonchalant and...happy they seemed to be going to prison. For different reasons most likely, but still, they didn't put up much of a fuss. Also Brown Dog handed you a greasy crumpled up tissue map that he said came from Kersey. When asked why, he responded,

"It'll probably piss him off that I gave away money to the guy that captured all of us, and that will be hilarious."

Sooo, yeah. The Crimson Vengeance's fame had increased once again, and you and Aqua hit the road once more. Along the way, you did come across Kersey's "Secret Stash" but...

"What the buck is this?" you cried out as you opened the unearthed chest.

Dear treasure seeker, greedy/financially-incompetent CK leader, or somepony I don't like,
I bet you're wondering where the "Emergency Fund Stash" or treasure is. The truth is THERE IS NONE YOU DUMB BUCK! If you're wondering why, that depends on what you are;
-Treasure Hunters: Haven't you heard of what curiosity did to the cat.
-Crimson Knight Leader: It's your own gorram fault for being reckless with your finances
-Somepony I Don't Like: Buck you from beyond the grave (or at least from behind the safety of my safehouse)
Burn in Tartarus you son of a c...

"Okay, I'm not saying that aloud," you winced at the curse word and continued reading.

-Kersey

P.S. This note has been magically modified to cause the bomb to explode as soon as you've reached the trigger-swear... but if it did explode then you wouldn't have reached this part anyway so HA!

"Well this is a bust!" you yell as you froze the chest with the bomb in it and threw it into the river.

With that time taken away, you traveled onward to the outskirts of Tall Tale, where the eponymous Arkhay Asylum resides. As if to punctuate that, a bolt of lightning strikes behind the complex ominously.

After the lightning bolt, Aqua looks to you.

"OK CV, two more names are in there somewhere. How we gonna handle this?"

You look at the massive Asylum, and it's sheer size could put a stadium to shame. But you don't have any other information about Grey Rebl and Erised. What they're doing in there, if they have plans. If they'd be on the look out for a certain red clad bounty hunter with all their friends gone. You simply have no other info.

"Well Aqua, as of right now, we need to gather intel. And we can't exactly do that by asking around, they might catch wind. We need to know what's going on inside."

"Alright, so how are we going to do that?"

"You, are going to stay out here and keep an eye on Nightshade, I am going to go gather the intel," you say as you start taking off your Crimson Vengeance disguise.

"What? And how are you going to do that?"

You take off your hat and say,

"Well it's an insane asylum right? They won't just let anyling in. I'm gonna go and commit myself," you say nonchalantly causing Aqua's eyes to widen.

Oh for the love of me, Selena punctuates with an audible facehoof.

WHAT DO YOU DO?...FOR REALS THIS TIME!

Outro:

> Episode 45: Entering Arkhay Asylum! (The Final Knights Arc Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Opening Theme:





Erised the ink-moth's Comment



"CV hold up a minute." Aqua stops you. "Arkhay isn't some normal asylum; it's where they throw all the most dangerous criminal masterminds, the ones normal prisons won't take. I doubt they're just going to let you check yourself in like it's a hotel."

"So?" you ask, "I'll just have to act a little extra insane so that they let me in."

That should be no great struggle for you. Selena snarks.

Aqua's about to object, but then she remembers how you can get sometimes, especially when robots or fire are involved, and lowers her hoof. "Alright then. So how do we know if you find anything out? And if the knights are up to something, what then?"

"Uuuhh..." you droll, "We'll figure out all that later. Grey and Erised could be up to anything, heck they could be patients for all we know. Right now we need to gather info so we can make a plan."

"So we plan to improvise? That sounds pretty risky CV." Aqua tells you.

"Improvising has worked pretty well in the past." you reason. Thinking back, it's almost like Lady Luck gives you constant breaks when it counts, and takes her payment in the form of humiliating you everywhere else. And isn't that a scary thought? "I'm sure things will be fine. Just... Aqua, make sure that no matter what happens, take care of Nightshade for me, 'kay?"

"I..." Aqua says, taken aback, "Okay CV, just... don't get all dark and serious on me like that. Freaks me out."

"And Nightshade, you behave yourself while I'm gone. Alright?" You say to Nightshade as you finish folding up your bounty hunter suit and putting it into you inventory. You realize if this is gonna work, you'll have to leave most, if not all of your gear with Nightshade and Aqua while you do your investigating. And you already feel naked without all your weapons.

"Alright Daddy. See you when you get back from the crazy house!" she says while taking you inventory for you.

You smile at her and turn back to Aqua. "Alright. Are you ready for this?"

"Ready for what?" she asks.

You smirk at her, making her look back worriedly.

But before you begin your plan, you suddenly remember something...



Kersey's Comment



"Whoops, almost forgot." you comment before taking one of your Transformation Poition so they can put a pony in a hospital gown and straight jacket, rather than a changeling. In fact, you down two more, just to be safe, who knows how long you'll be in there.

You turn into a unicorn with a black coat, orange mane and tail, a yin-yang Cuite Mark (black parts are midnight colored), and without clothes, your eye and chest scar are on display. 

"Holy Crap! What the heck happened to you?!" Aqua gasps. You realize that this is literally the first time she has seen you without any sort of disguise on, so of course she never would have seen your wounds.

"I don't want to talk about it...just assume it was something bad and move on," you tell her.

She seems like she wants to ask more but gives in and nods.

With that done you smile and say,

"Okay, now let's get things started!"

A FEW MOMENTS LATER



Solarkness's Comment



"MOTHER OF FREAKING LUNA WHY!?!"

Yeah...you're having real trouble getting in. For the past few minutes you've tried multiple things to get in...

FLASHBACK TIME!

You psycho-crusher through the wall, and exclaim, "BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!"

The nearby security guard just rolls his eyes and shows you the exit.

And when that didn't work you tried setting fire to the asylum and while singing PYROMANIA and RAZE THIS BARN, but all they do is douse it and shush you away.

After a few more attempt's and Aqua laughing at your many failures you can't help but shout out in anger,

"WHAT DOES ONE HAVE TO DO TO GET IN THIS ASYLUM?" 

A nearby security guard looks at you in a weird way, before asking, "You actually want to get IN here?"

You nod, almost crying. He stares at you, before exclaiming, "GUYS! THIS PERSON HERE IS CRAZY! HE WANTS TO ACTUALLY BE LOCKED HERE!"

"Yes, so I'm clearly insane! You'll let me in now right?!"

Sadly the guards just gave you a creepy blank stare and ignored you. You sigh in anger before you look shout your frustrations to the sky, leading you to the present.

FLASHBACK END

You walk over to a laughing Aqua.

"Aha ha ha ha!" you mock laugh at her as you're clearly upset.

"Sorry CV, but that was hilarious."

Rolling your eyes, you look to her and say

"Time for plan B."

Aqua just smirks at you as you sigh. 

ANOTHER FEW MOMENTS LATER

The armored front doors of Arkhay Asylum burst open as a bounty hunter drags in a captured pony, barely retrained by the mouth gag and hoofcuffs she's holding him with. As he thrashes and snarls in a dramatic fashion, making it hard for her to hold on, she brings him up to the front desk where a red-maned mare sits behind a sheet of spellproof glass.

"Got another one for you. Caught him just this morning." Aqua says flashing her license as the mare stares blankly back at the two of you. "And boy is this one crazy, he really needs your help. Take a listen." Aqua pulls the gag our of your mouth.

"Twilight and her friends are expendable puppets of the Princesses! Celestia is secretly diabetic! Machines are evil and are trying to take over the world! I'll never buy the extended warranty for that refrigerator! Never! EEEEEVIL!" you scream at the top of your lungs and in the craziest sounding voice you can manage. Really it's not that hard. And it actually feels pretty good to get these things off your chest. "Santa Hooves is a marketing ploy by toy manufacturers to sell more toys during the holidays! Hearths Warming is about being friends so you don't freeze to death! It ruined my childhood! Soylent green is ponies!"

The two of you look to see if your act is paying off, but the mare behind the counter has barely reacted to you at all, almost like she doesn't know you're there.

"Uh... hey there." Aqua taps on the glass. "Anypony home?"

"Hmm?" the mare stirs to life and her eyes focus on you, "Hello. Welcome to Arkhay Asylum, where our motto is 'Nopony is Beyond Saving'. Please, deposit the patient in the door on your right. The asylum staff will be with you shortly." she says, almost robotically, her head lilting a bit every few words.

Aqua stares at the mare, who in turn stares into space, her eyes dilating again. A trail of odd black mucus is running from her nose into her mouth as she looks past you two.

"CV, I don't like this." Aqua tells you in a hushed tone. "Something's really wrong here. The security wasn't taking you seriously, and that mare seems like she didn't witness your freak out. A little suspicious for a home for the criminally insane don't you think?"

You look around and notice there aren't any ponies watching the entrance either. In fact, the place is filthy; trashcans are overflowing, and dust is covering the floor and benches.

"Hmm, you're right," you agree. "Maybe it's because of the Knight's evil influence...or maybe the janitors on strike and that mare is skimming some medication for herself, still, that just means it's even more important that I get in there and put a stop to whatever's going on. And look!" you say and point to a tattered poster listing the visiting hours. "We can use that to talk to each other. Just show up during the next time, which looks like...after lunch today. Convenient. And be sure to bake a cake!"

"What? Why?" Aqua asks.

"Because you can slip me my gear inside it. And prison food is supposed to be terrible," you whisper to her.

Aqua still looks reluctant before sighing and dragging you over to the door and shoving you into the room. As soon as your in the room two orderlies pick you up and proceed to drag you off. As you are dragged through a creepy dark hallway, you overhear two doctors talking in a almost robotic tone,



Lord Sergal's Comment



"I swear to you, he is an Obsessive Compulsive. Every time he sees someone, his first words are 'could you tell me what time it is?'. He even had a total of five watches on his person: three pocket watches and two hoofwatches."

"Yeah but none of them were set to actual times and he complains that the time ponies give him is wrong even if they are staring at a clock when they say it. My bits are on Schizophrenia."

You wonder who they are talking about for a moment before the mention of watches reminds you of the watch you got from that weird creature back in Vanhoover. You didn't give it back because it was a gift, but right now it's with all your other gear with Aqua. Since you don't have your own time keeper at the moment, you draw your eyes to a nearby wall clock. It reads 9:45, so lunch should be soon. Most likely, your targets will be there too, so now you just need to pass the time and hope the rumors of the mass-murdering clown pony, Mr. Brightside, that resides here are just a hoax. 

As you pass the hallway the doctors walked out of, an eerily familiar voice floats down the corridor, though you can't tell where you heard it before.

"I rigged up a watch to do more than just chime, and I didn't balk once at the depths of my crime! The most perfect invention, that still kept impeccable time."

Something about the song seemed ominous and you picked up your pace to both keep up with your escort and escape the sense of dread weighing upon you. You shake it off however and engage the orderlies in conversation.

"So, what's for lunch? I could eat a whole horse if you had one," you say crazily.

"It'll be served later. It's medication time."

"Already?"

"Yes," the other orderly declares as you are led down the hallway. As you do, you pass several dazed/twitching/mumbling patients in the hallway, wandering about.
This raises some more red flags with you when you begin to notice something about the Asylum...



BrownDog's Comment



The overbearing sense of wrongness you felt back at the entrance has not gone away. Like The whole atmosphere about this place feels wrong. Patients wander aimlessly, the lights are all dim, and many have straightjackets on.

You can sense the wrongness about this place right?

Of course I can. It's like an invading presence, just out of sight, but still noticeable, Selena comments.

Ah, so it isn't just me. But yeah, there is definitely something wrong about this place. I mean look at these guys. They're horrifying and scary and...

Bugze?

This isn't right. This is...cliche...

What do you mean by this?

You answer her by speaking aloud to the orderlies.

“Wait a minute, actual Asylum’s aren’t supposed to be drab and dreary and torturous like this!"
They slowly turn their heads towards you, giving you a blank stare, so you continue.

"The majority of patients should only be made up of those with nonviolent psychiatric problems! This isn’t the dark ages!” you yell out as you are led through some Applewood horror writer’s idea of an Insane Asylum.

“Wow, this guy really is crazy, thinking this place would be pleasant,” one of the orderlies says in a robot's attempt at a smirk.

“I’m serious, you only see this kind of behavior in asylums from the past, or from video games! How am I supposed to get better here?”

“Well, here’s a question, have you tried NOT being crazy?” the other orderly unhelpfully asks.

“Yes I’ve tried! My whole life!”

“Well, that’s why you’re here now buddy,” the orderly smirks. Rolling your eyes at this, you are led into an intersection in the hallway, that leads to a recreation room of some kind. There is a caged office with a grim looking nurse behind it, passing out medication to a group of patients. You are sat down in a chair as the orderlies go up to the counter and come back with a cup of pills. 

"Here now, time to take your pills."

"Um, what exactly are they?" you ask looking at the blue, red and yellow drugs in the little cup.

"...Pills..." the orderly says, like it's obvious.

“Ugh! Fine!” you growl as you shoot the pills and smack your lips.

“Huh…is that cherry flavor?”

“Yup, you’ll be feeling it soon, now take it easy,” the orderly orders.

You sit down, and, since it seems everyling is doing it, try to look zoned out, they don’t know about the helpful mare in your mind.

You sit and look around the room at the other patients. There is a large Bison leaning on a push broom and chewing bubblegum, staring at you silently. 

In one corner is a group of guys trying to play a card game, but it keeps getting derailed.

These guys look rather harmless compared to the stereotypical shambling zombie patients you so out in the hallway. And you swear that you thought it was just a hollywood myth in this day and age.

They probably just hand out the drugs so everyone's peaceful and don't try to help them, you think condescendingly.

Well, we do the same thing, though our quarry we know is dangerous and violent.

Yeah, but at least he's going to therapy with Dr. Nightshade, you counter.

True, though I believe his attachment and reverence of her as a usurper is getting a rather bit unnerving, she says with a shudder.

Yeah, well at least he's been calm...Speaking of which, do you got any idea what they just gave me?

No Idea on the name, but whatever it is it’s powerful. The fallen tyrant is singing and watching your remembered episodes of My Little Human…Willingly!

WHAT?! 

Ha Ha Ha, Big adventure, Tons of fun. A beautiful heart, faithful and strong…

Oh Sweet merciful Lun-I mean You! We’ve turned him into a HUMIE!!! 

What horrors have we unleashed? She stammers in fear.

Don’t you know you’re all my very best frrrrriiiiiiieeeeeennnnnddddsssss…Oh so delightful…My favorite character is Ashleigh!

“AAAAHHHHH!!!!” you shriek out loud in your seat at the worst possible thing.

The orderlies look confused by your behavior.

“I thought we gave him the relaxing happy pills?”

“So did I…unless the chief has been messing around with the medicines again,” the other one says with a glare to the big silent buffalo who sits in the corner chewing bugglegum, watching your freakout.

Of course you don't notice as your freak-out has reaches a whole new level as Sombra starts to talk about his favorite ships and how he wishes he could be transported to the Human world. You try and block out this insanity the only way you know how...



Kersey's Comment



By releasing that insanity for all to enjoy of course!

"I AM THE HOODED OFFENDER!" you rant in a crazed tone, "A QUARTER-EARTH PONY CHANGELING WHO FATHERED AN ALICORN DAUGHTER WITH NIGHTMARE MOON WHO LIVES IN MY HEAD ALONG WITH KING SOMBRA WHO I ATE AND KEEP DRUGGED... IN THAT ORDER!!!"

In the back of your mind you can barely hear Selena comment,

As you ponies say these days; Truth is stranger than fiction. 

"BOW BEFORE ME FOR I HAVE THE SHINIEST BEET BICYCLE!!!" you proclaim while swinging your chair around, trying to silence Sombra's talk of Humans.

"Sir, please stop swinging around your beet bicycle. Some of us are allergic!" a skinny pegasus patient with glasses chastises.

You ignore him as you continue to spit out nonsense,

"I CAN SEE THE FUTURE! THE GREAT GODS OF RED AND BLUE WILL COME DOWN UPON US IN A FIERY INFERNO AND SHALL PUNISH US FOR OUR SINS! REPENT WHILE YOU STILL CAN! REPENT! REPENT!"

The orderlies look at you for a few seconds before wordlessly grabbing you and dragging you down the hall. You hear one of them mumble,

"This whacko needs some private time. Better take him to solitude."

"WHERE'S THE BLACKSMITH?! WHERE'S THE BLACKSMITH?!!!"

Bugze, I have changed the channel for him. He's no longer fanboying. You can stop now.

"MY LITTLE HUMAN IS TRASH! TRASH!" you spout one last time to get the crazy out.

"Well, that is the most rational thing said so far," one of the orderly shrugs.

You can't help but grin at this, as well as for getting all that crazy out, as you think,

Great! With me in solitude I'll have no one watching me, perfect time to snoop around. Watch out Knights, I'm coming for you....

MEANWHILE SOMEWHERE IN THE ASYLUM



Grey Rebl's Comment



“It’s almost time~” The voice is an echo, hollow but layered with multiple voices of hunger, glee and cold contemplation. 

There is no reply in the dark room. The only illumination in it is a mere lava lamp that lays upon a desk. It glows an eerie red, a mysterious black blob floating as it slowly reaches the ceiling of the lamp. The curtains are closed. The rumbling thunder clouds are invasive. The room is large but only adds to the emptiness all around.

The same person says, “Most of Equestria believes that things are fine in this world, that even with all the incidents it has suffered it’s all fine… But no. Celestia keeps them ignorant from the truth...running away. Running and running and running…,” he trailed off. He leans back on his chair, and it squeaks and echoes in the empty room. He sighs dramatically. “When will she ever get tired of it? It’s quite maddening, you know? Tell me, Rebl, what do you think?”

A snort comes from the side. “I think it’s about the end of my break time, and not the time to listen to the preachings of a senile old fart, Erised.”

“Ah, youngsters. Never giving their respect to the elderly and their worldly wisdom,” laments Erised with a buzz in his voice. 

“If you really want to know, it’s bucking annoying,” Grey growls. “All this talk about the Crimson Knights and terrorism: It’s a Gorram joke. They treat the Knights as though they’re like some grand order that’ll end the status quo. Too bad the truth is that most of us don’t really care about some higher purpose, not since Flag Burner's death.

“The populous acts like some obedient whorse and keeps on getting screwed over with whatever bullspit the government feeds them, trying to get them to be “aware” and vigilant or bucking whatever. The incompetent bucks don’t even know what they’re saying either. The Royal Idiots need a better hobby than beat what’s already dead.”

“Well, well, well isn’t this a surprise. You seem to care about something.”

“Make no mistake. I don’t give a flying buck about the Hooded Offender's ideals nor your gorram fanaticism for him. You’re on your own.” Grey Rebl then chuckles. One can imagine a cruel smile behind the darkness. “I’m just here to break some bones for a bit of release.”

“...oh really?” Erised replies darkly. Although jovially, he was suddenly a hornets nest waiting to erupt. Almost as low as a whisper, he says, “What villainous talk. If it weren’t for your assignment by the higher ups and their orders, even though you're a Knight Leader, I would’ve killed you for your disloyalty and misdemeanor, you Mad Dog.”

“Wanna try me, you hypocr--!” Grey seethingly starts, but Erised abruptly shushes him before he can utter another word.

“Hush now, quiet now! We can’t start a fight now before we can get real now, now can we? Especially now that all the others have been captured.”

Grey speaks between his teeth, “Yes. That’s right.”

“Good that we’ve reached an understanding~,” Erised jeers.

“Tch! We’re done here.” There is the clopping of hooves, leading to an exit. 

“Hm? Where are you going now?”

“I've got what every leader of a group has, or rather what we should have: motherbucking responsibilties.”

As though it is a major revelation, Erised elevates. “Oh! That’s right! You DID have such a mighty temper.” There is definitely a sarcastic smile behind the voice. “How can I forget that, I wonder?”

There is a pause. “Buck you,” Grey Rebl ends, and the door creaks as it opens and closes, clicking shut.

"I'll be talking to you through the public speakers soon!" Erised replies cheerfully.

Erised is alone now. Even so, he snickers a little from his own amusement to Grey’s reaction. He slows to a content sigh.

He opens his eyes “Soon, Celestia will know what Tartarus truly is as Equestria. Falls. Dark.”

The black blob drops. After all, blood is thicker than water. The blob consumes the entire space as there is nothing left of the red glow of the lava lamp, dimming until it’s as dark as the chuckles of the sole remaining occupant of the room, the darkness as maddening as his growing laughter.

BACK WITH YOU



SnapDrakeGames's Comment



The orderlies lead you to a cell. It's white and padded, which was about what you were expecting. "Enjoy your stay," the ponies say at the same time, before closing the door. You can hear their hoofsteps echoing down the corridor as they leave.

Well, you've successfully infiltrated Arkhay Asylum. Now you just have to find the Crimson Knights and take them down. First, however, you're going to need to open this door, preferably without garnering notice. You tap on the door to test its strength, but to your surprise, the door easily creeks open with a single shove. Did the orderly forget to lock it? Is the lock broken? Does it even lock in the first place?

You're a little worried by the unsettling implications of this, but you've got a job to do. It's not exactly a job you're looking forwards to though. SnapDrake and Brown Dog might've been pushovers, but the Crimson Knights have still given you some of the toughest fights of your life. A deadly video-game maze, a Nightmare-fueled mind attack, a full-on kaiju fight. Now, in one of the most terrifying places in all of Equestria, you can only imagine what the Knights could be getting up to.

You're trotting cautiously through the hallways, searching for any sign of the Knights, while simultaneously keeping an eye out for any orderlies or guards. Not catching sight of anything, you turn down another door and enter a dimly-lit highway lined with cells. 

You take a step in and then jump backwards in fright as a pony throws itself against their cell bars. "Hey there, friendo. I fear you won't be making out of this place in one piece." He gives a mad laugh, and though his face is shrouded in darkness, you swear you can see his frenzied eyes glowing.

"You've got that right, friend," another voice hisses, this one from behind you. "I want to know what he look like on the inside." A foreleg reaches for you between the bars, a pony with tally marks scarring their flesh, riddling their legs and body. You probably don't want to know what exactly the tallies count.

Needless to say you're out of that room before the inmates can get another word in. You want to get out of this Asylum as quick as possible. Slinking down another hallway, you're surprised to see a group of ponies strolling by. They don't seem to react to your appearance and they seem to be wearing all-white outfits... are they escaped patients?

"Yo yo, Sheldon! My dude, buddy, hey, it's been forever, long time no see," one of the ponies rambles, stumbling towards you. "Sheldon, how's it been? You up for poker night, the stallions and I were just heading into town?"

"What?" you mumble confusedly, trying to figure out if you should do something here.

"Hey, that doesn't look like Sheldon to me," one of the others pipes up. "More like that other guy. What was his name... Biff- no, Bob. Bob!"

"Bob?" the first one asks. "Bob. Bob! BOB!!" His leisurely smile warps into a feral grimace as he surges forwards and clamps his hoofs around your neck. Your airway suddenly cut off, you give a brief struggle, shocked at the sudden attack. One of the other patients pulls him off of you before you can do anything more.

"Stephen, no! Remember the words of the coat-lady. Hustle. Loyalty. Respect," the pony advises.

"The pact of the skygods is fraying. You must learn to resist the demon bubbling inside you or their favor shall shift," another warns.

"Yeah... yeah, you're right," the first patient stammers. "Yo Bob, we're cool. Come on, let's go for poker." He doesn't say anything more, instead wandering away with his entourage. He walks up to a door and walks through, even though the sign says employees only. You can barely believe the lack of security. What sort of mental institution is this place?

Shaking off the growing fear you feel, you continue down the hallway. Eventually, after many other hallways and dodging many more crazy inmates, you come across...



Kichi's Comment

 

An...art room? At least you think it is. It has artsy things in it like paint and paper, but it was so rotten and dirty that it was hard to tell. The only thing really clean in the room...were some page spreads from the Dark Offender...and they look to be recently drawn. Your eyes widen in surprise at this as you mutter,

"What the buck?"

Curiosity getting the better of you, you walk over to the pages to look at them. What you see is an image of you in Phase 4, fighting King Sombrero in the Crystal Empire. The next shows you beating the snot out of the Cattle Rustlers, and in one panel it shows...you drowning a mare who looks like Aqua. You wince at that, and look at the final page. It shows Prince NoBalls staring wide eyed at your Nightmare Cloak back in Vanhoover.

"How... Is this real? This... This can't be" you mutter

I'm not sure my bug. The comics you read before hand were but embellishments of what you've done...but these, these are events nopony knows about. I don't detect any magic about them... 

"Then how the heck is some crazy person drawing them?"

I do not know truthfully. I have some memory of Oracles and Seers, but they were just myths and legends as far as I know, She says just as confused as you are.

"Yeah? Well you were one two and look how that turned out," you point out.

Touche, she admits. Thankfully it only appears to be following events from when we use the cloak, otherwise this author would be rather troublesome to us.

"Yeah, but it's still creepy. Let's just get out of here before I bump into an order-"OOMPH"

And lo and behold, you bump into a orderly. You gulp slightly at his blank face as he grabs you and says,

"Naughty patient, who let you out of your nice quiet room? Time to go back silly patient."

You gulp at this as the orderly begins to drag you back. As he does you can't help but think,

I wonder if this is how the Knight's I captured are treated like, cause if so...I might feel slightly guilty...Slightly. I wonder if those last three got imprisoned yet?


MEANWHILE IN A SECRET LOCATION, ABOUT A WEEK AGO



SnapDrakeGame's Comment




Brown Dog's Comment




The Pony Spartan's Comment




Kichi's Comment



Kichi sits, leaning against the wall, counting the thin grooves that laced the ceiling. In another cell, Silver Strange curls up, trying to nap on the cold prison floor. Rutherford eyes a fly that has made its way into the secret prison, watching with interest as it lazily flies loops in and out of the surrounding cells- that is, until Solarkness pounces and snaps the fly up with a single gulp.

"Hey, I was watching that," Rutherford snarls.

"And I'm hungry," Solarkness shoots back. "These ponies don't seem to understand the concept of carnivores. I need to get some red meat in my system or else I'll have to shrink my form again. Fish just doesn't cut it!"

"Would you lot shut up? I'm trying to go to sleep," Silver mumbles, tossing and turning on the floor.

The conversation is cut short though as, with a burst of noise, a group of guards enter, eagerly jabbering away. At the center of their conversation: "And then the barber said, 'Welp, you know me. Hate to cut and run!'" Brown Dog smiles as all the guards again burst out in laughter, though they do lead Snap and him to their cells.

"Brown! Snap! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Silver says happily.

"Silver buddy! Long time no see!" Brown Dog waves.

Rutherford and Solarkness facepaw/claw and shake their heads at their entrance.

"Brown Dog? Snap Drake? The Bounty Hunter finally got a hold of you?" Kichi pipes up. 

"Well, yes and no," Snap says. "We turned ourselves in."

The others in the cells are all quiet for a moment before they shout.

"WHAT?!!!"

"Well With Keresy out, we aren't getting paid anymore...hey look there's that fat buck now!" he says looking at Kersey hooked up to his medical equipment in his room. "He's never looked better, but yeah Dog and me didn't really fancy a brawl."

"Yeah, plus it was worth it for those reactions," Brown Dog chuckles.

"You turned yourselves- Luna, that's just like you two. At least I went out after my whole base was on fire and-" Kichi groans. 

"Hello Kichi, good to see you again..." a voice pipes up as Changer comes in, accompanied by another group of guards.

Kichi's eyes widen in fear, while the other previously captured Knights' (minus Sliver, the changeling informant, and Kersey) eyes widen in shock at the voice. The Knights look from their specially design cells to see Changer looking left and right at them all.

"Y-you...you..." Kichi says with fear and anger.

"Yes. Me," Changer smiles evilly.

He then turns to the other cells at the Wyvern and Timberwolf, who have widened eyes.

Solarkness is just slack-jawed while Rutherford mouths 'Spartan' in disbelief.

"What is this undead traitor doing here?" Kichi exclaims.

"Oh, yeah, guess who didn't actually die via accidental explosion guys!" Brown Dog chastises.

"Yeah, 'Cut it out you two. He's dead you guys. There's nothing we can do for him now' Ha! Who's the idiots now?" Snap condescends.

The two idiots still don't exactly wipe away the shocked looks on Solar and Rutherford. They didn't really believe Kichi before, but now there's no denying it. Spartan is alive.

Their shocked looks makes Changer chuckle darkly. He is further led down near his cell, where he sees the comatose Kersey.
He smiles at this, but raises an eyebrow when he sees two unknown changelings, one female, one male.

"Who the buck's this weirdo?"

"Old friend of ours we thought was dead. Before your time Silver," Brown Dog explains. 

Still, Changer smirks to himself before he says,

"That's right. I'm back now," Changer exposits to the room. You're all in here with me, helpless and- hey, wait! Stop!" A guard shoves him, interrupting his speech, before he dumps Changer in an empty cell right between Brown and Snap.

"Huh, guess no monologuing allowed," Snap theorizes.

"Hey, wait! No! I wasn't finished! I've come this far, I can't have my revenge foiled by a set of prison bars! No! Come back here!" The guards depart without much fanfare, though they do wave to Brown Dog as they exit, one of them standing guard at the end of the hallway.

"..." Changer glares at the retreating guards as he slumps back into his cell. He calms himself down though and sits on the floor of his cell, meditating. There is silence once again.

"...So...He's alive after all huh?" Rutherford chimes in.

"Yuperooni," replies Snap Drake.

"I told you he was!" Kichi replies indignantly.

"Yeah, but we usually take what you say with a grain of salt," the Wyvern snarks back.

"Ugh, whatever. He's alive and a traitor, and nowhere near as funny as he used to be," Kichi harumphs.

"What's the deal with that by the way? How'd he even get captured?" Solar asks.

"Oh, well he's all gung ho about vengeance on you guys for leaving him to die, so he turned himself in, probably to try and kill all ya," Brown replies nonchalantly.

"Hey, we thought he was dead!" the timberwolf replies back.

"Well yeah, that's all you kept saying when Brown and I searched!"

"I'm a timberwolf! Fire and I don't mix well!"

"Well let's just agree to disagree then," Snap says and it gets quiet once more.

After awhile of no one saying anything, Rutherford speaks up.

"...So, Brown Dog. The guards seemed pretty friendly with you."

"Eh, they're not so bad, they let me keep my shades. Wish they'd loosened the cuffs a little, but Iron Side has a good sense of humor, ironically enough."

"They took my sword," Snap mutters.

"Your sword sucks," Solarkness growls. "When have you ever used it to any useful effect? Sure it's vaguely magical, but it's also completely useless."

"You have a sword, Snap?" Silver asks, confused.

Snap lets out a groan, and another couple seconds of silence tick by. "I spy, with my little eye-" an outburst of moaning cuts him off as the rest of the Knights seethe with boredom. "You know, maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

"Hey, can I get a beer?" Brown Dog shouts.

The guard sighs before saying,

"For the last time Brown Dog, no!"

"Ugh, come on man! Can you at least let me bunk with my pal Snap?"

"Again, no."

Brown Dog give's a angry grunt before he says,

"Come on! I'm about to detox here after literal months of drinking and eating drugs. The least you can let me do is annoy my friends as I do so!"

The guard though doesn't give in so the Diamond Dog is left in his cell, seperated from Snap with Changer in the middle, and the messenger to his other side of him. Luckily, Silver's cell is right in front of him.

"So Silver buddy, how have you been?"

"I've been better boss, Kichi got me captured!"

"OH WAY TO DROP THE BALL KICHI!" Snap yells.

"Hey! I did not get anyone captured!" groans Kichi.

“Bullspit, then you ratted out the others,” Silver exclaims.

"Hey! I honestly thought Solarkness and Rutherford could take him. It was your fault for blurting out Solar’s name in the first place!”
Solarkness rolls his eyes at the bickering.

"Yeah, well you were the superior, you should of have known better," Silver adds.

"B-But...You guys turned yourself in!" Kichi yells back. 

"Yeah, so? Didn't mean you had to let Silver get captured! He's a good kid!"

He just shakes his head in bafflement at their argument.

"Fine, ignoring the that, I was also on the ropes thanks to Spartan who helped that bounty hunter capture me and destroy my base!" Kichi complains.

They all hear the sound of a jaw clenching in said pony's cell.

"Eh, was bound to happen eventually, oh and better cut out on the nickname, he's all sensitive about it an now. Only let's friends use it."

"No I don-" the sorcerer starts.

"So yeah, besides that, how's prison life Silv?"

"Eh it's not so bad, I'm not starving or anything, and I met Candy here. She's pretty cool," Silver says.

"Candy?" Brown Dog says in confusion, before looking towards the Changeling female. "Oh, the bug girl I assume?"

"Yeah, that was her codename. She was Kersey's messenger in Vanhoover."

"Hi," she says from her cell.

"Nice to meet ya," Brown replies.

"Huh, funny how many changelings are in the Knights isn't it?" Snap Drake ponders.

"Will you two shut up?! I'm meditating," Changer growls.

"Alright fine...Hey Rutherford, Solar, when's your movie coming out again?"

"Probably never since you two unleashed Beigh and Shamalamadingdong onto Applewood," Solar growls.

"Yeah, ICE guys! How many times did I have to tell you? Ice is what you needed!" Rutherford chastises.

"Eh, whatever. We ended the franchise, so it's fine," Snap Drake reasons.

"Why is no one else harping on the fact that Spartan's a traitor?" Kichi exposits.

"Do your friends...always bicker like this?" Candy asks.

"Yeah, but what else are we gonna do?" Silver replies.

"You guys don't know what quiet means do you?..." Changer sighs.   

The bickering would continue for quiet some time, much to Changer's annoyance.

Anyway, that's enough of the Knights spotlight, back to you (Bugze)!

BACK WITH YOU

We now find you back in the white padded room from before with the orderly just shutting the door while saying,



Grey Rebl's Comment




Erised the ink-moth's Comment



“Your doctor will be with you soon.”

The door closes and it creaks, loudly. It eerily echoes throughout the room.

When you hear the hoofsteps fade, you sigh. You’re now in an isolated room with nothing but the white padding meant to protect the patients. Well, not really. The Asylum is kind enough to supply a clock to the room, high up so that you can’t even reach it. It’s definitely better than nothing.

“Although, I can kinda make do without the insane voices of my neighboring inmates…,” you say out loud.

It’s true. There are cries of voices in their heads, begging them to stop. There’s the inane cries of the schizophrenics and the incohesive ramblings of the paranoid. Yet, somehow, someway, you’re a bit fine with it. You feel a bit of kinship with them instead.

You facehoof and sigh harder. “Is it sad that I’m actually used to this sort of thing?” you grumble.

A snort came from your mindscape, and you know there’s no need for words for that statement.

You opt to stare at the clock. May as well watch the time pass, if there’s nothing else better to do---aaand the minute hand suddenly went backwards. Your eye twitches and a sense of deja vu comes over you.

“ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME?! Even the time is all jacked up! No wonder this Asylums sucks!”

“Huh. I guess I have another angry case,” a voice comes from behind the door.

You go stiff, eyes wide. “Oh mother of Luna. Please no.” You don’t want turn around, you don't want to confirm your suspicions.

“Well, it can’t be helped,” begins the cheery voice. “Why don’t we settle this over lunch? Food can help us from being cranky. It sloshes over the crank for anger and eases it down. Our therapy session can start there. 

Slowly, you force yourself to turn around. “Pleasedon’tbehimpleasedon’tbehimplea--” You see him and you turn pale. “Noooo! You! Why you?! Why does it have to be you?!”

Your “doctor” lights up. “Ah! BST! It’s been awhile! Gee, I didn’t think we’d meet again so soon with you being dead and all. Then again, you kinda are crazy…”

“Salver, you quack, you are the last person I want to hear that from!” you yell.

Dr. Quack Salver just smiles through the bars of the cell door, ignorant of your plight. “Well, hello to you, too!”

"Qu-Quacksalver!?" You sputter in shock, "What are you doing here?"

"I am doing my duty as a Doctor!" Doctor Quack declares proudly, "Everyone in here is suffering from a severe variant of circulatory and pulmonary choke-y-itis! Those poor ignorant psychiatrists assume these ponies are just crazy, and locked them away in here. But little do they know, insanity is merely an advanced symptom, which could quickly lead to brain strangliotosis! Thus I have taken it upon myself to cure them, by any leeches necessary." then his eyes snap back to you. "But enough about my amazing exploits, what have you been doing since I last saved your life and you died?"

"Well for your information I've been hunting down a group of cultist gangleader terrorists so they don't destroy Equestria as we know it," you tell him. "...It's been a pretty wild ride. In fact, two of them are supposed to be hiding out in this very asylum, plotting something. You haven't heard the names Grey Rebl and Erised, have you?"

You realize if Quacksalver has been here 'treating' patients, he's probably bumped into the Knights at least once. Heck, he might be able to lead you right to them!

"I have heard those names."

Your eyes widen in delight as he says this. "Really?! When?! Where?!"

"From you just now!" He says with a winning smile.

You deflate. "Thanks a lot."

"Hmm," Quack says with an inquisitive look at you, "you seem to have suffered premature excitement, and now the excess is just evaporating out your mouth and leaving you with the byproduct. You need food in your belly more than ever to counteract the effects! Come!"

With that, Quack dashes off, only pausing for a moment to beckon you to follow.

"Quack! Hey wait up, I'm stuck in here!" you say, pressing your face against the bars. "You gotta let me ouuuuu-t."

As you were screaming for help the door to your cell got bumped and slowly creaked open. "It was unlocked this whole time? Again?" you say, feeling your eye twitch again. "What kind of cut-rate asylum is this?!"

Since no one sane is around, your answer just bounces off the walls.
However, all is not quiet.

"Food," you hear one of the inmates mutter as he clutches his head in pain. "Time... for food now."
He starts staggering his way down a hallway, and is quickly joined by several others. Many of them bump into you as their rooms empty. Realizing something's up, you decide to follow them into the now crowded hallways.

You're starting to regret this decision as more and more inmates brainlessly shamble past you, and you find yourself getting more and more boxed in, a single drop of water in the sea of the mentally ill, all moaning about food.

"I'm getting serious flashbacks to every zombie movie ever right now. Including my ACTUAL zombie experiences."

Trying to fight the tide seems pretty useless, so you just let them carry you to wherever they seem to be headed. 

I sure hope I'm being led to actual lunch though, then I can meet up with Aqua afterward. I need to get my gear back ASAP.


Meanwhile In the Waiting Room

Aqua and Nightshade are in the waiting room of the institution holding a cake with his gear inside. In hindsight, maybe it's not necessary considering the lax atmosphere. The decor is horrid. There's litter everywhere and the walls need a paint job, badly. The dying plant in the corner doesn't help the mood of the room. Heck, even the absentminded desk attendee seems to fit the scenery.

The only sound in the waiting room is the ticking of the clock, and even then the time does not seem to be right. Shouldn’t it be around lunch time? She’s too afraid to mention it. Nightshade might reignite another food crisis, for this rundown Asylum in particular.

“You think the Crimson Knights are all bad?”
Nightshade’s sudden question comes as a surprise to Aqua. The implications as well takes a moment for her to process.

“Huh? Why do you ask that?” 

“Well...that last bounty went awfully well, right?”

“Yeeaaah…” Aqua would rather not grace the bounty a description, let alone recall it.

Nightshade continues. “It makes me think back with you and Daddy. You both fought each other. Now you think Daddy isn’t all that bad! And viscera, visa!”

“Vice versa,” Aqua corrects.

“Yeah, that. That Diamond Dog and Pony Knight duo seemed alright, then why can't some of the other Knights?”

“I’m not sure if that should matter. If they’re a part of the Crimson Knights, then they’re criminals. Just another bounty to catch,” Aqua says nonchalantly.

Nightshade frowns. “Daddy is technically a wanted criminal, and you’re okay with him.”

Aqua freezes, wide-eyed. She hasn’t forgotten. How can she? She still remembers the deadly fight they had back in the Crimson Hearthswarming and when he almost drowned her. Yet, here she is now, on friendly terms with the guy. In hindsight, their current relationship should be impossible. But still...

"There's a difference kid. Your dad doesn't actively go out of his way to hurt innocents and cause mayhem. The list of Knights so far can't claim that. One ran a mob syndicate while also kidnapping and brainwashing children, two were nearly killing innocent actors all for propaganda, one used his ego to trash the city, and those last two did crash the stock market and cause the destruction of Applewood," Aqua says.

Nightshade takes all this info in and looks to the floor in thought.

"Your dad, sure he's destructive...maybe even a bit crazy. But unlike these guys, he doesn't want this life. These Knights signed up even after the whole Fillydelphia crisis. They knew what they were getting into," Aqua says with Conviction.

"Yeah, OK. I think I get it. There is a difference, even when it's hard to see," Nightshade replies.

"Damn straight kid. And I guarantee these next two guys got it coming too."

"Probably...So when is daddy getting here? I want to eat that cake already!" Nightshade groans.

"It's not for eating kid," Aqua exclaims.

"Just one nibble!" 

At that, Nightshade continues on with a torrent of pleads. Aqua groans, cursing C.V. for putting her up to this.

BACK WITH YOU

"Huh. So it actually is lunch." To your surprise, it happens to be the cafeteria you arrive at. The inmates shove you through the line with them, a tray and soupbowl conveniently dropping in front of you before it's filled with... some kind of soup. You're not sure what kind it is, and the lunch ladies don't seem to be much help, going through the motions as the lunch rush gets into full swing.

You get deposited at a table with a few other inmates...and Doctor Quacksalver.

"Ah, so you decided to join me, good. I knew you were suffering from hungriitis," he says as he slaps your back.

Oh Luna, just kill me now...

As if she could.

He looks down at your bowl of soup and grimaces.

"Woof. You're willingly going to eat crazy person food? I know you suffer from hungriitis, but at least have some standards. Like me," he says as he lifts up a lunch pale and takes a bottle of Jack Spaniels out of it.

"That's your lunch? There's no food," you declare.

"Nah, that's fine. Food makes me sick," he says before chugging on it.

Your eyes widen as he drinks it like water, till he stops, and gives you a funny look.

"Hi Everypony~" he says as his eyes unfocus, "Be sure to cure your hungritis with your crazy people food. I'm gonna go schmooze with Nurse Ratchet..." he sways as he gets up and goes towards a mare with a stern look on her face.

Rolling your eyes, you look around to the other inmates.
They are all slurping down their soup straight out of the bowls like their lives depended on it.

"Make the pain stop master! You are within me again. Make it stop!" a mare shrieks crazily as she throws her empty bowl on the floor.

"Geez. These ponies clearly don't get fed enough," you note while looking at your own bowl. You chance taking a sniff, and wretch at the coppery stench filling your nose.

"What is this slop their feeding us?!"
You wrinkle up your nose at the thought of having to eat this, and consider just tossing it. Maybe Quacksalver had the right idea. But then you realize you might be in here awhile. Having not found anything wrong here besides the horrible conditions, and on que your stomach growls its opinion.
Holding your nose and sticking your tongue to the roof of your mouth, you pick up the bowl and shoot it down in only three quick gulps.

"Huh..." you smack your lips together, "That actually wasn't bad at all. Tastes like tomato bisque."

Suddenly you feel yourself lurch forward as a migraine burrows into your skull. "Gah! What the-"

Bugze! Selena shouts. Something is trying to assert its control over you, but I'm blocking it out. What just happened?

I dunno! you mentally shout back. Then you hear something gnawing in your mind: a deep, scratchy voice.

Eat. Consume. Submit. Eat. Consume. Submit.

You feel no urge to do as it says, which you gratefully thank Selena for, but it's constantly there, clear and sinister.

"Oh Luna! This is crazy person food!"

Suddenly you hear a break of static from the loudspeakers overhead, and the very same voice comes through.

"Grey! Hey! I know you can hear me, so stop beating on whoever you're beating on today and listen up, it's almost time. Just wanted to get your opinion on this letter before I send it off."

Your eyes widen at this. No way...

Erised clears his throat loudly into the mic.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm disappointed in you... so very deeply disappointed. You are far too soft to rule a nation like Equestria. And no, I am not referring to the texture of your sickeningly silky white coat. Neither you, nor your guards seem to know what it means to be leaders, defenders, or upholders of justice. Not only have I skimmed enough history books to know of your borderline pacifist nature, but I've seen it in action. Rather than destroy threats to your people's safety, you simply send them away for a thousand years and let someone else handle them when they come back. Instead of executing dangerous criminals, you instead try in vain to reform them to the side of 'good'."

You look around at the other inmates, and even the staff, and they are listening with full attention. The voice continues.

"Pardon my language, but what the actual buck?

This is a dangerous thing you do, risking the safety of your people just to keep blood off your hooves. Tougher ponies than you have done what was best, even if it was messy, and you brand them monsters... Monsters for wanting to keep people safe. If you ever knew what it was to be a protector, you've clearly forgotten. It's time you and your pathetic guards learned."

"Learned what?..." you mumble in fear.

"Arkhay Prison in it's entirety is under the control of the Crimson Knights, every one of its former inmates is now one of my soldiers, their madness is my might. Every mistake you ever made in sparing these psychopaths is going to come back to bite you unless you can muster the balls to storm in here with your guards and put a stop to us. Permanently."

You look all around you in a panic, but still, all of the inmates continue to pause and listen.

This is bad! So very bad! 

"Yours truly, Erised of the Crimson Knights."

There's a short pause on the intercom before Erised starts up again,

"Do you think that sounds condescending and judgmental enough, or just long-winded and boring? I think I need to add a few more lines about Celestia's fat flank before I send it. Anyway, get on the nearest intercom and let me know, then tell the grunts below to suit up, and start passing out weapons to the inmates. I'll send the letter with one of our craziest messengers. That'll get their attention, but it will still be awhile, and we need to prepare. When Celestia does get here, we're gonna show that coward of a ruler who the real heroes of Equestria are, and what happens to the pretenders."

Erised's voice in your head starts chanting a new command. 

Prepare. Destroy the pretenders. Prepare. Destroy the pretenders.

All of the inmates, and even a bit of the staff rise up, some of them spouting out the same words, others twitching and some get up and start running around.

Quacksalver still drunkenly walks around, but everyling else has gone mad...der

Erised and Grey Rebl are here, they've got an army of crazy people, they're gonna try and call out the Royal Guards soon, and I'm stuck right in the middle of it without my gear.

You raise your hooves in the air and shout

"Bu-"

"BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!!!" you are interrupted by Quacksalver, doing his own cry to the heavens. You give him an incredulous look and he looks back at you in confusion.

"What? Ratchet had a boyfriend."

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Special Ending Theme:


> Episode 46: It's A Madhouse...Or So They Claim! (The Final Knights Arc Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Opening Theme:





Erised the ink-moth's Comment




Brown Dog's Comment



This is bad. This is bad. This is really really bad, you think as all around you the inmates get more and more stirred up. Erised is mind-controlling all of them, and somewhere, Grey is arming not only them, but a force of Crimson Knight recruits as well. Now they're going to lure Celestia and her guards into a trap, and try to destroy them!

"What do we do?" you mutter. "What the BUCK DO WE DO?!" you scream, grabbing a random stallion and shaking him back and forth.

Bugze, be calm. Selena tells you, Our enemies have foolishly revealed their plans. There is still time to thwart them. Do not forget we have friends on the outside.

"Aqua and Nightshade!" you gasp. "I can tell them what's happening, and they can send a warning! Visiting hours should be happening soon, so I can talk to them then!"

The orderlies are less then helpful, however,

"What do you mean I can't go to visiting hours?! We've got bigger problems coming than a shirked schedule!"

"Lunch has to be finished first. Now finish your meal and sit calmly."

"Calmly?! Didn't you hear the dang intercom message?! All of Tartarus is going to break loose soon!"

The orderlies look at you confused.

"What intercom message?"

"Don't listen to him, he's crazy. We don't have an intercom system..." says the other orderly.

Your eyes shrink at that.

"WHAT?! Of course there is! Erised just spoke over it!"

"...Sit down and eat" they grab you and drag you back to your seat, even as the other patients wander around like zombies, the staff seem to be going about their job in a lax, trance like state.

They really don't know. They don't know what's coming, you think in worry.

It seems this Knight has not only infiltrated the minds of the insane, but of the staff as well, but in a different way.

Well there's got to be others in here that aren't just mind controlled. Grey Rebl for one, but there might be others.

Agreed. But for all these enthralled, we should proceed with caution, if they suspect us, they might swarm.


Or you could allow me to seize control. Sombra whispers, Give the Ink-moth's blood to me, and through my power, his army shall be mine to control."

You blink. "Well why didn't you say so sooner?! Can you actually do that?" If he can, you could end this here and now. With the asylum under your control, you'd be able to force the knights to surrender, and nopony would get hurt.

Indeed I can. Sombra chuckles evilly, Yeeeessss... Slaveeeessss.

"Alright..." you say with a frown, "and what would you do with the inmates after we've beaten the knights?"

I would lead them across Equestria to conquer- I mean... uh... We'd all get lemonade?

"Yeah, that's what I thought. I don't trust you enough to give you an army. I bet you'd double cross us the second you get the chance, so no thanks." you tell the king. "I can do this without your help. We'll stop them, and we're going to do it the right way, with a good old-fashioned flank spanking! In the meantime," you grab a cup of pills and down them, "Go back to la la land!"

You can practically feel Sombra scowling. Selena seems proud of you though.

Before you can think anymore on your situation though, you are suddenly grabbed from behind...



Grey Rebl's Comment



"Well, lunch time is over. Time to resume our therapy session!" Quack cheerfully says.

You do a double take. "Wait, what?! Are you crazy?!"

"Now, BST, don't lump me in with my patients. I'm the doctor here."

"Nonono! This is serious! Didn't you hear the guy on the intercom? You can't just leave this alone and treat this as another case of---"

"Oh, I'm sure it's a part of their way of doing therapy."

Yet again, for the nth time today, your eye twitches. That has to be the dumbest thing possible, yet, reasonable as well. All of this can be considered the usual crazy stuff that happens in an asylum. Well, except for the horrible conditions. Most of all, it's just like Quacksalver, to treat certain things as viable treatments.

"...Quacksalver, you really ARE a quack."

Now, he definitely hears that. However, it appears that he's heard of that line so many times, it seems to be the usual for him so he doesn't question your statement. All the while missing the meaning entirely. "Yes, yes. I know my name is Quack. Hmm, I may have to rediagnose you. It seems you're suffering from..."

You don't want to hear it. You grunt in frustration and decide to move on along. However, you are stopped by the sudden pull of your tail. Apparently Quacksalver can have a killer grip when buzzed by alcohol. As he starts to drag you away, you shout, "Hey! Let go! I have things to do! Important things!"

Quack turns to smile at you. "Don't worry. There's always time AFTER your sessions. Trust me, it's a pretty short and easy fix."

"I DON'T HAVE BUCKING TIME!"

He continues to ignore you from there on as you try to escape his grip. Even hitting him won't work! The alcohol imbued pain tolerance has already kicked in! As you continue to be dragged through the halls, you shout angrily, "QUACKSALVEEEEEER!" It echoes.  In the end, it sounds like the insane cries of one of the Asylum's patients.

SOMETIME LATER

"Peace. Tranquility. Calmness. Feel your breathing. Listen to your heartbeat."

In a room, a circle of ponies are gathered, most of them in straight jackets. A pony in a doctor's coat in particular sits among the patients, eyes closed as he chants phrases about finding inner peace within madness. He doesn't even seem to notice the glazed and feral looks of the crazies, which occurred when Erised made his announcement.

Indeed, the room is in fact peaceful. Until, that is, the door slams open to reveal you and the quack.

"And this here should be it!" Quack shouts, breaking whatever peaceful silence there is.

The Pony Doctor in the room snaps his eyes open, revealing rage and fire and ice, to which to wince as you can sense the raw emotion from him. "...Quacksalver," he says in a cold voice, and, although sophisticated, he's obviously training his anger.

"Oh. Wrong room. Sorry there! Didn't mean to interrupt your session!" Quack says, unflinching to the look of unbidden rage in front of him. 

You take the opportunity to sneak away, but yelp as Quack's grip didn't even lessen.

The Pony Doctor scowls. "Yes, and if you call yourself a PROFESSIONAL doctor, you should know better than to both knock and NOT be drunk on the job." He then spits, "And yet you have the gal to insult our Asylum's procedures."

Quacksalver just shrugs uncaring, taking another swig of the alcohol. "My only objection to the procedure of this asylum is their supposed diagnosis. But no worries, this doctor will fix their mistakes and save their reputation!"

You groan, feeling pity to this institution. Brainwashed or not, the Asylum is doomed. You say, "Okay, Quack? You're drunk. You should go home."

"Nope! Not until we finish your treatment, BST!" He then proceeds to leave the room as he drags you away and waves to the Pony Doctor. "Good day, Ratchet's boyfriend!" Before Ratchet's boyfriend can even reply, the door closes shut.

MORE RANDOM SEARCHING LATER

It's through another trek through another hallway when you say, "C'mon, Doc! You have to let me go! People are going to die if I don't do something!"

"Don't be silly, Bugze. Nopony is going to die anytime soon just because YOU think so."

"The buck?! Aren't you supposed to be a be a doctor?! You know, save people?" When you finish, he suddenly stops. You smile, hope forming in you. "Have I finally gotten through to---?"

"Ah, I made another wrong turn."

"It feels like we're walking in circles, where are we even going?!" you shout.

"My office of course. Your treatment is waiting...now if only I could remember where it was," he ponders as he drinks more booze.

You clamp your mouth shut, preventing yourself from killing him with a "Fos Roh Dah." 

Quack puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm. By the way, I should warn you to not wander around these halls.'

"Huh?" you say, snapping you out of your murderous thoughts and then into confusion. "Why?"

Then, you hear it: The cries of pain and anguish. The cries scream of mercy and help, but obviously, no sane person may attempt it in fear of whatever atrocities reside around that very corner. Several shadowy figures rapidly swing in and out ominously, following the very movements of the people present. Along with it, though, is a voice of anger and glee. 

"THERE WILL BE NO LITTERING IN THESE HALLS! NEVEEEER!"

"...the buck?" you squeal out.

"Yeah, the Asylum's janitor can be like that. He's actually one of my patients, and I figured mopping and cleaning the floors until they shine will do him good! That way, it'll reflect the shine into his cynical heart and he'll feel pretty bright about it." How Quack still continues on with a smile like that with whatever it is that's happening in front of him, you have no idea.

You think back to the general condition of the Asylum. "And what bang up job he's doing...this place is still a mess."

"Yeah! Isn't it great?" Quack buzzes. "For being the only janitor in the asylum, he's doing well even though a lot of the patients make it all messy again, making him start over. But not once was he deterred!"

You hear the meaty smacks of heads slamming to the floor. "THESE HALLS WILL STAY CLEAN! CLEAN, I SAY! PER. FECT. LY. CLEAN!" For each vowel, you hear a wince inducing hit.

You blink. "Well, no wonder he went crazy..."

Quacksalver just shakes his head. "No, he's actually getting better. He's getting less psychotic episodes now." He smiles cheekily at the statement, as if charmed for his success.

Judging by the psychotic laughter that sounds like a form of euphoric relief, you can understand why. You look at Quack Salver. "Can we PLEASE leave now?"

READ THE LAST BOLDED TEXT

At this point, you consider giving up on trying to convince this guy to not "help" you and instead opt to get over whatever messed up procedure he has procured and then be done with it. However, both you and Quacksalver are stopped by the appearance of an oddly sane pony. Well, sane in comparison to the rest at least.

Like the rest of the crazies, he's wearing a straitjacket. Unlike the rest of the crazies, he's being sneaky and inconspicuous, leaning against a wall along a corner. Ironically, the act of sneaking is what makes him so eye-catching in the first place.

"Ah. Idea! Let's ask of directions instead!"

"Do you even know your way around this place?!" Well, then again, neither do you. Though you feel you haven't really left this one corner section of the asylum. But that's besides the point. "And to ask a crazy no less! Are you out of your bucking mind---wait no, don't answer that."

Suddenly, the inconspicuous pony whips around and shout, "How many times do I have to say it: I'M NOT ONE OF YOU CRAZIES!" It's so loud that you can even hear it echo along the shallow halls, effectively destroying the illusion of stealth.

You sigh. "Let me guess: He's diagnosed for being too obnoxiously loud for no reason, so his therapy is to act as stealthily as possible in his free time?"

Quack looks surprised. "Actually, you got that correct. You nailed down the therapy, just not the diagnosis. You might become a good doctor after you are deemed sane enough."

Hello Kettle. I am Tea Pot, you think. 

"Oh my bucking god don't---You know what? Let's ask him directions already," you finally say.

You both ask, and the loud pony blinks dumbly. He points to the wall right beside him, where a wall map is nailed into.

Yet again, you sigh.

YOU GET THE DRILL BY NOW

"Aaaand now we're here!"

"Are you kidding me?!" you shout, "This is 3 doors down from the lunch room!"

"Ah, so it is. Great observational skills," he warbles as he takes another drink.

"We wasted all that time walking in circles!" you chastise.

"Oh, you don't have to look out for time anymore. The treatment starts now!" Quacksalver trots gingerly into the therapy room with you trudging behind. You feel queasy by the droplets of some reddish-black substance on the floor, dried and spread out nearly everywhere. There's even some on the ceiling! Whatever the treatment is, it must involve blood. And that terrifies you.

Before you can think of an escape plan, Quack opens a nearby drawer and pulls out something. It's alive.

"BUCKING LEECHES?! You were actually serious that time?!"

"I'm always serious...except when I'm not. Now, come and let Barney and his friends nom on your sickly blood," he says as he brings the leeches closer to your face.



Kichi's Comment



Thinking quickly you slap the leeches out of Quack's hooves,

"Barney No!" he yells, but you grab him, finally having enough of his crap.

"Alright, enough of this! We don't have anymore time to waste trying to 'heal my insanity.' We've got to do something Quack!"

"My good friend, what is the problem? Everything is okay, you just need to relax" he says without worry as he drinks from a bottle again.

"The problem is that disaster is coming! The Crimson Knights have spiked the food here, and it's brainwashing all the nutjobs. They're going to lure guards and the princesses here, and lead them into an ambush! On top of that, none of the staff seem to notice. You are, and I can't believe I'm saying this, the only one that's acting...'normal.' Your brain hurts after saying that, but you continue. We've got to help. We've got to warn the guards, or the princesses, or call SuperMane. Whatever! We gotta do something!" 

"Ummm, Paranoia... That is a new symptom my dear BST, care to talk with me about it?" he says woozily.

"Did you not hear me? There's gonna be an ambush if we don't do something!"

"So you really think the patients are going to revolt and hurt others?" he asks.

"Yes! Finally! Now you understand!" you shout in thankfulness.

"Well, then there's really only one thing to do," he says as he downs the rest of the booze, before pulling out a flask, and up ending that as well.

Your eye twitches at this as he continues to get drunk while pausing to chant,

"La La La, nothing bad happening..."

Rolling your eyes, you leave Quack as he continues drinking.

"Why did I think he could be helpful? Maybe I am going crazy..." you shake your head and walk back down the hallway back to the cafeteria, where the orderlies are herding the patients back to the Rec Room.

"Let's see...We don't want these guys being potential pawns...Maybe I can knock out everyone?" you think aloud.

That would not be wise. Not only are you alone, but there are too many and the Knights would be aware of us, says Selena.

"Okay... Let's try something else then." You then begin to think and walk around, worried as you hear the whispers of all the insane around you.

"To die is to live... To die is to live... "

"Yes! I want to kill!"

"Die, Die, Die, Die..."

Brains, Brains, brains..."

"Hastur, Hastur, Hastur, Hastur..." the voices mutter.

"OK, the insane are still nuts, but right now they're not organized. I've just got to get to visiting room before anything else ha-"

You are suddenly struck dumb as you see a strange sight.

"Dear Luna... Is that a Minotaur dancing in a Tutu?" you ask in confusion.

Indeed it is. The big burly minotaur twirls around while wearing a pink tutu, and humming some sort of tune.

The minotaur does a split jump, twirls in front of you...and then kicks you right in the nards.

"Damn you lady luck!" you moan in a high pitched voice as you cradle your stallionhood. The minotaur just continues to dance and hum down the hallway, proceeding to attack other patients the same way.

Getting up on shaky hooves and hoping you can still have children in the future you run through the other inmates towards the visiting room.



Vesperion Seraph's Comment

 

A few doors down from the visiting center door, a black and purple dragon in a security uniform comes bursting out of a room.

"What the buck, what the buck?! I gotta get out of here" he stammers looking scared.

Surprised to see someone else in this asylum emoting, you call out to him.

"Hey you! Dragon!"

He turns to you and scowls.

"Oh great, another bucking loony. Stay away from me!" he yells.

"I'm not crazy dummy! And I'm guessing neither are you. Did you hear the intercom?"

His eyes light up at that.

"Of course I heard the intercom! I started working here today and I wanna leave before the crazy guys attack or whatever. And if you're not insane that means you have to leave too!"

You nod your head at this,

"You're right you do have to leave, some bad stuff is about to happen and the Crimson Knights are in the middle of it. They're trying to turn the crazies into an army or something!"

"Wait What? Crimson Knights? Those terrorists?! I knew taking this job was a bad idea! My father always told me working for ponies was a bad idea, and now see what's happening! I'm smack dab in the middle of some crazy ponies suicide plan!" the dragon stammers.

You give a deadplanned glare at the dragon as you say,

"Uh...that's speciesist." 

The dragon's eye twitches as he says,

"I could care less if it is or not! I just want to get out of here before we all get killed!"

"Alright, alright, calm down...ummmm,"

"Ender."

"Ender. I'm a bounty hunter, and I'm going to take these suckers down."

"Y-you are?" he asks.

"Yes, all I need to do is go get my cake equipment in the visitor's center, and I'll solve this," you explain calmly.

"Oh, OK, well I'm gonna get out of here then and..."

"Wait, you can help me help a lot of ponies first," you stop him.

"What? But it's just my first day? What can I do?"

"You're a guard right?"

"Yeah?"

"Well then you must now of some way to slow down the inmates in this place and buy us some more time right? Maybe some sort of lockdown button?""

The dragon puts on a thinking face before snapping his talons and saying,

"The security office has a manual override that locks down the whole Asylum in case of a break out. That should give you a few extra hours head start."

You nod your head at this before saying,

"Good. Now listen, Would You Kindly pull that switch for me?"

"But I-" he starts.

"Look, I gotta go link up with my crew and get my gear, the clock's ticking. Just go pull it and after that you can then leave or find someplace to lay low. Hopefully I'll have this Knight done with before anything else can happen."

"...Ok then," he submits.

"Right, thanks. Oh, and do you happen to know when the post mare shows up around these parts?"

"I think around 1:00?"

You look up at a clock and see you only have five minutes before that letter is sent out.

Buck!

You take off towards the visitor center door, as the dragon nervously walks towards the security office.



Erised the ink-moth's Comment




The Rutherford's Comment



When you get to the visitor's center, you find the place surprisingly empty. You guess the rest of the inmates don't actually use this place anymore, what with the whole mind control stuff. Still, there is a stallion in a security uniform watching over the booths. He turns to you as you enter.

Careful Bugze. We don't know the extent of Erised's power; he could be listening in through his minions.

Right as Selena warns you of this, the stallion approaches you. "What are you doing here?" he asks gruffly.

"I've uh... got some visitors waiting to talk with me," you tell him. Looking around you spot Nightshade and Aqua on the other side of one of the booths. "There they are! That's my daughter and my friend!"

The stallion rolls his eyes. "I thought we weren't supposed to be getting visitors anymore." he mumbles. "Well, you know the drill, go up there, keep up appearances and all that. And if you squeal about anything, well... this is an insane asylum and we will treat you like you're insane. And that includes therapy with out more hysterical patients."

You gulp and make your way to the conversation booth, noticing to your annoyance that the stallion is watching your every move.

The second the three of you sit down, Aqua not-so-subtly asks, 

"So CV, find out anything about the knights and what their evil plans are?"

The stallion behind you raises an eyebrow which makes your spine tingle.

"Eeh heh heh, mmm. Nah ha ha. No," you stammer nervously while darting your eyes to the prison guard, and making a series of hoof gestures telling her to shush. "Man it is so great to see you two again. It's been a really long time huh?"

"CV, it's been two hours." Aqua deadpans.

"Right? Two hours without seeing my best friend and my little girl! How've you two been doing without me anyway?" you say in an exaggerated tone.

"Daddy I'm bored. All the vending machines in the lobby are out of candy. All they have left is trail mix! Bleh! Can we finish beating up the knights and go get ice cream?" she asks sweetly.

You chuckle as the stallion gives you another glance. "Sure we can, just as soon as these guys finish making me not crazy. But that might take some time though, this place is in bad shape, you could almost say that the ponies in charge are the real crazy ones." you say with a wink. "Everypony I've met here seems like they're not in control of their own minds. If Celestia saw this place the way it is, it'd be terrible, so that should never happen."

"Daddy, why are you talking all weird? And why do you keep winking at us?" Nightshade asks.

Facehoofing, you turn to the guard stallion watching you and shout, "Hey look, a distraction!" while pointing the other way.

Just like old times, he looks the other way.

You spin back to Aqua and Nightshade and quickly belt out, "Erised and Grey are in charge of the asylum. They've got the inmates and a lot of the staff under mind control. Erised is sending a letter off to Celestia in five minutes to have her and her guards come here and it's going to be a bloodbath if we don't stop it!"

"WHAT?!" Nightshade and Aqua shout. "Why didn't you just say so?"

You feel a vein in your head start to pulse in frustration.

"We've got to find the messenger and intercept them before they get to Celestia. Come on CV, we're busting you outta this joint, like-."

"No wait!" you stop Aqua mid one-liner. "You and Nightshade go. I'll stay and take these guys down. You still got that cake right?"

"Yup!" Nightshade says and brings out a giant cake riddled with bitemarks. "I might have eaten some of it."

"I can see that, now go and..."

"Oh wait! Here you go daddy!"

Nightshade gives you a strange device.

"What is this?"

Nightshade beams at you as she says, 

"It is a grappling hook for your power glove, like Batmane uses. I figure it will help you get around the Asylum quicker, and get to areas you normally couldn't. It is also quiet, the inmates won't hear you. Perfect for stealth take downs."

You look at your daughter in surprise as you ask,

"How did you find this?"

Aqua steps up and says,

"Actually, Nightshade and Mangle made it for you. I guess between her love of comics, cartoons, and video games and Mangle's advanced intelligence, they made you something that you can use to increase your fighting and stealth abilities."

Your eyes get stars as you exclaim,

"Sweet!"

I will have to tell her how proud I am of her after this is over.

The little overlord has given us a gift of the sneaky gods. We must use it well while we bask in her greatness by spilling the blood of our enemies...and then by her My Little Human toys!

Your eye twitches at this, but you ignore it.

Shaking your head you look at your daughter and say,

"Thanks honey, now get out of here and stop that messenger! And good luck"

She nods her head and runs off with Aqua in tow. 

You smile then pull your inventory out of the cake, and your gear out of the inventory.

Inventory and gear reclaimed. Yay!

"Good luck to you too CV." Aqua says with a mock salute.

"Bye Daddy! Kick them in the nards once for me!" Nightshade calls out.

"Oh I will." you say as you finish strapping on your power glove with it's new attachment and breather mask. You decide to keep the rest of your costume off for the moment, since there is still one thing that needs to be taken care of...

"I swear I'm still not seeing anything." the guard you distracted says as he keeps staring at the ceiling.

"Then how about you see some stars?" you quip with your voice modulator, "FALCON PUNCH!"

With one less guard to worry about and your sidekicks on their way to intercept the message, you don your Crimson Vengeance garb. You then make your way back into the madhouse. "Watch out Grey and Erised, I'm not locked in here with you... you're locked in here with me!"

After that awesome declaration however...



Kersey's Comment



Your inventory (which you hadn't quite put back on yet) is snatched right from your hooves by a lunatic pegasus who declares,

"I have found the arc of eternal youth!" as he flies by. Your boomstick falls out as he takes your daughter's room and flies into another window and out of sight.

"My stuff! He took my bucking stuff!" you declare.

No time to worry about that now! Time is of the essence 

Bullspit! Time can wait. I'm missing most of my stuff besides my Boomstick and Power Glove, and while that psychotic soup voice is warbling in my head, I'd rather not use any of our powers you think as you begin to find some sort of way out of the main room of the Asylum, I'm gonna track that bucker down and get my stuff! Until then though, I guess it's back to basics... What are my basics again?*     

You shake off that thought and decide to focus on it later. As you run back down the hallways, you are surrounded by several shambling inmates. You also notice that the Asylum has quite a few conveniently-placed Gargoyle statues near the ceilings. Getting an idea from one of your favorite video games, you use Nightshade's grappling hook to grapple onto the top of one of the Gargoyles.

"Time for some interrogation..."

You use the hook to dangle upside-down from the statue and when a crazy unicorn gets close enough, you quickly drop down, grab the lunatic, and pull him back up. As you dangle the lunatic by the throat you demand,

"Tell me what you know nutjob!"

"The plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces are called aglets. Their true purpose is sinister!" he rants.

"Well that was useless." you snark as you let go of the crazy, causing him to land on his head on the hard Asylum floor below, knocking him out.

You repeat this on a few more lunatics that come to investigate the unconscious unicorn, but their info is no better;

"You will never make me tap-dance, giant mime fairy of the llama-people!"

"I am the walrus, Goo goo g' joob!"

"WE'RE ALL JUST REFERENCES IN A PIECE OF MEDIOCRE FAN FICTION COLLABORATED BY A BUNCH OF FREAKS CALLED BRONIES!"

This doesn't help me at all! Where's my bucking saddlebags?!"

Your process of forcefully interrogating brainwashed insane patients surprisingly doesn't yield any results. What does produce a result is you getting knocked off the Gargoyle by the Pegasus who has your inventory as he flies down the hallway.

"I shall offer this eternal youth to the zombie overlords!"

GET BACK HERE!" you yell in anger as you chase the maniac. Eventually, he flies through a doorway that leads into another part of the asylum, and the door locks behind him. You try opening the door, but it is solid steel, and the words "Authorized Personal Only" are engraved on it.

"Oh you mother-GRAGH!" you shriek as you catch your breath and think,

Okay, this may be harder then I thou-



BrownDog's Comment



"Hiya BST. Say, can you do me a solid? I need some more booze," Quacksalver interrupts your thoughts by putting a foreleg around your neck. He reeks of alcohol.

"Haven't you had enough? And if you hadn't noticed, this place is going to be turned into a powder keg pretty soon!"

"Well of course I noticed, but when faced with crazitus revoltus, all you need is some booze to make the world go away...."

You begin rolling your eyes at this, before he suddenly puts a key card in your hoof.

"Here, this will get you to the staff locker rooms. My locker is 555, bring the Johnny Trotter," he says before he wanders down the hallway muttering, "Hi Everypony."

You look to the door on your left which says, Employee Locker Rooms. Maybe there's a way around this door in there.

"...Never thought I'd say this, but thanks Quacksalver," you say as you use the keycard and sneak into the Employee Locker Rooms before the orderlies find you.

You quickly find his locker, and sure enough, there is quite a few bottles of booze inside. You take them, since you never know what's coming, as well as some...Ninja Stars?

There is a box with some ninja stars in them, and a note amidst them.

Hey Doc, 

Thanks for the good time. Take these to remember me by. And don't you dare tell Red Heart, I still need this job!

Love,

Snow Heart.

You cringe at this note.

"Seriously? Quacksalver hooked up with Ninja Nurse? How the...Nope! Not going to think about this!" you shake your head in disgust.

"Though, I doubt he needs them right now," you say as you pocket the 20 Ninja Stars.

20 Ninja Stars Added to Pockets
5 Bottles of Booze Added to Pockets

"Alright, I got a grappling hook, and now ninja stars. I'm shaping up to be a regular ol Batmane aren't I?"

As long as you aren't kill crazy and fall apart at the sound of your mother's name, then I will happily be your Catmare in this scenario, Selena giggles.

You're kind of surprised about how geeky that was of her to say, but then you remember her new name did come about because of said comic characters. Just don't think about her in catmare's costume and...

*GONG*

Too Late!

Sorry, you chuckle nervously and blush.

As flattering as that image is, we should probably focus on the task at hand rather than what fictional characters we would look like,

Good idea

Can I be Peter? I like his red shirt

"No! We're talking about Batmane, not your humie trash!" you yell as you slam the locker and look around before he has a chance to start talking again.

Looking around, you find your key to getting out into the main asylum beyond that door.

"An over sized air duct...Why not?"

You grip the edges and try to pull with all your might...unfortunately it's not that easy to pull grating off with your bear hoofs. Luckily, you have a great equalizer.

"Boom Shacka Lacka!" you blast the grate open with your BoomStick and move through the vent before anyone can investigate.

Meanwhile With Aqua and Nightshade

After giving you your stuff and learning about the letter, they attempt to intercept the letter as the post mare flies into Tall Tale.

"Why are we worrying about the Princesses coming though? Aren't we still far from Canterlot?" Aqua asks.

"Yeah, but that's not where Princess Celestia is right now. She's one town over in Vanhoover still dealing with cleanup from 3 weeks ago," Aqua tells Nightshade as they tale the pegasus mare.

"Oh...so if the guards are alerted then..."

"She'll be here by Nightfall. And that's exactly what these Knights want! That's why we have to get that letter!"

"But wouldn't some guards be helpful with all those crazy ponies?"

"No, they'll be walking into a trap. Even if they get that note, we have to warn them!" Aqua pants.

"Alright, but if this all goes pits up, I'm Falcon Kicking Everyone in the Nards!" Nightshade declares.

Back With You

Out of all the things in Arkhay that seem ripped straight out of a video game, you learn that the air vents are definitely not following suit. Sure the opening was over sized, but the rest of it...not so much. You've been squeezing and wriggling your way through the cramped and very dusty air vent for what feels like hours now. It's probably only been a few minutes, but the point is you're sick of it! It probably hasn't even been that stealthy considering how much noise you make just by moving. It's a wonder your favorite heroes never get caught doing this.

"Whoa!" you yelp as you reach a sudden drop in the shaft. 

*clunk* 

"Ow!" 

*crash!*

"Oww." 

*clown horn noise* 

"My leg..."

You shake yourself out of your daze once you've stopped falling down shafts, and try to get a look around. You're probably in some sort of sublevel with how many falls you took. Luckily there's quite a few grates to peek through, allowing you to get a good view of the... oh holy moly.

You let out a low whistle at what you see. For a group of angry misfits, these Knights sure got their hooves/paws/claws on some pretty sweet tech.

The light fixtures are cranked up to almost blinding levels, showcasing the workstations where dozens of cloaked ponies are hard at work screwing and soldering together weapons like you've never even seen before. Others are sketching and copying blueprints while listening to ponies in straitjackets ramble.

At the other end of the giant warehouse-like room is a firing range where several knight grunts in lab coats are lining up the finished weapons. Most of them look like pipes with glowsticks attached, but each of them fire off bursts or globs of fire, ice, mucus and Luna knows what else. There's even an assortment of viscous melee weapon hybrids, like a saw that transforms into a cleaver, and a rifle with a chainsaw bayonet.

Then from out of view you hear maniacal laughter, and you switch vent grates to get a look.

Below you can see a station where inmates are being funneled into rooms and forcefully strapped with weapons or injected with multicolored serums that mutate their bodies.

One mare in particular looks especially happy to be there. She has a long brown mane inexpertly dyed green, and is wearing a suit of purple spandex.

"Give it to me. Do it!" she says to the knight grunt with a twitch in her eye.

The grunt cautiously approaches and pours a bubbling green liquid onto her head. As soon as he finishes pouring it, the sludge absorbs into her mane, turning it the same shade of green and making it writhe like a mass of snakes.

"Finally... they laughed at me once... but now I'm the REAL Mane-iac!" the mare giggles gleefully before snatching the grunt with her hair whips and flinging him in a show of strength.

Your eyes widen at this scene.

"Sweet Celestia! This must be where the knights have been making all those awesome video game weapons, and where Kersey got that growing potion." you say to yourself. You shudder to think what an army of insane inmates and Crimson Knights could do with that kind of tech. "I've got to find a way to shut this place down," you decide before kicking the grate open and stealthily dropping to the floor below. "It's way too dangerous to fight in the open, gotta be sneaky about this," you theorize as you place your boomstick down the back of your coat. "And if I happen across anything neat along the way, well... they won't miss any of it."

And how are you going to carry such items? Our Inventory is still missing?

"What we need, is more fountains of truth. Saddlebags that are larger on the inside! We can hold all our thoughts within them!" comes the shout of the pegasus you were chasing.

You see him wearing your saddlebags, and sitting in the rambling group where Knights are taking notes.

You grapple to a gargoyle above this room of insane science and scowl.

OK, add one more thing to do in this room. Shut it down, pinch some items, and get my Luna Danged Bags Back!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Special Ending Theme:


> Episode 47: Entering The Video Game Weapon Factory!!! (The Final Knights Arc Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Opening Theme:





Kersey's Comment



"I will have to use stealth instead..." you say before jumping off the Gargoyle with a FUS RO DAH knocking down all below you before following it up with a downward slam of the Boomstick into the ground, knocking back the ponies in front of you.

Bugze! What are you doing?!

Not even noticing her, you proceed to jump onto a nearby wagon, get ahold of a device that looks like a box with a long tube attached to it, and proceed to start firing on everypony in the room while roaring, 

"SSTTTTTEEAAAAALLLLLLTTTTTTHHHHH!!!!"

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?! Selena yells, horrified at the carnage.

"They can't see you if they're dead right? STEALTH MOTHERBUCKERS!!!" you yell as you continue turning all these lunatics into chunky salsa...

BUGZE!!!

BACK TO REALITY

You are snapped back, revealing that you are still on the gargoyle shaking your head.

WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT! You and Selena both exclaim.

Don't look at me, Sombra says druggedly, I'm busy watching the Paris wedding Season 2 finale.

Kill! KILL! MORE BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GODS!!!

Selena!

I'm trying Bugze, but it's harder keeping two voices out then just one!

You give a mental sigh before thinking,

Okay, okay, sorry. But for now just focus on the new one, Mr. Humie is too drugged up to do anything.

If you say so, I'll put most of my focus on blocking out this new voice, but I'll still check on Sombra from time to time to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.

You nod your head before you look back out over the room before you, and the first thing that comes to your head is...



Grey Rebl's Comment



The ceiling is HIGH. Whoever made this place, they must have put a dent in Kersey’s absurd bank account. Heck, how far did you fall back in the air duct?! Even so, the fact that something like this is under the madhouse that is the Asylum? It’s unsurprising. And cliche. Besides, Outlast did it better. 

Secondly, there’s so many odd machines and large box-like rooms, and they’re pretty much littering the wide open space that is this facility. And some of them glow. Whatever they do, making video game items or whatever, they are definitely volatile...aside from the other dangerous weapons that the Crimson Knights are holding. And the equipment, too. When you peer through one of the windows with Zoom!, you can see some ponies on lab coats testing what looks like a freaking cryo gun! 

Thirdly: Where is all the good stuff?

Bugze, don’t get too excited, Selena chastises.

“What? I lost my inventory, and I’m practically down most of my arsenal. I need my variety,” you whisper. You then smile. “Besides, it’s not like these guys will need them when I shut this place down.”

Selena just sighs as she senses all your hype. You don’t care. In your excitement you jump down in a classic superhero pose. You smile smugly as you get out of the pose and look around...only to quickly lose that smug smile as you see a group of Knights staring at you in shock who seem about ready to grab their weapons. Thinking quickly you yell out,



Kersey's Comment



"Donald Trumpkin and Haylory Clanton are great honest choices for Mayor! Trickle-down economics work! THE PREQUELS ARE BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY!"

There is a few seconds of tense silence before they just let out a sigh, put down their weapons, and walk away from you. Some of them mumbling about just how crazy you are.

You let out a sigh of relief before quickly leaving the scene and begin to investigate the area all stealth like...For reals this time.



Grey Rebl's Comment



A FEW MOMENTS LATER

After sneaking your way through what appears to be a few training rooms, shooting ranges, and isolated testing rooms, you lean back against the inside of a crate. You forego the usual box stratagem and instead use an empty crate. Selena argues that you’re just using the same method, but a different kind of container. Normally, she would try to convince you with all her might when you don’t listen (yet again), but this time...this time it’s working.

“Who would think that this place is so unorganized?” you mutter. Boxes litter everywhere near every room, making it the perfect camouflage for your boxtrot method. Be they clean or unclean, a few Crimson Knights appear too eager to care, giddily trying out the weapons on the shooting range. Why they leave these crates full of weaponry out in the open in a hazardous place and not clean after themselves, you don’t know.

You can't help but feel a bit jealous for that kind of carelessness. And then you feel guilty about feeling guilty.

Suddenly, you hear a pair of hoof steps and you freeze.

“Maaan! This is the best!” says a voice outside your view.

"You said it bro," the second voice concurs.

“I told you they were the best leaders to be assigned to. Sure Grey Rebl and Erised run this place like a dictatorship, but on the other hand they needed a few hooves to keep the place running and to try out the merchandise!”

To your bitterness, the two lean against the very same crate you’re hiding in. You repress a sigh, recognizing this familiar scenario from your infiltration attempt into the Extra Lives Gang. It's not going to end like end the same way this time, you've learned your lesson, but your patience is still not all that good. On the plus side, you hear some interesting tidbits.

“And to think, I almost joined Kichi for his video game weapons! But Wow! This is where he got the actual stuff huh?”

“Yeeeaaah. This is the better deal though. I knew a guy in Kichi's operation, he mostly just bought those for his own pleasure. The only "fun" stuff my buddy got to do was to work with creepy as Tartarus animatronics."

"That sucks. Also, why did Kichi even have to buy stuff that other Crimson Knights made?”

“Because it takes money to make all this stuff. I guess its Management’s way of putting all of us to work and being productive. Which is stupid, I know.” You pretty much hear the guy smile. “Buuut in here, you get to use them for free! All you have to do is enlist yourself into “training” and start shooting. If you feel like a good enough daredevil, you can sign up for testing out the prototypes. 1 out of 5 times, you’ll probably explode or go crazy.”

Huh. That does sound like a sweet deal. However, for some reason, there’s anger coursing through you. Wait, no, that’s Selena. You feel concern for a bit, but the pair of Crimson Knights continue on.

“Errr, just like that Maneiac gal?”

“Yep. Some of us cosplay, but it’s so worth it! Although that mare is actually one of the crazies from the Asylum above us. We're arming them for some reason. Anyways, the only problem is that there’s so many of us here for that reason. You can pretty much say that about a fifth of active Crimson Knights are here.”

You can’t repress the gleeful grin. Jackpot! Not just another two Knight Leaders, but a majority of what's left of the Crimson Knights? This is a grand opportunity! Oh, this bounty is going to leave you a lot of wealth!

“Woohoo! Grey Rebl must be having it good with so many of us!”

“Nah.” Suddenly, the mood changes. “Buck that guy. He’s always ruining our fun and putting up that rule on item capacity. He even beat up a guy who was trying get all the colors of the rainbow with those lightsabers. He’s so crazy, he gets THERAPY. Like, he’s a General for crying out loud!” The speaker tries but fails to stifle a sudden burst of laughter. “So whenever he leaves for therapy up in the surface, we go nuts.”

“Duuude!” The other cries out scandalously.

You’re not sure to feel sorry or fortunate. Whoever Grey is, he’s either a horrendous leader or an overworked babysitter with undisciplined foals. Then again, none of the Knights you've face so far were very good leaders.

The rest of the conversation from there consists of complaints of their supposed Leader and their escapades involving all the stuff that they use, each one setting the anger in Selena to astute levels.

Fortunately, they leave before her breaking point comes. However, you need to know what’s up.

Okay, what’s the deal, Selena? It feels like you're giving off heat in there.

It’s these foals! Selena hisses. I should have realized it sooner! From the first changeling Knight Leader all to the way down to the Brown Mutt, they were never serious in their endeavors. Instead, they treat it like it’s some joke or party! And Equestria fears that these Crimson Knights would ruin their peace? They would sooner trip on a landmine.

Technically they already did ruin the peace, you point out. When another surge of anger comes from her, you quickly try to divert her attention. Er, is it really that much of a problem for you?

I just---There’s so much firepower right in front of us! And they just treat them like toys and act so irresponsibly! All this power, and they squander it on trivial bullspit?!

You know, I kind of do the same thing now that I think of it...

You don’t count. I can just simply GONG you for what it’s worth, GONG until you can’t even think about doing anything!

Shutting up! you rapidly think in fear of the GONG. Oh Luna, not the GONG!

You decide to enter one of the rooms in what appears to be a storage area. The room you are entering in particular seems to be a different from the rest. You’re gaming instincts can only assume a lot of things, but it drives your curiosity to action.

When you enter, your jaw drops.

"Oh sweet smoking mamba jamba!" you gasp at what you see.

Plasmids, Plasmids everywhere. On the pristine white shelves of the room, potion after potion are labeled neatly.

"Holy Gacumole, is this where they came from?"

Perhaps. Who else but an insane person would create something as destructive as what you're using?

You nod at this as you take off the crate to get a better look at the majesty before you.

“Bioshock 1, Bioshock 2, and even the Infinity series!” you exclaim. You see all of the Plasmids and Vigors you've drunk that rewrote a bit of your DNA to give you fantastic power. You even see the Murder of Crows you replaced for the vastly superior Insect Swarm You tear up at how all these bottles together looks.

Then again, you already have a whole slew of plasmids on you. In fact, you’ve already filled enough to unlock your Mix Up Smash. But still, there are so many to choose from, and you can’t even have the time to choose! If only you have your Inventory, then you could take them all, if not to keep them out of the hooves of the Knights, then to add to your collection.

You don't have your inventory...but you do have pockets.

I may not be able to grab all of them, but that doesn't mean I can't take some of them!

Smiling madly you rush up and grab three bottles. One labeled with an Electric Eel, one with a Pony's Head on Fire, and another with a Snowing Cloud  and stuff them into one of your pockets.

Bugze, what is the point of taking those? You already have a full arsenal and you'd have to replace something if you do drink them, so what's the point?

You shake your head slightly at this before you say,

Oh my poor, sweet, naïve Selena, it's quiet simple really. I do have a full arsenal of Plasmids. But these three are Tonics.

And that's different how?

Tonics effect the body more personally, they aren't offensive, but rather defensive. Armored Shell is a tonic, and it's made my hide stronger. Electric Flesh, Equine Inferno, and Frozen Field will give me more resistance to my own arsenal. Plus, Tonics aren't plasmids and won't replace anything

Selena is about to reply as you reach out to open the door, but you find it locked.

“Are you bucking kidding me?! Who makes these doors one way?!” You slam your hooves repeatedly on the door to see if it’s just a trick of the senses. When it is not, you curse as you rear back a hoof. “Oooh, I hope nobody hears this. Falcon---!”

Suddenly, the door opens. Surprised, you fall forwards with a yelp and land roughly on your muzzle. When you look up, you meet face to face with a...janitor?

Quack's warning and the violent undertakings that occurred in that one hallway about a certain janitor ring into your mind.

“Lost or something?” he says gruffly. The moment he opens his mouth, you see his braces and hear his lisp. 

From some reason, that actually takes out the battle readiness from  you. 

Still, it doesn't make you panic any less.

You can’t see his mane under his janitor’s hat, but he’s most definitely a boring brown unicorn, the dull blue jumpsuit only making him look even simpler. The janitor frowns as he looks down on your fallen form. 

You quickly scramble to your hooves and stutter an excuse. “H-hey! You the janitor guy, right? Wow! Nice to meet ya. Good day outside, right?” Que internal facehooving.

The janitor just stares at you. “The outside is closed from the facility along with the asylum,” he states.

“Ahahaha! Yeah! That’s right. Just checking, y’know?” Slowly, you inch backwards, letting the janitor step in. You would run or try to knock him out, but doing anything to set off the crazy janitor and the possibly volatile plasmids around you would be pretty bad.

Bugze, you are an idiot. Selena is probably dragging her hoof down her face right now, but you don’t have the time to nurse you minuscule amount of pride. Right now, you’re just trying to not accidentally set off a metaphorical bomb and make a scene, thus destroying your relatively successful sneak mission.

“So! Uh, what are you doing here?” you say.

“I’m here to clean.” Well, duh. The Knight Leaders are rounding up all the crazies to be armed, so of course the one guy that made that one megalomanical scene is here, too!

“And I just so happened to be around when I heard some banging on the door,” the Janitor finishes. 

“Right. Right,” you end lamely. The janitor just looks bored. Probably at your lackluster performance. Running out of ideas, you flash out your best disarming smile. It’s probably not working, seeing as how you're wearing your mask and all.

The janitor just glances around, inspecting the shelves, when there appears to be nothing amiss, he sighs. “Okay, are you new here? Too many newbies get themselves locked around here.”

This surprises you. Wait, this guy is a part of the Knights and he won't burst into a violent fit? Is it that easy? 

You stutter, 

“Y-yeah. Yeah! I’m new. Just, um, looking for something to do!”

The janitor raises a questioning brow, but he then says boredly,  “Anyways, it seems you haven’t made a mess, so you can leave.”

You blink as the janitor steps out of the room with door open. Huh. Barely had to do anything.
When you step out, you see a cart of cleaning supplies, typical of a janitor's arsenel.

The  janitor suddenly calls out to you. “Oh, by the way…” When you turn to face him---the end of a mop is thrust towards your face! It suddenly stops right before meeting the bridge of your masked muzzle. You don't flinch, but your eyes widen, staring at the mop in shock. You can practically sense the Killing Intent brimming from the broom. When you find the will to look away from the mop head to the janitor, you see the feral look that crosses the janitor's face. A chill runs up your spine.

“Make a mess on this floor, then I’ll make a mess out of YOU.” He then shoots a maniacal grin, showing his braces. “We clear?”

Aaand the braces killed it yet again. You barely repress an indecisive gulp and nod, trying your best to look intimidated. “Crystal.”

He continues to stare for a few more moments, but he eventually lets down his killer mop, allowing you to breathe in relief. He seems to buy it. “At least you seem to have some sense, unlike everyone else,” the janitor mutters.

I must disagree, unfortunately.

Leave me aloooone! You weep out internally.

Suddenly, there are sounds of several breaking bottles followed by a few outcries, quickly accompanied by a group of laughter, echoed from wherever the ensuing smoke came from, which you can even see polluting the high ceiling and covering a few lights. The janitor snorts angrily as he stares up at the smoke. "It seems more cleaning must be done." A dark chuckle sounds from him as he then trots towards whatever mess was made before saying over his shoulder, “Stay out of littering and have a good day,” and leaves out of sight, dragging his cart along.

You exhale, slumping by a crate. "Jeez, what the buck? Is the crazy janitor thing an act or not?"

It makes sense, though. Someling from the Crimson Knights has to act as a physical relay between the Asylum and the Video Game Weapons Facility. Chances are, there are more of them, and you've probably met them. Who else would listen to the intercoms when a crazy like Erised is speaking through them?

"...Although Grey Rebl is definitely arming the crazies, I don't wanna know what arming that guy would do. This world doesn't need anything similar to the Nightmare. Not this time."

Bugze...

"Well!" You quickly stand back up. "Better keep moving."

You grab your crate and continue with the sneaking.



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



With your boxy camouflage hiding you from the swarms of Knight grunts, you're able to move about the area pretty freely, assuming you don't bump into anyone or knock things over. Actually... you do end up knocking things over on accident, but there's so much going on, and so much noise from the machines that no one bothers to take notice.

Trying to trail that mad pegasus that stole your stuff has proven to be harder than you thought. That flying rat can really disappear when he wants, and being on the ground level makes it even tougher.

Peeking out of your crate, you find you're near one of the shooting ranges, and a group of grunts are heading towards it to test out a fresh batch of weapons.

"A'ight bros, lesse which one o' us has is the best crack shot," one of them, a unicorn says in a thick cockney accent.

"Whatever. Let's get this over with," another rolls his eyes as they lock, load, and line up.

The first brings his weapon to bear; it's the Binary Rife from Haylo 4. He kicks a button on the floor and a pair of cardboard targets spring up. You note with a bit of horror that the targets are painted to look like royal guards.

Two shots hit dead on before the unicorn pauses to reload. More cardboard guards pop up as their predecessors drift away as ashes. Five more shots get fired off with deadly accuracy before the sixth one finally misses, causing the grunt to curse as his buddies jeer at him for it.

"Move over... lemme show ya how it's done," you hear the distinct chittering voice of a changeling say. He sets himself up and hits the start button, but waits longer and longer until all the targets pop up. When he finally draws his weapon you see why; it's the Wunderwaffe DG-2 from Call of Duty Zombies!

One shot of lightning hits the first target before chaining to each target behind it, effectively frying every one of them at once. The changeling tilts back the gun and blows the smoke off it's muzzle.

"Oi! That's bloody cheating and you know it!"

"Someone's a sore loser," the changeling quips before being shoved out of the way by... a crystal pony? There are crystal ponies in the Knights?!

"Alright you casuals, it's time to show you what someone with some actual skill can do," he says before pulling out the Golden Gun from Goldeneye and the De-bug Megapistol from Fallout.

"Oh yeah, sure Mr. Retro. We're the casuals. Says the guy using those instakill abominations," the cockney unicorn snarks.

The crystal pony just mutters under his breath while the targets pop up. He hits nearly everything that pops up, but just like the unicorn sniper, he misses the very last one, causing the changeling to jump for joy knowing he's won their little contest, having hit the most targets.

Meanwhile you watch with a mixture of fangasming over seeing the weapons you've come to know and love get used in real life, and horror at how easily they were able to slaughter those cardboard guards. You were hoping to nick something new for your arsenal, but everything here seems like it was made specifically to kill. All the more imperative that you shut this place down before any of this stuff can be put to use.

Just then you realize the someone else is walking towards the shooting range. It's another changeling, so different from the first; he's pale, gaunt and scarred, and there's a grim blackness in his eyes that gives you shivers; even the grunts seem afraid of him.

Behind him, he drags a stallion in a lab coat tied to a chair, struggling and screaming through his mouth gag. "Oh shut up." The pale changeling punts him in the stomach before setting him up in the middle of the firing range. "You've been resisting me from the very beginning Doctor Nettle, don't think I've been blind to your actions. You're trying to find a cure for the others, a way to free them from my control. Feeling guilty that you betrayed them in the first place perhaps? It doesn't matter. You're beyond useless to me now; you're a liability."

Erised motions to the other grunts and they slide over a weapon's crate, from which he pulls out some kind of shotgun

Oh sweet Celestia, tell me they're not about to... you think to yourself, already thinking of how best to spring into action.

"H-hey boss..." the crystal pony stammers, "Erised right? We're not really going to-"

"Shut!" Erised points the gun in the crystal pony's face. "Up!" he finishes and slowly drifts the end of the barrel to the Doctor instead.

The Doctor spits out his gag and starts pleading with them. "You're insane!" he screams before turning his gaze to the other three. "H-hey! You three! Erised doesn't give a buck about any of us, we're all scum to him! He's gonna have everypony fight it out with Celestia and her guards, and then he'll just kill whoever's left over! I've seen how many clones he's made of himself, he's going to kill all of us! You've gotta believe me!"

Clones? Erised can clone himself? you think, already sliding into position to pounce.

Okay, I gotta save this guy now. He said he was trying to cure Erised's mind control. There's no telling how much he knows, not to mention these psychos are going to flipping murder him! I'm gonna beat the crazy out of Erised right here right now!

Bursting out of your cover and leaping towards the Knight leader in the blink of an eye, you rear back and strike him right in the head. "FALCON PUNCH!"

Skull caving under the hit for a fraction of a second, Erised then explodes into a shower of pitch black blood, splattering everywhere, on your clothes, in your eyes, and all over the grunts.

It takes a second for what just happened to register. But when it does-

"Oh buck!" you scream. "Oh buck. Oh buck. Oh BUCK NO! I didn't mean to kill him, I just wanted to clock him real good! What have I done!?"

Heh heh ha ha ha... Do you like my ink clones? comes a familiar sinister voice in your head. Hello...bounty hunter.

"Wh-what?" you sputter out loud.

"It's really IS you isn't it? The Crimson Vengeance, here at last. You're here to witness us as justice gets served, finally. Perhaps you'd even like to partake? Here, this one's all yours."

Suddenly you feel your body stiffen, and your hoof start to grasp for the strange shotgun-like weapon. "H-hey! No! What's going on? Selena help!" You listen into your mind, but all you hear are the sounds of... drowning? "Selena?" you ask fearfully.

Suddenly your hoof extends outward, pressing the weapon to the stallion's head like Erised before you. The grunts surrounding you mimic the movements perfectly, powerless to Erised's will.

You jerk and twist and fight with everything you have, but your body barely budges and inch, the weapon barely shudders. The stallion is in no position to move, and you scream in frustration as Erised... that sick bastard is about to make you take a life!

"No dammit, NO!"

Why do you resist? More than a thorn in my side, this stallion betrayed his colleges so that he would be safe. He helped me by injecting them with syringes full of my blood, so that I would spare him. Is he the kind of pony that deserves to live? Are any of them? Erised asks, and your hoof involuntarily twitches on the trigger, The Hooded Offender wouldn't let someone so dangerous live. You should learn from him Bounty Hunter. Learn what it's like to be a true hero.

You grit your teeth and start tearing yourself away from the stallion through sheer force of will. "The Offender...Would...Never..."

Oh but he would. Why do all you ponies not see? Or perhaps you just deny it Erised interrupts you. Let me remind you and all of your kind what he does to his enemies

Suddenly and to your horror, your body snaps back to the Doctor and before you can react, pulls the trigger. You can only stare in shock as a concussive blast carries the stallion through the air and slams him into the wall at the end of the range.

You hear a gasp for air in your head, BEGONE!!! cries Selena as she emerges.

What? What is...

Erised is forced out and control of your body is returned to you. At the same time you drop the gun, the grunts fall to the floor unconscious, leaving you as the only one standing.

Bugze! Bugze are your alright?! She asks frantically, So much at once... I felt like I was drowning under all that ink. What happened? Why are you-

"I... I didn't mean to," you whimper. "He made me do it. That SICK FREAK ERISED MADE ME K-... kill an innocent doctor." You sink to your knees as the words leave your mouth. "He made me kill a guy. Just like I did in Fillydelphia. I... I can't believe it."

Bugze, it was not your fault, Selena comforts you. We will find Erised, and make him pay.

You hear her, but you still feel bad. You weren't strong enough to resist, and somepony else payed the price. You can't stop staring at that doctor as he lays crumpled against the wall. Not moving, laying limply, gasping for air...Wait...

You feel your heart skip a beat and jumping up to your hooves you gallop over to him as fast as you can. You shake him a bit and he moans, looking up at you with a pained expression, but an alive one.

"Y-you're alive? You're alive!" you shout for joy.

He manages a small grin of his own and asks for your help getting up. He has a nasty bruise and cut along his head, but his skull is still intact.

Whatever gun you used didn't actually appear to fire a projectile.

Sighing happily, you drag him to a darkened area and question him.

It turns out that he was one of the staff in the asylum, and admits that what Erised says was true. He was afraid for his life, and because of that he submitted to Erised's demands, allowing him to brainwash essentially everyone in Arkhay, inmate and staff alike. But he also says that he's been working on a cure, a way to nullify Erised's blood magic without having to wait weeks for it to wear off. You ask him if it's finished, but he says he needs more time.

You tell him you're going to try and take Grey and Erised down, and ask what he knows about them, anything that might give you an edge. He says he doesn't know anything about Grey, but that Erised has created clones of himself that he sends on errands so he's not at risk himself. Also he says that if you need to resist his control again, 

"Try to think happy, peaceful thoughts. He might be a changeling, but it's like he's fueled on hatred and fear, not love."

Happy, Peaceful thoughts? Sure, because I'm just the pinnacle of happy living, you bemoan.

Afterwards he wishes you luck in your mission, but says he can't stick around. He plans to grab the notes from his lab and escape through the sewers under the asylum.

With that in mind you ask one last thing,

"Alright Doc, how do I shut this place down?

Dr. Nettle nods, and directs you to a control panel labeled 'floodgates', saying, "The generators are located below, and power everything in this room. Flip these levers and keep the other end closed, and the water should reach the generator room relatively fast. Just expect the rest of the prison to go dark once you do."

You nod and thank him, flipping the switch immediately after he tells you.

The two of you part ways, and you look over the shotgun thing you thought you had killed him with. It turns out it only emits a nonleathal blast, similar to your Fus Ro Dah. You considered it pretty redundant at first, but came to realize a sort of kinship with it. Both of you are powerful, and neither of you want to kill.

Smiling as you put the too-be-named weapon down your back with your Boomstick. You then look around and think,

Okay, that's enough information for now. Erised knows I'm here, so that news will spread soon.
As soon as you think that, the intercoms chime.

"Attention everyling, Attention. That goes double for you Grey. It seems we have an adorable little intruder in our midst. Be on the lookout for the bounty hunter who's brought down all the other generals. The Crimson Vengeance is here! Give him a warm welcome..." Erised's voice echoes with glee.

You pale a bit at that, but then you put on a face of determination.

Alright, time for Violent Stealth! Let's tear this place to the ground!

With that thought you put on your crate and begin to look for the main weapon holding area. After a few knocked out scientists, and patrolling Knights you find the prepped and ready weapons hanging from a wall and in crates in one room.



Kichi's Comment



You approach the wall and think of a way to destroy everything without being obvious, when all of a sudden a dark hooded figure tackles you from the side.

"I'm the Dark Offender! Down with the princesses! I'm scary, I'm..." You interrupt this babbling moron by hitting him with a no-shadow kick to his face.

The figure falls over and immediately passes out.

Dark Offender huh? Sure! Why not?! There's already a Mane-iac here, why not MY comic doppleganger?! Though that seemed far too easy...

I think it was only a crazy pony, not a crazy pony with powers coming from super items and a great alicorn inside his head like you, Selena comments cheekily.

Turning your attention back to the wall of weapons you realize taking them all apart individually would be a pain, so you look for some explosives. And boy do you find some.

"C4? Really? OK, I'm definitely using you, at the very least they won't be able to use you against the guards," you say to the plastic explosives. Next to the explosives, are a few weapons labeled Unstable. Intrigued by this, you look through a crate with a few damaged looking pieces of equipment. Your eye lands on a briefcase. 

"If this is what I think it is, you're definitely coming with me," you declare. The case does look very unstable and will probably only last for a few rounds, but you don't care. You clip it to your back and look back upon the wall.

"Right, let's break your playthings," you chuckle.

You begin placing charges all along the wall, and all the many crates that are just waiting to be distributed. Noling is getting to use these bad boys.

Smirking you begin to make your way out of the room, but then you see it. You see...



BrownDog's Comment



The one video game gun you don’t want being used by crazy people.

It’s a BFG…By Luna, the legends were true… you gaze in awe as tears stream down your face.

The gun, and a few just like it are in their own little cove in this weapon room. And they shine with elegance.

BFG? Let’s see…OH! Selena gasps in surprise as she accesses your memories. What a marvelous demon slayer. Albeit a bit too gorey for our tastes no?

Yeah. It’s glorious…but we shouldn’t use it. Neither should they.

None of these guns should. Do you have anymore plastic explosives?

No. But that's not going to stop me. These for sure can't be used. No, it seems one of these prototypes is going to have a failure.

Walking to the cove, you take some smoke bombs off a nearby table, before standing before the Big Freaking Guns. You reach up and hold one of the deadly weapons, and sighing to yourself, you sabotage the safety and jam a ninja star into the trigger. It begins to build up energy, and you set it in the middle of all the produced weapons.

This and the C4 will make a distraction and screw them over, but it’s still only one area. Hmmm… you contemplate, before you hear laughter in the distance.

A light bulb goes off in your head and you smile as you point your grapple hook to gargoyles above.

The Mane-iac mare is restrained as she laughs, but she isn't being watched as guards patrol the area looking for you. Taking advantage, you drop down behind her, and using one of your ninja stars, cut her restraints.

“Huh?” she exposits as she realizes her hair is free. She turns around, but you aren’t there since you’ve Grappled away.

You then perch above the area, waiting for the chaos...and that's when you notice that that jerk with your bags is below you.

Finally! Now, once the explosions start, you are going do-



Vesperion Seraph's Comment




BrownDog's Comment



Suddenly the whole room begins to glow red and an alarm goes off as a female robotic voice begins to say,

EMERGENCY LOCKED DOWN HAS BEGUN, ALL ORDERLIES REPORT TO YOUR EVACUATION STATIONS IMMEDIATELY!"

The scientist and the goons begin to look around in confusion.

"Who activated the lock down?!" Erised's angry voice screams over the intercom.

"Oh right, the dragon guy. Looks like he succeeded."

You then pull out your C4 Detonator and smirk.

"Showtime..."

You clear your throat and shout in the RCV,

"QUIET!"

The scientist and the goons, and some of the crazies all shut up and look at you in shock. You hold out the air shotgun in one hoof and the C4 detonator in the other. You smirk as all eyes are on you as you say,

"Sorry Knights, but I came here to kick flank and chew bubblegum, and I'm all out of gum."

With that said you set off the C4 in the weapons machine, and luckily enough the overloaded BFG also explodes at the same time. Causing a nice big-

BOOM!!!

The combined explosion caused a much bigger detonation than you expected, causing all the other weapons to start exploding as well as the machinery used to make them.

“AAAAHHHH!!!”

“The experiments are exploding! And so is the factory!”

“Get a fire extinguisher!”

“Heck with that, get a shield!”

This distraction causes all the Knights and scientists to run around, and a few of the crazies to freak out. Additionally, your other Distraction makes her move.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” the Maneiac mare laughs as she burst forth and begins wrapping up all nearby scientists and knights and throwing them.

“Asset is loose! Repeat, asset is loose!” 

With the weapons exploding, and the supervillain made flesh rampaging, you swoop down in the confusion, grab the pegasus and bring him up to the rafters with you.

“The arc has been opened! Shield your eyes!” he screams.

You place a hoof over his mouth and glare at him.

“Listen, I know you’re probably too cuckoo to know any better, but NOLING Takes my Inventory!” you growl as you head butt him with your mask, dazing him.

You then retrieve your beloved inventory.

Inventory Returned

Then as soon as you do the Pegasus shakes away the grogginess  and suddenly yells,

"The divine god has granted me knowledge via pain to my head!"

You sigh before rolling your eyes and thinking,



Kersey's Comment



Now what am I going to do with this lunatic?

Castrate him and shove his testicles into his eye socke-

Yeah, not listening to you.

Perhaps some blows to the nether region due to the fact that his head is clearly already broken.

Messed up...but I love it, you smirk.

You then proceed to dangle him with one hoof while Falcon Punching him multiple times in the nards with the other. 

"My *pow* walnuts *pow* are *pow* being *pow* sacrificed *pow* to *pow* the *pow* Freudian *pow* gods!" he insanely babbles, his voice pitch getting higher with every punch.

With that done you drop the (strangely happy) pegasus away from the panic.

Seeing as how everything in this room is going to tartarus, you then grapple over to the research area and burn some blueprints they had drawn up. And then, almost all of the lights go out, with only dimly lit back up lights flickering on.

And now the Generator has flooded. Time to be Batmane, you laugh maniacally. 

You swoop down amongst everyone in the dim light and slam your Boomstick down, causing all to drop. You then start using the non lethal shotgun to start knocking groups of two and three out at a time. Be they Knights, Scientists, or crazies, you don't care as you go to town on them. In the panic, they fall in droves. You toss out a few smoke bombs, disorientating the groups even more. Unfortunately, some of them start to get wise after the initial shock and a few grunts with weapons try to attack you. A group of five charge, but you disarm them with your ninja stars before blasting them with ice and your shotgun, throwing them back.

You bucking bronco a couple more, before kicking them out of the air. But then...



BronyGuy2014's Comment



One of the grunts tries to blast you with fire, but you expertly dodge.... and crash right into a table full of unused weapon parts. As you get back up you see another grunt holding a strange looking sword charging right at you! You're shocked when you see his weapon transform into a giant scythe right as he's about to attack, fortunately you manage to expertly dodge this attack too.... and end up jumping face first into the wall.

"Dang it Darkness! You are not my friend!" you moan.

Pulling your face from the wall, you duck just in time to not get decapitated and shove both your boomstick and shotgun into the guys gut, violently blasting him back. You then freeze his scythe till you are able to smash it. The guy with the flamethrower then tries to hit you again, but you counter with your ice blast as well an Electro Bolt to his face, knocking him out.

You then grapple back up into darkness and start dropping on unsuspecting enemies.

Meanwhile

Aqua and Nightshade stand in waiting, far away from the asylum, but still within view, as they see the mobilized response team heading their way.

"This is such bullspit! Why the buck did that mail mare get the best of us?!" Nightshade growls.

Aqua rubs a bump forming on her temple. "You've got me kid. That mare sure took her job seriously.

Flashback

Indeed that mare did. After Aqua lassoed her, she was taken by surprise and tried to fly away faster, but she was eventually brought down to ground.

"Calm down lady, all we want is your letter and-*WHACK*" Aqua is interrupted by a powerful hook to the head.

"Ouch!" Aqua cries out, her lasso loosing structure.

"Hey, calm down!" Nightshade tries to dive for the mare, only for her to shoot back up into the air.

"Never! Nopony will ever steal my quarry! Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds!" the mail mare then redoubled her flying efforts.

Aqua and Nightshade chased vigilantly, with a few spells, and grapples with the courier, but she was a determined mare. Defiant to the end, and even with Aqua and Nightshade tussling with her, the little stunt gained the attention of a passing guard.

"Hey, what in the world is going on here?" he asked as he broke up the tussle.

"Letter for the guards," the mare said with a smile, handing him the letter. "Have a good day," she declares before flying off.

The confused guard opens the letter and his eyes widen.

"Oh Sweet Celestia! I gotta get back to the station!" the guard declares and runs off.

"OH COME ON!!! Nightshade yells angrily.

"Buck! Come on kid, we gotta get back to the Asylum!"

Back to Present

As the first response team of cops start making their way closer to their position, Aqua sighs.

"Man, I hope these guards will listen to our warning."

"Knowing my family's luck, I seriously doubt it," Nightshade huffs.

"Even if they do, the clock is ticking. We have 4 hours at the most before Celestia gets here!" Aqua says with worry.

Nightshade grits her own teeth at that.

Daddy, Mommy, you better get done with those jerks quickly...

Back With You

You blast back several more armed thugs into a wall, knocking them out.

"Alright! If I keep this up, there won't be any crazies left for the guards to-*WHAP* OW!" you are suddenly hit across your face hard, which sends you flying back into a bunch of empty crates.

You then look up from your prone position, and you see the sadistic smiling face of the Janitor.

"I told you...NO LITTERING!!!" he roars, his mop pointed at you. 

You gulp slightly, but then another voice rings out.

"Grey! What's going on?!"

Both you and the Janitor look to see another Erised standing to the side. But he's looking at the janitor.

HE'S Grey Rebl?!

"There's been Littering Erised! This puss bucket has broken the majority of the weapons, and with the power down, we're cut off from the main Asylum!"

"Damnit!" the pale changeling spits. "Only the Plasmid wielding patients are up top and ready for the guards!" he then shakes his head.

"Arlight, my doubles and the splicers will handle up top, you get things organized down here and-"

"Buck off you cockroach!" Grey yells as he spears the mop handle through Erised's face, before jumping back from the resulting explosion of ink like blood.

The janitor then begins to chuckle a dark scary laugh as you get up off the floor.

"Oh, look at that. I went and littered as well...heh heh...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" he chuckles at the top of his lungs, before abruptly stopping and turning to you.

"You my boy, are in some dip s#!^ right now," he says with his spine tingling smile.

Not wanting to be outdone, you flip your mask to intimidating voice and growl out.

"I could say the same for you freaking psychopath!"

He chuckles. "Fine then, let's do some clean up."

The Crimson Knight Leader Grey Rebl stands before you. An Almighty Janitor if there ever was one. There's still a lot of powerful crazies being controlled by a sadistic changeling still upstairs. You've got to take this guy down!

WHAT DO YOU DO?!

Special Ending Theme:


> Episode 48: The Cleanist Fight In History(Not Really)! The Crimson Vengence Vs. Crimson Knight Leader Grey Rebl! (The Final Knights Arc Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You and Grey Rebl stare each other down, both of you giving the other a look that could kill. Yours filled with determination, his full of madness. You both begin to circle each other, neither of you making a move to attack the other. Soon a few seconds pass and it looks like he might attack, so you decide to boast to him.



Grey Rebl's Comment



"I am the Crimson Vengeance! And I'm very, very angry with you guys!"

"Hah! Bet you I'm angrier!"

"Bet you you're not!"

"No! I am!"

"Buck you, janitor sprinkles, I am!"

"Oh now you've done it! I'll show how I angry I can be as I. Wipe. You. Clean!

"Grrrr!

"Hrrrr!

Grey Rebl grabs a mop out from his janitor station, and you quickly take out your Boomstick. The two of you continue to glare and growl at each other before Grey Rebl stops and...



The Rutherford's Comment



He begins to crazily twirls his mop with both hooves. He has some fancy moves.

You and Grey Rebl start to charge at one another in the middle of the room. You use your Boomstick like a melee weapon. The next thing you know, you both are clashing in a melee fight that looks so epic! If only you were using real sharp weapons.

You and Grey take turns dodging and slashing, blocking and poking, and it doesn't look like it's gonna end for awhile. This stalemate doesn't look like it'll end...until...



Grey Rebl's Comment



While in a middle of a stalemate, Grey suddenly lays his mop onto your staff by your hooves and twists with a grunt. It effectively disarms you, sending the staff tumbling to the side. Before you can switch to your hooves, Grey roars!

...And slams a bucket over your head!

“H-hey! I’m no buckethead!” you voice echoes from within.

“Pun not intended!” Grey shouts back, and proceeds to brutally smash his mop onto the bucket! The bucket rings, disorienting you. Again and again, Grey’s mop slams onto your sides, occasionally hitting you in the head/bucket to get you back down again. Whenever you try to strike back or try to get the bucket off, you’re rewarded with either a dodge or a sweep from bitter end of the mop.

Suddenly, Selena shouts at you to duck, and you do.

And it’s just in time for Grey’s mop to clip the top of the bucket and, naturally, come off from the recoil.
The moment you have your sights on him, you snarl and tackle him to the ground. You try for a headbutt, but you are warded off as Grey holds his mop with both of his hooves, pushing it up against your throat.

“Grk!”

When you can’t take anymore, you back off. So, instead, you shout, “GET OVER HERE!” and shoot your shadow whip right at him, hoping to perform a certain maneuver...only to get thwarted by a second mop!

“WHERE DO KEEP GETTING ALL THIS STUFF?” you shout.

“ONLY THE JANITOR KNOWS!” the crazy janitor shouts back, throwing a bucket of soapy water of all things!
Of course, you can only retaliate in kind. 

“Would you kindly burn, bucker?!”

The ensuing reaction causes a light mist to erupt everywhere. You flinch, realizing that mist is filled with soap, burning your eyes! Turns out that wasn’t the best idea. Closing your eyes breathing through your mask filtration, you instead try to sense his killing intent. Your ear flickers; you can hear his growling voice somewhere. A burst of emotion sweeps over your senses, and you lash out immediately with a Falcon Punch---

“Gotcha, bitc---Grruk!”

Only for you to be violently rammed with a freaking janitor's cart out of nowhere!

"Welcome to my world, jackass!" And the cart is still moving, accelerating even!

"Urrrgh!" you yell as the cart digs into your chest, desperately clinging to the front as you do not want the cart to run you over if your fall off.
Of course, Grey Rebl isn’t so kind. Hooves clank on the cart as you realize that Grey is expertly riding on top of it, using his telekinesis to move it along! When you peer up, you squeal at the bucket of what you assume to be chlorine hovering over your.

“Here! Have some!” he shouts over the wind, and dumps the liquid over you. Immediately, you fall over the cart and get trampled. However, you fail to notice the approaching wall, crashing and slamming along with cart with a violent clank and thud between metal and your body as Grey simply hops out of the way.

You cough hysterically, panting for air. However, Grey takes the initiative and smacks your head with a thwack! You groan, briefly considering the massive concussion and headache you’ll have to suffer after the fight. No, it only gets worse.

Grey grabs your head forcefully and wraps something wet around your hurting head: A wet towel---the same towel that he wiped the black Erised muck off with! When you open your eyes, you confirm that by the inky black consuming your vision. Instantly, your body locks up as the voices of Erised intensifies. Oh, the black! You struggle, swinging your limbs fruitlessly as you slowly start to lose control before you shout, with whatever remaining air you have, a half-hearted “Fus Ro Dah!” It is weak, but it is enough. It pries off the crazy janitor as you head butt him with whatever motor ability you have available to finish the job.

You immediately gasp! Upon the wet towel’s removal, you feel the sweet relief of air for a scant second...only for Grey to jam a bar of soap into your mouth…or he tries to.

"Chill on thi-Hey!” he shouts as the soap mashes against your mask" 

“Forgot the mask didn’t ya?!” you shout as you uppercut the janitor away from you. He flies through the air and lands back in the puddle of Erised muck from before.

You glare over at Grey Rebl, who just chuckles at you before he...

Takes out a wet rag and wipes himself off of the black muck that originally made up Erised. It sounds disgusting as the muck just sloshed from the wet towel he used to wipe it off.

"Seriously? We're in a middle of a fight!" you say irritated.

Grey retorts, "Yeah? Well, I like to be sanitized before doing anymore flank kicking."

"...You'll just get dirty anyways."

"Tch! Didn't think you'd understand. Oh well." He then pulls his hat away, revealing his mane---his grey mane. He cranks his head side by side, loosening his neck with a few pops. With sudden burst of killing intent, he points another deadly mop right at you. "I'll just make you."
You swear you see his eyes start to glow red.
You gulp at this, but his eyes soon go back to normal before he says,

"Well this was fun, but you are clearly out of my league,” he says in a condescending manner, causing your eye to twitch. “So I'm just gonna let some lower peons handle you."

You look at him suspiciously as you ask,

"What do you mean? You and I are the only ones here."

Grey Rebl smiles evilly before he says,

"You'd think that, but..."



Kersey's Comment



"You see it's just you, and me, and my MINIONS!"

As soon as he says this two minotaurs appear next to him, as well as plenty of other crazies and goons that must have been hiding in the shadows. You glare at the surrounding ponies and creatures and are about to say something....when you get team-clotheslined through a wall, and then are picked up by some unicorn’s magic and are thrown through some of the wrecked weapon machines.

You climb out of the machine rubble to see the two minotaurs staring down at you. You start to think you're in trouble when you hear,

"Hey, you found my booze yet?"

Looking up, you see Doctor Quacksalver wobbling around. How the heck did he get down here?

"WHO DARES INTERRUPT US?!"

The minotaurs roar as they whirl around and throw a punch... only for both fists to get intercepted by Quacksalver's hoof who doesn't even flinch.

"Whoa! This looks like a serious case of grumpus-violentus. Better sedate the patients before it spreads."
With his hoof still effortlessly holding the Minotaurs struggling fists, Quacksalver takes out his "Burknomic Scapel" (i.e. a hammer) from his lab coat pocket with his other hoof, jumps up, and hits the Minotaurs with an arcing swing that hits the first minotaur under the chin and the second in the head with the "scapel" with enough force to knock both minotaurs unconscious.

Daaaaaang! Who knew Quacksalver could kick flank! you think with your jaw dropped.

To be fair, he did manage to render you unconscious with one blow.

“Now…what was I doing again? Oh yes. Do you have my booze?” he says obliviously.

Grey just rolls his eyes at this. “Doctor! You’re interfering with my mopping!” he yells.

“Oh, my mistake! But I need it for patient evaluation.”

“Well then, take care of these you Quack..." Grey Rebl says as he uses his mop to flick up a lever opening a door revealing more lunatics with various improvised weapons.

"The syndrome is spreading!" Quacksalver declares, "I need to perform an Oldboy-ectomy STAT!" 

With that he charges into the hallway full of lunatics and proceeds to "treat" them.

“OK, it’s official, do not give Quacksalver booze.”

However he misses a few and they managed to surrounded you with Grey Rebl in the middle of them all. He looks at you cockily, when suddenly…



Master of Shadow's Comment



One of the crazy henchmen spits his gum out onto the ground.

Grey freezes in place as his eyes wander slowly to the stallion and back to the gum on the ground and back.

“One moment please,” he says to you, before proceeding to wrap the mop handle around the pony’s neck and start choking him out.

“NOOOOO LIIIITTTTEEEERRRRIIIINNNNGGG!!!” he screams as the poor peon is violently choked.

As their boss chokes out their team mate, the others decide to rush at you. Frustrated, you call out.



Grey Rebl's Comment



"Sorry, but I don't have the time to deal with you guys. Let me show you my...my...WHERE IS MY LUNA PLUSHIE?!"

Well, so much for that idea.

MEANWHILE OUTSIDE WITH NIGHTSHADE AND AQUA

"Hmmm," Nightshade mutters as she looks at the gathering Royal Guards before her, "Should I use it?"

"What is it, Nightshade?" Aqua asks, nervous of the growing number of forces. “Got an idea?”

"Well...I have a knock-out plushie that I took from Daddy."

"What? Woahwoahwoah wait! That’s actually pretty useful, but how come I haven’t seen it all this?!"

"...it lets me visit mommy whenever I wanted to. It ends up being used up most of the time, and Daddy doesn't seem to use it much. So, I took it."

"Uh, and you didn’t think to return it to him since he’s probably in mortal danger right now?" Aqua asks, not quite sure what the kid meant.

Nightshade blinks innocently.

"Nah, I'm sure he's fine. Here come the guards to talk to you," she points out.

Aqua turns and sees the leader of the response unit coming towards her.

She lets out a sigh before saying,

"Here goes nothing."

BACK WITH YOU



Kichi's Comment



"Die, Die, Die!!!" Shouts one of the crazy ponies as he begins to throw fireballs from his hoof.

You manage to evade them only to see another of the crazy ponies with a black jacket sitting down and watching the fire balls nonchalantly, before deftly dodging them.

"Wow, Sick dodge you psycho,” you congratulate, before using bucking bronco and launching him.

You are then struck from behind by a metal ball of some kind, so you turn around and see a few crazies/experiments of ponies looking like Neightendo characters. 

One is a pony wearing a green hat, another has a red hat with a pokeball as a cutie mark, one is an oversized pony in pink that starts shoving stuff in his mouth.

“OK, getting a weird case of déjà vu here…but why?” you ask aloud as you whip out your air shot gun and shoot the pink blob into the other two.

These appear to be the doppelgangers of those we fought in the otherworld.
You flash back to your brief skirmish with Luna’s videogame army and shudder.

“Well they’re no more frightening here,” you say as you powerslam another crazy.
You are then are hit in the back by a pony wearing a gas mask, with a flamethrower on his back. Followed by a pony in a lab coat kicking you.

“Oh sure, the Pyro and the Medic, why the buck not?!” you roar as you push out two shadow whips and fling the ponies off of you.

“I’ve had it with you mother bucking cosplayers in this motherbucking asylum!” you shout

You then look back up to a smirking Grey Rebl as he leans on his mop over the unconscious form of the pony that spat the gum out.

“I don’t know, I think they’re quite endearing,” he quips.

“Alright, enough of the minion bullspit! I still owe you one for the cart and bleach!”

“Oh if you insist,” the janitor smirks, his braces showing and you both rush each other.

You start dodging his mop swings, and even are able to get a few quick jabs on his nose and body, but he changes up tactics and starts going for speed.



SnapDrakeGame's Comment



Though you were confident going into the second fight (I mean, come on, name one pony who could look threatening with that dental work! Even Sombra would be hard pressed to pull off that look), the battle has quickly spiraled out of control. Gray Rebel is ridiculously quick and his reflexes are almost ninja-esque; he'd probably snag a fly out of the air with his bare hoof, and then drown it in a vat of bleach. You've always been more about power than speed, but he just weaves between your Falcon Punches and retaliates with very Zebra-esque whacks. Also, something you noticed before, that is no normal mop. The whacks are hard and leave a mark so you deduce that the cleaning implement has to be reinforced by titanium or something, a hit from it feels like being struck by a blunt bull.  

You duck under one of his swipes, jump out of the way of a second, and in turn he dodges one of your blasts of plasma. You charge at him, hoping to catch him off-guard, but he sticks the mop in the ground and vaults over you, sweeps your legs out from under you and swings his mop like a golf club, launching you across the room. You crash into a pile of defunct weaponry; thinking quickly, you hurl everything within hoof's reach at him, though to little effect. 

"Did you really expect that to help you?" Grey taunts.

"A little," you shrug back. "I mean, I made a mess. Look at it. It really needs to be cleaned up."

"Ye gods, you're right!" the pony screams. With a sweep of his mop, he swats the mess away, into the garbage bin.

Is he really that OCD?

"Well, glad that's taken care of." Without another word, he grabs some sort of canister from his belt and chucks it at you. The thing explodes in a spray of chemicals.

"Yaah!" you scream, as some of the stuff gets in your eyes, "Cleaning detergent! It burns, it burns! What’s up with you and my eyes?!"

Grey Rebel rushes forward, striking you multiple times with his mop. Trying to ignore the fact that it feels like fire ants are gnawing on your corneas, you try to juke and jive, but you get hit to the ground, right next to your…
“Not enough blood to clean, need some of yours,” he says with a  swing when,

*CLACK*

You have recovered your Boomstick, and you block his attack, before striking him in the face, knocking him back a bit. You crack his lip, and then he really gets excited.

“Oh boy…”

You start countering his staff attacks by blocking with your Boomstick. When that inevitably fails again, you settle for just slamming the thing on the ground, blasting Grey back with the shock wave. Logically speaking, the smartest thing to do here is to follow up with your fastest attack and hope he can't dodge.

Leaping forwards, you cry, "No-Shadow Kick!" Your leg darts out like a striking viper, nailing Grey several times while he's still in midair. Then, out of nowhere, his forelegs clap together and grab your leg in the middle of the attack, before he tackles you to the ground.

"Oooh boy," he grins, "I am going to mop the floor with you." With a growl, you throw him off of you; he twists in midair, landing on his hooves, before rushing at you, mop raised. You raise the Boomstick to block, but with a powerful swing he tears the staff from your grasp, AGAIN!  It clatters across the floor, and slides out of your reach. He then lays into you with a series of blows so quick you can't even tell which direction they’re coming from, each landing like a piece of space debris crashing into a satellite. With a final hit, he sends you tumbling backwards; you manage to steady yourself, still a little dizzied by his raw speed, when your hoof catches a bar of soap and you're flung head over heels again. Grey Rebl catches you, bringing you into a head lock. 

"Mmm," he murmurs, staring at your outfit. "This calls for complete sterilization!" He spins around and dunks your head into his bucket of soapy water, 

"Mmmpllggggfff!" you blunder, struggling to get some leverage. "Pffffflemmmmmmmmp!"

"What was that, boy? I can't hear you over all this sanitation!"

Finally, your hooves find solid purchase on the ground. With a heave, you break Grey Rebl's hold, flipping him over your head like a wrestler and slamming him into the ground. 

"I said, you forgot about the bucking mask again. Would you kindly TELEKINESIS?!" Snagging him in your telekinetic grip, you fling the janitor all over the place, slamming him into walls, benches, tables, the ceiling, the floor, the ceiling again, more walls. Finally, you kick the bucket into the air and then telekinectically hurl it at Grey. It knocks him to the floor, drenching his janitor uniform. 

"Would you kindly FREEZE!" you scream, as the Power Glove encases Grey in a hunk of frigid ice. Galloping towards him, you bring your fist back, before striking the frozen lunatic with as much strength as you can muster. 

"Falcon... PUNCH!!!" The ice shatters around him as he's tossed backwards, slamming into a wall so hard that he makes a decently-sized dent.

Grey Rebel pries himself from the wall, panting a little.

"Alright, you've had your fun, but I'm afraid this is the last time we'll be meeting like this, my friend." The janitor does an acrobatic pirouette, somersaulting through the air to land by some huge object covered by a loose tarp. With a flourish, he tears the tarp off, revealing an enormous and incredibly threatening laser. 

"Allow me to introduce you to the Spotmaster 3000!" With another leap, he's on top of the laser, pointing out various components. "Notice! The microwave-powered laser particle beam. Notice! The laser-guided high-pressure water cannon. And notice! The special metal alloy ingeniously combined with state-of-the-art cleansing materials. I call it Steel Wool! And it comes with a laser! Any last words?"

"Eh, I've survived worse," you reply. "Besides, can't I just dodge out of the way?" You attempt to do just that, but you step on another bar of soap and flip over, lying prone on the ground. "Oh buck," you mutter as the laser lights up.

"Power on!" Grey cries, and a green laser shoots out from the cannon, one which you only barely block with your shield spell. "Water cannon, on!" he continues, and your shield is suddenly assaulted with a powerful torrent of water. Seeing you holding strong, Grey mutters, "No effect. Steel Wool laser on!" The laser strikes your shield and you almost buckle under the power, though you manage to stay strong.

The room is aglow with the power of the Spotmaster 3000, a strobing green light, and Grey Rebl seems insistently more dumbfounded that you're still holding out against the weapon's power.

"Okay, you asked for it," he growls. "It may end life as we know it, but I am crossing the beams!" In a blatant violation of the laws of physics, the three beams twist together to bore into your shield like a drill, with the side effect of filling the air with a hideous noise.

"More power!" Grey screams, and you feel the shield begin to wear thing. "More power!" he cries again. "More power!" You can't hold on. 

You can feel something inside yourself begin to give. "Maximum power!" The shield fails and the whole world is engulfed in a fiery blaze of green...

You open your eyes. You stand up. You smell like roses and strawberries. Your clothes are light and fresh and beneath them, your carapace shines to a polished finish. 

"You know, this actually isn't that bad."

"I know, right?" Grey says. "Most ponies, they don't understand the value of sanitation, but once they actually give it a try they realize-" he's cut off as you grab him with your shadow whip and fling him across the room, slamming his face into a wall. He pulls back and you see one of his braces appears to be hanging.

However this appears to only make him madder as he...



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



Charges at you with duel mop scythe's! Your eyes widen in surprise as you turn around and begin to duck and weave through a gauntlet of now defunct mechanical equipment and half-assembled weapons. Picking up your boomstick on the fly, you try to avoid his attacks, because even with a hardened shell and healing factor helping you out, Grey's relentless and hits like a damn truck, even more impressive considering he's just a regular pony.

Hate is powerful. It fuels you, consumes you, makes you strong. Give in to your hate... give in to-

I do not have time for this! you mentally shout.

You've found maybe one advantage against him so far; Grey might be able to dish out a ton of hurt, but he sure as heck can't take it. You managed to land a few hits during your fight so far. He might have tried to hide it under a sadistic sneer, but you can tell it hurt a LOT. You've just gotta open up some more opportunities, knock him out before he finishes whittling you down.

*Th-wack*

You yelp and jump to higher ground as something wacks your forelegs. Then you see Grey emerging from beneath the machinery, his face and mane covered in grease and looking like something out of a Neighponese horror movie. But again, his braces just kill the image.

"Just look at the mess we're making. It's going to take forever to clean this up," he says mournfully before his eyes snap onto you again. With nothing more than a feral growl, he pounces at you again.

You stumble backwards, dodging not only the end of his broom but also his hooves as both wood and flesh break apart the metal conveyor belt underneath you.

Finally you stumble on a roller, and grey wastes no time in preparing a finishing blow. Desperately you grab onto whatever's nearest object and use it to shield yourself.

You hear the whir of an engine and the sound of wood being cleanly chewed through. Looking up you see Grey's broom in pieces. Then you notice what's in your hooves.

"N-no way..." you mutter. In your hooves is a metal chainsaw leg attachment. It looks like the one...Pinkamena had... 

You don't have much time to ponder over this though, as Grey floats all the little pieces of his broom before him and into place. With a muted flash his weapon is whole again and brimming with a magic glow. You're about to chew it up again with the chainsaw, but he effortlessly swats it away before pummeling you with the cleaning end.

"This is my cleaning device! There are many like it but this one's mine! Without me my cleaning device is nothing, without my cleaning device... I'll have to mop the floor with you instead!"

"Mmmmrrrrpphhhhffglll!" you scream as the filthy end of the mop smothers and strangles your face with it's tentacle-like fibers. You break free from the mop and knock Grey Rebl away with a solid punch to the ribs, and you know he feels it. But you don't have long to rest as he charges at you with a mop spear ready to stab!



BrownDog's Comment



Dodging the attack from the insane janitor, you again realize just how incredibly fast he is. You can hardly get a bead on him with your projectiles, and when he gets close, he hits hard. 

You decide you need to slow him down, so you come up with a solution.

You grapple to the gargoyles above, far from the reach of his mop.

"OI! Get down here!" he yells as he pulls out a grenade launcher. 

"EEP!" you squeak as you grapple to another gargoyle, the one you were just on turning into dust.

He keeps firing a weapon up at you, destroying several of them. But once you get to a secluded one and have a second to breathe, you take our your Electric Flesh Tonic and down it.

Immediately, sparks start running through your body, causing your hair to stand on end. Again, rewriting your dna is not a pleasant experience, and you scream in pain and fall to the floor.

Grey immediately sets upon your form, but it’s all part of your plan.

You get out one of the bottle of booze that you took from Quacksalver and pour the contents over you.

“Stupid idea 737 is ago!” you cry out as you grab hold of Grey. A moment of shock reads on his face as you say,

“Would You Kindly Buzz Off?!” and you send the lighting coursing through the both of you.

Oh it still doesn’t feel good, but it’s nowhere near as bad as the times when you shocked yourself in the Delta suit. Your Electric Flesh dampens the pain, he on the other hand.

“GGGGRRRAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!” he cries out as he is shocked.

You hold on for as long as you can, but he eventually blasts you back and starts panting and slumping to the floor, smoke lines coming off his coat, and patches of burnt black hair line his silver mane.

“Oh you cheeky little bucker. I actually felt that,” he says with a sadistic smile.

Now you know for sure you've hurt the bucker. As he gets up, you even notice that his movements aren't nearly as fast.

Stupid Idea 737, Success

Although his strength hasn’t lessened any, as evidenced by the smack of his mop into your ribs.

"AGH!" you yell.

"Don't celebrate just yet!" he screams and brings up the grenade launcher, pointing it at you.

Thinking quickly you throw up your shield, and are blown back into the Plasmid room's open door, striking the wall, and spilling a few, causing a small fire.

He appears in the doorway, chuckles and throws in a plasma grenade, and closes the door.

“BUCK!!!” you yell as you look for a way out. An explosion in here is going to be huge.

Taking the unstable case off your back, you reach in and pull out…

“A Gravity Hammer?! Okay, fine, save me!” you yell as you pound the side wall. The hammer makes a sizable hold before it fades out in a red pulse.

You look back and see the grenade reach its peak,

You throw up a combo magic and ice shield as you back towards the hole, and the explosion sets off, throwing you through the hole painfully widening it, as you are tossed through several rooms as the explosion rocks the warehouse.

After rolling for who knows how long, you groggily look up and see cracks forming in the ceiling and a giant blue misty cloud coming from what was once the Plasmid Room.

“Sweet Luna, that psycho almost blew me up,” you gasp in surprise.

“I’m not done yet!” comes his voice as you look towards him holding another weapon, and you realize you’re on a shooting range.

“Oh Come On!”

Outside with Aqua and Nightshade Again

“So the crazies are running the asylum and have an arsenal of weapons supplied by these Knights?” asks an incredulous response guard.

“Yes! They’re trying to lead you and the princesses into a trap!” Aqua screeches.

“If they’re stupid enough to call out Princess Celestia herself, then they clearly don’t know who they’re messing with.”

“Yes they do! We’ve been taking down these buckers for the last couple of months, and in that time I’ve seen the arsenal they’re packing. You guys won’t be ready!” Aqua growls.

“Ma’am, if there are Crimson Knights in there, we have a duty to…wait, what do you mean you’ve been taking them down?”

“Oh for, I’m Aqua the bounty hunter! You know, partner of The Crimson Vengeance?”

The guard’s faces all pale at this.

“Wait, you’re THE Aqua?”

“Buck yeah she is!” Nightshade chimes in. “And right now, she’s trying to warn you dumbflanks from doing anything stupid, while the Awesome Crimson Vengeance is inside trying to take them down!”

Some of the guards wince at being chewed out by a child, but a few of them get worried looks.

“Wait, the Crimson Vengeance is in there alone?! And he’s surrounded by armed mental patients and two Crimson Knight Leaders?”

“Yes!”

“Then surely we have to give him some back up right?!” a guard declares.

“Yes, but we can’t go in there like a guard would, they’re expecting that!” Aqua shouts, getting them to focus on her again.

“Then what are we supposed to do Ms. Aqua?” they ask deferring to her.

Aqua is a bit taken aback by the tone shift they take with her, becoming more subservient, but at that time, a large explosion is heard and felt by them.

Turning around they see a massive Blue Mushroom cloud exit out of the ground, and the front of the asylum begins to crack as the ground swells.

Suddenly, much of the front crumbles, revealing…

A whole lot of inmates poised and waiting, like they were just waiting for the guards to come through the doors.

Amidst the army of crazies, a pale changeling angrily shouts,

“Damnit Grey!”

The guards see this as both sides stare at each other over the hoofball field distance.

“Orders Ma’am?” the head guard asks Aqua.

Taking out her whip, Aqua yells.

“OK, we don’t play by their rules. Fight them in the open only when they attack and keep them pushed back to the asylum. Don’t enter it yourself. Unicorns keep spamming magic, and don’t kill anyone, they’re being mind controlled by one of the Knights, they’re just pawns. We’ll hold the line here at this gate! And someone go for reinforcements!” she yells to the small response team of about 40.

A pegasus guard nods and flies back to town.

“And if they get close, kick ‘em in the nards!” Nightshade declares.

The response unit nods, and form a defensive position at the entrance gates, as they stare down the horde of crazies.

Aqua creates some blockades of ice, and declares.

“Hurry up CV…”

NEAR THE RUBBLE



Erised the ink-moth's Comment



An Erised clone shoves his way out of the rubble, out from under the two inmates he used as shields. Around are several others emerging, each looking in tandem at the force of guards gathered outside the asylum. But there are at least a few clones that didn't survive, as evidenced by the giant splatters of ink-blood under sections of wall.

Darn it. I only made a few dozen clones to begin with. Better pull most of them back for now.

While one clone stays behind to witness the force of guards begin their march down the hill, for some reason spearheaded by a blue-garbed mare and a little filly, the rest withdraw to start preparing the later waves and protect the office.

What an unfortunate mess that bounty hunter has caused. Grey is distracted with him, and the grunts are all trapped down there with the bulk of our weapons. Erised sends out a thought, directing a few clones to try to unlock the elevators to the lower levels and get them back in the fight, but the power is out and they don't work. Stupid lockdown system. Well if it's not the all-out bloodbath I wanted, at least I can turn this into a siege; those pathetic guards will need to fight room to room... hallway to hallway... spilling blood for every inch they want to retake. And when they think victory is theirs... THEN I'LL FINALLY-

"You need to chill out buddy," comes an inebriated voice, interupting Erised's mental rant.

The pale changeling looks to his left and sees a Doctor Quacksalver, holding a dented and bloody hammer, with a few cuts and bruises over his face, and ripped clothes.

"Mmm hmm, I can see it all in your face. You've got stereotyipicitis. Pretty soon you'll be laughing maniacally and taunting the heroes while they work out a way to foil your plans."

Erised narrows his eyes at the 'Doctor'. "Didn't I fire you, you quack?"

"I don't know did you? That's what another you said down the hallway there after I had to crawl through the air vents," he says pointing back towards the way he came, and there is an entire section of crazies all bonked and knocked out on the floor. There's even a large black stain amidst them.

"Then again when I went Old Boy on the other you, he kind of exploded..."

Erised's eye twitches at that.

"Why the buck would you do that?! ? That was one of my clones! Those don't grow on trees you know?!" he growls.

"I can't find my booze, and I have achy breaky heartus!" he slurs, before noticing a few of the patients milling around.

"More Old Boy Times!" he yells as he starts bonking more patients, causing them to yell and charge outside at the guards.

"NO! Don't fight them in the open you idiots!" Erised shouts, but a majority of them are already outside in the courtyard getting magic spammed by the guards.

Erised facehooves at this as Quacksalver continues to indiscriminately bonk patients over the head.

"You've got to be kidding me...Okay, it's alright. There's still more patients, the guards will still bleed...they have to!"

MEANWHILE BACK WITH YOU



Kersey's Comment




Grey Rebl's Comment



As you run and juke and jive on the firing range, you find a surviving BFG 9000 and a RYNO V!

"Ha hah!" you proclaim triumphantly as you grab both weapons (holding the RYNO V while levitating the BFG 9000 above you with your horn magic) 

"EAT ROCKETS MOTHERBUCKER!"

"Oh shi-"

With a Rambony roar you proceed to unleash a barrage of rockets at the janitor as the minigun/rocket launcher blares Tchaikopony's Overture. When the rockets run out, you drop the RYNO on the ground, drop the BFG 9000 into your hooves, and declare,

"SAY HELLO TO MY NOT-SO-LITTLE FRIEND!"

YES! SPLATTER HIM ALL OVER THE ASYLUM WHILE HE'S WEAK!

Bugze wait!

You then unleash as massive ball of green plasma that obliterates the area Grey Rebl is standing in.

Fortunately, before any regret can kick in, the smoke clears and it reveals Grey Rebl unharmed and messily downing a can labeled Bonk! Atomic Punch while glowing and vibrating.

"Blah! Always hated that 'Blutonium Berry' flavor," he says tossing away the can, "Supposedly, this stuff'll liquefy your esophagus after just one can. But, y'know- it's also very handy when you feel like... not getting blown up."

"That's not very fair!" you whine.

"Listen motherbucker..." Grey Rebl says getting out and twirling another mop, "I never play fair."

Angry, you rush him now that his ranged weapons are gone and try to hit him with a barrage of moves,

"Shoryuken! Falcon Punch! Falcon Kick! No Shadow Kick! PSYCHO CRUSHER! Uh... eye pok- *thwack* OW!"

But none of them are having any effect before Grey Rebl starts wailing on you with his mop again.

Fortunately, thanks to what you're guessing is a combination of the lighting hug and a sugar crash, you notice that Grey Rebl's starting to move more sluggishly.

"Guess all that sugar's coming back to bite ya in the flank!" you taunt.

Says the bug who eats junk food and candy for every meal. Selena quips.

Not every meal, only every OTHER meal, you quip back as you look to Grey and yell,

"Would you kindly Mix-It-Up?!"

With this you activate the "Mix-Up Smash" function on the Power Glove and quickly set the dials to "Bucking Bronco" and "Incinerate!" as you easily dodge Grey Rebl's more sluggish mop swings.

"I don't care how slow I get, I'll still clean the floor of your blood!"

"Oh Would You Kindly GO INTO BUCKING ORBIT?!" you declare as you point the open Power Glove at him, causing a geyser of lava to erupt below Grey Rebl and launch him through the ceiling...

[b]OUTSIDE

We see Guards and Inmates fighting in the courtyard in a rather large brawl, but they are holding the line, not entering the Asylum. As Aqua uses her waterbending to whip an inmate with a pipe wrench away from her, and Nightshade Falcon Kicks the nards of a Minotaur in a tutu, she ask-yells to Nightshade.

"What's taking CV so long?! What could he possibly be do-?"

*CRASH*

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

They, a few guards, and even a few inmates turn at the sound of screaming and see a pony in a torn-up janitor outfit getting launched through the Aslyum roof and high into the air.

"That! That's what he's doing," Nightshade replies.

BACK WITH YOU

"Looks like team Crimson Knight is blasting off ag- Wait, he's coming back dow- Hey, a trampoline!"

Focus you fool.

Ignoring Selena's glib, you run over to a nearby trampoline and start moving it into position. When you think it's just right and you see Grey Rebl begin his descent through the hole you sent him through, you use your grappling hook to grapple onto a broken piece of ceiling, drop down towards the trampoline, and bounce off it, launching yourself through the warehouse ceiling, and into the Asylum proper. As he falls back through the ceiling, you meet him halfway

"Oh son of a-"

and strike him while declaring "SHORYUKEN!".

Your spinning rising hoof smashes into Grey Rebl's falling jaw with a mighty *CRACK* as his jawbone shatters under your hoof and sends him flying backwards through the hall, knocking over a gathered group of inmates, and embedding the unconscious Crimson janitor into a wall.

After performing a superhero landing you quip, "Cleanup on aisle crazy!"

And as his head slumps while embedded in the wall, you can't help but feel accomplished.

"What now buckface? What now? That's what you get for all the mop whacks! In fact!" you race up to his unconscious form, pick up his mop and burn it.

You laugh maniacally as the cleaning instrument turns to ashes, and you shove them into his mouth.

"Choke on that Clean Freak."

You then begin to search him and you pull out a can of the soda you saw him drink earlier.

"Could come in handy," you declare.

1 can of "Bonk! Atomic Punch Cherry Fission" (Gives you brief invincibility, but will make you lethargic and slow afterwards)
added to Inventory

When this is all over, I better check how much stuff I have left in my Inventory...

With that, you look down the hallways of the asylum and hear the sounds of battle.

"Oh crud, the guards have shown up! I've got to make sure they don't get overwhelmed!" you declare. You decide you'll help out then come back for him, but you then take one look back at Grey

“Remind me to never mess with crazy janitors ever again. Like, ever.” You then turn and get ready to gallop towards the battle you hear, when suddenly you hear.

"Oh no need to worry about that bounty hunter..."

You stop dead in your tracks. A wave of killing intent thunders behind, causing you to freeze in terror. Then, there is laughter, LAYERED and hysterical laughter. It is ripe with madness. 

You hear Grey stumble out of the wall and back to his hooves, a sickening crunch can be heard from one of his broken legs, but he is laughing. However, it isn’t Grey who is the only one laughing, it seems. You know. You've heard that type of laughing before and, along with your personal trauma, you can hear that same laughter echoing in your mind. The same voice you have been hearing ever since you ate that mucky soup at lunch. The same voice you hear when a certain pale changeling bursts into that same black muck. And it is laughing right now unison with Grey.

You turn around.

“...Erised?”

The sight that beholds you isn't Erised. It's Grey Rebl, or rather, someling puppeteering his body. His eyes are pure black, and the voice he speaks is duel.

"Poor stupid Grey. Even you had to eat sometime," Erised declares through Grey's mouth.

"Dude! That's sick, get out of there!" you yell at the sickening sight.

"Oh no can do, this flesh has a little bit more fight left," he says while ash mixed with drool falls out of the pony's mouth.
"And you are not going to ruin the bloodbath I've waited so long for! True Heroism must be shown to that Fat Flanked False Goddess!"

"Don't make me laugh!" you declare. "Grey's already down, and not even your mind control is going to fix that! It's just you and me!"

"You're right about one thing, Grey is pretty out of it, but you are wrong. It isn't just you and me, It's you and me..."

"And Me," comes another Erised voice.

"And Me," comes another.

"And Me," another chimes as you look around the hallways and doors, and you see about 7 Erised Clones smirking at you. The possessed Grey says,

"You'll be learning the hard way what it means to be a TRUE hero..."

The line is being held outside, but they could probably still use your help, and you have 7 and half of the other Knight you've been chasing closing in on you.

It's pretty terrifying their laughter, the same laughter you can hear in the back of your head, but you decide to put on some bravado.

"Oh I see, Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am, Stuck in the middle with you..." you sing as you get ready.

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 49: The End Of The Crimson Knights! The Crimson Vengeance Vs. Crimson Knight Leader Erised (The Final Knight's Arc Finale )  
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Opening Theme:





The Rutherford's Comment



As you look to the Erised clones and the mind controlled Grey, you think to yourself:

Ok, Selena, what do we know about Erised and his clones?

They seem to be made from his blood. And his blood seems to be responsible for mind controlling the inmates.


They appear to be glass cannons to me and seem to fall apart after a hit or two. Ranged attacks and and strong blows will destroy them chimes in the fallen king. A bit taken a back by his suggestion you ask,

OK, That is good to know and all but how are you so aware with everything going on? Didn't we drug you?

While that moon whorse's shadow is keeping this vile blood at bay, I have been free to observe and think. And your pathetic medication wore off during the fight with the crazy janitor.

Hold your tongue you abomination!Selena growls.

Yeah, we sling the insults and you take them smokey, don't you call her that!

It matters not what I call you wardens, implement my strategies.


And why would I do that? Why would you want me to win?

Did you actually think I took over the Crystal Empire on raw strength and magic alone? I am a strategist. And as for why? I despise your kind and your blood magics! If I can't end you, then I'll settle for seeing these blood echo changelings explode!


Adhering to the whims of the dictator, you use your Telekenisis and throw one of the Eriseds into a wall, causing him to become nothing but a stain.

Ha ha ha ha! Yes, More Blood! Sombra chuckles darkly.

Well that's one down. Several more to go. Though I wish I didn't have to hear Limbo's laugh

I am sorry Bugze, I am still fighting the invading thoughts! Selena strains.

The mind-controlled Grey Rebl sneers at you as he says,

"Oh, drawing first blood are we? Now you're getting it!"

He then charges at you and tries to punch you, but you dodge out of the way. But you can't help but stare at him in shock as you hold up your hooves and say,



Erised the ink-moth's Comment




Kersey's Comment



"Whoa whoa whoa... whoa. I get that you're evil and all, but you're not seriously going to use your buddy to fight me are you? I beat him to a pulp! I'm surprised you can even make him walk in that condition!"

The Eriseds just laugh at you, a hollow, echoing laugh.

Suddenly Grey in right on top of you, shoving you back and grabbing at your throat, his strength somehow even more impressive than before. Yet even as you hold him away, you can hear his bones cracking under the strain of his movements.

"That's where I hold the advantage," Erised's words ooze out of Grey's mouth. "His body isn't mine, so I don't have to hold back. I can keep him fighting to the very end without having him slow down even a bit. You'd better be careful one wrong hit could be the one that kills him."

You hoof freezes right as you are about to punch the possessed unicorn off you.

Bugze, dodge!

Your eyes widen and you jump back right as a spray of ink-blood flies by. You snap your head towards the clone still dribbling the leftovers of its blood vomit, smirking at you as the others continue to circle.

"Hah!" Erised chuckles, "Just like with that traitorous Doctor Nettle, you don't have the stones to take a life, even when your own life is on the line. Quite noble for a soldier of fortune. But we all have that blackness in our hearts. You'll find it sooner or later."

"Who says I haven't already?!" You shout and charge at a trio of clones grouped up, "Falcon PUNCH!"

They swiftly dodge out of the way, but you just got done fighting Grey. Compared to that, these clones might as well be moving in slow motion. "Would you kindly Buck Off!" you send a blast of Bucking Bronco their way and send them into the air.

Before you can finish them while they're vulnerable, Grey jumps on your back and starts to wrestle you away. "Then why do you not embrace it like so many others have done? Isn't that the way?"

"Because I don't want to!" you roll, causing Grey to lose his grip on your face and fall to the floor. You then whip out your air shotgun and blow him away as he's recovering. "Maybe I know how bad I can be! Maybe I've seen what I'm like when I lose control, and I don't ever want to again! And maybe I work every day to do better!"

The clones switch to faster blood-based attacks, and you slide behind some convenient barrels as blood bullets pepper the wall behind you. "So you're in denial then! You can't fight the evil inside yourself forever," they say in unison.

You kick one of the barrels at them, flattening one of the clones and leaving you an opening to stab the other with your Boomstick. Pitch black gore covers you, and you feel Erised's influence exerting itself, slowing your movements and making your vision blurry.

While you try to avoid the rest of the clones closing in on you and spewing more ink-blood, Selena starts purging your system. And this time you're able to help her out.

"Okay... happy thoughts... happy thoughts." you think to yourself, "What are some happy thoughts? I can't think of any..." you blubber.

I can...Sombra chuckles darkly.

Suddenly an image of Fluttershy cosplaying as Bayonetta flashes before your eyes.

*Spurt* "No! Bad Bug! I don't need those kinds of happy thoughts right now!"

You shameless pervert!, you hear Erised's words slowly fade away.

"Wait What?" you say aloud as you realize some of your Midnight Colored blood is tainted black.

*Splash!*

"Oh come on!" you yell as one of the Erised clones suicides all over you, giving you a bigger dose of blood.

"You should keep your thought on your surroundings, and not what's going on inside your head," he chastises. "Someone like me might take that opportunity to land a free hit."

"Hey! You don't know me! You don't know what goes on in my brain!" you counter.

"Oh how I wish that were true you pervert!" Erised sighs.

It's not my fault! An evil king made me see that! you mentally whine as Sombra chuckles.

Ngh...Bugze, I hate to say this, but this could work. Selena says.

What? you think dodging another clone.

Normally I'd discipline you for perverted thoughts, but seeing how these clones are infecting you with their blood, I don't have the time. The best course of action would be to quickly expel the blood.

So... you WANT me to think perverted thoughts?

Within. Reason. she stresses.

Okay then, Zambino, I don't need your help for this one. Spitfire's lingerie shoot  *spurt* "Happy ending" massage with Aloe. *spurt* Threesome with Octavia and Vinyl. *spurt* Applejack and Rainbow Dash making out  *Spurt* Selena in catmare's- *GONG*

"Gah!" you say reeling from that gong which fortunately causes you to dodge another clone,

 I thought you wanted me to think perverted thoughts?!

I said within reason you massive pervert! You know I'm classier than that!

Fortunately Erised decides he's wasting too many clones with this tactic (and is getting kinda jealous/ashamed at your thoughts) and just has them attack you as normal.

Still though, Selena needs less pressure on herself blocking off Erised's voice, and the nosebleeds are giving you a headache. You need something else to make you happy. And then it hits you.

As you dodge more of Erised's attacks, you can't help but feel the urge...

The urge to sing!



SnapDrake's Comment



"Yes, I'm stuck in the middle with you," you sing, ducking beneath a shot from one of the clones.

"And I'm wondering what it is I should do,

It's so hard to keep this smile from my face," you leap between two clones, knocking their heads together.

"Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place," you taunt.

"Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right,

Here I am, stuck in the middle with you." You twirl around the Boomstick, send out a shockwave- that Grey-Erised doges, hoping to avoid the attack.

"Well, you started off with nothing,

And you're proud that you're a self-made man," you sing, aiming a swing of the Boomstick. Grey-Erised slams into the ceiling. You glance behind you and see the rest of the clones creeping up on you.

"And your friends they all come crawlin'

Slap you on the back and say, 'Please, please.'"

As you finish that last lyric, you look at the new ink stains you've made and you can't help but let out a chuckle before saying,

"You know, Erised really should've made these clones more durable. If they could survive more than one hit, it wouldn't be so easy for me to whittle you down to the real one. Why don't you show your REAL self Coward?!"

Your taunt causes them to sneer, but then Grey-Erised chuckles and gets back up.



Grey Rebl's Comment




BrownDog's Comment



“While not true body possession, it’s still quite an effective use of my personal hivemind. The hivemind is what allows me to control my clones and mind-controlled forces, and with such organized efficiency.” Erised then brags, “My own personal drones: Fancy, yes? And I’m not even a changeling queen! But rest assured, the real me IS facing you."

"Oh cut it out with that technicality bullspit!"

“However, for Grey, it’s different. You see, our unfaithful pal here has a problem that I’m sure you've noticed by now: Despite his brutal prowess, he’s so, so weak. One of the weakest of the Generals, in fact. Which is why I decided to arrange something...special for the poor unicorn.”

“Special?” You say apprehensively, “You’re putting your mind-control on your own ally! That’s just...wrong!”

“Hah! Don’t make me laugh. If it suits him, Grey would’ve left the Crimson Knights if he had the chance! He’s no reliable ally, perhaps my most hated ally...but certainly an effective guard dog.”

You’re eyes widen at the term. Guard Dog. Is that what the pony amounts to to Erised?

“I hate him and his disloyalty, he hates my guts and my preaching. I bring him intruders to beat up, he gleefully sates his thirst for blood. And when he loses consciousness---I force him awake, he gets to keep on fighting until he dies!” He then says happily, “A mutual relationship if I do say so myself!”

Startled at the confession, you take a step back. “Cut the bullspit, that’s nothing but Parasitism!” You angrily retort back.

The possessed Grey cruelly smirks back. “Ah, yet it’s symbiosis all the same. It’s the same thing I’m going to use against Celestia.”

You stare angrily at the puppet in front of you and declare in determination,

"I don't care what your idealogy is, how much you two hate each other or how insane you both are. You are going down, on MY terms, not yours!"

"Oh you will will you?" Grey-Erised taunts.

"Yes! And once I'm done with you, all I have left is Mindseye!"

"Mindeseye?" he asks confused.

"Yeah, the final Knight leader! And I'll beat his location out of you both!"

"Um, Mindseye hasn't been with us for over a year," Grey-Erised says matter of factly.

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, the pansy couldn't take the true power and heroism of the Hooded Offender in Fillydelphia and left. Good riddance to him anyway."

"Oh...Well in that case, I'm ending your whole organization tonight!"

"You can try bounty hunter. But I know you don't have the chops to do what's necessary, and neither does that fat flanked false goddess!"

“Okay, what’s your problem against Celestia?!” You shout.

Instead of an answer, the clones shoots forward, as the possessed body shouts back, “Think fast!”

MEANWHILE WITH AQUA AND NIGHTSHADE

Aqua and Nightshade are standing outside the Asylum, watching over as the guards are tying up beaten inmates from the courtyard and Knights. With Aqua's leadership, they were able to hold the line and easily defeat the inmates and Knights who ran from the crumbled entrance. The battle was so one side, that one of the Erised clones forced the others who remained in the building to retreat further in.

"That's clearly not the last of them though..." Aqua moans aloud, while the guards restrain the beaten.

A pegasus guard runs up to her, salutes, and says,

"Ms. Aqua, the perimeter is secured! All inmates and Knight members that entered the courtyard have been captured with no losses on our side! The knight's have refused to give us any information, but from what we can tell, most of them have arrived only recently."

Aqua gains an interested look as she asks,

"How?"

The guard sighs at this before saying,

"There were crystal ponies among the ranks, along with some changelings and minotaurs. Seeing as how the Crystal Empire has only been around for a few months it's reasonable to think that the minions themselves haven't been here long."

Aqua, who's eyes widen at the mention of the Crystal ponies, nods before asking,

"And what about the inmates?"

"No relevant information out of them, they're minds are already fractured, but this mind control has clearly left an impact. But for now at least, the courtyard is secured and we await your orders ma'am.

Aqua starts to think things over, when another voice calls out to her.



The Pony Spartan's Comment



"Ms. Aqua," The same pegasus she sent to get reinforcements flies down beside her." I have notified the guards in Tall Tale of the true situation, and have returned with reinforcements," he says pointing behind himself as an even greater force of guards march up to the gate.

"Great." Aqua says as she looks back to the crumbled building entrance "With enough of us, we can turn the tables on their little ambush plans."

The first guard nods. "By the way, who is that Earth Pony filly that kept kicking all the inmates in the nards?" He says, pointing to the disguised Nightshade.

"She's...the Crimson Vengeance's assistant." Aqua replies.

"And don't take me lightly." Nightshade says before falcon kicking a tied up Minotaur in the nards, which makes the guard wince. "I may be small, but whoever gets in our way will get a falcon kick right to 'em!"

"U-understood." He says before looking back to Aqua. "And Ma'am, the guards in Tall Tale let me know that a messenger was sent to Princess Celestia herself in Vanhoover. Should we not wait till she gets here?"

Aqua and Nightshade's eyes widen at that. "No, that's exactly what those Knights want. It's a trap for her after all. Have everyone group up into formations, breaching teams and a sentry force on all exits. We have to end this before the Princess arrives!"



Grey Rebl's Comment

 


Erised The Ink Moth's Comment



Within the Asylum itself, Tartarus breaks loose as the Guards pour in in a formation, utterly prepared for anything and anything. Ropes from holes in the ceiling drop down, letting in another group of guards, with different colored uniforms. They land with practiced rolls, standing up immediately back to back, weapons pointed around them as they greet…

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

“Er, this is SWAT Team Alpha. It’s clear,” one of the special-uniformed guards says.

Another replies exasperatedly. “Oh come one! I thought we could catch em’ by surprise. We even got the formation and the maneuver down pat!”

Aqua, coming from the broken walls, face hoofs. “We've already cleared out this entrance, they retreated further in. And they know we're here why would you use that tactic? It’s literally an all-out swarming strategy with the only good factor being the surprise. What part of mind controlled crazies do you not understand?! Seriously, are all of you in guard just to look cool?”

The ensuing silence and the nervous shuffling says it all.

Aqua just sighs. “Never mind then. Listen to my orders like your compatriots from before, and don't let your guard down, and don't go half-assed into danger. Let’s just finish the job smartly OK?"

She then looks to Nightshade walking in through the same wrecked wall.

"Are you sure you want to be coming in here kiddo?" she asks.

“Are you kidding? Of bucking course! If Sun Butt's coming, I'm not just gonna sit around and wait for her!”

"Alright, but stay close to the boys and keep'em in line when we start moving K?"

"You got it!" she salutes. 

"But first, we gotta know where they are, can you sense their locations with your earth bending?"

Nightshade closes her eyes and touches the ground tenatively with her hooves.

"No, there's too much metal and wood in the floor. All I can sense is everyling in this room. Sorry," she says sheepily.

"Yeah alright then, no worries kid. You're not at Sensei Maud's level yet, but you'll get there."

Nightshade nods and looks pointedly at Aqua. “So what do we do? Are we helping daddy now?”

“I don't think we can right now kid. We don't know where the rest of the crazies are. We might end up walking into an ambush.”

Nightshade then hums in thought. However, she then lights up, as though an idea came to her. “Then why don’t we help him by not helping him?”

This causes the mare to frown. “Uh, kid, you’re not making any sense.” She then raises a brow, almost a bit annoyed, “Beside, I don’t need a reminder of what we’ve been doing this entire time.”

“Daddy says that Erised is doing all the mind-control, right? Why not beat up the source? That way, we don’t have to be so bored!“

Aqua then smiles. “I like the way you think. If we cut off the source of the mind control, everypony else will be freed. But one problem: Where would he be? He can be with CV for all we know.”

The two just sit there, humming in thought.

“Knowing CV’s luck, Erised would act like a supervillain who would sit in some high place, laughing maniacally. Typical mastermind behavior.” Aqua listlessly points out.

"And somewhere where he can talk on the intercom," Nightshade thinks aloud.

A few seconds ticks by, and revelations dawns on them. The two looks at each other, a sense of urgency and excitement getting to them.

“The Warden's Office!" Aqua declares as the guards look to her.

"The cause of all this pain is most likely in the warden's office. We'll need to clear a path to there. Be ready for ambush at all times!" she announces.

"Ma'am Yes Ma'm!" they salute and get into formation. They then walk through the hallways past the visitor's room, and into a recreation room, and finally into a cafeteria. The rooms are dimly lit with red back up lights, but still, there is no sign of any inmates.

"Stay in formation, we don't have the advantage of open ground in here, and who knows what they'll throw at us..."

"I think you've got bigger problems little pony," comes Erised's voice. Aqua, Nightshade and the guards look up to see Erised grinning down at them from an upper level. "But fortunately for you, I'm a gracious host..." he then gives a whistle, and crying and laughing rings out "Royal Guards of Equestria, welcome to my abode... welcome to your death."

In the blink of an eye the room erupts into something out of Tartarus, inmates start not only charging through the open gateways, but bursting through the walls, clawing their way out of the stonework. These ponies look possessed and in pain, with some black substance dripping from their eyes and mouth.

"Form up everypony! We can take them if we-" while Aqua shouts her commands, a barrage of fireballs flies over her head, causing her to double-take at the inmates.

Plasmids. Erised infused these ones with plasmids. They're burping fire, shivering from the ice forming over their coats and screaming like they're being boiled alive as they blindly smash themselves against the phalanx of guards. They're nowhere near as refined as CV's powers.

Aqua ducks under an assortment of power blasts, and throws up a shield of ice to block more thrown from the inmates. "Shields up!  Shields up now!"
Upon hearing her command several unicorn guards group up and start casting a group barrier spell to block any incoming fire.

So it's not the same, Daddy's ignore magic, Nightshade thinks as she stands near the guards, subtly giving her own magic to help boost it.

While the attacks are blocked, the guards are stationary, and the inmates keep battering at them like a horde of zombies.

Realizing she has to keep them moving, Aqua exits the barrier and water whips a group of them away, making an opening.

"We need to keep moving! Don't let them swarm and deadlock u-"

*BOOM*

Suddenly, Aqua is engulfed in noise and dust, before vertigo and gravity sets in and she falls into darkness.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

The guards and Nightshade give gasps of surprise, seeing the blasting hole that Aqua fell into. 

Nightshade and the others look up and see Erised as he just stares listlessly down from behind the barrel of a cannon before walking casually away, chuckling to himself as the so-called heroes continue to meet their doom.

Still caught up in shock at what just happened, one of the guards gets blindsided and tackled by an ice splicer-pony. The chilling touch of the mare's skin starts feeling like frostbite as the two tumble and try to get on top of the other.

Some break formation to help out their comrade, and this causes the large group to be separated into several small ones. Separated by a seas of crazies. Panic begins to set in, and they latch onto the only command that is given.

"Group back up you bozos! And keep kicking their nards!" Nightshade screams.

The panicked guards begin kicking the inmates in the nards as best they can as they try to group up again, but that tactic is only giving them slight breathing room. The crazies still don't relent.

"Ah crap!" Nightshade moans as the groups keep fragmenting.

With Aqua

"Crap crap crap crap!" Aqua screams as she flails, falling into darkness, her ears still ringing from that sneak attack. Her legs and water whips flail out trying to catch on something... anything. But there's nothing, and she plunges into the icy coldness of the water below.

"Wait... Water."

...

Back Up Top In The Cafeteria

The guards are fighting a losing battle. Without their impromptu commander to guide them, and only listening to the whims of a filly, they've been forced to come up with a strategy themselves. And well...

"EVERYPONY FOR THEMSELVES!" one guard screams in a panic before running off  abandoning his fellows.

The herd instinct picks up enough momentum for that to seem like a good idea, and soon the guards are fighting against a tide of splicer-ponies as individuals, and many of them are overwhelmed. Some are beaten into submission, while others try to flee randomly. Still others fight for their lives.

"No! Group Up! Didn't you listen to Aqua?!" Aqua yells as she keeps downing her enemies, all cradling their family jewels. Even the mares who don't have anything to cradle there go down in pain.

But aside from her, the others begin to lose and she grits her teeth in anger. She then hears a chuckle amidst it all and turns around.

The guard who started it all smirks to himself before a ripple of black washes over him, and the Erised clone ditches the golden armor he stole in the fighting.
"Tck. Undisciplined idiots, all of them. Now for the bloodshed to,"

"Falcon Kick!"

The clone momentarily feels the worst pain in his entire copied life from that groin shot, before erupting into a mass of ink, which splatters over some of the inmates, who flail about madly, giving some guards a chance to get out, and reform smaller groups, who all retreat with Nightshade.

Back With You

You've destroyed a few more Erised clones, but the others have kept their distance, spamming blood attacks at you, while Grey-Erised attacks with reckless abandon.

"Your fight is for nothing! Listen to the battle in the distance bounty hunter! The guards have walked right into the meat grinder!" he taunts.

"Bullspit!" you declare.

"Yes it's true, and now that your partner is in a watery grave, they stand broken and fractured!"

"Watery Grave?" you deadpan as you stare at the possessed unicorn. "You sent a water bender to a watery grave?"

His eyes widen at that, "Water Bender?"

Suddenly, a loud groan from the pipes is heard throughout the complex.

Back To Nightshade and the Guards

All the progress made into the asylum is quickly being overwritten, as the conscience guards and Nightshade retreat with an army of crazies behind them.

But just as the guards start to think all hope is lost for them, they hear a sound. The pipes lining the walls start to shake... then burst with water that looks like it's alive! The tendrils snake through the air, lashing out at the inmates before snap-freezing into thick icy restraints.

It's not enough to last long against plasmid powers, and soon the splicer-ponies start to melt through their restraints, or for those with ice powers, just absorb it. But it is enough for the guards to finally take back the initiative and either knock out or restrain the downed splicers.

Nightshade, with the now regrouped guards finally get back into the danged formation, as the remaining water in the room coalesces into the shape of Aqua.

"Alright Aqua!" Nightshade cheers.

"Blmmbblmm! Blbb-bl mmmb mlbble blm!" Water Aqua orders, pointing a watery hoof back into the asylum.

"Uhh... what?" one of the guards asks.

Water Aqua facehoofs with a splash before repeating the actions.

"Still lost," the guard replies.

"Oh for, just keep'er goin!" Nightshade yells, and the water Aqua nods.

"Oh, right! Onward, and keep in formation!" the guard orders.

"THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING!!! GUGH!!!"

As Nightshade nearly pops a blood vessel, she and the guards take back the ground they've lost, restraining the inmates more easily with the help of the water tendrils.

When the last of the large groups of inmates is finally restrained, and the majority of the Asylum recovered, Aqua emerges from a flooded basement, dripping wet and exhausted.

"Whew. I haven't tried to control that much water in along time," she pants as the guards still well enough to stand gather around her. The floor is covered all over with the water she used in the fight.

"Ma'am, we've recovered the majority of the institution, and I've received word that another unit is prepared and ready to breach the warden's office. What are your orders ma'am?" one of the guards tells her.

Aqua looks to the guards that were wounded in the last confrontation, then to the captured inmates that had since been stuffed into one cell like packaged carrots. 

"You boys have had enough action for one day," she decides, "Stay here and watch over the wounded and the prisoners."

With relieved sighs, they nod and agree to stay behind.

"What about me?" Nightshade asks as she hops up to Aqua. "I'm coming too right?"

Aqua rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. 

"I dunno kid. This place is pretty crazy, even for a crazy house. And you kind of just went through a big battle, and CV would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you. Maybe just sit back and let the big ponies handle this?"

Nightshade pouts. "But I did great back there! I must've kicked like a hundred ponies in the nards!"

At this, several of the guards wince, knowing they were the victim of some 'friendly fire' from the filly.

"I'm more stallion than any of these pansy guards!" she declares.

Aqua winces, considering everything. "Okay." she finally relents. "But stay close to me. Got it?"

"Got it."

The two then run down the hallway cleared of crazies as they finally find the Warden's Office. Where a small group of guards await them.

“We’re here, Ms. Aqua. What do we do now?” Asks a guard.

“Wait out here and hide out. You’ll be our back up in case any more crazies come. You’ll also be the reinforcements if it gets messy. Follow the Filly's orders," she commands and Nightshade scowls at them to which they wince. Aqua looks back to her. "Stay out here with them kiddo, I'll call if I need back up. Now then…”

The door into Erised’s office slams open.

“End of the line Erised! You're under...arrest?” Aqua trails off  from the sight in front of her. “What the buck?”

Erised the pale and scarred changeling is simply standing in the corner of his office with a Golf Putter in his hooves, lazily putting a golf ball into a coffee cup. He sighs blissfully. “Oh no no no! Continue. Just say your piece as I enjoy my game..."

She's a bit taken aback by his callous attitude, but she quickly shakes it off.

“Are you serious? Another changeling? Ugh, pretty ugly too. Might need to get those scars checked.” Aqua deadpans.

“A bratty mouth, I see,” Erised drolls. “Shame, it doesn't quite fit your face. But I'm getting ahead of myself Water Bender. It seems that introductions are in order," he then looks to her with a scowl. "In case you haven't figured it out yet, yes I'm Erised. I'm not surprised you've managed to get up here, with everything that's gotten screwed up today. But this ends now."

“Charmed,” Aqua says sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she takes a threatening hoof forward, “Look, I’ve already have enough bad experiences with changelings, Let’s make this quick.”

“Oh really now?” Erised and his pale chitin rumbles with dark laughter. The hollow and dead song of a voice replies with a rather chilling preposition: “Before you do, would you care for a decent and mature conversation?”

“Nope! No talking! We’re fighting, right here, right now!” She lunges forward, a water whip at the ready. 

“Very well then," he responds and claps his hooves together.

Suddenly, the large, viewtiful window behind him explodes into shards of glass as a pair of guards swoop into the room.

Aqua flinches back, ceasing her charge. Just as the guards land, they point their weapons toward her.

“What the--what are you guys doin--” She stops upon the sight of black ink upon their coats “When did this happen?! How?!”

“Your first mistake was letting yourself inside. I have astute control of the happenings in this facility. Your second mistake, was callously using the water within the pipes. I've been bleeding into them for months."

Aqua's eyes widen in shock at this as the changeling continues.

"Although, I am a bit miffed by the lack of bloodshed within my halls you caused in using my water. Still, because of you, gaining a hold of enough of your forces was easy,” Erised answers boredly. “It's not much...but I'll make do."

Behind the mare, she hears the rapid clopping of hooves and clanging of armor. However, she has a feeling that it is not the sound of reinforcements. Judging by the black ink blots on their uniform, the Royal Guard from the breaching team are under mind-control as well, that much is obvious. They enter and surround Aqua, pointing their weapons so that there’s no way else out but through them. She sees their strained expressions and the perspiration running down their brows. It turns out they’re still conscious, trying their best to fight Erised’s influence.

“Although I must criticize the Royal Guard: So much skill, yet so little independence. They were so very easy to control that I wonder if they even have any free will at all. Didn’t have to break their minds.” He shrugs uncaringly, as though he's talking about the weather, and lines his golf shot back up. “I suppose it has something to do with Celestia’s doctrine about following orders and maintaining a stoic peace of mind.”

“Hmmph!” Aqua retorts arrogantly, smiling regardless of the situation. “You think a few extra bodies are going to prevent me from beating you? It doesn't matter if your blood is in the water or not, getting hit with a tidal wave of it is still gonna knock you on your flank!" she declares as she starts to breathe in, focusing on the water on the ground.

"So, even being submerged in it, the water is still your ally. No matter, you won't be able to move in a second.

"The heck I-"

One of the guards rushes towards her, and she instinctively lashes out with the whip.

Green flames of magic envelope him revealing a copy of Erised. The copy goes black and explodes in ink splattering all over her.

“Ugh! Gross!” she gags before she starts to lock up. She can’t move. “Grrph!”

At that moment, Erised bursts into laughter. Laughs and laughs and laughs, increasing in volume. He even does a little jig. “Oooh! Yes! Checkmate! Ahaha!” Aqua can only struggle to regain control of her body as the effects of the black ink seeps in, his voice echoing in her mind. When he pauses to take a breath, he gasps, “You know, I used to fear waterbenders. They can practically sense any kind of water when given enough skill. However, I guess they can’t tell the difference between a real-living pony and a mass of blood!”

Still in a fit of chuckles, Erised reach out to a microphone to the side and speaks to it, “Crimson Vengeance~, I would suggest that you’d stop resisting unless you want me to kills your friend.”

“Oh come on! What’s with me, changelings, and being taken hostage!?” Aqua growls.

Back To You

Things have been going relatively well for you. The pipes burst earlier, allowing you to shock a majority of the clones into goo, and even slow down Grey-Erised.

You're even in high spirits because you've heard the triumphant shouts of the guards further in, and the constant snarls of the two remaining clones and Grey.

As always though, (especially for you), good things must always come to an end.

The intercom flares to life, and Grey and the clones freeze, smiling at you. Then comes Erised's voice, almost singing your voice in glee as he says,

“Crimson Vengeance~, I would suggest that you’d stop resisting unless you want me to kills your friend.”

You freeze at that before retorting, "Bullspit! No way you have her! I'm almost positive she wrecked what's left of your asylum!"

Then, against your declaration, you hear Aqua's voice come through the intercom, 

“Oh come on! What’s with me, changelings, and being taken hostage!?”

Your face pales at that, as Erised begins chuckling again.

"Well looks like someone has their hoof in his mouth. But yes Bounty Hunter, if you don't submit to my blood now, hers will stain the floor."

You grit your teeth at that, "You're bluffing!" 

"Am I? Well let's ask her."

There is a pause before Aqua's strained voice yells, 

"Don't do it CV! Don't give in, just kick his-AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Aqua's screams then erupt over the intercoms.

"Aqua!" you shout.

"Grr...C-C-CV!" Aqua's strained voice comes through, "Don't worry... about me. Just make this bucker pay! AAAAHHH!"

"Stop it! Let her go!" you yell.

"There's only one reason I'd stop," Erised tells you as two of his clones come towards you. 

"Fine, do it!" you yell to them.

They both embrace you and dissolve into Ink, coating you.

As soon as they do, Aqua's screams stop, but another scream replaces it.

AAAAAAHHHHH!!! BBBBBUUUUUGGGGZZZZEEEEE!!! Selena shouts as though she's overwhelmed.

SELENA! you cry out as you begin to feel the ink spreading.

“I don’t know how you’re resisting, but I know even you can’t take so much! Now, be caged in the blood of sins! Become subservient!” Grey-Erised commands you.

With Erised's blood in your system,your partner in his hooves, and Selena fading out, you have little choice but to agree.

"Very well. Step into my office, would you kindly?"


With that, you are led by the Grey puppet through the halls.

Back In The Office

Erised smiles condescendingly at Aqua and the guards as he speaks into the microphone. “I win. You are now under my control, Crimson Vengeance.”

Aqua and the conscious guards can only look on him in shock and disbelief.

“N-no!” Aqua utters.

“Oh yes!” Erised chuckles darkly, spinning around his golf club animatedly before he looks back at her.

"You all may have screwed up a lot of the glorious plans I had, but the plan can still work. Celestia is going to get educated in the ways of the world.

As he finishes saying that, you and Grey walk into the office.

"Oh good, you're here," Erised gives you an ironic welcome.

"Yeah, now let them go!" You say, pointing to Nightshade, and the guards he's possessing.

Erised just stares blankly at you before ignoring your request entirely, and moving on with his own agenda. "I called you up here because I'm curious about something, and wanted to have a nice talk face to face before I destroy you all so I can get the satisfaction of knowing and all that," he says. You glare at him in response.

"You're a bounty hunter, that much is certain, the stories about you are out there, and yet you fancy yourself a noble hero who never takes a life. You even went out of your way to spare my mad watchdog, Grey. In that way, you're no better than Celestia and her mediocre guards." He fixes you with a hard stare, "Why? WHY?!"

"Why do you hate Celestia so much?!" you shoot back. All this time Erised's gone on about why Celestia is a terrible ruler, and that she's not tough enough. It's about time you got some answers too.
Erised frowns at you and reaches into the top drawer of a nearby desk. 

"I want to show you something. The first time I saw it I was going to throw it in the trash. But I decided to keep it instead, to remind myself why I do this." He pulls out a wooden plaque, exquisitely etched with gold letters. "'No one is beyond saving,'" he reads the inscription aloud, then looks at you. "That's there motto, that No one is beyond saving...Not even when they set fire to a library, or tried to blow up a toy store full of families and children. Not even when they kill their ex marefriend in a fit of jealous rage and claim insanity in court. Not even these monsters are Beyond Saving"

Erised shakes his head and lets the plaque fall to the floor with a thud. 

"I'm old, bounty hunter. For years I've been hunting down and punishing the wicked. It started with my own kind, who refused to embrace peace and love. Then over time I realized ponies weren't so different, sometimes. We're all monsters inside; the worst thing you can do is ignore that fact, and that's exactly what Celestia does. She ignores the risks, and puts lives in danger! For the longest time I thought I was the only one who understood what needed to be done. Then during the Crimson Hearths Warming, I found out there was another. Another true hero willing to do whatever it took to ensure the world doesn't die, to kill one so that millions can live in peace!"

You glare at his words as you now know where he's going with this.

"If the Hooded Offender were here right now, he'd have slaughtered his way through everypony in here, to protect everypony out there! He would've done what was necessary by purging these insane wrecks to protect innocents out there! He would do what Celestia herself can't, and tonight would have proved that, until you came along..." Erised takes a breath, finishing his rant. 
"Ah, but though I love talking about me, I believe I asked you a question. Why do you refuse to do what's right?"

"Buddy, I gotta tell you, you've got a messed up idea of what's right and wrong," you say with a glare, "Being a hero doesn't mean being worse than the things you're fighting. It took me a while to learn that, but it's true. And if the Hooded Offender were here, I know he'd agree with me."

"You claim to think what a true hero like him would think? He who killed a Tyrant and a Terrorist?!"

"Yes I do! Because by your stupid logic, there'd be a lot more blood on his hooves. You're no hero Ink-moth! You're just another villain who thinks they can't be wrong! You claim it's right that the Hooded Offender killed a Tyrant and a Terrorist, but take a look in a mirror sometime ugly, and see your true reflection. And if you weren't holding me and my friend hostage, I wouldn't kill you, but I'd totally buck your face in for all those you've hurt!"

Erised laughs. Laughs! "I never said I was clean. You can't make an omelette without breaking a few skulls. Even Flag Burner realized that, but even he lost sight in the end. But at least I don't unleash beings of chaos on the off-chance they'll be friendly."

"What the buck are you talking about?" you ask.

He leans in and, in a ghastly whisper, he finishes, “She’s setting forth plans to reform Discord.”

That ceases your struggles, it strikes you dumb. You choke. Reforming Discord? They’re giving him a chance of redemption? That crazy guy?!

Through Grey’s shattered mouth, Erised laughs at your reaction and both speak to you in unison.

“I know right?! Discord reformed! Hah! You and I both know that that is nothing more than scenario set up for failure! The Spirit of Chaos, The Ultimate Trickster would never be so readily obedient! In fact, I’m sure they'll forcefully reform him so that he's under their control, exactly like I'm doing now. But oh no, that'd be too logical, that fat flanked whorse might think that that's too easy. She'll probably just grovel before him and ask 

‘Discord? Would you kindly not incite chaotic destruction upon us and conform to the magic of friendship?’ Hah hah! I bet there will only be pity in Discord’s heart!”

His mocking aside, you still go through the scenarios in your mind. After everything he did to you and the Deadly 6, how could Celestia even begin to think about letting him go?

Suddenly,Grey-Erised stops talking as Erised’s tone turns dark and serious. “That’s what it comes down to, these three words: Would you kindly? To demonstrate my point...Stand up. Would You Kindly?”

To your horror, you are compelled to obey as you stand up.

“Look left, would you kindly?” You do. “Look right, then down, then right again,” And you do so without hesitation. “On your haunches. Back on all fours. Now walk in a circle. Oh! Stay in the puddle of my ink. In fact, would you kindly roll over?” By each command, you follow to the letter. It makes you sick.

“Now do you understand? I have the same power that the Royal Government holds, and yet, unlike me, they don’t even use it! So simple! So easy...It drives me crazy! Would you kindly lay on your back!”

When you do, you realize the intent as Grey’s possessed body moves towards with a putter in his telekinetic grip. You can’t help but gulp as the body approaches.

“What next? The changelings and the hive? Will she start reforming us then? Help us? No. Nonono!”

Grey lifts the putter up and slams it down on you, and then again. And again. And again and again and again and again...

"CV!" Aqua groans as do a few of the guards.

“No, the changelings can't be saved. Not Chrysalis *thwack!*, not the hive *thwack!*, not me *thwack*, not anyling!”

...until finally, with a final golf ball swing, he throws your body into the Warden's Desk, turning it into a pile of debris. With quick command, you are led back into the black puddle.

“Ugh!” You grunt. You fall into a heap, Erised’s voice, inside and outside, buzzing hellishly into your psyche as you cough from the dust. The more blows come. You try to think of happy thoughts, you even try to think of pervy thoughts, but you can't. You’re movements keep on losing coordination, especially with the black much being reapplied on each hit.

At this point, Erised is at the point of hysterics. “Justice shouldn’t be about making peace talks. A true hero would go in the face of evil and smother it! With this power, I’ll rectify what Celestia did wrong! With this army, I can bring justice down on ALL criminals as I assimilate them into my Arsenal. That's what I will do. This is what Flag Burner would do! And most of all, this is what the Hooded Offender would do! Celestia will be punished for her cowardice!”

Then comes his laughter as Grey continues to beat you. Erised laughs to the heavens, but someway and somehow he’s joined by another.

To Erised’s utter bewilderment, Aqua is laughing. She’s laughing so hard, that tears are brimming around her eyelids.

“W-what’s so funny?! Answer me!” Erised demands as Grey stops hitting you and you look to her.

“Hehe--! Snrk! Celestia’s a coward huh?” Aqua says rhetorically. “Well, says the coward who can’t spill the blood himself! Look around us! You have your underlings do the deed instead while you sit back comfortably! Seriously, you’re such a hypocrite! The biggest coward of them all, is YOU! Ahaha!”

“Youuu! You think I'm a coward?! That I can't get my own hooves dirty?! I’ll show you who the coward is!” he moves forward, snatching a pen and lifting it up menacingly. “I've been doing this longer than you've been alive filly! This’ll teach yo--” He freezes before he can jam the pen into her. “W-what?!”

Aqua just smiles tauntingly. “Normally, I need to move to do my Bloodbending. But since I can’t, I needed you to be in near touching distance. Thanks for falling for the taunt, by the way.”

“Grrrr! You can’t do this! You can’t! Let go of me!” Erised shouts, and his eyes begins glowing, pouring power into his mind control, if only to get himself released.

Aqua visibly struggles, a few beads of sweat rolling down the side of her face. “W-woah there, tiger! You sure have a tight hold in ya. Didn’t think it’d be this, erk, hard...Hey, CV!” She strains out towards you. "Break that puppet, and I'll take out the master!"

“Hah!” Erised laughs through the struggle. “Don't think I'm like that pretender to the crown during the Canterlot Wedding. Even if you usurp my original mind, as long as there are other’s being possessed, the hivemind will still continue running, my voice still imprinted into their very minds. The guards in my possession will still have the urge to kill you, the inmates will run rampant, and even you will be a part of the collection! And most of all, your precious Crimson Vengeance will be under my subconscious control by then. It’s too late!”

To his surprise, the water bending unicorn just chuckles. “Sorry, sweetie, but I know for certain that my good friend CV is just too crazy for you to control. Bad luck for you, bud. Plus, we've got an ace in the hole...CV, eyes shut! Nightshade! The plushie!”

“Surprise motherbucker!”

"WHAT?!" Erised shouts in shock.

Nightshade, makes her entrance from the air vents above. She holds up the Luna plushie, and you avert your gaze. Immediately, every one of the guards, and Erised  collapses to the floor, falling into a heap.

"Buck Ya Kid!" 

"You should have called for back up sooner!" 

"This was your only opening. Now come on let's...What?!"

"What is it?" Nightshade asks.

"I still can't move!"

"Cheap trick, but it will do you no good!" comes Erised's voice from Grey's mouth. He still stands above you, glaring at the Aqua and Nightshade.

"How?!" you declare.

"Grey's body still seems to have it's own flight or fight response. He looked away...and now all my other puppets are sleeping. No matter, I still have two good ones. Would You Kindly kill that mare and filly?"

Aqua and Nightshade gasp at this...but you don't move.

He frowns.

"I said, kill that mare and filly, would you kindly?"

Still you do nothing.

Growing Frustrated, he shouts, "KILL THEM! WOULD YOU KINDLY?!"

You then stand up, and he begins to smile, until you turn your gaze to him.

“I don’t think so.”

To his astonishment, you effortlessly exit the puddle of black ink, as if there’s no effect of his influence whatsoever. Eyes wide, Grey’s possessed body stumbles back looking at you as though you in bewilderment. Well, it’s not you exactly.

"Mommy?" Nightshade asks in happiness, while Aqua looks very confused as to why CV is speaking with a dark female voice.

“Would you kindly stop?!" he shouts, but Instead, she uppercuts him backwards. "W-what?! How can this be?!”

“During your preaching, my little bounty hunter was able to reach me,” Selena says. “We came to an interesting conclusion. You're controlling him, Not Me!" She then backhooves Grey into the wall. "Honestly, it’s embarrassing that I’ve been having such a hard time against such weak mind-control magic. Something that I’ll rectify soon enough.”

“Hehe,” despite himself, Erised chuckles through the body he’s holding. “So you were just a puppet? Are you telling that, I, Erised the Ink Moth, the master of puppets...I’m being beaten...by one?!" You’ve thwarted my plans so much thus far! I refuse to believe that I’m being beaten by my own tricks!”

Don’t put me down on your level, because unlike you and Grey, WE are doing this mutually and by choice. We trust each other more than anything.

She then picks up Grey-Erised in her magical grasp.

“So what?! Think that trust is going to save you?! My magic won’t be bested in this manner! Would You Kindly Put Me Down?!"

"I'm afraid not pale cockroach. Because now is the time for you to fall."

"Would you ki-"

She shuts his mouth with her magic.

"And you were wrong. When it comes down to everything, those are not the three magic words. My hunter and I, we know the true three words that hold the most power. The three sweetest words in the Equish language...care to guess?" she taunts as her eyes begin glowing orange.

Grey-Erised confused and bound sputters out...

"I love you?"

She smirks at this, "Close, but no cigar," she makes your eyes glow even more, 

"Assuming Direct Control..."

Suddenly, Grey's eyes briefly flash orange, and he screams.

You, Aqua, the inmates, the conscience guards still under Erised's control can all hear the scream in their heads as it fades into nothingness. 

Aqua finds that she can finally move again and lets out a sigh of relief, as Grey-Erised still wriggles in your grasp.

Erised looks around, seeing the ink from his clones drying up, feeling his power over the guards draining away. "No..." then to everyone's surprise, the main Erised starts to melt away too. "NOOOOOooooooooo..." he lets out one last defiant scream through Grey's throat before going limp, as the main body dissolves into muck.

You feel a ten ton weight lift off your mind, and your body is once again yours to control.

Selena! You did it! Thank you! you cheer to the mare who relinquishes control to you.

Oh, was there any doubt? she asks coyly with a chuckle. And you're welcome my bug...


Why did you go and do that? His body was nearly dead and I would've been freed! Sombra growls.

Quiet you!,you shut the king up as you look over the group in front of you.

Aqua and the guards, are glad to be free as well, stretching out and letting out sighs of relief.

You immediately run over and give Nightshade a big hug. "Are you okay Sweetie?" you ask and check her over.

"I'm fine Daddy. I'm tough, just like you," she tells you. "I just wish I jumped in sooner and you wouldn't have been hit so hard." You don't know if she's just putting on a brave face for you or not, but you're glad she's okay. You shudder to think about how much worse it could have been. Aqua then walks over and ruffles Nightshade's mane before bopping your shoulder

"Is that it? Is it finally over?" Aqua asks.

No. I can still sense the Ink-moth's presence. It is weak and holds no power over us, but some part of him is still alive... and he is nearby.

At this you look around, wondering where that rotten changeling could still be hiding. The "Main Body" wasn't even his main body after all.

"Hold onto that thought Aqua, he's still around. In the meantime, You Boys tie this piece of filth up!" you declare throwing Grey's unconscious form over to them.

"Sir Yes Sir!" they declare and restrain the Crimson Knight Leader. 

Then out of the corner of your eye you notice a shiny red button you didn't see before. Approaching it you see it's lined up with a bookcase, some kind of secret door. Selena confirms that Erised, the real one, is on the other side.

You signal to the everypony in the room with you and prepare your own arsenal for whatever's on the other side, and push the button. The bookcase slides up, along with a plate of reinforced steel wall, but nothing could have prepared you for what's on the other side.

*Beep*

*Beep*

*Beep*

The sound of a heart rate monitor dominates the room. Strapped to a medical bed, hooked up to all sorts of tubes and wires and breathing through an oxygen mask... is Erised. If you thought his scarred doppelgangers from before looked bad, this one looks downright awful. So thin, so weak and pale... surrounded by buckets collecting his blood, draining him dry. This was the one controlling those clones, conducting everything from behind the scenes with his magic? This decrepit old thing?

You lower your weapons. He can't fight back, you doubt he could even sit up on his own power. Erised is as good as bagged.

"...You..." Erised moans faintly, his eyes creaking open. "You found me. Good work." he says before closing his eyes, resigned to his fate. "...Finish it."

You cock your head to the side. 

"Dude, you're already finished. Your weapon factory is toast, all your clones are gone, every inmate in Arkhay has been pacified, and you're going behind bars for a long, long time. If that isn't finished, I don't know what is."
Erised opens his eyes to glare at you, somehow managing even in his condition. 

"Don't be coy. I want you... to kill me. Prove that you have what it takes... to pick up the mantle, hero," he wheezes.

"This again?!" you wave your arms. "I already told you, I don't do that! It's sick and wrong! If you think that's what a hero does, then you need to redefine what hero means to you, or better yet, have someone else define it for you!"

"But he would have done it...The Offender would have...It's the only way to win..."

"No it is not. Look at what we and the royal guards have done. What we've all done through determination. You claim that there's only two ways to act, Kill or Be Killed. And that's bullspit! There is a third option. And option to be better than the monsters. It's the harder path, and it's exhausting in the face of overwhelming odds, but it is the option of a hero! And look around you. It can work!"

Erised lets out a raspy sigh. "It doesn't make any sense.... I guess I can only pray... that the real Offender is still out there... and he'll step up when we're all gone." 

His eyes are lost but then they harden one last time "You may have forced me out. But I still have one last trick to play. See you all in Tartarus."

With that, Erised's horn is enveloped in a black light. It last less than a second before vanishing in a muted pop.

You then notice the buckets of his Ink Blood begin boiling, and he starts convulsing. You feel a faint burning sensation within your body, and you even see Aqua and the guards shake a bit, but nowhere near as bad as the changeling in the bed.

"How?! How aren't you all burning with me?!" he gasps in pain.

"What part of 'Assuming Direct Control' do you not bucking understand?! Now would you kindly give up?!" you angrily say to him.

Through his pain, he briefly smiles at that, "Would I Kindly?...As you wish..."

Suddenly, his body goes limp, and the heart rate line goes flat.

You and everyone else gasp in shock at this as his heart stops beating.

"Oh No You Don't! Would You Kindly jolt that heart!" you yell as you zap him in the chest, causing the heart rate to blip a few times, before flatlining again. So you repeat the process, keeping his heart beating.

"This scumbag doesn't deserve to die peacefully for all he's done. The living world still isn't done with him!" you yell.

You keep him alive somewhat till the guard EMT's come with their own medical spells and equipment and take him away, even as Erised is wheeled out though, you still hear him continually being flat lined and resuscitated. 

You pant angrily at this, but both Aqua and Nightshade place a hoof on your shoulder to calm you down.

"That psycho had better make it. He's got a lot to answer for," you grumble.

With both Erised and Grey out of your hooves, you three walk through the hallways, where the inmates and doctors seem to come out of a haze. Royal Guard EMT's check all their vitals. And the patients, with non mind controlled doctors, are led back to their rooms. You even see Quacksalver on a table as they put a gas mask over his face.

"Oh, I smell gas. Lovely gas...Night Night Gas..." he then promptly passes out.

As you walk, you and Aqua continually get salutes and appreciation from the guards.

"Ma'am, Sir," says one of the guards. "We'd have all been toast if it weren't for you. You are the truest heroes we've ever me. The Royal Guard will never forget. We'll sing your praises all over Equestria Aqua and Crimson Vengeance."

You three eventually sit down on the steps at the front of the asylum and look over the guards as they set things in order.

"Actually getting thanked for saving the day is...weird. I think I like it though," Nightshade says aloud.

You smirk at this, "You can say that again honey..."

"Heh. So did we find out where the last guy is?" Aqua asks.

"Nah, turns out in this wor...I mean, that the last guy isn't even with the Knights anymore. Grey and Erised were it," you answer.

"So...we're done then?" Nightshade asks.

"Yeah...yeah Shade. I think we are."

You smile at this and hold her tight.

"So...what does that mean then?" Aqua asks.

"I...don't really know right now. I'm kind of still caught up in the fact that I was committed, drugged, mind controlled, and still came out on top in one day."

"Heh, yeah. You've had a heck of a day CV. Thank Celestia we were here to stop it from getting worse," Aqua sighs.

"Yeah, Thank Cele-" you suddenly freeze as you realize something.

"Oh Crud! Is Celestia still coming, or did you stop the letter?" you ask.

Aqua's own eyes widen as she realizes this.

"Oh Crap! In all this madness I forgot, she'll be here any minute no-" she is interrupted as the guards begin cheering and looking at the sky in the distance.

Through the fading day light, you can see a white winged figure getting closer and closer.

"Ah! It's Sunbutt! What do we do Daddy? What do we do?!" Nightshade panics.

Leave Immediately!

No, stay and end her!

"I don't know! If I stick round for the payment, she'll try to talk to me. And crud! The guards are talking up as heroes! We did just take down all the Crimson Knight leaders. What if she tries to pin a medal on me or something?! She'll eventually figure out who I am! AAAAAHHHH!!!"

*SLAP*

Your head jerks as Aqua shakes her hoof from the slap.

"CV, calm down. Take Nightshade and slip out of here, I'll meet you at the Tall Tale Train Station tomorrow."

"What? Where are you going?" you ask.

"I'm gonna buy you some time to slip out," she answers.

"How are you going to do that? You're not going to attack her are you?" Nightshade asks.

"No, nothing that stupid kiddo. I'm just gonna distract her by accepting hers and the guards praises."

"What?"

"You're right CV, they do view us as heroes. I was seen by more guards today, so her focus will shift to me, and I'll keep it on me."

"Aqua I don't know..." you start, but she shakes her head.

"Just get going you two, a little praise never killed anypony," she then winks at the both of you. "See ya tomorrow."

She then stands up and walks to the forefront of the cheering guards, who raise her on their shoulders.

Taking the hint, you grab Nightshade and you exit stage left, heading towards the woods to sneak back to Tall Tale.

From your distance you see Celestia land as everyone bows. You can't hear what they say, but you do see her congratulating Aqua in some manner as the guards cheer.

You smile at this.

Wow, It seems she is channeling the Filly Fooler for that level of attention whorseing Selena quips.

You chuckle at this before looking back down to your daughter.

"Come on Shade, let's go to a motel. Daddy's had a long day."

She nods and follows your lead.

As you walk, you think upon Erised and his twisted views on heroics, how he was willing to die for those ideals even when proven wrong. For all you know he is dead, but if he is, it's out of your hooves, although You do hope that his heart still beats. 

You then think about the months you've spent in the wilderness, all the cuts and bruises and madness you endured hunting these leaders down...and now it's over. 

They've all been turned over. Soon their entire organization will fall apart without leaders.

You accomplished something as The Crimson Vengeance that you never achieved with your other personalities. You were finally recognized as the hero you've always claimed to be. You won.

And now that you've won, you can get your life back on track.

Although, it still will be the Life of a Wanted Changeling. But at least there will be one less obstacle in the road. It's time to leave the Bounty Hunting life behind...for now at least.

TO BE CONTINUED

Special Ending Theme:


> Episode 50: You're Gonna Carry That Weight, The End Of A Bounty Hunter!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE NEXT DAY

“Ugh, what time is she gonna get here daddy? It’s taking forever!”

“We’ve only been here for 10 minutes Shade.”

“Like I said, forever!” she moans as she slams her face on the train station platform ground, while Mangle leans on her with an equally bored look.

You roll your eyes at this, 

“Honey, you really have to work on your patience.”

“Oh, this coming from you dad?” she mumbles which Mangle bark laughs at.

You scowl at this, surprised by your daughter’s comeback.

Well if she didn’t say it, I would’ve Selena giggles.


“Hey, don’t get snippy with me missy. You’re still in trouble for going into a direct battle like that even though I told you not to. Aqua is the worst babysitter ever!”

“Uh-huh, and how many injuries did I get compared to you?” 

“That’s not the-Look, just be more careful next time will ya?”

“I will if you will daddy,” she says lazily.

Quit growing up so fast honey! I’m not used to you being snippy with me!

The young overlord speaks to me as such all the time. She’s learning how to bark at the peons beneath her.

You know you kind of just insulted yourself there right Sombrero?

I know what I said cockroach! You and the Moon Whorse’s spawn is greater than all of us. Even I recognize superiority. You two bring her down with your weakness and-

Oh stop prattling and go watch your cartoons you filth! Selena growls.

Yeah, and cut it out with that kind of talk or we dope up!

Oh please do, waste your last syringe on me, I’ll be happy either way, he chuckles.

You grit your teeth at that. That crazy pegasus that took your Inventory, but apparently he took a look inside and found your stash.

“Crazy doped nutjob, now I’m gonna have to go get some more and probably get banned from another pharmacy. Some guard dog you are,” you shoot at Mangle, who just turns from you and huffs.

“Don’t worry Mangle, it’s not your fault,” Nightshade comforts and pats the robot’s back. “Besides, I think Daddy needed to cut back anyway.”

Rolling your eyes again, you sit back on the bench with your arms crossed. The early morning light is starting to get annoying, and the lack of anyling else in this train station does make it boring. You then start to get impatient yourself.

After another three minutes, you finally give up.

“Okay Seriously! Where the heck is Aqua?!” you shout.

“Right behind you guys,” comes a chuckle.

You and Nightshade turn around and see the blue unicorn who has a trolling smile on her face.

“How long were you there?” you ask.

“About 5 minutes,” she smirks.

You and Nightshade facehoof at this.

“Sorry guys, I couldn’t help it,” she smiles.

You and Nightshade give her a scowl, before both of you burst out giggling. It was pretty funny.

After the fit of giggles, she sits down with you two and you ask the million dollar question.

“Sooo, how’d it go with the Princess last night?”

“Pretty well actually, you guys missed a heck of a celebration.”

“So nothing bad happened to you?” Nightshade asks.

“Oh heck no. It went just like I told you it would. The guards sang my praises, she landed in front of me and then she went into this whole speech about how proud she was that a citizen of her kingdom had such bravery and fortitude and blah blah blah.”

“So she just gave you praise?” you ask.

“All I could ever ask for, and then some. She actually wants me to go to a medal ceremony eventually and everything. Also I got the money too,” she says pulling out a big bag of bits.

“Alright!”

“Unfortunately it’s only my half since you kind of weren’t there.”

“Dang it!”

“Well you weren’t there after all…which is something she did take notice of.”

“Wait, she was looking for me?” you ask in worry.

“Well, some of the guards from the office starting asking where you were, and she got curious as well. She wanted to know where the brave Crimson Vengeance was. She personally wanted to thank the stallion that took down the Knight leaders and honor you as a true upstanding member of society”

“Oh if only she knew,” you moan.

“I know right? But anyway I covered for you. I told her that you had already left because you didn’t want praise or glory, and that you and I had a contract that only entailed capturing the Crimson Knights. You just wanted to get paid and to live your life out of the spotlight.”

“Sounds about right,” Nightshade chimes in.

“Good call Aqua,” you say as you hoof bump her.

“Thanks. And she seemed to buy it too. She asked me through to pass on a message to you ‘if I ever saw you again’. She says that if you ever choose so, you may meet her in person at any time to receive her thanks.”

“Yeaaahhh, probably not gonna take her up on that offer,” you mumble.

“So what happened after that?” Nightshade asks.

“Well, she spoke to me a bit more, then she went inside the Asylum itself to help with the recovery effort. You should have seen the looks on all those Knight Grunts they fished out of the lower level. She’s probably still there helping up.”

“Wow, maybe I overreacted for nothing if you got out of there that easily,” you muse.

“Well I wouldn’t say that,” Aqua says as she rubs the back of her neck nervously, “She did also talk to me about one other thing, and it’s probably good that you weren’t there,” Aqua says cheekily.

You and Nightshade give her a blank stare waiting for her to continue.

“And?...” you ask impatiently.

“Well, I got offered a job,” Aqua smirks.

Your eyes widen at that, 

“A job?”

“Uh-huh.”

“From Sun Butt?” Nightshade asks.

“That’s right kiddo.”

“She wants you to be a guard?” you ask.

“Well yes and no I think. She said something about a special division unit, but she said she’d like to talk to me about it later today if I was willing.”

“And what did you say?”

“Well I didn’t say No. When the princess of the freaking sun asks to talk to you about a job, you agree,” she says matter of factly.

“Oh, right,” you say as you rub the back of your head. It probably is good you weren’t there, saying no to that kind of offer would have seemed suspicious. “So, are you actually considering it?”

“I don’t know personally. Depends on the job I guess, but hey, if I’m getting treated as a hero, I might as well get a better and steadier paycheck right? Also, she said something about Lt. Sentry singing my praises, so who knows.”

You flinch at that before asking, 

“Flash? That’s good and all, but last I checked, Flash is still kind of looking for my other persona.”

“I thought of that too. But hey bro, if I actually get some sort of super top secret job or something, then I might be able to help you out in some way. Maybe keep the vultures off your back.”

It’s then that you figure something out. She has no bags on her, she’s still going to meet Celestia, and she might take the job. She’s not coming with you. Sadness starts to creep in on you, but still the fact that she’s willing to still look out for you causes some gratitude to fill you.

“Aqua? You’d do that?”

“Of course. That’s what friends do right? Look out for one another? Plus, I kind of owe you again after the whole saving my life for the 2nd time thing.”

“Oh wow, it’s like we’d have a spy in the system daddy,” Nightshade chirps.

“My thoughts exactly kid,” she then sees your conflicted face. 

“Hey now CV, why the long face?”

“Well, it’s just. What if they find out that you really know me and you get in trouble for spying or something?”

“Hey, it’s not like I’m gonna break into restricted areas or anything…I don’t think. Whatever job this is it just means I might be able to hear some interesting tidbits a lot quicker, and maybe I’ll be able to send a message out to ya. Heck, for all we know it’s just some overpaid desk job,” she chuckles.

“I don’t know Aqua. What about sticking together and taking down criminals?” Nightshade asks.

She looks at your daughter’s sad eyes and sighs.

“The job’s finished kid, you and your dad don’t have to fight anymore.”

“Yeah, I’ll believe that when I see it,” she mutters offhand. Aqua ignores her and speaks back to you.

“Look CV, I know you’re done with all this. We took down the Knight leaders, and I did say that’s all I’d stick around for right? I think in some way, I buried a part of my past that was attached to all this. And I think it’s high time you did too.”

She then hoofs over the bag of bits.

“Wait, Aqua I can’t take th-“

“Just take it CV. I’m more than likely gonna get some high paying Government job, and this is your half. Use it and go wherever you want,” she insists.

You hesitate for a minute, before taking it.

5,000 Bits added to Inventory.

“Thanks Aqua,” you reluctantly say.

“Hey it’s only fair right?”

You nod as the realization that your partnership with this mare is ending. And it’s kind of sad. Besides Nightshade and Selena, this is really the only pony who’s gotten to know the real you. If you think about it, she knows you better than Fluttershy and Cadence, and even Braeburn. Still, if Celestia is offering her a mystery job, she had better take some precautions.

“Alright Aqua, if you do get this job, you’ll need some help if you find anything out, and the only pony that I still trust and have a direct line to is Princess Cadance.”

“Princess Cadenza? Really?” she says wide eyed, “So let me get this straight, you’ve had a direct line to one of the freaking Alicorn princesses in the land this whole time, and you never used that to your advantage?!”

“Well, it’s not really all it’s cracked up to be. She doesn’t really have any sway over her aunt, and her husband hates my guts with the passion of a thousand burning suns. Plus now she’s ruling the Crystal Empire, but every now and then, she’ll write me to check up on me and let me know if something drastic is happening.”

“Oh…gotcha. I’ll keep her in mind then,” Aqua says with a smile to which you return. 

You both then break your smiles before looking around at the empty station. None of you say anything for a while.

“Heh, we’ve sure been through a lot haven’t we?” Aqua muses.

You nod at this. You don’t look at her, but you continue your thoughts.

“Yeah, from a crazy videogame obsessed changeling to social outcasts with an odd job, to a junk food eating giant, a revenge obsessed magic user, a couple idiots that sucked at their job and a couple of psychotic weirdoes, we’ve been through it all…

“Are you talking about the Knights or yourself daddy?” Nightshade asks.

You’re about to answer her, when all of a sudden that realization hits you like a ton of bricks.

“…Huh.”

“I think you’re all just looking too deep into it,” Aqua shrugs.

“I don’t know, considering my past with Lady Luck, this could just be the universe still screwing with me…” you mutter.

“Well aside from that strange coincidence, we all had fun right? And we made a pretty penny on top of it. All in all, good times,” Aqua finishes.

“Well except for that part where Daddy beat you down pretty badly and nearly drowned you in the river,” Nightshade adds, and both yours and Aqua’s eyes widen. “Although we did conveniently become friends after that, so I guess it worked out in the end.”

“Wow, way to bring down the mood kid,” Aqua deadpans.

“I still can’t apologize enough over that,” you add.

“And like I keep saying forget about it. You’ve saved my haybacon more times than you tried to cook it after all.”

“That’s just the norm for daddy. Look at the Deadly 6, beats them up just as many times as he saves them.”

“That...is actually pretty accurate…huh,” you ponder while Nightshade and Aqua giggle.

“Well hay, for what it’s worth, I feel honored you’d do the same for me that you’d do for the Elements,” she smiles.

You chuckle at this too, before things get quiet and awkward again.

“Ummm, so last night…” she starts and you give her a questioning brow.

“What was that thing you did?”

“What thing?” you ask.

“You know, the thing?” you still give her a blank look so she continues.

“The thing where you took control of the mind control blood. What was that? And why did your voice sound all dark and female?”

Oh right, she was awake for that. But before you can come up with an excuse, Nightshade tells the truth.

“Oh, that was just mommy assuming direct control.”

You look flabbergasted at Nightshade, while Aqua just looks confused.

“Your mommy? What’s she mean CV?”

“I…Okay, I know this won’t make sense, but just trust me when I say that her mother lives in my head and is extremely powerful.”

She just looks at you blankly as if she’s expecting you to start laughing. When you don’t she just shakes her head.

"You know, nothing about you surprises me anymore. Well, if your wife is in your head, you tell her that I appreciate the help she gave and that she’s totally kickflank."

“Um, she and I aren’t actually mar-“

Hmm, Strange. I actually feel honored by this water nymph’s praise. I suppose I do hold an iota of respect for her. Tell her I don’t view her as filthy garbage anymore.

“She uh…says she appreciates it, heh heh.”

“Good…good…” Aqua starts as everyone gets silent again. Seriously, why are there so many awkward silences during goodbyes?

“Sooo, where are you two headed now that the Knights are gone? You didn’t have an answer last night, how about now?”

You think about what her question, and only one word comes out your mouth.

“Home…”

“Home?” Nightshade asks happily.

“Yeah…we’re going home.”

“And where’s home Mr. Vengeance?” Aqua asks.

“Appleloosa,” you say with longing and happiness. Even Nightshade’s eyes sparkle at the name.

“Really? That backwater town is home for you two?” Aqua asks surprised.

“Hey, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. It may be in the middle of nowhere, but it is home,” you defend.

“Yeah, the ponies there sure don’t judge. They didn’t care that daddy was a changeling,” Nightshade adds.

You smile at that, and at the skeptical look on Aqua’s face you say in nostalgia as Aqua listens with rapt attention,

“It’s true. I would walk around with just my Stetson on without a care in the world. I’d fix houses, hang with my Braeburn and Little Strong Heart at the Salt Lick, listen to Old Man Muffin’s wild tales, and just…live. The ponies, the buffalo, they all welcomed me in that town. Not the Hooded Offender, not BST, El Hunko, or CV. Just Bugze the changeling with his little girl Nightshade. It was paradise.”

“Also, the apples were delicious, and never ran out, no matter how many I ate,” Nightshade beams.

“Wow…when you say it like that, I guess it does sound pretty nice,” Aqua concedes.

“It is. And we haven’t been home for…a year and a half,” you say in realization.

Aqua nods and puts her hoof on your shoulder. “Then what are you waiting for Red? Make your way back home. Back to your happiness.”

You beam at her words, and you feel the joy spread through you.

“I wouldn’t take the train though, I think Celestia would still like to find you in order to give you praise.”

“Thanks for the heads up…in fact, thanks for all the heads up you’ve given Aqua it was…it was good getting to know you.”

“Well, getting to know me enough I’d say, we both still have our secrets” she chuckles, “But yeah, it was good having you as a buddy. It was fun,” she smiles. “Ah man. I’m never good with goodbyes.”

“Oh I can’t take it anymore!” Nightshade shouts and rushes up and hugs Aqua hard, causing her to wince.

“I’m gonna miss you a lot Aqua! You let me do fun fighting stuff when Daddy wasn’t looking. You were an awesome friend!” she says with a bit of tears in her eyes.

Aqua gives you a nervous look to which you kind of scowl, but Nightshade continues.

“Y-you’ll come visit us in Appleloosa sometime right?”

Aqua rubs Nightshade’s mane and says, 

“Yeah, one day kid, I’m sure I will. I mean, every job has vacation days right?”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Nightshade says as she pries herself off, and wipes her eyes.

Once she does, you pounce and give the mare you’ve spent the last few months hunting with a hug of your own. You tear up a little yourself.

“Thank you Aqua…for everything.”

“Thank you CV, for the second chance…”

You remain in that hug for a good while, before with one final squeeze, you two separate. Looking around and still seeing no one, you take off your mask and allow her to see your smile.

“Goodbye Aqua.”

“Goodbye Crim…Bugze. You and Nightshade take care now, and I’ll catch you on the flip side.”

You both nod at this. No other words are spoken, you gather up Nightshade and Mangle onto your back, and with one final smile, you walk away from the station while Nightshade and Mangle wave goodbye to your Water Bender friend.

You don’t look back, not because you don’t want to, but because it’d be too hard. You keep walking till your hooves lead you to the road that will lead you back to Appleloosa, to the road that will take you home.

Back on the platform, Aqua lets out a sigh as you and Nightshade fade from sight.

“I’ve seen you at your worst, and I’ve seen the best of you. You’re a good guy CV. I hope one day everyone else will see that as well…Now then, this new job had better have a good dental plan. And paid living quarters couldn’t hurt, I am a Hero after all. Heck, maybe I can work with ol’ Batmane Sentry again, that chucklebuck wouldn’t see me coming” she giggles and walks towards her unknown future.

A Few Days Later In Canterlot

Princess Celestia smiles in her bed chambers as she looks over some documentation and sips some tea. A knock comes from her door.

“Sister, it is I. May I speak with you?” comes the voice of the Princess of the Night on the other side.

“Of course Luna. Come on in,” Celestia answers as she puts her paper work down.

Luna enters the room and sits on a pillow across from her sister.

“So Lulu, what is it you wish to speak to me about?”

Hesitation appears upon the Moon Princess’s face for a second before she composes herself and speaks.

“Tia…I just got wind that your gamble paid off. That it actually succeeded,” she says with concern.

Celestia appears downtrodden as she says, “Aw, I was going to surprise you with the news, it would have been so much sweeter when I said…” she then gains a smirk, “I told ya so.”

Luna frowns at this as her sister chuckles.

“Oh come now Luna, there’s no need to feel down just because I was right. This is cause for celebration.”

“I can’t feel as elated as you do sister. I still think that this course of action was reckless and potentially catastrophic. What if it had not worked?” Luna scolds.

Celestia’s face takes on a serious tone as she answers, “But it DID work Luna. I had faith in my student and her friends. And they came through. And because of it, we now have a powerful asset on our side.”

Luna snorts at this and avoids eye contact. 

“I still don’t know why you suddenly came to this conclusion in the first place. What changed? Why do we even need him?”

Celestia sighs as it appears a weight falls upon her shoulders.

“Because I wanted a way to resolve all of this without any more violence Lulu. We’ve had to resort to Shining’s program because the violence and mayhem has gotten out of hand these last 3 years. I just wanted another option that didn’t have to end in bloodshed,” she admits.

“And you think HE is the solution?” Luna asks with skepticism.

“I felt it wouldn’t hurt to try. As mentally unstable as he is, he deplores death and the harming of innocents. It’s that fact that made me come to the conclusion that perhaps Friendship and Kindness could nurture these morals further. And I was right.”

Luna relents seeing the sad look on her sister’s face but still voices her concern.

“Be that as it may sister, do you think it wise to send him after The Offender?”

“He’s the only one with the power to end things peacefully. If he brings The Offender in, then there won’t be any more fighting or property damage. Heck, our national budget might finally bump back. And we won’t have to pool so many reserves into Shining’s project. It’d be the best option for everypony,” she lists.

Luna looks at the pleading face of her sister and sighs again.

She really does just want to do what’s best, even for The Offender himself. Still, even my own searches for him have born no fruit. It’s like he’s disappeared completely. If I can’t find him, what chance does that lunatic have? If he could bring him in though, then it would be easier to purge the darkness from his heart. I just wish it was I that could convince him, to gain his forgiveness…

“I suppose we will see how it turns out Tia, but aside from the radical extremists that followed him, The Offender has not appeared.”

“I know, not since the Crystal Empire. But he always has the misfortune of showing up when we least expect it. I hope that we can stop another incident before it occurs. But on a lighter note, thanks to the efforts of 2 brave bounty hunters, the leadership of the Crimson Knights have completely been captured.”

“Ah yes. Now that the snake’s head has been cut, the body will die,” Luna agrees while smiling.

“Exactly. Shining Armor has informed me that subordinates and foot soldiers are being picked up every day. So much so that the quarters we’ve been keeping them in are growing crowded. I think it best if they were moved to a larger, more accommodating location.”

“Why not throw them in with Chrysalis and her lot? I’m sure they’d get along well with all the changelings they’ve employed.” Luna smirks.

Celestia chuckles, “No no, I don’t see that going well at all. Even those Changelings amongst their ranks should be kept away from her. They might be viewed as deserters, and I’m sure she wouldn’t welcome them back with open arms. No, I think a new prison is in order.”

Luna nods at this in agreement, but then another thought comes to her.

“What of the 2 Bounty Hunters, the Crimson Vengeance and Aqua? Have they been rewarded for their efforts?”

“Well Aqua, as it turns out that IS her real name, was the only one I greeted back at Arkhay Asylum…” she shivers at the narrative that was given to her about what happened. 

Thank goodness all those horrible weapons and drugs were destroyed... Shaking her head again, she continues.

“And if it weren’t for her leadership and skills, our forces and those poor inmates might have met a grisly end.” She then looks back up at Luna. “She will be receiving the highest medal a civilian can receive from the Government at a ceremony here. I have also offered her a Special Units position for her skills, but she has yet to accept or deny my offer, hopefully she will let me know at the ceremony.”

Luna nods, 

“And what about the masked stallion clothed in red? What has become of him?”

Celestia looks confused at that and shrugs, “Well from what I could gather from Aqua, this Crimson Vengeance does not wish for recognition or glory, something that he’s gotten regardless from Guards all over the country. He hunted the Knights down just for the money she claims, and that her partnership with him ended after Grey Rebl and Erised were eliminated.” She then shakes her head at this, “I believe there’s more to it though, because I don’t believe a pony would go out of their way to rid the country of Terrorist Cell Leader’s just for the sake of money. But if those are his wishes, I suppose he’s earned the right for us to honor them. I still would like to speak to him if given the chance.”

“Agreed. A stallion of that skill set could be better utilized, just like this Aqua. What division would she be sent?”

Celestia smirks before saying, 

“If she agrees, I know a certain stallion in the shadows that would love to have a mare of her skill set on his team.”

Luna’s eyes widen at this before a blush comes across her face.

“I did not know you still spoke with the Captain…”

“Oh you know Jack, he likes to run his group without our interference, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate an *ahem* ‘Chat’ every now and again. He still asks about you Lulu,” Celestia teases.

Luna blushes even harder and stands up.

“Well look at the time sister, I must attend to Night Court,” she then walks towards the door while Celestia titters. She pauses before leaving and turns around.

“Sister…Do you truly think he can find The Offender?” she asks with trepidation. Celestia’s face becomes serious once again, as she answers truthfully.

“I don’t know for certain Sister, but I can hope…”

Same Time, With You

“Ugh, why didn’t I just take the train and change into one of my other disguises?!” you lament as the run keeps on going. “I mean, we could’ve been in Appleloosa by now, and my hooves wouldn’t hurt so much.”

Well you were rather emotional over our departure with the Water Bender.

Yeah, I guess turning around and waiting for the train after that goodbye would’ve looked awkward.

Shaking your head, you call out to Nightshade.

“Hey Shade, could you bring the map out for me?” She pops her head out of the Inventory with the map in her mouth.

“Thanks Honey.”

You look at the map and see how much further you have to walk.

“We still have another 200 Miles to walk? Oh come on!” you shout in frustration.

“Grr, that’s it, next town we come to, we’re getting on a train. I’ve got enough bits!”

Suddenly you hear Nightshade gasp as she leans over your shoulder looking at the map.

“Do you really mean that Daddy?”

“Of course, we’ve got enough bits to settle down for a bit, maybe enough to put away for your college fund and-“.

“No, not that, I mean the whole stopping at the next town thing,” she corrects.

“Well heck yeah, my hooves are killing me.”

Suddenly she jumps off your back with a hoof in the air as she cheers.

“HOORAY! We’re going back to Ponyville!”

“WHAT?!” you shriek as you look down at the map. Sure enough, Ponyville is the closest town to your location with a train station, about 30 miles away. You facehoof at your screw up as Nightshade pumps herself up.

“Oh I can’t wait to see all my friends again, hopefully Applebloom and Spike kept their promises about me being alive a secret. Oh of course they did!”

“Nightshade calm down, we can’t go there right now,” you bark causing her to stop and give you a hurt glance.

“B-but you said the next town is where we’ll stop.”

“Yes, the next town BESIDES Ponyville.”

“Oh come on Daddy!” she huffs angrily.

“Honey, we’re finally free of the Knight shenanigans now, we can finally go back into hiding and live in peace,” you implore.

“I understand that Daddy, but come on, Why can’t I at least go say hi to the girls and Spike? It will just be for a bit while we wait for the train,” she pleads. 

“We can visit another time honey, long after the fallout from the HO and the Crimson Knights dies down,” you try to reason.

“But it’s RIGHT there Dad! Can’t I at least see them one more time before we go back to Appleloosa? Please?!” she begs her eyes beginning to well up.

“I…” you pause as you see the heartbreaking look on your daughter’s face.

Will you say no to that face?

Oh come on don’t do this to me…

“I-I…Nightshade, every time we go to that town, madness and chaos always follows,” you begin. Suddenly, the sunny sky above you gets dark and you feel a sprinkle of liquid on your back. You then see the map is getting soaked…but it’s not water. It’s…chocolate milk?

“Madness and Chaos you say? Well that sounds like a grand old time! Ha Ha Ha!”

Both you and Nightshade freeze in place at hearing that voice coming from above you. You both slowly look up and see…

“Hello Hooded Offender! Hello Nightshade! been awhile hasn’t it?”

“DISCORD!!!” you, Nightshade, Selena, and even Sombra yell at the same time.

“Oh good, you do remember my name, and here I’d thought I’d be forgotten to time,” the draconeques chuckles.

No, this can’t be possible. Erised was right? You can’t believe it. She did it. She actually went and did it. Celsetia let Bucking Discord out! 

That stupid whorse!

She’s released the Usurper! And ponies called me a bad leader?!

“WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” You shout up at him with fury.

“Oh now HO, is that any way to address an old friend of yours?”

“Old Friend?!” you shout out as you take a defensive stance. “You unleashed chaos, beat me up, took my daughter hostage and then you mindwiped everyone in Ponyville into thinking I helped you! And how the buck do you know who I am?!” you shout as your eyes turn orange.

“Well, yes that is true, I did do all those things,” he chuckles nervously, “And I know it’s you because whoever put your perception filter on didn’t take into account Madman’s Sight, but that’s a topic for later. For right now let’s hold on and not do anything hasty with Moony’s scary Nightmare Cloak, I just came here to talk,” he says as he holds up his arms in a calming gesture.

“Oh Bullspit! Where’s the WD-40 Daddy? I’m gonna spray this bucker’s other eye!” Nightshade snarls.

“Oh My. Such language. I should wash your mouth out with soap,” he says offended as he snaps his fingers and suddenly a bar of soap is lodged in your daughter’s mouth, which foams up.

“NNNNNNNNNNGGGGGHHHHH!!! Bleh, *Spit* Oh Sweet Mommy, it’s horrible,” she whines, trying to get the bubbles out of her mouth.

Your eyes glow even fiercer at this as you look up to the God of Chaos and shout, “You son of a b!@#$, “and jump up at him.

“Oh, whoa now!” he panics as he snaps his fingers and disappears, causing you to hit nothing and land on the ground.

“Let’s just calm down now HO,” he says with a calming gesture.

“Calm Down?! CALM DOWN?!! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!” you shout as you rush at him again, but he flies out of the way.

“Yes, please calm down, I’m not here to fight you,” he says.

“Bullspit! You attacked my daughter!” you yell as you feel the cloak starting to form.

“It was just soap! She’s got a dirty mouth!”

“Don’t you tell me how to raise my daughter!” you shout as you feel the anger well up.

Suddenly, he snaps his fingers and you feel a pressing wait on you as fall to the ground.

“What? I can’t move!”

“Well of course you can’t, there’s a monkey on your back,” Discord says matter of factly.

With effort you turn your head and see that there is indeed a monkey on your back. Although he doesn’t look nearly as heavy as he feels.

“Get this thing off me so I can hurt you!” you snarl.

“I think not, now you be a good changeling with an angsty alicorn in your head and listen to me, I’ve come here to-“.

“Falcon Kick! *Crack*”

“EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” Discord shouts as he cradles his wounded pride.

“That’s for taking me hostage,” Nightshade growls, before grabbing his beard, pulling his head down and punching him in the jaw.

“BLUGH!” he cries out as spit leaves his mouth and his head spins, and with that the monkey on your back disappears.

“And that’s for the soap!” Nightshade growls.

“Oh you little brat!” he says in a high pitched voice as he glares at Nightshade. “I’m trying to have a pleasant conversation here! Now why don’t you sit still?!” he says as he snaps his fingers and suddenly Nightshade is tied to a fancy looking comfy chair. Still though, he’s magiced your daughter again.

Selena, release the cloak! Discord doesn’t count remember?

Gladly

Tear the usurper to shreds!

“Alright, now that that unpleasantness is out of the way, why don’t we…Oh dear,” Discord pales as he sees your cloak form. Your scarred eye glows red as you feel Phase 1 form.

“Get Over Here!” you cry out as you send out one of your tails, grab him the ankle and slam him into the ground.

“Yeah! Get him Daddy! Buck him up!” Nightshade cheers. Apparently her anger at Discord overrides her hatred of the cloak.

You then slam Discord again and again into the ground before tossing him off the road and into a tree.

“Ohhhh, today is not shaping out like I hoped it would,” Discord groans as the tree he hits pushes him off, and runs away.

“Shut up!” you yell as you send out a shadow whip from you arm…only it has bits of red crystal attached to the end. It slams into Discord’s side, cutting him.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!” he roars in pain and holds his side. “Dark Magic? You didn’t know that last time!” he accuses.

“Oh, it feels so good to do that! Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted another chance to beat you?!” you cry out to the Lord of Chaos.

“Yes yes, ‘You’ve waited years for this’ blah blah blah, let’s nip this in the bud before it gets out of hand,” he says huffily as he snaps his fingers, and suddenly you’re in a bubble, to which you angrily lash out at.

“Oh come on! HAX! I call Hax!” Nightshade yells from her comfy chair.

Break out of this prison! End him!

I’m trying to you nutjob! 

And why are you so adamant?! Selena accuses.

I despise him!

“Now HO, old buddy old pal, if you can hear me through your growls, I’d like to say what I came here to say, I am a busy draconequess after all. Now, about what happened a year and a half ago I’m-“

“Would You Kindly Buzz Off?!” you yell as you send an arc of red lightning through the bubble and into Discord.

“GRRRAAAGGGHHH!!! Ouch that stings!” he shouts as the lightning courses through him.

“I’ll do much worse to you! Your reign of chaos ends now!” you roar.

“Oh you know what?! Forget this!” Discord angrily huffs as he snaps his fingers and Nightshade is suddenly inside the bubble with you, causing you to lower your glove and hold her close.

“There are you happy? You know what, I don’t even care if you are, No manners the both of you not letting me finish my sentence! Why I ought ta…” he suddenly stops midsentence as his rage melts from his face, and he sighs. “No no, let’s forget about that Dissy.”

“Let us out of here so we can buckstart your head!” Nightshade growls.

“Yeah, we aren’t going to listen to your lies jerk! I don’t care what you came here to say, I won’t let you take over Equ-“.

“Oh for the love of Chaos, I came here to apologize you idiots!!!” he yells causing both you and Nightshade to shut up in shock.

“Apologize?” she asks.

“Yes you little brat. I came here to apologize about taking you hostage during our last encounter. It was a dirty move, and was really out of character for me! I was just desperate.”

“Oh boohoo you were desperate!” you yell out.

“Hey, do you know what it’s like to be stoned for 1,000 years? I do. I know what that’s like. And I was desperate not to go back to that, but that didn’t really work did it?”

He starts breathing heavily before his usual smirk adorns his face again.

“But that’s all under the bridge now, I’m out an about again. I hope we can be cool now buddy.”

“Cool now? As if! Why are you even apologizing?” you ask in confusion.

“Oh well here’s the thing good buddy, yours truly has been utterly and completely reformed…mostly,” he says with a bow.

You and Nightshade look at him from your bubble with mouths agape.

“Yeah Right! Celestia just let you out like a moron and you’re just coming to gloat to me!” you shout.

He chuckles at this. “Oh, while I agree on dear Tia being moronic, it turns out she was an absolute genius this time.”

You glare back at him, “Well if you’re reformed, then why don’t you let us out of this bucking bubble then?”

“Hey, I said I was reformed, not an idiot. I was hoping this conversation could’ve occurred without the pain and fighting and what not, but then again it is YOU.”

You growl again, but then Nightshade touches your arm in a calming gesture.

You calm down a bit, but your cloak does not dissipate, you can’t let your guard down. Not with him.

“I still don’t believe you! How can YOU be reformed? Did you just pop out of your statue and go, ‘OK I’m a good guy now?’ and they bought it?”

“Oh I wish it were that simple, but no I had to learn the hard way that Friendship is Magic and can be heartbreaking when lost. Dear Sweet Fluttershy taught me that.”

“WHAT?!” both you and Nightshade yell.

“Oh indeed, Fluttershy reformed me all on her lonesome, even I didn’t know she was succeeding,” he admits with a smile.

“LIAR! Fluttershy is too timid and innocent to be anywhere near you! What did you do to her?” you accuse.

He gives you an offended look and just shakes his head in disgust, “Wow, someone is living two seasons in the past. She’s a lot more durable than you give her credit for. Look at the miracle she pulled on me.” Seeing your still angry unbelieving face, he pulls out a picture.

“See look, I’m besties with everypony now.” The picture shows Discord standing with the Deadly 6, all but Fluttershy look uncomfortable around him.

“And before you ask, no I didn’t gobbledegook their minds. They’re all perfectly healthy and I have no desire to plunge the land into chaos…much.”

A bit taken aback, you stare at the picture, and none of the Deadly Six’s eyes look any different. Maybe he’s telling the…NO!

“When did this happen?!” Nightshade shouts.

“Just a few days ago. Tia left me in Ponyville to take care of something, and when she came back I was a good draconequess.”

“No that’s not right! You’re tricking everyling! I saw you two months ago in Applewood!”

“What?” he asks confused.

“Oh don’t pretend! You were there on that movie shoot trolling me, trying to make me think you were from the future!”

“Oh, bwah ha ha ha!” he begins laughing hysterically.

“What’s so funny?!” you snarl.

“Two months ago? I was still in stone at that time friend,”

“I saw you! You were pretending to be from the future!”

“Bwahaha! Sorry, but that’s too rich. I can’t time travel. That joke’s so funny that my side’s splitting…oh wait,” he grimaces as he holds his injured side.

“Oh Buck your lies. You deserved that wound and you know it!”

“Ok, maybe I deserved a bruise or two, but you always take things a step further with the violence, it is the one thing I still don’t like about you, but from what I’ve gathered about friendship, you have to take the bad with the good.”

“We are not friends! WHY? Why would Celestia let you out?” you shout.

“Oh well see, apparently she felt that someone of my power that was opposed to mindless violence and killing could bring in the country’s most notorious fugitive.”

Your eyes pale at this.

He’s come to take us in? Bugze, we have to get out of here now! Before-

“But the things is, even with all of chaos in the palm of my claw, I just can’t seem to find The Hooded Offender…” he says coyly.

Your eyes unglow at that, and your Nightmare Cloak dissipates.

“Huh?”

He smirks at this before saying,

“’You see Princess Celestia, The Hooded Offender his magic shrouds him from my sight. I have no clue where he is…’”

You, the two voices in your head, and your daughter are all extremely confused by this declaration.

“But, what?” Nightshade mumbles.

“Still not caught up? OK, let me dumb it down for you guys. I’m not going to turn you in to the Princesses.”

“W-Why would you do that?” you ask. You know the guy was random, but this makes no sense.

“Why indeed? Let’s just say one part of it is that I still feel bad about taking the brat hostage and want to make up for it, and the other half is for more selfish reasons.”

“Selfish reasons?” you question.

“Uh-huh. You see, being ‘reformed’ is one thing, actually being free is another. I’m on something akin to probation. I can’t cut loose and cause massive amounts of mayhem and chaos like I normally could, because then I’ll get sent back to my prison. Sure I can pull a prank or two, but that’s small fish compared to what I’m capable of, and that saddens me,” he says his head drooping as he starts crying Gummy Fish onto the ground.

“Ooookaaaayy. But what does that have to do with me?” you ask.

“Oh well it’s quite simple really. I won’t turn you in, and in return, you just keep living your normal life,” he says as if it’s obvious.

“How does that help you?” you ask.

“Oh dear sweet Bugze, besides yours truly, you are the most chaotic being I’ve ever met. Your life is constant chaos, and that pleases me,” he says excitedly. “And if I can’t go around causing the chaos, the next best thing is to appreciate the chaos caused by another. In other words, you.”

"Wait, you're going to watching us all the time?! *snap* Even in the bathroom!" you ask-yell in alarm and anger, eyes glowing.

"Woah, whoa, what do I look like, Heywood Polanski?!" he says as he poofs into a film director with notably black-framed, square glasses. "Despite what you and your brat may think, I do have a life that doesn't revolve around you; Tea with Fluttershy, fixing leftover chaos magic for Celie and Lulu, seeing if Jack is still around for that date-"

"Likely sto- Wait, what was that last part?" you say your outrage briefly turning into confusion.

"Although given Murphy's Law," Discord says ignoring you as he mutter-ponders as he shifts into a donkey with a mustache, "The few times I'm not watching is when the most fun or dramatic parts will happen..."


“Huh, well jokes on you pal, I’m not the Hooded Offender anymore. In fact, I’m done causing chaos.”

He just chuckles at that.

“Oh my poor deluded changeling, you keep thinking that. I can smell the curse of bad luck upon you. Someone in your family must have seriously irked Lady Luck at some point. But even if they hadn’t, your Nightmarish friend will never allow you to have peace. The chaos will come to you, just you wait. And when it does, I will observe it and enjoy the show,” he chuckles darkly.

As your eyes widen at this, he suddenly takes out an umbrella.

“Now, just know that I’ll be watching. I won’t interfere or anything, it’s much better than getting involved. So don’t expect to see me unless Hasbro dictates it.”

“Who?” Nightshade asks.

“Nevermind. And in return for this free show, I’ll make sure that I’m not the one to bring you in. Everypony else on the other hand…well, just deal with them how you normally would. But please try to cut back on being a bloodthirsty psycho. I hate murder. It's...distasteful.”

He then snaps his fingers and the bubble around you and Nightshade disappears with you both falling to the road.

“Well I think I’ve said my piece. Have fun with your life and all that,” he says as he opens the umbrella and starts to float up.

“Wait a minute!” you shout and he stops.

“If you’re truly reformed, then why don’t you take that memory spell off of everypony in Ponyville?”

He begins chuckling at that.

“Well I was thinking about that actually, right up until you cut me,” he sneers and your eyes pale.

“But then I thought some more and I realize that even if I took that spell off, it wouldn’t do much good for you. You’ve gone and caused all kinds of mayhem without me. Besides, wouldn’t want to make things too easy now would we?”

“Hey, that’s not fair! Daddy made some mistakes yeah, but at least he’s not a big jerk like you!” Nightshade accuses.

“Oh Nightshade, you still wound me even after I apologized. Oh well, guess you can’t win them all,” he starts floating up again.

“Hey! Where are you going?!” you shout to the sky.

“To find the Hooded Offender of course, he could be literally anywhere. I dare say he could be at the beach,” Discord shouts and with a flash, he changes into a bathing suit with sunglasses.

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?!” you yell.

“Well if you still don’t believe me, just go check on Ponyville and see how boring and Normal everything is. Ta Ta for now.”

He then deflates like a balloon and rockets across the sky.

You and Nightshade just stare flabbergasted at the sky.

“Did…did that really just happen daddy?” Nightshade squeaks out. 

“I…I think it did.”

And as you stare, the weight of his words fall on you.

Wait a minute. If he’s telling the truth then…then…

“They gave Discord A Second Chance but not me?! What the absolute buck?!” you shout to the sky. “Where’s my second chance universe, huh? Where’s my chance at being the good guy?!”

The universe doesn’t answer you though, so Nightshade just hugs your leg to calm you down. It works a bit.

“It’s OK Daddy. Maybe if Discord is telling the truth, then maybe they’ll forgive you one day too?” You ignore this shred of hope though, since you’re still a bit peeved.

“You know what, NO! Until I see proof, I’m not believing his lies! I refuse to believe that they actually reformed him! Much as I hate to say it, Erised probably had a better grasp on this idiocy than they did!”

Well don’t just stand there you fool, Get to Ponyville! Selena shouts.

Huh?

He’s most likely toying with us, we can’t trust him. He’s probably waiting for us there. That’s where your proof will be.

Y-You’re right! I’ve got to make sure!

Yes! And then this time Kill Him! Don’t let him free again!

Kind of hard to do that seeing as how I’ve never actually Won against that guy! So hush up! You snark back at the tyrant.

“Come on Nightshade, We gotta go!” you shout as you pick up your daughter and begin galloping, your hooves no longer sore.

“Huh? Where are we going?”

“Congratulations Nightshade, We’re going back to Ponyville after all.”

“YAY!!!” she shouts in happiness and pumps her hoof up into the air.

You gallop as fast as you can. You have to make sure the Deadly 6 aren’t all grey again. You won’t let yourself hope that everything’s Okay, because it can’t be true.

Meanwhile Within The Woods.

Two pairs of Binoculars go down.

“Well there you go you big buffoon, you ensured your past self didn’t cock up the reunion, thus creating a stable loop” comes a grumpy Shetland accent.

“Well I do remember feeling a familiar calming presence that day. My own presence, but I ignored it back then. I only put the significance of it together after bumping into Bugze back in Applewood,” comes the familiar voice of Chaos, only a bit more restrained. “Although, I can’t believe how much of a jerk I used to be.”

“Oh you’ve always been a pain. Even now, I have to take your idiotic self back to a time that my past more popular regeneration has already fixed and protected. I don’t like backtracking!”  

“Oh calm down Doc, don’t tell me you aren’t nostalgiac about seeing this Bugze again?” asks the Draconequess as he steps into a familiar blue box.

“No, I don’t like seeing that ignorant look he carries. He has no idea the hardships he still has to face,” comes the older grey haired stallion wearing a black jacket with red interior trim.

“You know, you were a lot funner when you weren’t old and grumpy."

“Shut up!” The Doctor barks as he closes the TARDIS.

Back With You An Hour Later

“OH SWEET LUNA IT’S HORRENDOUS!!!” you shout at the top of your lungs as you crest the hill and clearly see signs of Discord’s chaos. Except…

“Um, Daddy? I don’t see anything,” Nightshade (disguised as an Earth Pony) points out.

And she’s right. Nothing looks out of the ordinary. No upside down houses, or cotton candy clouds. Nothing. Ponyville looks exactly the same as when you left it all those months ago.

“Oh…Oh come on. Really? Discord was telling the truth?” you whimper as everything looks absolutely fine. The weight of being wrong hurts.

“I guess so dad…Well if that’s the case, that means we can visit now that we’re here right?” Nightshade says enthusiastically.

You put your dejected head down and whimper.

“It’s not fair…it’s so not fair.”

“Come on Daddy, quit feeling sorry for yourself. Let’s go see my friends, get some food and have some-“

“FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!”

Nightshade stares slack jawed and her eye twitches, at the scene that just occurred.

“D-Daddy, were those just-“.

“A horde of pink psychos jumping in formation screaming Fun? Yes, yes they were,” you say still in a sad mood, until it dawns on you how weird that actually was.

“Wait, What?!” you look up in alarm and actually pay more attention.

“Oh Sweet Luna They’re Everywhere!”

And that’s no exaggeration, there are Pinkie Pies EVERYWHERE. All of them just bouncing in groups spreading out, heading for every direction in and around the town.

“FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!” a group of them chant as they bounce around you and Nightshade.

While Nightshade still tries to process this mind breaking information, you suddenly feel much better.

“Aha! I knew it!”

You then cry to the heavens,

“DISCORD!!! YOU FILTHY BUCKING LIAR!!!”

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 51: Too Much Pink! WAY TOO MUCH PINK!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you stare at the mass of pink throughout Ponyville and hear the distant yells of "FUN!" you can't help but let out a groan,



Kichi's Comment

 

"I knew he was a bucking liar."

Of course he was, it is his nature. This is your fault cockroach comes the demeaning voice of the dictator.

How is this my fault? you ask indignantly.

You chose to stop that loony from destroying that sun whorse. He was right all along.

Well excuse me for stopping a psychopath from using an army of brainwashed crazies, I know how much kinship you find with him! you growl back.

Bah! He stole the minds of the insane, I would take the strong. But even still, that foalish chaos god is loose because of her! A lot of good stopping that army was.

I... Uhhh... Errr...Shut up! you space out as you realize what you've done is probably null and void.

Quit speaking to him Bugze, he thrives on it. But yes, even I can't believe that that strumpet and that traitor were foolish enough to do this.

Of course they are Shadow of Luna! All you alicorns ever do is-

DO NOT CALL ME THAT!!! Selena roars in your mind, and you hear the dictator roar in pain.

Yeah, I thought you'd learn by now not to use the L word on her.

It matters not. It just proves my point. Damned Alicorns. They seek other to do their bidding for their own amusement. Look what they did for me when I returned, a librarian, dress maker, farmer, baker, veterinarian and racer all sent to contain me, and look how that turned out. They constantly seek "students" and "extraordinary individuals" to go to their schools to become their playthings, before upgrading them to "Princesses." They care not for mortals. They don't care who they make their playthings abandon. They don't care that they took HER from me! he rants.

Who? you ask.

You hear him give a subtle gasp before clenching his teeth and growling, No One! Besides, all you need for proof is their release of the usurper!

Okay, get off your soap box, you hate Celestia and Luna, join the club. But don't lump all alicorns for what they've done.

Bugze, quit speaking to him! Selena chides.

The only alicorn that I've seen as useful is the young overlord, but that's because she still has time to learn. The reincarnation of Amore is pathetic, and need I remind you once again that the Sun and Moon have released The Usurper? I rest my case...

Before you decide to end this conversation with the annoyance that his Sombraness, you ask him,



Kersey's Comment



Alright Mr. High and Mighty, before I forget and before my better half has an annuerism, what's up with the whole, 'Discord is the Usurper thing'?

That lunatic was known by many titles in my time; The Spirit of Chaos, The Overlord of Mayhem, John de Lancie, Meany-Meany stupidhead. Usurper just happened to be the first one that came to mind due to who my current jailer is.

As ponies say these days; Kettle calling the cauldron black. Selena scoffs

At least I lived up to that title. Your 'reign' didn't even last one whole night Madame 'I shall bring about eternal night' you Luna wanab-

"Ok. Night-night you jerk!" you say jamming your last sedative syringe into your head.

What? Noooooooo- Oooo, so much pink...

"Daddy?" Nightshade says giving you a confused look.

"Just giving Sombrero his medicine. He was being a jerk to your mom."

"Oh. I'll talk to him about that later," Nightshade says with a scowl.

As much as I appreciate the sentiment Bugze, are you sure it was wise to use our last needle?

Given how we're more than likely gonna run into the Deadly Six eventually, it's better we keep him drugged up before he can try anything. 

You then look around to the jumping mares all around you still chanting Fun, as if it's the word of the day.

"Speaking of which, now we gotta figure out how to get through all these Discord Minions and find that lying sack of crazy!" you growl as you look for an opening through the jumping circle of Pinkies.

"Any minute now, they might decide to pounce."

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

"Um, they're just screaming 'Fun' Dad," Nightshade points out.

"Yeah yeah, that's what they want me to think, lure me into a false sense of security. Well I won't fall for that trap..."

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

"Any minute now..."

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

"Any second!"

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

"Any-"

Oh for Faust's Sake, just go through them already! an annoyed Selena huffs.

"Oh alright fine! But this isn't going to be easy..."

A Few Seconds Later



 Fireheart 1945's Comment



"OK, that was...something," you say as you stand in the empty field, devoid of Pinkies. You thought you'd have to tackle your way out, but somehow, someway, you passed through the Pink Ponies without even being stampeded. Heck, you're certain a few of them even walked over your whole body, and yet you didn't even feel hard hooves at all. Yet when you looked back at them, they were gone.

You and Nightshade simply blink at what happened before Nightshade says,

"Well...that happened."

You sigh before putting down your daughter and saying,

"Just another thing to add to the 'Weird Things The Pink Psycho Can Do That Can't Be Explained' list. *sigh* Let's get this over with and see what exactly Discord did."

With that you and Nightshade begin to head towards higher ground to view the town, but before you get to far you suddenly remember something as you turn to face Nightshade before you say,



SnapDrake's Comment



"Alright Nightshade, before we inevitably have to head into town, you really ought to drink this disguise potion."

"What!? Why!?" Nightshade cries.

"Because Nightshade, if they realize that you're not dead then they'll realize that I'm not dead," you explain, "Despite how she acts sometimes, Twilight is probably smart enough to realize that the stallion traveling around with a formerly-deceased foal is probably her father. And then when she realizes that I lied to Flash back in Applewood, it'll open up a whole 'nother can of worms that I'm not sure I'll be able to ramble my way out of."

"Aww, come on Daddy. You're the best at rambling. You're the rambling king. You could ramble your way out of a hostage crisis in Saddle Arabia."

"While that may be the case, I really need you to drink this so you'll be disguised."

"Um, I'm already disguised. Earth Pony and everything?" she says matter of factly as she twirls around, showing her lack of horn and wings. "Nopony here has seen like this before."

"Oh...right," you say as you put the disguise potion back. "Sorry Honey, I forgot about that. Also because I'm used to all your disguises."

"No worries pops. Now, let's go see what insanity Discord's unleashed on Ponyville," she says as she crests a higher hill, and you follow.

You both now have a great view of the town, but even from this distance, you can tell there is Pink everywhere.

Nightshade takes Mangle out, and opens up a latch in the back of the foxes head and presses her eyes against it. The foxes eyes then zoom out.

"Oh boy, that ain't pretty," you hear her mutter. Deciding not to question when she figured out Mangle could be used like Binoculars, you decide you need a closer look to.

"OK, haven't used this in awhile. Sight Beyond Sight!" you yell as your vision zooms and you get a slight headache. And Nightshade's right. It ain't pretty.

So far you've seen Pinkie's coming out of the woodwork. From chimneys to even other ponies houses, the Pinkies are just coming from everywhere. You've never seen so much pink before in one place and to be honest it's starting to hurt your eyes. But no sign of Discord yet, and it's starting to get on your nerves. Not to mention the fact you're paranoid out of your mind being back in Ponyville. Who knows what kind of problems, besides the obvious one, will happen while you're here.

Despite the slight pain in your head, you continue to glass the area and eventually you see...



 TartarusFire's Comment



A long single line of Pinkies crossing the street, yelling "Fun, fun, fun!" With so many lined up, this makes you remember one of your memories with your Granbuggy.

"Granbuggy, why are there so many of those square things moving?"

He slaps you on your back, almost making you fall off your precious perch, down the cliff. "That, mah boi, is called a cargo train."

"Oh, a cargo train."

"Heh, got that right. I'm going to drink this entire bottle of vodka now, don't bother waking me up because I won't." He drains the bottle in one massive swig and promptly falls down, back into his cave.

"It's Tuesday again?"

Nightshade shakes your leg, startling you back from your memories and out of your zoom view. "Eh, what happened?" 

"Daddy, I'm tired of watching these Pinkies. They just don't stop! I lost track of how many there were," she says as she closes the latch on the back of Mangle's head and puts her back in the Inventory.

You whistle. "I was out that long?"

"Nope, they just move really fast... and in a circle." Nightshade's eyes glaze over, possibly from the ambient sugar the Pinkies give off into the air. "They never stop. Never."

"Nightshade?" you ask worriedly.

"All these Pinks make a circle...All these Pinks make a circle...All these Pinks make a circle..." she chants.

"Oh boy," you mumble as you pick her up and set her mumbling form on your back.
"I guess I'll head into town. Discord's gotta be around here somewhere. Hopefully I can sneak around these Pink Pests without being not-"

"FUN!" comes a scream next to your ear.

"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!" you yell in fear as you jump up and fall to the ground. This also serves to get Nightshade out of her funk.
Multiple giggles are heard as another group of Pinkies begin to chant at you,

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!"

Your eye twitches as these Discord minions continue to annoy you. It makes you so angry, you feel like shouting. So you do.



BrownDog's Comment



“DANG IT DISCORD! Reformed my behind! I knew I couldn’t trust you! Show your face coward!” you scream, but noling comes, aside from the group of Pinkies around you, deciding that they’d like to scream to the heavens too.

“GRAAAAGH!!!”

“Stupid Clouds!”

“Stupid Sun!”

“I hate things that aren’t fun!”

“LOUD NOISES!!!”

“I’m Good At Yelling Too!”

You stare confused at the Pink Ponies as they scream, mimicking your mannerisms to a tee.

“Alright, stop that the lot of you!” you yell, causing them to stop and look at you with stupid expecting smiles.

“Now, I've seen the mayhem you're all causing in town, but what the heck did Discord do? Did he clone the original Pinkie? Are you all from Parallel worlds converging at this same point in time? Are you all Pinkie, but she’s got Multiple Mare’s powers from the X-Stallions? TELL ME!”

The group of Pinkies just kind of stare at you blankly, looks of confusion all over their faces.

“Well one of you answer me! Where’s the original Pinkie Pie?”

“I’m the original Pinkie Pie!” calls one in the back, but before you can do anything or question her, another pops up.

“No, I’M the original Pinkie Pie!” followed by another,

“No, I am!”

“No Me!”

“Me Too!”

They then start all talking over each other claiming they’re the original like in that Spartacus movie Grandbuggy showed you when you were 6.

“Um, I really can’t tell if one of these is the Real Pink Psycho or not Daddy,” Nightshade confides from the safety of your back.

“Because they’re probably not. Heck there’s several groups of them still out there.”

You then yell to the mares claiming to be the original, “Alright Shut Up!”

They stop shouting and stare at you.

“It’s clear you’re all lying. Now, WHERE IS DISCORD!!!” you yell shouting in the RCV.

Their poofy manes all fly back, but they all give you confused noises and looks.

“Oh don’t play the innocent act. Your boss Discord, where is he?!”

“We have a boss?” asks one of them.

“No, we only have friends right?”

“Is our boss Butterfly?”

“No, I think it’s Jappleack.”

“Wrong, it’s clearly Light Bright!”

They then proceed to keep arguing with each other over who their boss might be, till you shut them up again, this time switching the mask’s intimidating voice on, and bearing it’s teeth.

“SILENCE!!!”

They all stop and huddle together at that declaration, but you continue.

“Now, no more lies! Where is he?!”

“We don’t know,” one of the Pinkies replies.

"Then how do you take orders from Discord?" you ask.

"We don't," answers another one.

"What? But you're all an evil diabolical army he’s created from the Pink Psycho right?”

They all look at each other before looking back and shaking their heads.

“What?! Then what is your purpose besides giving me a headache?! You growl.

“We just want to have fun,” answers one.

“Yeah, just some fun!”

“I don’t like this guy, he’s not very fun!”

“He’s too scary, and not fun!”

“Let’s go somewhere else to have fun!”

Then, en masse, the group begins bounding away chanting,

“FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!”

“Hey! Get Back Here You Spawns of Tartarus!” you yell.

"But Daddy, they said they didn't work for Discord," Nightshade points out.

"Uh-Huh, exactly like someone who worked for Discord would say!" you rationalize.

You then chase the group, but their bounding greatly surpasses you. Maybe it has something to do with you walking for the past few days, but you feel a bit winded. You eventually do catch sight of some of their misdeeds as you look in on the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres and see an entire building collapse.

“Holy Gacumole! They tore down a barn?!” Nightshade asks in amazement.

“Or half of one,” you say as you use Sight Beyond Sight and view the scene.

You see Big Red, just as massive as before, two other earth ponies you’ve never met, and Applejack the Hick herself. She’s still rocking that hat of hers, and glaring like always, though this time the glare is directed at the herd of Pinkies.

Unzooming your eyes you mutter, “Well this just shows how destructive and chaotic they are. Discord is probably still waiting for the others to put this together.”

“Was Applebloom down there Daddy? They haven’t hurt her have they?”

“No, just her family. And it doesn’t look like anyling's hurt. But those monsters are dancing around the fallen barn.”

“Oh that’s good I guess. About noling being hurt I mean. And wait a minute. If Discord sent all these Pinkies to Applejack, then they might be headed for the others.”

“Oh crud, you’re right!” you yell as you see another herd in the distance. 

You chase down that herd and see them surrounding Rainbow Dash near the lake, she has erected a little fortress and is trying to shoo them away with an umbrella.

“You think the Filly Fooler needs help Dad?” Nightshade asks.

“Nah, she can handle herself,” you determine as you see yet another group hopping past, so you chase after them. Soon, you come across a meadow and see...

“Hey look it’s Fluttershy,” you say as you see the yellow pegasus with a bear and other animals having a picnic. Seeing as how the Pinkies haven’t gotten to her yet, you run up to her.

No way is everything alright with her. Discord singled her out during his lies, you think as you run fast.

Wait, Bugze, perhaps you should cover your…


“Fluttershy! Where is Discord?! What has he done to you!” you yell causing Fluttershy and the animals to scream bloody murder and cling to each other.

…cover your jaw mask…Selena finishes.

Your eyes widen at this. You forgot to take the mask off intimidation.

You facehoof at this, and put your slide over your teeth and are about to apologize, but during your facehoof, they take their chance and skedaddle away from the picnic.

“NO WAIT!” you call out and chase them. “Your brains are all mushed up! I’ll fix them!” you yell.

“Run Faster Harry! He’s yelling about my brains!” she shrieks, causing the bear holding her to run quicker.


“No that’s not what…Grrr., Get Back Here so I can Fix You!” 

Harry clearly misunderstands THAT sentence and somehow goes even faster.

“Why is noling listening to me?!”

“Because you sound and look like a psychopath daddy,” Nightshade explains nonchalantly from your back.

“OOH, OOH! What game is this?!” asks a Pinkie next to you.

“Are we chasing the animals?!” asks another running besides you.

“No! I’m trying to help Fluttershy's Discorded Mind!” you growl.

“Help Butterfly from the animals?! That sounds like Fun!” says the one to your right.

Suddenly several others lend their voices to the chant of Fun as they overtake your running and begin catching up to Fluttershy and her fleeing animal friends.

They begin to chase them all the way back to town, but you need to stop for a breather.

"You *Pant* Freaking *Pant* Psychos," you gasp.

"Jeez Daddy, you only ran for like 800 feet. You're really out of shape."

"Oh I'm sorry honey, you're not the one who's been walking for 3 Days!" you snark back.

"Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!" comes the chants of another herd, heading in your direction.

"Alright, that does it. I need some straight answers without these things jumping off. Maybe I could heard them...



Kersey's Comment



*Ding*

"I know, I can just herd them all with bees!" you say pointing your Power Glove towards the group, "Would you kindly buzz off?!"

This causes Electro Bolt to activate instead and you essentially taser one of the Pinkies, causing her to spasm and fall to the ground, causing the rest to scream and flee from you.

"Daddy! Why'd you do that?!" Nightshade exclaims

"That wasn't me, it's the stupid glove!" you exclaim before you yell at your Power Glove, "I meant 'Buzz off' as in bees, NOT lightning 'Buzz' you stupid glove!"

They are interchangeable. Perhaps you should be specific with your intent.

Probably. 

"That wasn't fun. That wasn't fun at all..." moans the Pinkie on the ground.

"Is she alright Daddy?" asks a concerned Nightshade

"Oh she'll be alright. Now, time for some one on one interrogation!"



BrownDog's Comment



"Hey, where did all my sisters g- *Urk*"

“Now, no more games, and no more fun! Where is he?!” you roar as you hold her up by the neck against a tree.

“Please, stop! You’re hurting me…” the Pinkie gasps in pain as tears stream down her face.

This throws you for a loop and you let her go.

You’ve only seen them as mindless drones, you didn’t know they actually felt anything.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t…”

“This isn’t fun! I want fun!” she yells as she pushes you out of the way, running fast to rejoin the herd of Pink.

Her reaction causes you to rethink your situation.

“OK, they may be simple minded, but they do have thoughts and emotions…Dang it Discord, you made these drones have sentience? How twisted are you?!” you yell to the air.

“And they’re not really hurting anypony also. They’re just being annoying,” Nightshade surmises.

“Ugh! Now we can’t randomly attack them. That’d be the same as going around randomly slapping puppies who just wanted to play…” you think with dismay.

“That’s a horrible image,” Nightshade whines.

Tis, where did that analogy come from?

Yes, who would randomly slap adorable puppies? The Dictator asks in drugged anger.

Let’s just say some of my bullies were kind of psychos…

Before that can of worms can be opened, you decide to follow that Pinkie you hurt. Maybe she'll take you to Discord.

"Daddy, I'm starting to think this isn't as simple as 'Discord Did It' anymore," Nightshade says with uncertainty.

"Nonsense! That's just what he wants you to think!" you say as you trot into the town you've been away from for months.

An upon entering it...



TheRutherford's Comment



"FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!" (and it just keeps on going) is all you hear.

"Right, what else was I expecting?" you mutter as they bounce everywhere, and there's no sign of anyling else out.

"Daddy, this is making my head hurt," she groans and holds your temples.

"Ok dear, just hop into the inventory and see if Mangle will play something to help drown them out."

"OK Daddy. Mangle, can you play that Fillymetal album Aqua got me while we were in Applewood?"

You hear Mangle give a yip in conformation as this begins to play from the Inventory

Well that just happened. Selena, what can we do now? There's nothing but Pink in site, and they're mostly innocent and feel pain. How do we stop Discord like this? 


Actually that is something I wanted to speak with you about, she answers.

After your interrogation of that lone Pinkie, something seemed off. And now in the midst of all of them, I have concluded one thing.

What's that?

The magic surrounding the Pink annoyances is not Chaotic in nature. It's as if this were not the Act of Discord at all.

WHAT?! How can you say that when this bullspit is happening?!

I am only saying what I have felt. The magic about these dopplegangers is not chaotic in origin.

Not chaotic? Then how did this happen? They're not changelings, I can tell you that much. But unless Pinkie somehow learned Anime Ninja Techniques, I don't see any other explanation.

There's bound to be answers...perhaps that group knows something.

You snap back to reality and see a big group of ponies gathered in front of the Library. And sure enough, all the Deadly 6 are amongst the crowd. Though the crowd appears to be yelling at Twilight herself.

Apparently they're just as fed up with the Pinkies as you are, and expect Twilight to fix it. And yet, noling at all is talking about Discord. Noling even so much as throws out the possibility that it was him.
They're all just as stumped as you are. Sighing and shaking your head, you head further into town. No one else is gonna look for him, you will. Though with each step, you begin to lose your resolve little by little.

It just has to be him Selly. It just has to be...

After Awhile of Walking Around Town

"Ugh. All of these Pinkies are super annoying. Why can't there be one who isn't acting like a sugar filled Nightshade?"

What about that one leaning on the table?

"Huh?" You look to the side of the road and see a Pinkie who looks sad, laying her head forlornly on a table.

"Ok, now THAT is unnatural and wrong to see her not smiling...She might hold the missing piece to this puzzle," you deduce and walk up to her.

"Hey are you ok? Why do you look sad? You're not the Pinkie I zapped earlier are you?"

The sad pony doesn't even look up at you, and just mutters, "No, I'm just sad because I can't tell if I am the real Pinkie anymore."

"Huh? what do you mean? How can you not know?"

"Well that is just it. I remember being the only one here this morning. I wanted to be in two places at once, one place to help Applejack raise another barn and the other place to "catch some rays" with Rainbow Dash, but they were scheduled at the same time," she recounts.

Your eyes widen at this. "So wait a minute, you wanted to be in two places at once right?"

"Uh-huh, but then things got out of hand..." she says sadly.

"Aha! So Discord came to you, probably promising that you'd get to see all of your friends at once, and this mess happened right?" you say as you finally solve the mystery.

"No, that's not what happened."

Or so you thought.

"What?"

"That's not what happened at all. I'd remember if Discord did this, but he's been hanging out with the princesses since Fluttershy reformed him," she says without enthusiasm.

You deflate at that, your worst fear coming true.

"So...He's not responsible for all of this?"

"No. I went to the Mirror Pool and made clones of myself so that I could have fun with everypony, but then the clones started making clones and now I can't tell anymore who's who..."

"And this Mirror Pool is just some place that create clones?"

"Yeah...It's not as fun as I'd hoped it be..."

"Oh...I see..." you say as your world crashes around you. "Mind if I join you?" you ask the Pinkie. 

"Go right ahead, it's not like anything matters..." she says sadly and falls off her chair onto the ground. You nod in agreement, before sitting in the chair opposite of her and faceplanting your head on the table.

Discord was telling the truth... you moan.

While that is a rather disturbing fact, I can't say I'm surprised anymore. Not after my readings of the clones. Though I have never heard of this Mirror Pool before.

Yeah, sure. That's all interesting. Discord is free to party and live and watch my train wreck of a life, and here I am, stuck in the middle of a sea of Pink that has nothing to do with me...

While you throw yourself a Pity Party, two voices break the unending shouts of Fun.

Spike and Twilight are walking right towards the table you and Pinkie share, but you're so depressed, you don't even raise your head.

"Um, are you talking to her?" comes the voice of Spike.

"No, go right ahead. Not like I can stop you..." you mutter. You see him out of the corner of your eye hesitate, before turning to the Pinkie and asking.

"So, lemme guess. You're the real Pinkie Pie?" 

"Heck if I know. Could be any one of us, if you ask me. And if I said I was the real Pinkie, you wouldn't even believe me anyway. So can you all just leave me alone. I've got some important poking around with my hoof to do."

"Well that can't be the real Pinkie Pie. She is way too sad to be," comes the voice of Twilight. 

"Well that is just rude," you mumble with your head on the table, causing her and Spike to look at you. "Do you not know your friend well enough to tell when one could be upset? You didn't even bother to ask her what was wrong. You just assumed, and you know what they say about those who assume."

"Um, who are you?" Twilight asks.

"Just someone that life hates," you say miserably. "But even still, I at least asked her if she was OK. And good luck figuring out which one is the real one." At this, you see the Pinkie perk up a bit.

"Wait I just came up with an idea. You could always round up all the Pinkies and make them do something super simple and not fun at all. Then only the real Pinkie Pie would likely try to complete the task because she would not want to be away from her friends."

"That is a great idea! Come on Spike, we have to go!" she says as she runs off.

"But I'm on your back. I go wherever you go!" the dragon yelps as he holds onto the galloping Unicorn.

As they run off, you see the triumphant look that was on Pinkie's face, begin to lessen as she laments again.

Poor stupid clone, not knowing her own life. Just like all the others she only understands fun and how this whole mess started and...Wait a Minute!

Oh, finally figured it out after your 'Oh Woe Is Me' Moment?

Yes actually you snark back before you get up off your seat and pat her shoulder. She turns around and stares at you with sad eyes, and though it's a heartbreaking look, you ask her

"So you said you remember being the only one this morning right?"

"Yeah."

"So do the other clones remember that time?"

"I doubt it. The other Pinkies could not even remember Applejack's name. The first one called her Applejohn."

"So then if you can remember an event from the past, then wouldn't you be the real Pinkie Pie?"

"Well I do remember when Twilight came to Ponyville, Defeating Nightmare Moon, Twilight's brother's wedding, the Changeling Invasion, Appleloosa and the Buffalos, the Hooded Offender, the Crystal Empire returning, and Fluttershy reforming Discord. So does that make me the real one?"

You slam your hoof to your forehead and say, "Oh Dear Luna, you remember that much? I'd say you might be the real one! We should talk to your friends about this!" you declare.

She seems hopeful for a moment, but then looks back down.

"Oh I doubt they'd even listen to me. Everypony is so angry with all the Pinkies..."

"Oh come on now, it's not like they're going to do anything drastic with them all." And even as you say that, you hear rumbling hooves coming from across town. You trot forward and see all of the Pinkies being rounded up by Applejack, Big Red, and Applebloom as they are corralled into City Hall.

"...OK, so that happened," you say as you turn back around to the sad Pinkie who is drawing a frowny face in the dirt.

"But I'm sure that we can still-"

Rainbow Dash comes swooping in and grabs Pinkie, flying of to the Town Hall.

"You are coming with me. We need to get you with all the other Pinkies so we can figure out who the real one is."

Your eye twitches at that, before you turn around and yell up at the pegasus

"Wait! You actually have the real Pinkie Pie!"

But she doesn't hear you as far back as you are, so you rush after them.



BrownDog's Comment



You follow Rainbow Dash to the Town Hall, where she flies in through the doors and closes them behind her. You look in through the window and you see her drop the sad Pinkie into where all the others are corralled.

"Oh Come On!" you shout, as now it's like a game of Where's Waldo. At this declaration, Nightshade pops her head out of her bag.

"Hey, there's no more Fun chanting. What's going on Daddy?"

"I don't know, but I think we're about to find out."

You peak in the window, and hear the book worm talking about some kind of test to find the real Pinkie.

“Oh, about time she figured something out.”

“Watching Paint Dry!” she declares as Fluttershy and Tacky McStabFlank push in a large board of wet paint as the Pinkies groan.

“…I stand corrected. How the heck is this going to work?”

“I don’t know, but I kind of wish I had a bucket of popcorn like Spike,” Nightshade says sadly looking at Spike just off stage.

Rolling your eyes, you tell her,

“Don’t think about that right now honey, let’s just see how this turns out…”

A While Later

“Oh Gods this is boring…” Nightshade whines perched on your head.

You think aloud, “I know right? Well, hopefully the real depressed Pinkie will pass this test, if not then…”

Suddenly one of the Pinkies looks up out another window.

“Oh Hey, Look at the Birdy,” she says in an innocent and cheerful voice.

Suddenly, there is a blast of magic and that Pinkie Pie contorts inflates to massive proportions, before dissolving into red mist that shoots out the door.

“WHAT THE BUCK?!!!” both you and Nightshade scream in surprise at what just happened.

Another Pinkie hears and looks at your window.

“Hey look at the cute little filly,” she points out, causing another to look. Both of them suddenly get blasted by magic and the same thing happens to them.

“WHAT IS HAPPENING?!” you yell.

“Oh My Gods Daddy! Ms. Twilight is killing them!” shrieks Nightshade with tears in her eyes.

You look to the stage and see Twilight send out another beam of magic at a Pinkie that decided to bounce up and touch the ceiling, and another one who watched her.

“She....She…” you blubber out at a loss for words.

So this is her plan? To cull them all to the least temperamental one? Selena asks in disgust.

Ha ha ha. Good for the Unicorn. Killing what she loves…the drugged king chuckles.

“NO, NO!” Nightshade whines as she holds her ears and closes her eyes as more magic blasts are heard.

The strange thing is, none of the other Pinkies run, they just keep staring at the paint, probably too afraid to even move.

Still at a loss for words, the implication pounds into your brain. These clones could feel pain, they could feel fear. They could feel…

SNAP

“Is that a frog crossed with an orange?” asks one of the Pinkies, and as Twilight is about to fire her laser, the front door is kicked open, striking Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and you shout, 

“WOULD YOU KINDLY BUCK OFF YOU MURDERER?!!!”

Twilight is suddenly lifted into the air flailing as she hits her head on the ceiling, causing Rarity, Fluttershy and Spike to gasp in surprise. This causes all of the Pinkies, aside from one near the front to look back at you.

“Come on Pinkies! Run while you still can!” you yell.

“Huh?” comes the collective confused statement.

“Are you all daft?! SHE’S GONNA KILL YOU ALL!!!”

There is a silent pause that seems to last for eternity, before they all begin panicking and screaming and running towards you and the entrance, leaving a single Pinkie in the front row who continues to stare at the paint drying.

“No, Stop Them!” cries Twilight, as Rainbow, Fluttershy, AJ, and Rarity start running towards you, but you close the door and shout,

“WOULD YOU KINDLY FREEZE?!” encasing it in ice.

You then turn to the scared Pinkies who ask, “What do we do Mr. Mask Man? We don't want to be killed!”

“Follow me to freedom!” you yell as you begin leading them away from the City Hall before the Bookworm can sate her bloodlust again.

“FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM!”



Erised the ink Moth's Comment



"Where are we going Daddy?" Nightshade asks.

"We're getting these Pinkies far away where they'll be safe. Now duck down baby, I don't want to lose you amongst all the Pink."

She nods and ducks back into the Inventory.

"Where do we go Mr. Mask Man?" asks one of the Pinkies, and you see she has a scorch mark on her side. She's the one you Electrified before.

"I, Um..."

As the others chant "Freedom", you hear in the distance the sound of a train whistle.

*DING*

"Here! Take these, buy some tickets, and get out of Ponyville! I'll stall them!" you yell as you hand the Buzzed Pinkie enough bits to buy about 40 train tickets. She nods, and they all start bouncing towards the Train Station.

"Go little Pinkies! Run for your lives! Get to da chop-I Mean Train!" you shout, watching as the mob bounces for their sentient lives. You however stay behind. There's a matter to attend to.
A beam of magic slices through the iced over doors of city hall, presenting the matter herself.

"Quick everypony! Don't let them get away!" Twilight shouts to her friends, who are about to take off and recapture the clones.

"YOU! SHALL NOT! PASS!" you blast them all back with your royal Canterlot voice.

"Oh No, It's the Brain Stallion that wanted to neuter Harry," Fluttershy whimpers back. Twilight hearing this, and recognizing you from before growls.

"You." Twilight rounds on you with a death glare. In a flash of light she teleports right into your face and jabs a hoof into your chest. "Who in Celestia's name are you, and what in the world were you thinking just now?! You let them all escape! Who knows how much damage they'll do before we catch them again? What if they escape... and we never get the real Pinkie Pie back?"

"Well I know what won't help getting the real Pinkie back," you say calmly. "MURDERING THEM UNTIL THERE'S ONLY ONE LEFT YOU MONSTER!!!"

Twilight rubs her ear and looks at you strangely. Then she lets out a tiny chuckle. 

"Oh, it's alright. Those are just clones, magical constructs. I don't know where they came from, but it certainly isn't murder. I'm just hitting them with a counter-spell to deconstruct them and send them back to where they came from, sort of like... returning an extra box of chopped lettuce to the store."

You give her a blank stare. 

"Did you literally compare ponies to chopped lettuce just now?"

"It does seem kind of harsh when you think about it like that." Fluttershy softly points out, causing the rest of Twilight's friends to give awkward glances.

"Come on girls," Twilight tries to reason with them, sensing their mixed feelings about all this. "They're not real, they're just mindless clones!"

"Oh really?" you argue, "Mindless clones that can think? Mindless clones that can feel pain? Mindless clones that can follow instructions, show interest in things, even almost learn your names?! Those kinds of mindless clones?!"
Twilight shrinks back under your accusing tone.

"Hold on!" Rainbow dashes forward to protect her friend. "They might look like Pinkie Pie, but they're also completely out of control! They'll tear apart the whole town because they think it's fun, unless we stop them somehow."

"Rainbow's right." Applejack steps up, "Those pesky Pinkies knocked over the new barn we were settin' up. Much as I hate to hate anythin' that looks like Pinkie, they're a darn menace!"

"Oh I see what it is now," you say, stroking the mask covering your chin, "A bunch of extra Pinkies showed up out of nowhere, started causing trouble, and before trying anything else... you decided to murder them. So much for the magic of friendship," you roll your eyes.
Each of the mares are about to offer a rebuttal, but the words die in their mouths before they can get the nerve to.

"Sweet Celestia..." Twilight holds her head, "what have I done? What if I accidentally zapped the real Pinkie?!"

"I don't think you have to worry about that!"

You all turn to the sound of Spike's voice. He's standing in the doorway on the town hall, and beckons them all inside.

They all follow him in, and you see why. In the center of the room, still staring at the wall of drying paint, is a single, solitary Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie?" Twilight cautiously approaches her, reaching out a hoof. "Is it really you?" After several seconds with no reply she adds, "You can stop watching the paint dry."

To which the Pinkie turns to her friends and tearfully pounces on them, somehow stretching her limbs around each of them several times to form a gigantic group hug. 

"I did it girls! I didn't stop watching the paint for anything! I couldn't bear the thought of not being the Pinkie that got to stay with all of you!"

You let out a sigh of relief that the real Pinkie didn’t get zapped by Twilight’s murderous rampage.

But now that they have the real one, who’s to stop her from taking out the rest?

With them all distracted, you run off towards the Train Station.

AT THE STATION

You get to the station, and see the remaining Pinkies all nervously huddled by the ticket counter.

“Did you buy the tickets?” you ask them.

“We did, but now what do we do?” asks one of the Pinkies.

“You get on the train, hurry before she comes looking for you,” you tell them urgently.

They all shiver in fear before hopping into the train station, while the ticket seller just stares wide eyed at the scene.
You look back at the town, and see ponies coming out of their houses, but no signs of the Deadly 6.
You then rush to the conductor’s part of the train and say, 

“Alright, we’re all aboard, get this thing going already, it’s an emergency!”

Clearly intimidated by your mask and voice, the conductor nods and sets the train in motion.

You then hop on it with the Pinkies as the train starts moving.

“Are…are we safe now Mr. Mask Man?” asks the Pinkie with a burn mark.

“Yeah. I think you are Pinkies,” you say as the train starts pulling out.

They let out a sigh of relief, but then one of them asks, 

“Mr. Mask Man?”

“Crimson Vengeance,” you correct.

“Mr. Crimson Vengeance…Why? Why was Twibright killing us?”

“Yeah, isn’t she supposed to be our friend?”

“I just wanted to stay and be friends and have fun…”

“Some of our sisters got blasted…we thought it was part of the test,” another cries.

They all start whimpering, and you try to calm them down.

“Listen Pinkies, some ponies don’t think that clones matter, and apparently even Twilight Sparkle herself is bigoted.”

“But, we’re all Pinkie Pie. We’re supposed to be her friend,” whimpers the electrified one.

“I know, I know. But some ponies can’t accept that. All of you are gonna have to leave the name Pinkie Pie behind, you have to come up with your own identities and names, wear different styles, and be different ponies. I’ll help you.” You tell them in determination.

“Why?” asks electrified one, “Why help us? You hurt me earlier,” she says rubbing her side.

You wince at that, 

“I’m sorry, it was an accident. And I want to help you because I couldn’t live with myself if I let someone innocent get killed just for living…”

The Pinkies start tearing up a bit at that, but the mood is shattered when one of the Pinkies screams

"THE KILLER IS CATCHING UP!"

You look out the window and sure enough you see Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and the Original Pinkie are all catching up to the train.

“Wait! Stop the train! Please!” you hear Twilight shout, tears streaming out of her eyes.

The train hasn’t built up nearly enough speed to get away from them.

"Buck! They're gonna catch up at this rate! And then Sparkle is gonna teleport in here!" you scream.

"WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!" one of the Pinkie's screams and pulls her hair, and all the other Pinkies begin screaming and crying again. And 35 screaming crying ponies with the same voice is horrifying indeed.

The burned Pinkie grabs onto your legs and pleads, “Please Mr. Vengeance, save us! I don’t even want to have fun anymore, I just want to live!”

You nod and pry away from her.

“OK, I’ll slow them down so that you guys can escape,” you then reach into your bags and pull out nearly all the money you’ve made Bounty Hunting. “Here, this is 20,000 Bits. Use this to start your lives somewhere safe.”

100 Bits Left 

“Where’s safe?” she asks.

“Wherever you can. I recommend Appleloosa if possible, very nice town,” you then put your hoof on her shoulder.

“Look, I said I'd help, but you're all gonna have to take it from here. Get them to safety Zapped Pinkie,” you tell her and she nods.

You then look up in time to get glomped by all 35 remaining Pinkies in one massive hug.

“We’ll never forget you!” they all say in unison and you smile, but break out of it, you have to stop the Deadly 6.

“I’ll see you all again one day!” you declare as you head to the back of the train car.

You then look out the train back and see Twilight and the rest almost near the train. Why she hasn’t teleported yet is beyond you, but you have to take your chance.

What will you do Bugze? Attack them as the Crimson Vengeance?

No, I don’t want this persona getting bad heat about him. I just need to shock and awe them so that they forget about the Pinkies long enough.

So The Hooded Offender will distract them?

No, I don’t want to fight…I know what will catch their attention you think as you take off your toothed mask.

Outside The Train

“Hurry up girls, we can’t let them get away yet.”

“Why are we chasing my clones?” Pinkie asks, “You’re not going to kill them too are you?”

“NO!” she cries, “I have to make this right. I have to help them and apologize for what I’ve done!”

“I don’t think apologizing is going to make up for the ones that got blasted Twilight,” Spike says on her back.

“I Know! But I have to do something! Whoever that red clothed stallion was, I have to show him I mean no harm!”

“Why aren’t we teleporting there?” Applejack asks.

“Because that spell back there was draining. No, we just have to catch up and…”

“AAAAAHHHHH!!! Too Much Pink, Let Me Out, Let Me Out!” comes a familiar voice, as all of a sudden the back door of the train car opens and a figure in mismatching clothes jumps out, landing on Twilight, causing a pile up with the rest, except for the flying Rainbow Dash, who stops in midair.

“Whoah, what the heck was that?” she asks.

As the others groan and get to their hooves, you jump to your hooves, and yell and ham it up at the retreating train.

“That’s way too many Pink Ponies for comfort! I want my money back!”

You then turn around to face them, and all of the Deadly 6’s and Spike’s eyes widen at what they see.

That’s it, keep your focus on me, and let the train get out of sight…

Twilight is the first to speak,

“M-M-Mr. Tennant?” 

“Oh…Uh…Hi Everypony,” you say ‘nervously as you sport your Baker Sylvester Tennant clothing.

“You’re Alive?!” everyone except Fluttershy and Spike shout.

“Um, Yeah? I’ve been alive,” you say feigning ignorance.

“B-But, the fire…” Rainbow stammers.

“Y-You’re scarf,” Applejack mumbles.

Finally, the train rounds a bend, and is out of sight, and their attention is all on you and you let out a sigh.

OK, the plan is working, I just got to keep stalling so that the Pinkies and CV can get away. Their attention is now on me. The only problem is their attention is now on me. Crud, only Fluttershy, Spike, Applebloom, Zecora and Flash knew I was still alive, what the buck am I going to say to them?

Well everything but the truth obviously. I know you were being noble sacrificing yourself for those clones, but now you must reap what you sow.

You gulp at this and stare at the 5 white as a sheet mares who look like they’ve seen a ghost, a confused, upset, and happy at the same time Fluttershy, and an overjoyed Spike who keeps looking at your saddlebags.

"Well... this is awkward..."

WHAT DO YOU DO?
> Episode 52: Awkward Reunion Is Awkward
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


You can see so many emotions going through the Deadly Six's faces that you back up slightly in shock. You can taste the mixture of happiness, shock, and more thanks to your changelingness, but you wouldn't be surprised if you could still taste it without that part of you.

A tense silence goes by before Twilight shouts,



BrownDog's Comment




PonySpartan's Comment




Master of Shadow's Comment



“You think?!” to your idiotic ice breaker.

"Is... is that really you?" The real Pinkie Pie that's about to erupt says.

“Yeah…Yeah it's me. Okay, I really didn’t expect to see you guys again so soon,” you fib.

“That’s another understatement. How do we know you’re the real Tennant?” accuses Fluttershy.

Your eyes widen in surprise at her question and you try to come up with an answer when all of a sudden your inventory is thrown open and loud music is blaring.

"Daddy, do we have any Allen Wrenches? Mangle's audio loop is stu-" she then stares wide eyed at the Deadly 6 staring at her.

An awkward silence hangs in the air as Mangle's music still blares out of the bag. She then very slowly lifts herself out of the bag and onto your back, and closes the bags, silencing the noise. Silence still reigns in the air, so she whispers to you,

"So...What's the deal? I thought we were saving Pinkies."

"We are Shade, BST and his daughter are the distraction so they can get away," you whisper.

Her eyes widen at that, so she looks up at the still speechless mares.

"Umm...Hi?" she waves awkwardly.

"Nightshade...my student..." Twilight says a little misty eyed.

Nightshade gives an awkward nervous glance towards the bookworm. She did just kill several Pinkie Pies, but another Purple being on her back gets a smile from her.

"I knew it!" Spike yells out as he jumps down and rushes forth.

“SPIKE!” she yells happily as she jumps off your back, rushing towards the dragon.

They both collide in the middle in a big, exuberant hug that seems more like a tackle, before they suddenly start talking a million miles a minute.

"Oh My Gosh, I've missed you so much!" squeals Nightshade.

"Me Too! I knew you weren't dead, I just knew it!" Spike says gleefully.

And they continue chattering fast, both their eyes well up, and their hug gets tighter, you even hear some joints pop.

While the mares in front of you "Awww," at the little reunion, you have a different reaction. You feel the sudden urge to wring Spike’s neck and throw him down a deep dark hole for being all handsy with your daughter... but you resist...barely. You instead look to Twilight and say,

“Proof enough for ya?”

“I…I can’t believe it,” Twilight breathes out.

“We thought you were dead man!” Rainbow rushes forth and hugs you.

Not to be outdone, AJ rushes forth and pulls you into a bone breaking hug.

“Oh Sugarcube!” she cries and buries her face in your chest.

Then they all join in. It’s air depriving and warming at the same time.

“You idiotic numbskull! How are you still alive?” Applejack wails.

“Because I am," you unhelpingly reply.

"That is not an answer! What happened? Where have you been?" Twilight yelps.

"Don't worry, I'll-uh-Tell you. But maybe we can do this somewhere else? Like, why don’t we walk back into town off these railroad tracks and I’ll explain huh?”

"You-You're right. Let's head to the library everypony," Twilight declares, and all the mares reluctantly stop hugging you.

Given some breathing room, you take your opportunity and you pull Nightshade away from the dragon, giving him a glare to which he chuckles at nervously and gets back up on Twilight's back. Nightshade rolls her eyes and crosses her arms at that, but you tell her, "No we don't have Allen Wrenches, just use a regular screwdriver and some WD-40," you tell her as you place her back in the bags with the loud blaring music. The other mares roll their eyes at this, but they each have a smirk on their face as well.

"Yup, definitely him," Spike says to Twilight.

You all then take the short trip back into town, with you in the middle of the group of mares, as if they're afraid you'll disappear if you're not surrounded.

As you enter town and begin to walk time seems to stop for the ponies. Everywhere you look ponies stop what they're doing and stare at you as if they've seen a ghost. You see the Cowardly Trio faint on the spot and even some ponies starting to get teary-eyed. You chuckle nervously as you think,

Guess I had more of an impact on this town than I thought.

If there's one thing I've learned about you during our years together, it's that you always leave an impression. Even if you don't try to, you still do.

I guess....it feels weird though. It looks like they're seeing a dead body walking, and there's not even a speck of flour on my clothes. Guess I can't blame them though since they thought I was dead and everything.

Before Selena can respond you feel a nudge on your shoulder. You look over to see Fluttershy giving you a sheepish smile as she whispers,

“Hoody, I’m so glad you’re alright.”

“Yeah, and it’s good to see you, we’ll talk in private later alright?”

“OK, I still have to talk to that WITCH about what she did in the Crystal Empire,” she growls with a fierce gaze, causing you to shake.

Oh that indignant little-

“Fluttershy, it’s not what you think, she…”

“We’ll talk about it later, right now let’s focus on my friends,” she huffs and walks ahead of you.

Ugh, she is seriously gung ho about hating you Selena.

Oh let that little obsessive strumpet think what she wants. I did nothing wrong. I wasn't even awake!

I know, I know. Hopefully she’ll listen and not freak out too much. But we’ll worry about that later. Right now, everything’s good because the Pinkies distance is even further. I just got to keep stalling...

LATER AT TWILIGHT'S LIBRARY

You all walk to Twilight’s Library, where the door is shut, and they all look to you. Before anyling begins to speak, Nightshade pops out of the Inventory (with no music this time) and says, "Alright, she wasn't very happy with the 40, but it's fixed." She then looks around, "Ah, good 'ol library. Doesn't have nearly as much ice cream as McStabflank's house, but there's been some good times here," she says wistfully. 

"Spike," Twilight interrupts, and Nightshade again gives the Unicorn a conflicted look. "Why don't you go catch up with Nightshade upstairs, the girls and I need to talk with Tennant."

"Yeah, sure thing Twi," he says as Nightshade follows him. He gives a glance back at you, and you give him the "I'm Watching You" gesture, to which he gulps at.

This tough guy look dies on your face however, when you turn around and face the expecting faces of the Deadly 6.

“Alright Mr. Tennant, start talking. What happened?” Twilight commands.

“Oh, well, what do you want to know?”

“Everything!"

“Oh, well, first of all, let me start off by letting you know that I didn’t actually die.”

“Well yeah, we figured that much. But how? You ran off into those woods after those changelings and then a forest fire started! Flash only came back with your burnt scarf in an area covered in blood,” Rainbow declares, a horrified look on her face.

“Okay, everypony calm down. Yes, I ran off after those changelings, and when I found them there was…a scuffle.”

“A scuffle?” asks Rarity.

“Yeah, I made them bleed, and they got their licks on me, and in the fighting, I lost my scarf,” you tear up especially at that. That scarf was awesome.

They seem a bit shocked at that description, but you continue.

“And I guess I accidentally set the forest on fire in the process…you know how I get when it comes to flames,” you chuckle nervously.

“Boy howdy we do,” Applejack adds with a smirk.

“So then, I took Nightshade and ran like heck, not even looking back as the forest went up. I didn’t know that you guys thought I was dead, I was just moving on.”

“What? Why’d you do that? Why didn’t you come back to Ponyville man?” asks a sad Rainbow Dash.

“Because I was in hiding remember? I told all of you this on the train last year. I figured things were getting too hot in Ponyville, so I just took the opportunity to move on and go into hiding once more.”

At that, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, Applejack and Pinkie Pie scowl at that.

“So you just left without even letting anyone know that you were Okay?! We all thought you were dead! And even if you didn’t know that, you could have written to us at least explaining that you saved your Daughter and moved on!” Twilight scolds in a hurt tone.

“Yeah! When Flash came out of that forest, our whole world dropped!" Rainbow snarls.

"We had a funeral and everything," Applejack declares.

"But we couldn’t even mourn properly because we had to go help Spike,” Rarity declares with runny mascara.

“Exactly, and THAT just came with it’s own problems,” Twilight grumbles.

“I-I’m sorry. Why did you have to save Spike?” you mumble out. You know the story, but you can't let them know that you know.

“He was trying to walk to the dragon lands by himself, so Rarity, Rainbow and I shadowed him. Flash informed us halfway what happened, and we were devastated, but we kept going," Twilight explains, before a look of anger comes over her face as she continues, "THEN we saw the Hooded Offender again. Just like we ALWAYS see him when we don't want to!" 

She then starts panting angrily, and Fluttershy places a calming wing on her back. "Anyway, long story short, he did what he normally does, and now I have some freeloading Dragoness living here,” Twilight growls.

“…What?”

WITH SPIKE AND NIGHTSHADE

“Um, Spike? What the heck is this?” Nightshade asks staring at a creature sitting on Twilight’s bed.

“Blarg!” 

“Oh that’s just Crackle. She flew me and some of the girls out of the badlands back when we all thought…well, never mind. Anyway, she kind of decided she’d stay here to wait for the Hooded Offender. Apparently she thinks he’s her friend and will come for her.”

“Honk Honk!” Crackle barks with a goofy smile.

“Ooooookkkkaaaaayyyy,” Nightshade says uncertainly, when all of a sudden, she realizes something.

"Wait a minute, Crackle?" she asks.

The dragon smiles and nods at this.

"Did you used to date a guy named Garble?" she asks. That name causes both Spike and Crackle to scowl in anger.

"BLARG! HONK! BLARG!" she declares angrily, before getting up off the bed and wandering into the bathroom, where she slams the door.

"I'm gonna take that as a yes then," Nightshade says sheepishly.

"Yeah, he's a sore subject for her...And how do you know who Garble is?" Spike asks.

"Oh, he's my new playmate," Nightshade responds.

"What?!" Spike declares angrily.

"Yeah, I kicked his butt awhile back," she begins.

"Ha Ha HONK!" laughter comes from the bathroom.

"...Yeah, so now I'm his 'Mortal Enemy' and every time I see him, I buck him up."

"Oh. That's good," Spike smiles, relaxing. "He's kind of a jerk."

"Yeah, but those are the best kinds of punching bags. Though he's always going on and on about finding Crackle again..."

"HMMPH!!!" comes an angry snort from the bathroom 

"Yeeeaaahhh, let's not talk about him anymore," Spike says as he leads her away from the bathroom door. "I've got something to ask you..."

Once she and Spike are alone, away from prying ears, Spike turns to her and asks, 

“Nightshade…That was you back in the Crystal Empire right?”

She sighs and says, 

“Yeah, that was me Spike.”

“I knew it! I mean, everypony said I was just seeing things that day, but I knew better,” he says with his chest puffed out.

“Yeah, sorry about not telling you the truth before that explosion, but great freaking job saving the day,” she says as she bops him on the shoulder.

“Ah, it was nothing…” he says with a hand wave. "You did most of the work anyway."

"Hey, you're the one who was burning Sombra when he was all misty, and YOU'RE the one who got the Crystal Heart Back," she points out.

A look of self confidence washes over Spike. "Yeah, that was pretty cool...But yeah, after I saw you on The Offender nopony listened to me, except Applebloom. She told me she had seen you out in the woods during some spooky stuff and that I was the only one she was allowed to talk to about it. Though I kind of thought she was crazy, what with the whole ‘Undead Town’ thing,” he chuckles.

She gives him a nervous stare and he pales.

“That’s true too?” he says in disbelief.

“Yeah…I don’t really want to talk about that place anymore,” she responds while looking down.

“Oh, alright,” he scratches his head nervously. “But anyway, after she spoke to me, we decided to stop trying to convince the others we’d seen you. She and I still believed and it was enough.”

“Thank you Spike. It really means a lot to me,” she says with a smile.

“But then again, things got fuzzy. How the heck did you get all the way to the Crystal Empire in time to wrestle the Hooded Offender when he went all Beast Mode?”

“Umm…It was a teleportation failure, and I kind of ended up there away from Daddy. When I saw the Hooded Offender I guess I kind of geeked out a bit. I’ve always thought he was cool,” she lies.

“Yeah…I thought so too, until that whole snake jaw thing he did…” Spike shudders along with Nightshade.

“But yeah, after getting blasted into the sky, I was able to get back to my normal Daddy, and his Opinion of the Offender went down significantly.”

“I bet...but another thing, how come you looked like a Pegasus? And Applebloom swears she saw you looking like an Alicorn."

"Well...ever heard of a disguise spell?"

"Yeah."

"Well there you go. I thought I'd try being a different kind of pony when we were in hiding."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense," he says with a claw to his chin.

Half Truths Nightshade. Half Truths will set you free.



PonySpartan's Comment



"Anyways," Nightshade starts, "I think daddy would like me to round up all the others that knew we were alive this whole time so we can talk in private later so that we can get our stories straight."

"So Apple Bloom then?" Spike asks.

"Uh-Huh, but don't forget about Fluuuuuuhhhhh," Nightshade catches herself since to Spike there would be no way that Fluttershy knew that BST was alive, without revealing that she knew by seeing the Offender in the Empire. "Uuuuu-Zecora!" She finishes, remembering the Zebra Shaman that took them in after Sunny Town.

"Wait, Zecora knew? Huh. Guess we should have figured that out seeing as how she's the one who carried Applebloom home," Spike thinks aloud.

"Yeah, and along with you we can all talk...but let's go see Applebloom first. I want to give her the run down then see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle."

"You sure your dad won't mind us running off into town?" Spike asks nervously.

"Oh it'll be fine. He'll be talking with the Deadly 6 for awhile," she smiles.

With that said Nightshade and Spike, after a quick shout telling you and the Deadly Six where they're going, head off to find Applebloom.

BACK WITH YOU

"Wait What?! Get back here you two! I didn't give you permission to-"

"Oh forget about them they're fine. Finish the story!" Rarity implores.

“I...Oh alright. So yeah, I was hanging out in Neighsa for awhile, until I got word from somepony back here, and that’s why I’m back here. Now can I please go after my daughter before that Dragon tries to-"

“Wait, you got word from someone? Who?” Twilight asks.

Oh sure, interrupt me again why don't you?

With that indignant thought, you tell her,



SnapDrake's Comment 



"Alright, so, uh, you know the Crimson Vengeance?" you ask. At this, Twilight's eyes open wide.

"The Crimson Vengeance? You mean that masked bounty hunter that took down the leaders of the Crimson Knights?" You nod, and Twilight's eyes open even further. "It all makes sense now!" she suddenly declares causing all of you to look at her in confusion.

"What makes sense?" you ask.

"Everything!" she declares with stars in her eyes. 

You try to cut off Twilight so you can give her the story you gave Flash, about how the Crimson Vengeance is your brother that you never mentioned before and that he was cleaning up the Crimson Knights while you were off in Neighsa  hiding out of paranoia and just didn't tell anyling about it. Unfortunately, Twilight has entered Scientific Epiphany mode and it's impossible to get a word in edgewise.

"It's all so simple girls, don't you see?!"

"No, we don't see. Whatchu talkin bout Twilight?" asks Applejack.

"Well OBVIOUSLY Tennant was the Crimson Vengeance all along!" she declares. Your eyes widen in fear for a moment, as the others look confused.

How the buck did she figure that out just by me saying his name?

"The ponies that were after you, they must have been the Knights! So you ran away, changed your identity again and went to hunt them down, and now that you've finished that, you came back!" she says.

Your jaw is dropped at that nearly correct statement. 

"Twilight, are you sure about that?" Rarity asks. "It seems like you're making a lot of assumptions to arrive at that conclusion."

"But you've gotta admit," Pinkie responds, "it's pretty safe to make wild assumptions when it's Tennant we're talking about."

"Hey!" you pipe up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, you know," Pinkie shrugs. "Terminating machines, pranking Hydras, love-based Armageddons."

"You caused that last one, and I'm sure that you do this kind stuff on a daily basis!" 

"And you don't see ponies questioning me, do you?" Pinkie grins.

"Pinkie's got a point," Rainbow adds. "Where Tennant's concerned, you can basically throw reason out the window."

"Well, I hope for his sake he isn't that bounty hunter," Applejack growls. "Because, Mr. Tennant, if you just left without a word and made us think you were dead while running around beating up criminals, then you better have one japering jackanape of an explanation."

"Well, um, uh..." you nervously stutter, as they have unknowingly found you out.

I can't believe this. Twilight's outed me just on hearsay!

Well don't let her know she's right. Otherwise BST will get a visit from that Sun Tramp.

This serves to get your mind steadied, and you do the only thing that you can think of.

"Mr. Tennant? Why are you laughing?" asks Twilight as you continue to laugh.

"Ha ha ha, well. Ha. Because that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" you declare, causing Twilight's muzzle to scrunch up.

"Really, I'M the guy who took down all the Crimson Knights? They've never even met me. Bookworm, I've been touring Neighsa hiding for the last 6 months. Surprisingly it was hard since subtitles don't exist in real life, but I've been far away from this country for my safety. And I'm sorry Applejack, but postage over their is pretty pricey."

"But..." Twilight starts.

"Come on, do you honestly believe that claim when you look at it with a clear head?" you taunt.

You see Twilight's eye twitch as she puts a hoof to her head.

"You know, it does sound pretty silly now that I think of it..." she ponders.

The other girls giggle at her expression, but you decide to nail that coffin on that train of though

Thank You Perception Filter!



BrownDog's Comment



“But yeah, that’s insane that you would think that I’m my brother, we dress nothing alike.”

“Your Brother?!” they all screech at once.

“Yeah, my bro. Crimson Vengeance is his code name. Didn’t I mention him before?”

“No! Why haven’t you ever talked about a Bounty Hunting brother before?”

“Oh that’s the pot calling the kettle black Twi,” Applejack snarks, and Twilight chuckles nervously remembering her reaction to her brother getting married.

“Yeah Twi. Someponies just don’t like talking about their brothers. Like Flutter’s Brother. That guy is just…Ugh,” Rainbow gags.

“Oh, let’s not talk about Zephyr now Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy groans while rubbing her temple.

You feel surprised at this.

Wow, Even Fluttershy’s got a brother that annoys her? Huh. I guess this lie can stick a bit easier.

"But yeah, he wrote to me saying that he just got done with a big job taking down the countries biggest Terrorist Cell, and that he had enough bits to hide me himself."

“Well alright, siblings aside, if you came back to see him, how the heck did you not see him on that train?” Twilight asks.

You widen your eyes in mock surprise at that.

“He Was On That Train?!” you shriek.

“Yes. How didn’t you see him? His coat was very bright," says Rarity.

"And his mask was very spooky," Fluttershy adds. 

“Well excuse me! All I saw was a large group of Pinkie Pies and I freaked out thinking the world was ending!”

At that, Twilight’s eyes widen.

“OH NO! We forgot about the Pinkie Clones!” Twilight shrieks.

“Oh, they’re probably long gone by now,” Pinkie mentions.

Twilight groans and facehooves at this.

“OHhhh, I’m going to have to ask the Princesses to put an APB out on them now…”

“Hey, I’m sure everything will be fine. I mean, I got to prove I was the real Pinkie, I got all my friends back, and even had one return from the grave. I’m just tickled even more pink,” she smiles and pats your shoulder.

“Umm, speaking of which, why were there a group of scared Pinkie Pies on that train anyway? Did Discord get loose again and cause chaos?”

Are you still harping on that?

Yes!

"Oh No, Discord would never do that," Fluttershy says with conviction. "I reformed him, we're the best of friends now," she says confidently as the others rub their necks nervously.

"Alright, if it wasn't Discord, then why the heck were there a bunch of Pinkies on that train?"

All the mares in the room giggle nervously at that.

SEVERAL EXPLANATIONS LATER

You give Twilight a blank stare before sighing and saying,

"Moral questioning and possible jail time aside, you should just be glad it was only a couple of them and not all of them. The situation would be far worse if that was the case. Seriously, Clones still have feelings Twilight!" you scold.

Twilight nods her head sadly at this before saying,

"I know, I know. I feel so terrible for what I did. I was just so focused on bringing the real Pinkie back, I didn't even think about what that reversion spell was even doing. I didn't think of it as killing until The Crimson Vengeance yelled at me..." she whimpers, and the real Pinkie places an arm around her, followed by the rest.

"None of us did Twilight," Rainbow admits.

"I rounded them up," Applejack says sadly.

"And Rarity and I just sat there watching," Fluttershy sniffles.

"I'm the one who provided the canvas and paint," Rarity hiccups.

"And I didn't even blink when the others got hurt. I was too focused on myself," Pinkie laments.

The 6 Friends then begin comforting each other, sniffling the whole time, and you stand back awkwardly.

Wow, about time I get to look down at them from a higher moral level. But I should probably cheer them up before the guilt kicks in. Hmmmm...

"I just wish there was something I could do for them to make up for what I've done..." Twilight moans.

*ding*

Getting a idea you say,

"The best way to make it up to them is to pretend they never existed."

Twilight, and the rest of the Deadly Six, give you a confused look, so you explain,

"It's simple really. We all pretend they don't exist so they can live their lives in peace. They become new ponies and live new lives and make their own stories. We forget about them and they will never have to worry about being hauled off to some magic experiment room or something like that. And If you do see one of them, just pretend you didn't. Simple as that."

And I learned that from good ol Quacksalver. Ignore the things that don't exist.

It's unsettling that that moron's advice can be used practically.

The Deadly Six begin to think this over before Twilight says,

"I guess...that could work. For now at least. If I do see one of them I will apologize to her through."

You sigh at this before saying,

"Whatever you say Twilight."

With that said an awkward silence hangs in the air before Rarity asks,

"So...will you be staying around or are you going back into hiding?"

The mares look at you anxiously before you answer,



The Rutherford's Comment




Kichi's Comment



"Well, I mainly went into hiding because of this whole country was getting dangerous with the Crimson Knights after Hearth's Warming Eve Last year...but now that leaders are locked up...."

With the Generals.

"C9," Rutherford calls out.

"You zapped my weather pony. A5. This is such a stupid game," grumbles Solarkness.

"Miss. Well this is the only real game I can easily think of that we could make up by scratching lines into the cell. D3," the Wyvern answers.

"Bingo!" calls out Brown Dog.

"They're not even playing that," Snap Drake calls out.

"Playing? I just remembered a farmer I knew once, and Bingo was his-"

That idiocy is interrupted as sounds of armored ponies approaching breaks out through the corridor, along with the squeak of some wheels.

"OK, put the crazy in the padded one," comes a gruff voice.

"Yes Sir!" calls out two guards.

The Generals all look to see Grey strapped to a gurney in a full body cast get pushed into the cell by Snap Drake.

"By the Gods, what happened to him?!" Rutherford shudders. "I knew he was off his rocker, but it looks like something tried to kill him. Did the Bounty Hunter do this?"

"Heh, if only," the guard snarks. "No, apparently that old white changeling buddy of yours used his blood to control all the inmates in Arkhay Asylum, including this sad sack. Apparently he pushed him far beyond the point of safety. Glad the Bounty Hunter took care of him."

"He won't be the only one..." Changer says aloud within his room.

"Cheese and Rice! That's horrifying!" comes the voice of Candy.

"Yeah, I mean...Jeez!" Silver gags.

"Uh-huh, and people called me and Brown Psychos," Snap Drake adds. 

"Wait, if the Bounty Hunter took care of him then where is Erised?" asks Solarkness.

Changer looks through his door window, 

"Yes, where is that pathetic monster?"

"Oh he's here alright, he's just still in the ICU. Apparently his old ass is trying to die on us, but with no such luck. We have him on constant surveillance with guards in his room 24/7."

"You won't let him die? Why?" Rutherford asks.

"He still needs to pay for his crimes," the guard answers.

"And we are called monsters and criminals, ha!" Kichi spits. "As far as I know, we did not kill anyling, but oh, some Bounty Hunter brings us in, we must be evil. Give that mask wearing arsonist a medal why don'tcha?"

"Kichi, the guy just said Erised was mind controlling an army of psychopaths, and look what he did to Grey!" Rutherford criticizes.

"Yeah, and don't try to act all innocent! You kidnapped and brainwashed kids for your criminal syndicate!" Changer growls.

"Oh shut up Traitor! It was a legitimate business...mostly."

"Uh-Huh. You know how close you were to having Chris Hayson show up?" Silver snarks.

"Oh Ha Ha and Ha" he laughs apathetically and sarcastically. "Okay, but still noling died."

"He threatened the Princess directly and put several lives in danger," another guard answers.

"Which one?" Kichi asks.

"What?"

"Which Princess did he threaten?" the changeling repeats.

"Celestia of course. The best Princess," the guard answers.

"So you wouldn't care as much if it had been Princess Luna?" Brown Dog asks.

"I didn't say that!" the guard rebuffs.

"But you obviously put Sunbutt before her sister. So you don't care as much about the other one even though she has the superior flank?" Snap Drake adds.

"That's not what I..."

"Then again, what about Princess Cadance? Do you only care about Single Princesses?" adds Solarkness.

"Yeah, why do you hate Love Butt?" asks Rutherford.

"I don't I love all of the butts! I MEAN PRINCESSES!" the guard stammers.

"Oh wow, hope Shining Armor doesn't hear that!" Silver heckles.

"Or does he already know about your undying love-hate relationship with his wife?"

"What is even happening?!"

"I'm surrounded by morons," Changer moans.

"Alright enough of this! Let's get out of here. And Kiteshield," the main guard barks.

"Yes Sir?" shouts the teased stallion.

"You and I are going to have a talk later about your guard oath and what it means."

"Yes sir," he moans.

As the guards leave, all the Generals and the other Knights chuckle at the true game they have been playing...Annoy the Guards.

Back to you.

"...So I should be able to stay for a while. That said I am still hiding from others, so if THAT situation becomes too hectic, I will have to leave, even if only for a few weeks or so. And this time, I promise to write."

Is that half truth enough?

I think it can work.

It is not really a half truth. You were honest with them. They just don't realize that the Other situation is them. I like it....Ooh, a butterfly!



PonySpartan's Comment



Twilight smiles at you. "There's no need for you to hide. We will all have your back. You're our friend."

"That's right!" Rainbow flies and swoops in front of you with a determined face. "We always have each others backs! If you mess with one of us you mess with all of us."

You smile at them and are about to say something when suddenly Pinkie squees before saying,

"I just realized that this is my chance to throw a "I'm The Real Pinkie Pie and Welcome Back From The Dead Even Through You Never Were Dead In The First Place!" party!"

You and the other Deadly Six give Pinkie a confused look as Applejack begins to say,

"Now Sugarcube ah don't th-"

Applejack is interrupted when Pinkie grabs her and the other mares, and with a shout of "We have no time to lose", they're gone.

You stare at the smoke outlines of where they used to be for a good three minutes, alone in the library. Well, not quite alone, you hear what you presume to be Crackle upstairs Honking.

"Okay, glad to see they bought it. Now that the Pinkies are free though, I've just got to visit for awhile and then I can go home to Appleloosa...but first I got to go to another party all about me...Ugh," you lament.

Be thankful Bugze, Your identity could have been outed after all.

"Yeah I know, but still I just want to go home already. But now I'll have to go to a party and let the town know I'm not dead, and that's just gonna be awkward."

Especially if the musicians and masseuse are there.

"...Yeah, especially if Vinyl, Octavia and Aloe are there...And I've still got to talk to Fluttershy later about why she should calm the buck down about getting rid of you, AND Nightshade is out gallivanting around with Spike doing Luna knows what!" you facehoof, before you look up at the wall clock.

"Okay, I have at least a good couple of hours before Pinkie throws the party. But what to do...?"

What do you do?

Outro:

> Episode 53: You Really Need To Sort Out Your Priorities
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Kichi’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment



“Well let’s see…Argh. So many options, what do I choose?” you say aloud.

You only thought of three options, how is that too many?

“No no, those were the ones that first popped into my head, but there are others. Like, I could just go out, find, and hang out with one of the Deadly 6 till the party starts…but with my luck that would lead to either over affection, snide spiteful conversations, or compromising positions, or all three at once.”

OK, take that option off the table then.

“Or I could find one of my other friends I haven’t seen for over a year. Big Red and I could have some bro time…but then again he hardly speaks, so I’d end up having to carry the conversation.”

You’d have better luck starting a conversation with a wall.

Walls are great conversationalists. Walls filled with the souls of your enemies that is…Sombra druggedly warbles.

“Oh yeah, I guess we could also pick up some more sedatives. Though, now that I’m kind of broke again after giving all those Pinkies my bits, I need some other way of getting drugs.”

Why not just steal the animal tranquilizers from the Veterinary Clinic?

“Oh sure. That will look real good. ‘Baker Sylvester Tennant comes back from the grave, gets caught stealing puppy medicine,’” you say sardonically. 

I’m just trying to offer solutions she huffs back.

“Well…it does give me an idea. Fluttershy has a bunch of animals, so surely she’d have some tranqs. I guess I could just ask her. That is after we…*Sigh* Have a talk with her. Man that’s gonna be awkward,” you lament.

Awkward doesn’t even come close to what it will be. Though her ire it seems will be with me, Selena growls.

“Yeah, but I’ll try to let her know otherwise. I’ll…No, I can’t let her know about the Otherworld,” you shudder.

That would be wise. But when the time comes, if she wants to accuse me, then I can defend myself.

“Huh? What do you mean? You’re not gonna-“

No fool. I will give this little strumpet a piece of my mind if she insists on badmouthing me. And don’t you DARE try to prevent me.

“I-I…Okay sure if it comes to that, but just words Okay? We don’t want her hating you anymore,” you concede.

Verily. But she is not a pressing issue at the moment, so let’s put her and our drug supply on the back burner.

“Yeah Okay. And really there’s only one pressing issue that I…no wait a minute,” you trail off as you have an epiphany.

What? What is it?

“If I have awhile then… maybe I could see if Derpy is here.”

The Cross Eyed Mare? Selena is silent for a moment, in thought just like you.

“Yeah…If she’s here, then maybe I can find out some answers about the Doctor. If anything, I can finally talk with someling else who went through that otherworld hell that we did.”

Yes, we could do that. But on the other hoof I doubt that The Doctor would have told her anything about your Grandbuggy.

“You never know. She seems closer to the Doc than the other companions I’ve seen in the serial. Like, REALLY close,” you imply. “Maybe he let slip something.”

I don’t know Bugze. The Doctor lies after all. And what he said about your Grandbuggy doesn’t sound like something he would reveal to her.

“Y-yeah I know, I know, I just want some answers is all. I know Grandbuggy and Granny Smith knew the Doc, but there’s still so much I don’t know. And I’ve kept it in the back of my mind even as we hunted those Knights. ”

So, then do you wish to find her now?

“I…no, not now. I don’t know where she lives, and I don’t want to just walk down the street all willy nilly where everyling will want to ask me questions I’ll just answer at the party. I’ll just wait on her. Heck, maybe she’ll show up, and we can talk. Besides, there is a more pressing matter…”

The Dragon?

“Yes The Dragon!” you yell exasperated. “He’s all alone with her, and you saw how clingy they were being! I bet he’s just waiting for the chance to get her alone, and get his claws on-“

Fine then! Let’s go after the dragon! Selena snarls suddenly, causing you to jump a bit.

“Whoa, really? You agree?”

Yes! She is far too young for that! And your scenario visions aren’t helping! 

“Heh. And you’re usually the voice of reason Mother Hen” you chuckle.

Quit laughing and find her already! My baby will not be some Dragon’s Consort!

“Right! Right. Find and watch Nightshade (possible crush Spike) first, worry about fixing my life later!” you say in determination as you head to the front door of the library.

As you are about to exit however, you see the bushes out the door window rustle.

“What the?” you mutter as you peer harder at them.

They don’t move again, so you shrug, and as your eyes wander from the bush you conclude one thing…



PonySpartan’s Comment



Pinkie is Luna damn fast with her advertisement. Looking out the window you see there are already five banners indicating that a party is happening, but with how she was proven to be the real Pinkie Pie, and that her long lost friend is now found alive, she is probably unsurprisingly happy and excited about it.

“Yeesh Pinkie, you just left a few minutes ago.”

“HONK HONK!!!” comes a voice behind you.

“AAAHHH!!!” you yelp as you leap to the ceiling in fear, clinging to it.
You look down and see Crackle the Dragon looking up at you with her goofy grin.

“Don’t do that Crackle! You almost gave me a heart attack!” you admonish as you fall and land next to her.

“Blarg?” she asks with a confused look.

Oh Crud! She doesn’t know Tennant. It’s The Offender she knows, and I can’t talk to her as him right now, it’ll be suspicious.

“Um…Twilight mentioned your name,” you stammer.

This seems good enough for the dragon who smiles, but then looks around and gives a questioning honk.

“Oh, they already left. They went to start setting up for a Pinkie Party.”
The dragoness’s eyes sparkle at that, as she gives a mighty, 

“HONK!” Before running out the door.

“GOTCHA!!!” comes a familiar accented voice, followed by a confused, 

“BLARG?!” and a crashing noise.

Curious, you look out the door and you see…

“Oh I’m sorry Ms. Crackle. I thought you were Mr. Tennant exiting.”

“Honk Honk, Blarg, Groah,” comes the annoyed noises of Crackle as an earth pony mare sits awkwardly on her.

ALOE?! You think in panic as the mare giggles nervously at the annoyed dragon and slides off of her.


Hmmph, it seems your most avid stalker has already caught wind of your return, Selena surmises.

I can see that Selly. The question is how? I know the banners are up already, but how did she know I was here in time to wait and glomp me?

FLASHBACK



Guardsling66’s Comment



At the pony spa Aloe tends to Thunderlane’s wings.

"So how did the flying go Mr. Thunderlane?" she asks.

"It didn’t,” he huffs grumpily. And seeing as how it was HIM getting a massage from a beautiful Mare, that says something.

“Ah, did you strain them during your Mare watching again?” she teases. He blushes at that.

“N-No! No. Nothing like that. I’m kinda sorta dating Flitter…I think. So it wasn’t anything bad.”

“You think?”

“It’s a complicated relationship…” he mutters.

Rolling her eyes, but storing that bit of gossip for later, she continues to massage his wings.

“So then what did happen to your wings?” At this he boasts his chest out and starts talking like a ‘Cool Guy.’

“Well I was out in a field, pulling off some stunts that would put Rainbow Dash to shame. She thinks she’s the only one getting into the Wonderbolts? Ha! Bulk and I will show her. I know we’ll make the cut.”

“YEAHH!!!” comes the muffled agreement from another room. Aloe rolls her eyes at this, but Thunderlane continues.

“But, as I was pulling off a sick stunt…I got distracted by a group of cheering Pinkie Pies and crashed into a tree.”

"Oh dear that sounds terrible.”

“It was, and none of them helped me!” he grumbles, before smirking. “But one of them got some comeuppance. Some guy in weird clothing shocked one before yelling crazily at her.”

“Someone in weird clothing yelling like a maniac and hurting random ponies? That sounds so…nostalgic,” she mutters a bit sadly.

Thunderlane looks back at her, and even he knows who she’s thinking about. And judging by her expression, she hasn’t heard the good news. He smiles at that.

“Oh hey now Aloe, there’s no need to feel sad. Haven’t you heard?”

She looks at him in confusion.

“Heard what?”

“Tennant’s back.”

She pauses mid movement, her entire body frozen at that declaration.

“What?”

"Yeah. When I was heading over here, Cloud kicker popped by and told me that BST was walking into town with Rainbow Dash and her friends."

Aloe’s eyes go even wider.

"What?" she seethes.

"Yeah, I wouldn’t have believed it myself, if I didn’t see the banners for the party tonight." 

Aloe doesn’t feel the same joy Thunderlane does, instead she felt a rage building up inside. The more he talked, the harder she began to squeeze his wing.  

"But yeah, I figured you’d want to know since you were one of the mares that- Ah! Hey Aloe? You seem to be crushing my winnnggg!!! He begins yelping in pain.

Aloe doesn’t quite register this as her angry mind seethes.


If this is some type of joke to mess with a mare’s broken heart, I will break every bone in his body and send it to the deepest pits of Tartarus and watch him burn as every chaos demon enjoys tearing apart his soul! Then I will hang his skull on the skull throne and the blood god Khorne will give me the power to avenge Baker’s dea- 

“Aloe, Aloe! You’ll never believe what I just found out!”

Aloe's thoughts of revenge and demonic power get interpreted when Lotus enters the room.

"Baker Sylvester Tennant is alive! Ms. Rarity and her friends took him to the Library, and we’ve all been invited to a party and..." Lotus’s smile fades when she sees Aloe hurting Thunderlane’s wing as he mouths the words ‘Help Me’.  

"Is everything alright?" Lotus asks her sister. Aloe immediately smiles widely, looking at her sister as she releases the stallion’s wing. 

"Of course sister, everything is fine!”

“Ooohhh, Why?” moans Thunderlane.

“Umm, are you sure you’re- “.

“Everything is PERFECT Lotus!” Aloe cheers, a happier than happy look upon her face. “In fact, I think it’s time we closed for the day.”

“But we’re still open for another- “ Lotus begins before Aloe picks up Thunderlane, walks him to the front door and throws him out.

“AAAAHHHH!!! Now my leg hurts!” the stallion cries out.

Aloe then slams the door and puts the closed sign on it.

“We’re closed sister. If what you said is true, my HUNK is back!” Aloe squees, making her sister wince. “Now, you get our dresses for the party, I have to glomp my Tennant before that Rainbow Tramp, Applewhorse, or Flutterslut Do!” She then opens the door, and runs out, running right over Thunderlane.

“OW! My muzzle! Why?! Why am I being punished for trying to cheer someone up?!” 

As she watches the Stallion wincing on the ground, and her sister running off into town, Lotus sighs as Bulk Biceps walks up.

“Maybe I should have waited to tell her?”

Bulk nods and gives a subdued “Yeah.”

FLASHBACK END

“Really, I apologize. I was hoping to glomp my stallion and jumped the gun,” she chuckles nervously rubbing the back of her head as Crackle raises an eyebrow.

I knew it! Oh crud, I gotta get past her. Every moment she stalls me is another Spike will try to swoon my daughter! You think irrationally.

Well you better hurry before she sees you, then we won’t have the chance.

Beside the door, is a box full of used/damaged books. A cardboard box.

Oh no, anything but tha-

“Again, I’m so sorry Ms. Crackle. If you wish, I can give you a coupon for a free scale polish later?”

Crackle smiles at that and nods.

They both suddenly hear a lot of tumbling coming from the doorway and look to it. They see a bunch of books in the doorway, and a cardboard box sitting just outside the door.

“Odd. Was that box always there?”

Crackle shakes her head as they continue to stare. Being curious, Aloe starts walking towards your “Camouflage” and the books. Thinking (Or rather NOT Thinking) Quickly. You raise your hoof out of the top of the box and point behind her.

“LOOK! A DISTRACTION!!!”

“Huh?”

“Blarg?” both Aloe and Crackle turn around, giving you time to heroically flee.

As you round a corner of houses, you hear Aloe say,

“That was odd. And where did that box go?”

“Honk Honk,” Crackle shrugs.

You smirk at this. It feels so good and nostalgic successfully using the oldest trick in the book. It’s the one tool at your disposal that has never failed you. It even helped make your Cardboard Box sneak successful.

I wouldn’t call that successful. Sneaking is supposed to be…sneaky.

Yeah yeah, whatever. But now I am free to find Nightshade before…Oh there she is, you think as you see her walking with Spike down the street.

Your overprotectiveness kicks into overtime as you declare,

“Sneaky Sneaking Time!” as you start shuffling in your box down the road, some ponies looking at your box in confusion.

You keep using that word…you hear Selena sigh.

As you stalk your daughter and her friend, you wonder what it is they’re talking about.

POV Change Nightshade:



BrownDog’s Comment



Walking down the road, you let a calming sigh overtake you.

The town is just how you remember it…well aside from all the clean up going around town from the horde of Pinkies. Speaking of which.

“Pinkie, I know you want to get the party started, but we have to make sure that Mirror Pool is never used again,” Twilight Sparkle says from up ahead, walking towards the forest. Pinkie Pie bounces beside her with a sheepish look.

“Oh OK, but let’s hurry this up and put a lid on this whole situation, the longer I think about it the more I chance falling into existential dread,” Pinkie chatters.

Between the two mares is Big McIntosh pulling a cart with a giant boulder in the back. He gives his two bits on the conversation.

“Eyup.”

As you and Spike watch the three ponies heading off into the woods, you turn to him and ask,

“Hey Spike, do you know what the deal was with all those Pinkie Pies?”

Spike stops and stutters for a bit, but then regains his composure.

“W-Well, I don’t know the whole story, but Pinkie Pie somehow found some way to make more of herself, and it got out of hand. Twilight…” he then stops talking and bites his lip.

Feigning ignorance, you ask, “Did she do something bad?”

“Yeah,” Spike admits in defeat. “That’s probably what they were talking to your dad about, you know, aside from the not being dead thing.”

“What did she do?”

“She…look, I know Twilight alright?!” he gets defensive. “There’s no way she knew that she was killing those Pinkies,” he defends.
You let out a mock surprised gasp, but you do already know this part. But you can’t let him know that you know, Ya know?

“Sh-She couldn’t have known. It was only supposed to be a spell to send the fake Pinkies back where they came from. We didn’t know they had feelings…” he stutters nervously.

You haven’t seen Spike in months, and already he’s panicking.

Oh way to go Nightshade. Real smooth, you chide yourself.

You place a comforting hoof on his shoulder and he stops shaking.

“It’s Okay Spike, You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But I just sat there eating popcorn Nightshade,” he says sadly. “I didn’t do anything to stop it. And we could’ve hit the real Pinkie with that spell…”

“Spike, it was a crazy situation. I know Ms. Twilight can go Crazlight every now and again…but I believe you if you say she didn’t know what she was doing. Don’t beat yourself up about it Okay?”

The dragon sighs and nods, but you can tell he is still a bit on edge. Trying to change the mood and cheer him up, you smirk and ask,

“Sooo, are Big Red and Ms. Cheerilee still married?”

This gets a smile and a chuckle out of Spike.

“Heh heh, No. Not anymore. It took a while and Mr. Waddles bad mouthed them the whole time, but they finally got it annulled. Since I’m technically a notary for the Princess, guess who was present with their lawyer?”

“No way,” you spout in shock as the two of you start walking again.

“Yeah…don’t let that circle around too much though, I have enough problems dealing with Twilight’s paperwork as it is, I don’t want to be a go to guy for Ponyville’s problems.”

“My lips are sealed,” you promise as the two of you laugh. After the laughter subsides, you get a prickling feeling in the back of your neck.

Huh, why do I feel like someling is secretly seething in misplaced anger?

POV Change: Bugze

You see the exchange, the hoof on the shoulder, the range of emotions. The carefree laughing! It can mean only one thing.

“Ugh! This punk is playing on her emotions! He’s good…Too Good!” you snarl aloud.

“Whoa!” comes a voice from above you, causing you to freeze.

“Tavi, did that box just talk?”

“I didn’t hear anything Vinyl. Though that begs the question of why this Box is in the middle of the road,” comes a more sophisticated voice.

Your eyes widen in shock. You know exactly who is outside your box. Now as long as they don’t get too curious…

“I am too curious now,” comes the sophisticated voice of Octavia.

Buck!

Suddenly, the box is yanked off of you and you stare up at the surprised faces of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody.

Their mouths hang open in shock and you start sweating nervously. Vinyl then lifts up her shades revealing her crimson red eyes, rubs them then stares again.



TheRutherford’s Comment



"Yo! Do my eyes deceive me? BST back from the grave? Do you see this Tavi?"

“I…I…” Octavia mumbles staring at you.

CRAP! I was hoping to avoid this. 

"Um…Hi?” you weakly say.

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!” Octavia screams, drawing the attention of other ponies.

You don’t know what you were expecting her reaction to be, but it sure wasn’t this.

“Whoa, whoa, Calm Down Octavia It’s just-*WHACK* OW!” you cry as you are socked in the nose by the classical musician.

“No! Back foul spirits back!” she cries as she starts hitting you upside the head, causing you to fall.

“Ow! Ow! Ouch! Stop it!” you cry out.

“Yeah Tavi, what are you doing?!” Vinyl fails and tries to hold her friend from bashing you.

“NO! He’s come back to haunt us for failing to protect him! Begone! Back to your final resting place!” she screeches with fear as she continues hitting you.

As you are hit and a crowd draws, you lose sight of Spike and Nightshade.

“Oh Come On!” you bellow.

A Few More Whacks, and A Calmed Down Musician Later.

You rub your head as the crowd wanders off, while the winded Octavia breathes heavily, being held back by Vinyl.

“Now, you done being crazy?” the DJ asks.

“Y-Yes I am…I’m sorry,” she apologizes to you before glaring back at the DJ.

“Why didn’t you tell me the party tonight was for him?”

“I thought the whole, ‘Back From The Dead’ thing for the party was about her being the true Pinkie Pie now that all those clones are gone. But even I put two and two together after we lifted the box up.”

“You can say that again,” you mumble. Octavia looks at you again, and guilt crosses her face, but still she is shocked.

“I’m so sorry. But even still I am having trouble believing. Mr. Tennant, is that really you?"

Shaking the dizziness from your head you look at her and say, 

“Yeah it is me. How are you two doing it has been a while huh?"

"I'll say. We thought you were dead dude. Everypony did. How are you still alive?"

You sigh at this before you explain, 

“As I already explained to Fluttershy and her friends, I did not die after getting my daughter back from the changelings, although I may have had a small part to do with the forest fire. I decided that it was too dangerous for me and my daughter to stick around so we left. Sorry I was not able to write. And I’m going to have to say that multiple times tonight I think.”

Octavia nods and breaks free of her grip from Vinyl. They then look at each other then back at you. They then rush you, and you brace for more beatings…but instead it’s a double hug.

“Well welcome back from the dead bro,” Vinyl says.

“Indeed. Please forgive us for not helping you before and for me just hitting you.”

“Hey hey, it’s alright. I’ve had worse,” you chuckle as you place your hooves around the two soft mares, causing them to hug you tighter.

Aw, it feels good talking to these two again. Why was I so scared of them?

Because the Unicorn harlot wished to engage both you and the Cello player in relations at the same time. Twice. Selena points out, a bit of edge to her voice.

Your eyes widen at that. 

Right! Right…

So you cough and break the hug.

“But yeah. Good seeing you guys. I’ll let everyone else know more later at the party, but right now I gotta find my daughter.”

"Oh but of course, but where is your daughter? I figured she would be with you. Also, why were you under a box?" Octavia points out.

Your eyes steel at this, "She ran off with Spike and I was stalking them. Now I gotta find her and make sure that boy does not get any ideas.”

"Heh, now there’s no doubt that the Papa Wolf has returned,” Vinyl chuckles. “And I think I saw Spike up the street awhile ago, you know before Tavi was trying to “Beat Your Spirit."”

“It’s not often you’re confronted with the dead coming back to life Vinyl!” Octavia huffs.

“For normal ponies anyway,” you mutter thinking back to Sunny Town, before shaking those thoughts away. “But yeah, I have to find them!”

“Mr. Tennant, Spike is not some miscreant, he’s a good little dragon,” Octavia admonishes.

“Uh Huh, they all start out as good little guys until they’re out of sight!” you ramble to them. “But now that I’ve lost sight of them, I need to track them. Do any of you know where Applejack’s dog is?”

“Umm, I’d assume at her home?” Vinyl points out.

“Ugh, that’s too far away. I need some other way to track their scent…wait a minute,” you say as you get an idea.

You pull Mangle out of the inventory and set her down, completely ignoring the shock on Octavia's face and Vinyl looking on in awe.

"Mangle, can you help me find Nightshade? We have to get to her before it’s too late!"

Mangle nods in affirmation and starts to move parts inside her around. You can only guess that she is either enhancing her scent tracking ability or using a magic scanner attuned to your daughter. Knowing the level of (insane) genius that created her, either option is incredibly likely.

"Wow! Where did you find that? It is totally awesome! It reminds me of the animatronic heads that I use for my Nightmare Night setup. Like a paint job of the Foxy one,” Vinyl excitedly says as she sticks her face close to the robot fox.

Mangle looks at her with a worried expression, then back to you before hiding behind your legs, putting you between her and the DJ.

"Please calm down Mangle. Those heads were already dismantled after the restaurant they were at was closed. And besides I won't let anyone hurt you. And you and I both know how Nightshade would act if you got hurt,” you say patting the fox on the head.

Mangle seems to calm down a bit, shuddering in agreement about Nightshade's actions. You then turn to the two music mares with a glare, to which they back up.

"Sorry DJPON3, she is not just an animatronic. While she may seem like a toy or robot to you, to Nightshade and I, she is another member of our family. She also possesses an extremely advanced AI that likely will not be seen in another animatronic for who knows how long seeing as how she kind of cannibalized them…"

Mangle glares at you for that last line and Octavia still looks a bit confused, but Vinyl gets a look of guilt on her face.  

"Crud, I'm sorry, Mangle was it? (You nod) Right Mangle. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just surprised. You honestly look pretty cool to be honest."

Mangle looks up at the DJ, a little calmer, but still a bit apprehensive and gives a solemn bark.

“Dawww,” Octavia lets loose, causing more confidence to come to Mangle.

“Yeah yeah, you’re cute you little Springtrap. Now, how are we doing on the scent?”

The fox salutes, then you see her eyes flash green before returning to normal. She then points down the road, and motions you to follow her.

“Right, well ladies I guess I’ll see you at the party. Till then,” you then pull your box back over you and gallop after the tracking fox.

As the two mares watch you go they chuckle.

“Dang, good seeing him again eh Octy?”

“Indeed,” Octavia sighs watching you.

“And did you feel how much more muscley he’s gotten under that coat? I wouldn’t mind feeling them closer, or would you rather feel them first?” Vinyl teases.

“Vinyl!” Octavia says embarrassed, “You know my heart belongs to The Offender and The Offender only.”

“Well yeah, you’re heart does, but what about the rest of you?” Vinyl trolls with wiggling eyebrows.

“Oh hush up you! He only just got back, let him have time to adjust. Besides, I’m sure that indecent Massage Therapist will already be giving him trouble,” she admonishes as Vinyl chuckles.

POV Change: Nightshade

At The CMC Clubhouse



ThePonySpartan's Comment



Nightshade sits quietly on the floor with Spike to her right. In front of her...

...Is Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo staring blankly at her.

Spike just stands in the middle of them fidgeting while Nightshade stares and waits for their reaction.

And stare...

And stare...

And stare...

And stare...

Then a thought comes to Nightshade's mind. 

Why do I feel this is common with daddy?

That little thought brings you no answers, and it doesn’t stop the staring. You don’t know how long time goes on as those three pairs of eyes stare into your soul.



Kersey’s Comment



Okay, the stares are still staring. What would Daddy do in this situation?

Your thought bubble proceeds to imagine your father running around in a circle screaming insanely, setting fire to everything before getting slapped away by a giant changeling hoof wearing the Power Glove.

You sit there very disturbed by that thought.

...either that's movies ruining my imagination like Granny Smith kept claiming it would, or it means I need to slap myself out of it. Either way, I don’t think I should do what Daddy would.

You look back to your three friends, as the staring still commences, unblinking, unrelenting.

How did I even get into this situation?



BrownDog’s Comment



A Little Before The Staring

As Spike leads you up the steps to the Cutie Mark Crusaders Tree House, you can’t help but feel a little nervous.

Calm down Shade, sure it’ll be awkward for a bit, but once that’s over, we’ll all have fun again.

Unfortunately, the plan to talk to Applebloom first goes out the window as you and Spike both hear Sweetie Belle’s and Scootaloo’s voices.

“So when is this cousin of yours coming?” Scootaloo asks.

“In about a week. Oh, I can’t wait to meet her. She’s a blank flank like us,” Applebloom responds.

“Oh, we should definitely make her a member. Heck, maybe she knows some big city stuff that we can try for,” says an excited Sweetie.

“I don’t know, I think we’ll teach her a thing or two. Speaking of which, I think I can safely say that Pinkie Herding is not one of my specialties,” Applebloom remarks.

“Well, I guess we better just get it over with and talk with her alone later?” Spike asks.

“Yeah, let’s do this…”

Back To The Present, With The Staring

Oh, right. We just walked in, they stopped talking and they just started staring.

A lifetime of stares seems to pass, before you realize you’ve had it with this bullspit.

“OK, Enough with the staring! No I’m not an illusion, dream, or ghost, it’s really me. Hi Girls!” you shout.

“NIGHTSHADE!!!” they all screech and glomp you.

And the hugs intensify. If any adults were around, they would surely daaww from the excess sweetness of it.After many hugs, tears of joy, and laughter, finally somepony asks something coherent.

“What happened?!” Sweetie asks.

“We thought you were dead!” Scootaloo replys.

“Not all of us,” both Applebloom and Spike whisper under their breaths to each other, a conspiratorial look in their eyes.

“Well girls, it’s a long story, but I’ll fill you in.”

The Abridged/Fabricated Version of Events.

“And then we were on the train to go visit my uncle, when Daddy jumped out, and here I am.”
The girls and Spike have their mouths open in shock.

“So…After you wrestled King Sombra and the Hooded Offender in the Crystal Empire, you teleported into the Everfree and fought Zombies?” Sweetie Belle gasps.

“Eyup.”

They then look to Applebloom and Spike.

“Spike, we’re so sorry we didn’t believe you,” Sweetie apologizes.

“You too Bloom. But why didn’t you tell us you saw her there in Sunny Town?” Scootaloo accuses.

“Well sorry! A part of me thought maybe I was going crazy after Twilight found no trace of the town. And another part of me realized I did make a Pinkie Promise to keep it a secret…well, except for Spike that is,” Applebloom explains.

“And so THAT’S why you and Spike have been meeting up every so often?” Sweetie asks.

“Yeah, sorry we couldn’t tell you guys. But we did promise,” Spike says.

“Wow. Nightshade I’m glad you’re alive, but now that I know Sunny Town was real, I don’t think I’m ever going back to the Everfree,” Scootaloo shudders and Sweetie nods.

“I don’t blame you, that place was creepy with a capital C,” Nightshade admits.

“But wait a minute, if you’re alive then that means…” Sweetie thinks before,

CRASH

The door is kicked open, and Baker Sylvester Tennant pops through with his power glove on fire and a Pink and White Animatronic Fox on his shoulder.

POV Change: Bugze

“Alright you little punk, get your damned claws off my…” you stop mid-sentence as instead of seeing what your overactive imagination conjured, you instead see Spike, Nightshade and the Cutiemark Crusaders staring at you wide eyed.

You stare at them, they stare at you…and continue to sta-

“NO! No more staring!” Nightshade shouts, causing everyling to get out of their stupor.

You chuckle nervously as you lower your power glove, seeing as how Spike isn’t doing anything. 

Ah, See. We had nothing to fear after all. I swear, your thoughts are corrupting me, Selena groans.

Well excuse me, she was all excited to see a guy after a year! How could I not overreact?

Before she can answer you though…

“MR. TENNANT!!!” the CMC cry out and glomp you, causing Mangle to leap off your shoulder and run to Nightshade.

“We’re so glad you’re back! We missed you!”

“HRK!” you cry out as your heart lurches in your chest from the cuteness.

Oh My HRK! Too much cuteness! Comes the groaning of the tyrant.

Oh for the love of, You don’t even have a heart monster! Selena admonishes.

“And Oh My Gosh, What is this adorable thing?” Sweetie breaks from your neck and fawns over a nervous Mangle.

“Yeah, I didn’t know you had a robot,” Spike adds. Applebloom and Scootaloo break the glomp and crowd around Mangle, giving you time to concentrate on breathing and making sure your heart doesn’t explode.

“This is Mangle guys, It’s OK Mangle. These are my friends I told you about.”

The fox then nods and allows Spike and the girls to pet her.

“Oh, she’s so cute,” Sweetie coos.

“Her teeth are so sharp,” Scootaloo gushes.

“And her fur is so soft,” Applebloom squees.

“I wish I had an awesome pet like you Shade,” Spike adds.

“I know right? But anyway,” Nightshade glares at you, “What’s the idea bursting in here like that Daddy?”

“I um…” you finally still your heart and face her, “I had to make sure Spike...um...that you didn’t…um…”

She rolls her eyes. 

“Daddy, how many times do I have to tell you to stop being a psycho?”

“Not enough times I guess,” you mutter. Before this conversation goes on though, Applebloom steps forth.

“Mr. Tennnat…I just wanted to say. Thank you for saving our lives back in Sunny Town. I never got the chance last time.”
Your eyes widen at that.

“You Knew?!” you blurt out before glaring at Nightshade. “What did you tell them?”

She chuckles nervously before saying,

“She kind of figured it out when we passed out after burying Ruby.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” you say indignantly.

“Um…Whoops?”

“That’s another thing, how come you didn’t recognize Mr. Tennant back in Sunny Town Bloom?” asks Spike.

“He was kind of covered in Zombie Gore…it was gross,” she gags.

“That is so cool that you fought a bunch of zombies!” Scootaloo fangirls out leaving Sweetie Belle with Mangle.

“And Pyramid Head! I watched Button play that videogame, and he is scary,” Sweetie says in awe and fear as she hugs the fox close to her.

“Alright, Alright you adorable little munchkins, we all need to have a serious talk inside this treehouse about the importance of keeping secrets,” you command.

That get’s their attention.

“Now, repeat after me. I,”

“I” they repeat.

“Your Name,”

“Your Name.”

“…Really?” you say in disbelief till they break into giggles. They then all say their names.

“Pinkie Promise to never talk about Sunny Town, or our involvement in it.”

“But what about Nightshade fighting in the Crystal Empire?” asks Spike.

Your eye twitches at that.

“Honey…?”

“Oh you know dad,” she chuckles, “You know when I accidentally teleported there causing you to panic for a few hours, and I fought the evil dictator and the Hooded Offender? And when I teleported back you were upset and didn’t like the Offender anymore?”

“…Oh…Yeah…that. Absolutely,” you say in a stilted manner at what is technically not a lie. “Also promise that you guys won’t talk about that either.”

After a few groans of protest, the four fillies and 1 drake then go through the motions of the Pinkie Promise. Now that the promise is essentially bound in blood, you breathe a little easier.


What did everyling do before Pinkie Promises?

Probably blabbed to their hearts content.

You then spend a few hours, sitting in what you realize was your first home in Ponyville, as you and Nightshade speak with the CMC and Spike. And even though Spike sits close to her, he doesn’t do anything that your overactive imagination conjured. Maybe you do have a problem.

Eventually though, Pinkie Pie herself drops by.

“There you two are. Come on everypony, the Mirror Pond has been sealed and the party is already started without it’s guests of honor.”

“Um, you’re the real Pinkie Pie right?” Applebloom stammers.

“Of course it’s me. All the other Pinkies…Uh…” Pinkie trails off nervously while the CMC look confused. Not wanting them to be scarred, you jump in.

“The other ones were found in an intelligent and NON-LETHAL test to be the clones, and then they were sent off to live a better life.”
Spike and Nightshade’s expressions tell you they’re in on your white lie as Pinkie sighs in relief.

“Really? Y’all sent them away?” Applebloom asks.

“Uh huh. And wherever they are, I’m sure they’re fine,” you conclude.

With practically all of my money they better be...

IN APPLELOOSA



Vesperion Seraph’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment




Braeburn wipes the sweat from his brow as he walks home after a long day of bucking apples. He pauses though when he sees the train coming into the station.

Smiling, he walks over to the station and waits for the doors to open.

“I always love welcoming new folks to town,” he says aloud. The doors then open, and he opens up with his signature greeting,

"WEEEEELCOOOOMEEEE TO AAAAPPPPLEEEELOOOOO-"

"FUN FUN FUN FUN" Braeburn is interrupted by a horde of Pinkie clones leaving the train who knock him over, flattening him like a crepe and begin bouncing around him, some of them into town.

The Apple stallion lying on the ground is bewildered as he looks around.

“Now what in tarnation? Pinkie Pie?” he says aloud.

“Yes?!” comes all of the clones’ response.

“Oh wait, we aren’t supposed to be Pinkie anymore!” one of them yells.

“No we’re not Pinkie. We’re…other ponies,” lies another.

“Yeah, totally different ponies,” chuckles another nervously.

They then all start making excuses, confusing Braeburn, before he is tapped on his shoulder. He looks behind him at a Pinkie with a bit of a straighter mane, and a burn mark on her side.

“Um…Hi.”

“Hello…” Braeburn answers nervously.

“Um, we were told by a Mr. Vengeance that we would be safe here? You don’t want to kill us do you?” she asks sadly.

Shocked Braeburn responds, 

“Kill you? I should certainly say not. You look just like my cousin’s friend Pinkie Pie. Why would somepony want you dead?”

“It’s a…long story,” she says looking down.

“Well I’d certainly like to hear it. Now, can you help me get your…Sisters I’m guessing? Can you help me get them settled down?”

“Y-yeah, OK,” she says as she walks with Braeburn towards the other Pinkies.

“Oh, and as I tried to say before,” he rears up “WEEEEELCOOOOMEEEE TO AAAAPPPPLEEEELOOOOOSSSSSAAAA!!!” 

The other Pinkies all begin mimicking him, neighing out Appleloosa to the sky with smiles on their faces. This even makes burned Pinkie smile wider.

BACK TO YOU

You are now at the party after having been ushered by Pinkie Pie. You and Nightshade have told the tale you told the Deadly 6 using the karaoke machine to the gathered ponies, which seems to be most of Ponyville. Aside from the Deadly 6 and your usual band of stalkers, you see Lyra, Bon Bon, Thunderlane, The Flower Trio, and others in the crowd. Even Derpy who looks at you with a sad smile. There is no sign of the Doctor though. 

After your tale is finished, everyling claps for your return. Now the party is in full swing. While there are those that still talk to Pinkie Pie about the Mirror Pond, others look at you in awe.

“What do we do now Daddy?” Nightshade asks as everyling drinks and eats.

“Now we Mingle for awhile Nightshade, just like you wanted. We’re not going to stay in town forever, so we might as well chat with them,” you tell her.

“Well how long are we going to stay?” she asks.

“I don’t know, a few days? A bit longer? We’ll figure that out later. Right now let’s just talk and not be suspicious. And stay a bit close to me, Aloe’s out in the crowd,” you say as you pull her close.

There’s a lot of Ponies milling about ready and willing to talk.

What Do You Do?

Outro:

> Episode 54: A Party of Awkward Explanations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


As you prepare for whatever is about to happen with this little social gathering, Nightshade looks up at you and asks.

"Daddy, do I really have to stay by your side the whole night?"

"Of course, what if Aloe or one of the others gets their hooves on me? You're the only one who can stop her from doing that," you say panicked.

Nightshade rolls her eyes. "Daddy, we've dealt with much worse situations than a bunch of silly mares. Besides, we're at a party, there's a lot of witnesses to help you."

"But-".

"Come on Dad. I'm sure you can handle yourself. Now can I please go hang out with my friends and pig out on party food?"

You look to the food table and see the CMC, and surprisingly Crackle with cups of punch talking. You let out a sigh and say,

"Yeah, you're right. Go on ahead. Don't have too much fun though."

She smiles at that and runs off to go hang with her friends.

OK. Just lost my one line of defense against semi-unwanted stalker attacks. But I will be strong. I will get through this party through grit and determination.

I thought the point of a party was to relax and socialize.

Yes. I will relax and socialize in determination! you think.



Kichi's Comment




TheRutherford's Comment




Kersey's Comment



You then begin walking into the crowd. As you do, you can't help but remember your first Welcome to Ponyville party as BST. How you were guilt tripped into going to it after making Pinkie wrongly admit to mass murder, how you had to publicly apologize, got shamed for raising a potty mouthed daughter...

Why did I agree to go to another one of these things again? I mean, the karaoke with Pinkie was fun, but otherwise that was a very stressful party.

So far this night hasn't gone much better seeing as how you've already (rightfully) accused another member of the Deadly 6 for murder, and had to stand on stage and tell your false story. Even still though, most ponies appear to be giving you some space, which you are thankful for, so you take the time to scope out the crowd again.

Just like before, you see no side of a brown hide with an hourglass cutiemark. Nowhere around where you saw Derpy before is any sign of the Time Lord.

You sigh to yourself. If it hadn't been for the Doctor, you wouldn't have been in Ponyville for as long as you were, and these ponies wouldn't have had such a connection to BST. This is yet another problem he's caused for you.

Well, there's no clues about his whereabouts here as far as I can tell. And now that he doesn't have that false debt hanging over me, I'm free to leave anytime.  

As you make your way through the crowd, you see Twilight and Spike in the corner. Spike rolls up a scroll and sends it off with his dragon fire.

What are the odds that that letter has something to do with what she did with the Pinkie clones and with BST's return?

Knowing your luck, extremely high. Although I am not too sure that the purple psycho added her poor actions in that report.

What makes you say that?

"Think about it, how disappointed would would my "perfect" sister be in her "prized pupil" if she found out she resorted to magical violence to solve her problems.

Uhhhhh... your though train trails off at what she just said.

What?

I think that is the first time you have ever called Celestia your sister.

You can actually hear her cringe for a moment.

Selly?

I really can't help it sometimes. After spending so long with that traitor, I sometimes call her that out of habit. Even if it is only in my mind and not to you, she replies grumpily.

Probably doesn't help with Nightshade calling Cadance her cousin.

Well either way you wanted to talk to the cross-eyed one correct? She is over there in the corner. she says, not wanting to continue that conversation. Relenting, you think,

Yeah, let's get that taken care of.

As you begin to make your way over to Derpy (Thankfully your internal conversation did not take so long that it looked like you zoned out) you hear a loud belch and the sound of fire coming from where Twilight and Spike were. You continue making your way over to Derpy when Twilight runs up to you.

"Mr. Tennant, Can I have a moment?"

Oh boy, what fresh Tartarus will this be?

"Yeah sure Twilight, what's up?"

"Well, I wanted you to know that I just wrote to Princess Celestia, telling her that you've returned."

Called it! 

"Okaaayyy. Thanks I guess? Did you also tell her about the whole Pinkie Pie Fiasco and the clones leaving Ponyville?"
Twilight's ears fold back and she blushes.

"Um, actually I kind of left that part out for now. I figured that incident could wait," she chuckles nervously.

Ha! Called that!

"Anyway, I told the Princess what you told us about how you were in hiding and your relation to the bounty hunter who took the Crimson Knights down. She and Princess Luna want to speak to you soon."

Your eyes widen at that.

Shoot! I should have had the Deadly 6 Pinkie Promise not to tell anyling!

"Why? Why would you do that?" you say exasperated.

"Baker, you essentially came back from the dead today, anypony would want to speak to you about that. Then there's the fact that we now have to go through legal paperwork to pronounce you and Nightshade as living again, but also your brother is celebrated as one of Equestria's greatest heroes. The princesses wish to speak with him, and you'd be able to tell them where he's at."

"Hey, if my brother wants his privacy, then I'm sure as heck not going to give him up. And besides, I'd rather not talk to royalty if I can avoid it," you start making excuses.

"Mr. Tennant, I'm sure Princess Luna has gotten over the Nightmare Night Incident, you don't have to fear her," Twilight hoof waves.

"That's not what I-".

"And besides, even if your brother wants his privacy, maybe you can deliver the medal they want to give him. You said you were going to see him, even if you don't like talking about him for some reason," she trails off.

"Yeah, he's family and all, but I don't like to talk about my brother that much. The guy's got serious pyromania issues," you say.

Twilight, and in turn a few surrounding eavesdroppers go dead silent as they stare at you in bemusement.

"What?" you say oblivious to the hypocrisy of that statement.

The eavesdroppers just roll their eyes and continue on, while Twilight just coughs and says,

"Well, familial love of fire aside, he is still a national hero..."

"And like I said, Nightshade and I were on our way to find him, I didn't come back to stay forever you know?"

"Well, that should be fine considering they said they won't be able to come down here until the Saddle Arabian diplomats arrive."

That statement confuses you greatly. 

"Um...Isn't Saddle Arabia that desert country where they filmed "Daring Do and the Raiders of the Lost Chest" and "Daring Do and the Last Hurrah?"

"Uh-huh. Though personally I prefer the books," she answers.

"Why am I not surprised? Anyway, If they are sending diplomats, then why would they come to Ponyville instead of Canterlot?"

"Oh they will be, but legends of my friends and I have spread, and they wish to see the town where it all started. I'm even putting on a magic display here the night they arrive," she says with sparkles in her eyes.

"Okkkaaaayyy, but what's that got to do with me?"

"Oh, well since the princesses have such a busy schedule, they decided that when they bring the dignitaries here, they'll talk to you as well."

"And um...When are these Arabians getting here?"

"Oh, not for at least a month."

"Yeaaaaahhhh, I plan on being gone by then thank you very much."

"Oh come on Tennant. They just want to talk. And if your brother wants privacy so much, I'm sure he'll be alright for another month. I mean, who knows what he's doing with all those Pinkies."

"But what am I going to do here for a month?"

"Can't you just hang around, help out a few friends who missed you because you left and made them think you were dead?" she says, causing a bit of guilt to course through you.

"Don't say it like that," you moan.

"Sorry. But what do you say?"

Her expecting face full of logic and your bit of guilt help make you a give a half answer.

"Well, a lot can happen in a month, and I guess my bro is busy. I can try to be there, but no promises."

"Great! I will have Spike send a letter telling them you'll be there."

"But I didn't say that!"

"You kind of did. Besides, even if it's just a month there's so much to do. First comes the harvest parade in a few days, then Applejack's having her family reunion and needs extra hooves setting up for, me and the girls have to convince an official to hold the Equestria Games in the Crystal Empire, and then the delegates will arrive. Oooh, there's so much wonderful planning!" she clops her hooves happily.

Sigh, only the bookworm would be excited for meticulous planning.

"And I know I'll be busy, but while you're here, do you still want me to teach magic to Nightshade? I was even thinking of letting the crusaders join in on a project Spike likes to call, Twilight Time" she smiles.

"Meh... I'm not sure... Are you sure that you are not going to go crazy again and leave her alone with Spike and Ice Cream while you shout to the sky that the world is going to end?"

"Of course not! That was only one time... Can't you just forget it?" Twilight says annoyed.

"Never!" you say dramatically before continuing, "But I might consider it. Do you guarantee that she won't be alone with Spike for long periods of time?"

She facehoofs at this before saying,

"Mr. Tennant, for goodness sake. I don't know why you're so worried about that. Spike and Nightshade are far too young for anything like that to happen."

"Uh Huh, you keep thinking that. He's older than he looks remember?" 

She sighs at that.

"If it helps ease your mind, Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle will be there too. Just please stop harassing him OK?"

"Alright fine. But what made you decide to start teaching the other girls in the first place?"

"I...kind of felt bad after we thought you and Nightshade perished, and I just wanted another student. At first it was just supposed to be Sweetie Belle, but the other girls showed up, and I found I had much that I could teach them too."

"Oh, liking the teaching route huh? Don't tell Cheerilee," you chuckle.

She chuckles as well, then says, "Oh don't worry about her. I've found that little fillies and colts are like batteries. You need to charge them up so that their brilliance shines."

You shirk back at that image, and Twilight asks, 

"Everything okay?"

"Uh? Oh... It's nothing. Just something I heard about one of the Crimson Knight leaders that was a changeling and how he kidnapped children as a food source."

Twilight scowls at that too.

"Really, how evil can you get?"

"Well, I suppose he was trying to copy the Hooded Offender and the little filly that follows him. I've seen that filly, and being a changeling she'd offer a lot of love to him," Twilight surmises.

You scowl at that as anger floods you.

Oh for the love of Pete! Nightshade isn't FOOD! How many times do I have to say it before you stupid ponies realize-

"But even though that reasoning seems to make sense, psychologically it doesn't seem to fit The Offender at all," she interrupts your internal tirade as she scowls herself.

A bit confused, you ask,

"Say what now?"

"The Offender, I've been studying him relentlessly for the last 3 years, and he is one big contradictory enigma." 

I'm a what?

She means you're very confusing.

Oh. No I'm not, I'm usually straightforward. Everyling else just makes me confused. While you think this, Twilight continues.

"He says he wants to be a hero, yet he hurts ponies and causes mayhem by turning into a monster, he says he wants to be alone, yet he keeps showing up during big events, he says he doesn't want anypony else to do what he does, but he keeps doing it anyway. I don't get him!" Twilight rants as some of the strands of her mane come loose.

"You've uh, really been obsessing over this guy huh?" you ask a bit creeped out. 

"Oh you have no idea. After our last encounter in the Crystal Empire, I decided to pull out the stops. I read everything I could on psychology and deductive reasoning, and maybe just a teensy bit of inspiration from one of Spike's comics."

"Which one?" you ask nervously.

"Batmane. Anyway, With my wall shrine at home, I've connected the strands of yarn to his past actions, his claims, and eye witness testimonies. What I've found is that he's a slightly insane individual who is obsessed with pop culture, jumps to conclusions, has attention deficit disorder, and extreme anger issues, as well as a very strong paternal bond with that filly he travels with."

"..." you stare blankly at her.

Well, what she says is actually all true.

I know that, it's just weird that she's been able to analyze me with her creepy stalker shrine. And it's not even the good kind of stalker shrine.

"And even with all this information, we still don't know what makes him tick. The only thing I've been able to completely nail down is that that filly is not some sort of love source for him. She is the real mystery in all this, and I will find out what drives them!" she says going a bit into Crazlight."

"Ooookaaay. Enough insanity for now Twilight, why don't you go have some cake or something?"

"I'm not insane. His crimes, and his personality don't match up. Yes he did do them, but the motive behind them doesn't fit!"

"You're probably right. Still, go calm down OK?"

"Hmmph. I'm calm, and I will figure him out one day," she mutters walking back over to Spike.

When she's gone, you wipe the sweat from your brow and sigh.

She's so close, and yet so far in trying to figure me out.

Well unless someling were say, in your head or around you constantly, they wouldn't know the REAL you Bugze. Even then, you're actions can be random, even to yourself.

Well I guess I can't be entirely blamed. According to Crazlight, I've got Attention Defeci-OH Something Shiny! you trail off as you see Vinyl setting up her new chrome speakers.

As the music starts, you look back to where you were originally headed before Twilight cut you off. Ditzy "Derpy" Do, sitting all by herself on a bench. With everyling distracted by the music, you know it's time.



BrownDog's Comment



Well, guess I should get this over with.

You walk over to her, and she shifts in her chair nervously as you approach. She looks at you with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. You nod to her as you both stay quiet for a moment. Eventually she sighs and says,

“Hello Bugze.”

“Hi Derpy,” you respond.
Again, a silence stands between you two, and she eventually looks down.

“Do you hate me?” she asks sadly.

“No. No I don’t hate you,” you sigh as you sit down next to her.

“You should,” she says sadly looking down. You put a hoof on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“Oh Bugze, I’m so sorry about how we left things. I didn’t know The Doctor was going to leave you on your own. I only noticed what he’d done by the time the TARDIS started moving, and by then it was too late and…”

“Derpy, I don’t hate you. You haven’t done anything to me that would warrant that,” you comfort.

She shakes her head at that, but still she doesn’t look up at you.

“I tried to make him go back, but he wouldn’t. I asked him why, but he said he couldn’t tell me. ME! After everything he and I had been through, he wouldn’t tell me why he left you,” she starts getting worked up.

“Derpy, it’s OK. It wasn’t you. It was him. I don’t blame you at all,” you comfort. She looks up at you with tears starting to form.

“I don’t hate you at all, you believe me right?”

She smiles sadly before hugging you. After a few seconds, you both break the hug and she looks a little better.

“Thanks for that Bugze. It’s been so long I couldn’t believe that you would still like me.”

“Of course I would. Sure, it’s been a few months for me, but I don’t think I could hate you. Not after we survived…over there,” you say with a shudder.

She shudders too before saying, “It seems like it’s been years since that awfulness happened.”

“Yeah…And Derpy, I hate to ask but, Where’s the Doctor? I’ve got some questions for him.”

She looks back down again in sadness.

“I don’t know.”

“Huh?”

She looks back at you.

“I don’t know where The Doctor is Bugze. I haven’t seen him for months,” she says bitterly.

You are shocked at this. “I…Uh…”

“I know, shocking right?” she then shakes her head and scowls a bit. “After he left you behind, and we took care of that Cadence, he took me back to Ponyville…and he left me.”

“He left you?” you ask flabbergasted.

“Yeah,” she says with a sniffle.

“Oh Derpy, I’m so sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s my own dang fault for thinking he was different from the other stallions. I thought I meant something to him. Something…more. But in the end I’m just like everypony else. Someone he can lie to and keep secrets from.”
She then sniffles again and looks to you.

“He abandoned me too Bugze, and I don’t know why. Before he left, I asked him and all he said was that he had to check up on an old friend…and then he was gone. I haven’t seen him since.”

You pat the brokenhearted mare’s back in a comfort.

Eventually she looks up to you.

“Thanks Bugze. I guess maybe it is for the best. I got my little girl to look after, and I am a few years older than I should be at this time, thanks to time travel.”

If she is, you can’t tell.

“Derpy, I know it’s a sore subject for you, but I need to know. Do you know anything about the Doc’s last words to me?”
She shakes her head at this.

“I’m sorry Bugze. I don’t know what promise he made with your Grandbuggy. He never told me. All I know was that he and Granny Smith were his companions at the same time years and years ago. Aside from that, I have no clue.”

“Dang. Well, thanks anyway. And don’t ever think that I hate you. You’re my friend.”
She nods at this and the atmosphere with you two seems better.

“Um. How’s Nightmare Moon doing?” she asks in a lower voice.

“That’s not her name anymore. It’s Selena,” you correct. “And, well, she’s doing much better now. She’s not as big as she once was, a lot cuter if I’m honest, but she’s alive and kicking and keeping me alive.”

She smiles at that, “That’s good to hear…”

Wow, I never thought anypony, much less this wall eyed mare would care about my well being, Selena says in warmth.

“OI! Buck off Thunderlane, that’s my cake!” Nightshade’s voice comes from across the room, followed by the sounds of Thunderlane getting hit.

Derpy grimaces at that before saying,

“And I guess Nightshade is doing fine. Still haven’t gotten around to fixing her mouth have we?”

You chuckle nervously at that, but she shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

“Sorry, kind of didn’t have time. I mean, I’ve had a lot of crazy stuff happen to me over the months.”

“Yeah, I heard. Eating King Sombra sounds like quite a crazy thing.”

Your eyes pale at that but before you can defend yourself, she continues.

“I won’t even ask about it. Chances are The Doctor knew and didn’t tell me…just like he didn’t tell me a lot of things,” she says sadly.

You can actually taste how miserable she feels, so you sit with her for a bit while the rest of the party goers dance.

Freaking Doctor. How could you have done that to her?

Meanwhile, With Nightshade

Thunderlane is picked up by his bro Bulk Biceps, and carried away from the food table, holding his nethers.

"I didn't know it was your cake. Why is this happening?" he moans in high pitch.

Nightshade smiles as she chomps down on her cake, and the other three CMC look to her.

"What?" she asks.

"You really have a problem when it comes to hitting guys where it hurts," Scootaloo says.

"Hey I don't have a problem, I'm just really good at it," she defends. An older charcoal colored stallion at the food table chuckles at this.
Rolling her eyes, Applebloom speaks up.

"We're gonna head to the dance floor, you wanna come?"

"Just give me a few more minutes with the dessert table. I haven't had proper party junk food in so long." As they leave, she proceeds to dig into an Apple Pie.

"Ah, just like Granny Smith used to make," she sighs.

"Your friends are right you know. You can't limit yourself to one special move. Especially one that will only work on males," says the older stallion who's eating some ice cream.

"Yeah, I guess that wouldn't work on girls...or on Bulk Biceps. But it's the easiest way to crumple someli-pony," Nightshade responds.

"That's true, but if all else fails, a good ol throat punch never hurt nopony...except for the one getting punched," he says with a smile before walking off into the crowd.

Huh. I never thought of that before. Though I guess it will be awhile before I can even try that ou-

"Oh Sweet Delicious Pie. Caramel, you want some?" Nightshade turns around and sees Sassaflash with her Apple Pie. Grinning evily, Nightshade yells out, 

"Get Bent Sassaflash!" and proceeds to punch the mare in the throat, causing her to gasp and fall to the floor, dropping the pie into Nightshade's hoof.

While the pegasus mare groans on the floor, and the filly eats her pie, Caramel watches in both horror and relief.

"Well, at least it's not me this time. Thanks Lady Luck," he says aloud as his marefriend glares at him.

Back With You

You hear the sounds of another pony getting struck by your daughter and look back to Derpy.

"Go on. I'll be fine," she says with a knowing smirk.

Glad that she's feeling a bit better you pat her back then walk towards the food table.

Doc, when I find you again, you are so going to answer for that Mare as well, you think in indignation.



Guardsling66's Comment




Kersey's Comment



As you walk though, you can't help but feel like something's wrong. If you had Spidey Sense, it'd be tingling. Like you've forgotten something...

You are suddenly yanked by some pony into a dark corner of the room and pulled in to a bone crushing hug.

"Finally I have you my stud muffin!" comes a voice that doesn't take you long to recognize.

"Its.. great to... see you again Aloe," you reply trying to get words out of your mouth as the air is crushed out of your body. She then releases you and you gasp in some much needed breath. And see her overjoyed face.

"Oh my Baker, I was so worried about you. I thought you'd gone to the after life without me my love," she coos as she brushes your cheek, causing you to blush. "But here you are, alive and well. That was some tale you told up there. I didn't even know you had a brother, is he just as handsome?" she asks.

"Uh, yeah, sure. Um, hey Aloe, why don't we get out of this little private corner and back into the par-" she stops your speech by placing a hoof over your covered lips.

"Oh no, I think that would defeat the purpose. Privacy is key," she whispers causing you to sweat. "Wherever you went, whatever you did doesn't matter, you're here now and that means we can continue where we left off," she says with a creepy/seductive smile.

"And where did we leave off at?" you ask hoping to Luna that the next part isn't what you are thinking of.

"Easy you, me, bed, NOW!" Aloe says forcefully as she begins to drag you towards the stairs away from the party.

Oh Sweet Luna! Sapphire Shores flashbacks! you think in dread.

Thankfully, a blue and orange hoof suddenly land on your shoulders and hold you in place, stopping the masseuse from dragging you. Aloe looks back and groans.

"Oh Come On!"

"Not Tonight Aloe," comes the country drawl of Applejack.

"Yeah, he just got back for Pete's sake," Rainbow Dash adds.

OH THANK LUNA! More of my stalkers to the rescue...Wait...

"Why do you two always have to rain on my parade!" she huffs.

"Look, we're all happy to see him again, but now's not the time for that," Rainbow chides before looking to you with a bit of a scowl. "Right now, he has got some explaining to do."

"Darn Tootin," Applejack says with the same look.

"Explain? But I already explained everything to you guys. Twice already."

"Oh yeah, you explained things alright, except for the elephant in the room," Applejack says.

"Where?!" you say looking around the pillar that hides you from the rest of the party. The three mares facehoof at this and pull you back.

"Not a literal Elephant!" Rainbow groans.

"Oh. Then what do you mean? Did I do something wrong?" you ask as you look at the farmer and the athlete's frowning faces.

"Of course you did. You left us Baker," Dash growls with a bit of edge to her voice. "We thought you where gone for good. The funeral, the heartache, the suffering. Then out of the blue you suddenly appeared off that train like nothing happened." You shirk down at her accusatory voice. Then Applejack joins in.

"We know this wasn't planned, or deliberate but...You sure know how to play with a mare's heart Tennant. I mean, many of us haven't really kept it a secret how we felt about you...some more than others," she says as she glares at Aloe who Hmphs. "But still, we thought that even if you were gone, you could have at least let us know, price of stamps be damned."

Rainbow steps towards you and with a glare says, "It may be easy for Fluttershy, Aloe to just go along with it, but it's harder for us. We spent months trying to move on and forget about you. We finally started to get back to our lives, but now you're back and I don't know I'm happy or going crazy seeing you again." Tears begin to leak out of her eyes as she begins sniffling.

It hurts doesn't it attention whorse, to have your emotions manipulated for no reason. Go ahead and cry, Selena thinks indignantly.

Oh come on Selena, don't be like that.

Why not? In one identity she wants to kill you, and in another she stalks you. The same goes for the farmer.

Yeah, but they don't know I'm both personas. All they know is that some stallion they cared for came back from the dead. They finally moved on, and I just threw a wrench into their plans and messed up their emotions. If I don't fix this, I'll feel really guilty.

So instead of having two of your stalkers resent you and leave you alone, you'd rather they still kept stalking?

Well at least then they won't try to hurt me out of spite or something.

...Good point.

As you have this internal debate, Rainbow speaks up,

"Well say something Tennant, don't just blank out on us."

Here goes nothing. Please work.

"Look, Dash, Applejack, even you Aloe. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you all upset. I was just so busy protecting Nightshade that I forgot about those that cared for me in Ponyville. And even if I didn't know that you guys thought I was dead, you're right, I should have written. Even though I thought that you'd only think I ran off, I didn't stop to think about how that would make you guys feel." You see that Dash, AJ, and Aloe have softer looks on their faces, so you continue.

"I'm a selfish guy, but I also felt that a part of me leaving would help you all in the long run. I've been hiding after all for a long time, and I didn't want to drag you all down into that mess. That's the best excuse I got though. Just know that I'm sorry for not thinking about you guys when I decided to move on, and for whatever will happen when I move on again. I'm sorry"
You see the mares tear up a bit at your speech and the three of them sniffle.

So...Did that work?

Suddenly all three of them rush at you.

DIDN'T WORK PLAN B! PLAN B! Wait I don't have a Plan B. OH LUNA THAT'S IT! GAME OVER MAN GAME OVER! I'm gonna die! you panic as the mares...hug you. Although you'd be excused for thinking you were being attacked since they are squeezing the life out of you. Speaking of which, you need air to conscious right?

"Bleh!" you pass out.


POV Change Aloe

Baker Sylvester Tennant you hunk has just passed out since the other two mares had to ruin your moment. But now as the three of you break from the hug and see him, you step up to the plate.

"UH-OH BST's passed out. Time for nurse Aloe to give some 'CPR'," you declare before the Rainbow Tramp and Applb!%$# try anything with your stallion.

NO MARE, STALLION OR ANYPONY GETS IN THE WAY OF MY FUTURE HUSBAND! you think as you ready him.

He's everything right in a stallion. He's strong, brave, funny, and most of all he sticks to his little girl like glue. Not like that flankhole that left mother and us. No, this stallion will take on monsters themselves for what he cares for, you think as you are about to pull down his cloth mask, when...

"Get Up Daddy!" *Splash*

Said daughter splashes punch all over his face causing him to sputter and stand up.

"Oh Come On!" you yell.

POV Change: Bugze

Spluttering and choking on some sort of fruit punch you stand up and look around. You see Nightshade standing there with an empty cup, a glaring Aloe, and a chuckling Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"It's too early to pass out Daddy, the party's just getting started," she says as she takes your hoof, leading you from the mares.

As you go, Aloe harumphs and walks off while AJ and Rainbow look at each other.

"You know, it's hard to stay mad at the guy. Though we shouldn't get our hopes up if he's just gonna leave again," AJ says.

"Yeah, we should give him some space for now, but I overheard him and Twilight talking. A lot can happen in a month," Rainbow responds.

They both glare and smirk at each other.

"May the best mare win," they say as they hoof bump.

As you get dragged away, Nightshade looks to you apologetically.

"Sorry about not stopping them sooner."

"No worries honey, you did good. Now, quit hitting ponies and go play with your friends."

"Aw, but I learnt a really cool new move tonight and only got to test it once," she complains.

"Maybe later honey. Now go on, I'm gonna step outside for some air."

She nods and runs off while you exit the front door into the early evening air.



BrownDog's Comment




Fireheart1945's Comment



You stare up at the moon as you listen to the silence.

I always find it odd that so many mares can be attracted to you at the same time, Selena muses.

Neither can I. I mean, what changed after The Gala to make me a heart throb?

I do not know. If anything, you’d think it would have had the opposite effect after we smashed it.

I know right? I never even stood a chance back out in the hive. The one time I thought I did I…you trail off. Well you know what happened.

Indeed I do, she snarls at the changeling mare who broke your heart. Though I still find it strange you can’t remember what that whorse looked like.

I guess I blocked it out. My memories still aren’t one hundred percent clear from before the invasion.

It has been three years, I'm starting to think that it's not just regular trauma to forget so much.


Well yeah, but there's not much else I can do about it. I've got too many problems in the present to worry about.

Indeed. Those mares for instance. It seems so strange that so many claim to care for you despite not knowing who you really are. Like they only like a part of what makes you you. 

Yeah. Then again, there's only a select few that know the real me. If they did, they'd never even look at me, you sigh.

Bugze...she begins, but your conversation is interupted as you hear,

"PST!" come from the side of the building. Curious, you look and see

“Fluttershy?”

She beckons you into the alley. You sigh as you realize it’s time for the talk.

After checking that you two are alone, she huffs and looks at you.

“Alright Hoody. Spill it. Give me one good reason why the girls and I shouldn’t get rid of that witch with the Elements?”

“What?!” you gasp in shock at her forcefulness.

Why did you ever trust her with my existence?!

“Fluttershy, just calm down alright.”

“Calm down? CALM DOWN?! I didn’t see you for months after the forest fire, and then when I finally see you again, she makes you lose control and EAT A PONY!” she shrieks.

“That wasn’t her!” you growl.

“You told me that she’s the one who gave you your power and was the one who trashed the Gala. Were you lying?”

“No! Dang it Fluttershy, just listen for a second.”

"Why? All the stuff she has done and made you do? You haven't even told me what she is. All I know is that she's the one who's made you do so much bad things. She's an evil witch!"

"Her name is Selena, and she's not a witch. She's just a misunderstood soul who-"

“How?! She trashed the Crystal Empire and ATE King Sombra. She made you a cannibal! And-“
You shove your hoof in her mouth to keep her from shouting more.

“That. Wasn’t. Her!” you declare, a bit of edge to your voice as Fluttershy still glares at you (Thankfully not The Stare)

“Now, instead of ranting and raving, can you let me explain?” she nods at this and you take your hoof out of her mouth.

“Now, yes, I did lose control and eat that guy,”

You will never be forgiven for that…

“But she didn’t control me, or anything. Noling was in control Fluttershy. In fact, had she been in control, she would have stopped me.”

“But why didn’t she then?” she huffs in disbelief.

“Because she was hurt at the time. Almost dead actually. And because of me, I almost hurt her even worse.”

“How can you know that for sure? She might make you think she couldn’t help but- *GASP*"

Fluttershy’s words die in her throat as you pull aside your shirt revealing your scar.

“Yeah, not pretty is it?" The scar is still red, but whatever Zecora did to close you up has stopped it from bleeding since. "She stopped this from killing me, nearly killing herself in the process. She had nothing to gain, no hidden agenda. She just wanted to save me,” you say.

“What happened Hoody?” she asks in shock.

“I don't want to tell you that...No, I can't tell you that. It was a...very bad situation,” you say as you cover your chest again.

“So yeah, no one was in control Fluttershy. She didn’t do anything wrong. It was all a big mess that still haunts me. I wish I could take back, but I can't. It is what it is.”

“B-but. If it weren’t for her in the first place, that power wouldn’t have been there to go rampant. In a way, this is still her fault” she mutters.
You are about to retort, when all of a sudden you feel yourself pushed back.

“If it weren’t for me, my Bug would be dead ten times over you little tramp,” Selena growls using your mouth, causing Fluttershy to take a step back.

Selly!

No, let me have my say! she snarls.

I...Okay. Just take it easy.

"Y-you're the reason Hoody even has problems in the first place. You've caused-" Fluttershy tries to rebuttal.

“Shut it you puny little pegasus! You put yourself on a pedestal of morality, and yet you have no idea what we’ve been through!" Fluttershy winces at that, but still tries to defend herself.

“Y-You…”

“And yet, what have you ever done for my changeling? What have you EVER done to help him in any meaningful way?”
Fluttershy looks a little taken aback by this and stumbles on her words,

“I-I was his friend and-"

“So you claim, and yet how has that helped him? You sputter uselessly on the sidelines while your friends hunt and hurt him. It’s been three years, and yet you’ve never once gotten these friends of yours to stop. You just stood by and let him be beat. I on the other hand, have protected him since the beginning.”

“But y-you hurt ponies…”

“Yes, and so I shall continue to to protect him and my child. Even if he's reigned me in since the beginning, I will still be his shield and his sword. I’ll admit, I was harsher in the beginning, but even then I was actively helping."

"But I helped him too. I got all those who supported him together and-"

"Oh wow, so you started a fan club, big whoop, that only led to more problems for us. And on top of that, it doesn't even exist anymore." 

"But..."

"You know what I did? I all but gave up my life to protect him! He only stands here now because of me! And yet you stand there and have the gall to say I deserve death? That I should lose him? That my daughter can be raised better by you?” her voice rises in indignation.

“I-I…” Fluttershy stutters.

“Don’t you dare look down upon me! You haven’t been in my shoes! What I've lost. What I've gained. Don't. You. Dare!”

Fluttershy looks very conflicted as Selena berates her.

“H-How can I believe that you’ve changed? That you won’t hurt others?”

“You supposedly reformed that fool Discord, and yet you can’t believe I can? Well to Tartarus with you. Believe what you want. I'm done speaking to you,” she huffs, and relents control back to you.
You stare at Fluttershy, she stares at you, but before that gag can come back you chuckle nervously and say.

“Um, yeah, so don’t hold anything against her. She’s had a lot to deal with being in my head, and sorry for the personal stuff...”

“Am I really that useless?” she asks.

“What? No way. Look, she’s grumpy because you were threatening her and-”

“No, she’s right. What HAVE I actually done to help you?”

“You were my friend Fluttershy. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it helped,” you reassure her. “You believe me right?”

“I…I don’t know what to believe Hoody. I’ve just been making so many assumptions for the last few months.”

“Well are you still thinking of hitting me with the Elements of Harmony?”

“I…no, I don’t want to reveal your BST identity. And…” she pauses and sighs. “I guess it would be hypocritical of me to not give her a chance after what I did for Discord.”

“That’s all we ask Fluttershy. And look, we’re not gonna cause any problems, I’m not staying here for good.”

“How long are you going to stay?”

“I don’t know. I want to eventually meet back up with my brother, so not overly long, but Twilight's got all these plans now, so I think it will be long enough." 

She smiles at that.

“But please, just understand, I need Selena and she needs me. She's not going anywhere.”

Fluttershy sighs at this.

“Okay Hoody. I’ll trust you. You better get back to your party,” she says as she starts walking away.

“You’re not coming back in?”

“No. I need to go think on some things,” she then looks back at you. “And to you…Selena...I’m sorry.”
She then starts walking back to her house.

Well?

Well what?

Aren’t you going to say anything back to her?

No. I already said what I wanted. Let her think on her actions

You’ve been thinking about this moment for awhile huh?

Of course. Thank you for staying on my side throughout it, she says in gratitude.

No problem Selly. I'll stick by your side through thick and thin. And hopefully after tonight Fluttershy will be on your side too.

Oh goody, she says sarcastically. But thank you Bugze. Thank you so much... her thankfulness is interrupted as Sombra speaks up.

Passive aggressive bullspit, Insanity, and romantic drama all around. This pathetic town needs it's own show, he giggles druggedly.

Both of you roll your eyes at his antics and walk back into the party.

You go around speaking to more ponies who welcome you back from the dead. Aside from some faces in the crowd, you don't know many of them all that well. Talking to Big Mac is like talking to a big red wall, but even then he's happy to see you.

You also found out he's no longer married to Cheerilee, which makes sense since you can see a few mares eyeing him from the crowd.

More power to you buddy. You deserve a nicer, quieter mare to compliment you.


After a few more hours, the party starts to wind down, and Applejack walks back up to you.

"So Baker, your shack is still there if you and Shade want to stay there."

"Thanks Applejack. You didn't touch anything did you?" 

"No, we all left it as it was. Including your little, *ahem* Fan shrines to Sapphire Shores and Spitfire."

"Yeah..." you say nervously, "I think I'll be taking the former one down."

"Alright then. Oh, and, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Well, how are you doing on bits?" Until today, you were swimming in bits, but you just HAD to heroically give all those clones everything you made bounty hunting. 

"I'm actually pretty broke. And according to Twilight, I can't legally get a job to make more until I'm declared alive again."

"Well I got a proposition for you. You see, the Annual Apple Family Reunion is gonna start in a week and a half, and our farm is gonna need some help setting up. I'd be able to pay you bits under the table if you want."

"Apple Family Reunion? Will there be lots of pie and other treats?"

"Darn Tootin."

"Well can I go to it after I help?"

"Well, it's only supposed to be family and you're not..." she begins.

Yeah, if you knew the truth you'd feel really weird about crushing on your cousin...at least I hope you would you think. 

"But I could make an exception. You could be my plus one," she says with a smile.

"Well, I guess I could help out with it if you're paying."

"Great. And I'm sure Nightshade could go too. In fact, in a few days my little cousin Babs Seed is coming to visit and she and the CMC can show her around. She'll be staying with us till the Reunion starts."

"Wait, another little filly running around with those four? Are you sure it's safe?"

"Well, she's not been doing well in school thanks to bullies, but your daughter don't seem to have that problem. I'm sure they'll all get along just fine." 

"I...give me some time to think about that OK? After tonight, I just want to relax."

"Alright then," she then gives you a subdued hug so that you don't pass out again.

"I'm glad you're back Tennant."

You get many greetings like that as the party finally ends. In a way. It is good to be back. At the end of the night, you and Nightshade head back to your shack. It's not as sentimental to you as your home in Appleloosa, but it was home for awhile, and it does make you feel at ease.

"Thanks again for coming here daddy," Nightshade says to you in gratitude.

"Yeah. No problem Sweetie. Even if it's only temporary."

The two of you then curl up on your cots and have the most relaxing sleep you've had since the Crystal Empire. You're not home yet, but you're close enough.

A Few Days Later

POV Change: Nightshade

It's been a few days since you and Daddy got back into town, and it's been great. You've hung out with Spike, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, and you haven't had to go to school once, you've had Twilight Time with Twilight, but you kind of feel bad at how advanced you are over Sweetie Belle, but you finally got the hang of that replication spell. You also had to tell off Sombra for being mean to your mom, and he gave his usual drugged answer. It's weird how he's started talking to you, like he worships you or something. Other than that, you are milking this little reunion for as much as you can get. While Daddy helps Applejack and Big Red set up for some Family Party or something, you and the girls have been working on a parade float for the Harvest Festival. It's almost done, but you've all taken a break to come and welcome Applebloom's cousin at the train station.

"Thanks for coming with me guys. I just can't wait to meet her," Applebloom says giddily.

"Hey, I'm always open for new friends," you say.

"And potential members too," Sweetie adds.

"I'm sure she'll be awesome," Scootaloo says.

As the train pulls up, the doors open and you see a tan orange filly with some sort of lightish red mane stand nervously at the door.

What Do You Do?

Outro:

> Episode 55: A Role Reversal That'll Leave You Shocked!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:




Kurolothgarian Comment



This Babs Seed puffs her mane out of her eyes, and immediately your friends swarm her while Applejack sits back and chuckles. They keep introducing themselves rapidly, not letting her really get a word in edgewise, but from what you do hear from her, she has a thick Manehattan accent, like the one's you've seen in movies.

You then suddenly have the urge to gather the girls, put on your old Foal Free Press uniforms, and sing in the streets while handing out newspapers with Batmane...but you shake your head from these thoughts.

No! Now's not the time for a musical number. And I sure as heck don't think Christian Haybale is anywhere around here. 

Shaking your head from these random thoughts, you look back to your fellow CMC friends...who are currently hounding the new filly into a corner. You roll your eyes and sigh before you decide to help the poor filly as you interrupt them by saying,



BrownDog's Comment



“Yeesh girls, give her some room to breathe,” you say as you pull them apart.

“Oh, sorry. We weren’t making you uncomfortable were we Babs?” asks Applebloom.

“Yeah, sorry, we were just excited to meet you,” Scootaloo adds and Sweetie nods.

“Nah. You all was fine. Like I was saying, I’m sure this stay is gonna be fun,” she says in her very strong accent. Now that you think of it can either be that of a Newsie, or straight from some gangster movie your dad let you watch.

“And uh, who are you? I only remember cousin Applejack saying Applebloom only had two friends” she asks looking at you.

“Oh, that’s because everyli-PONY thought I was dead for a few months,” you nonchalantly say with a hoof wave.

“What?” she asks a bit shocked while Applebloom chuckles nervously, and Sweetie and Scootaloo facehoof.

“Don't look too much into that. But anyway I’m back for now, and I sometimes live in Applebloom’s shed with my Dad,” you say with a wide smile, causing the filly to back away from you.

“Uhh…” she mutters nervously.

“The name’s Nightshade, resident kickflank,” you boast sticking your hoof out. The weird thing is, she flinches at first, as if she expected you to hit her.

Before you can think more on that, she bumps your hoof.

“P-pleased to meetcha,” she stutters in her accent.

“Great. Now that we’re friends, can I ask you a question?”

“Uh, Sure. What is it?”

“Are you a gangster? Because you sound just like a character out of a Martin Scorehayze movie.”

She again looks taken aback at you, as the rest of the girls facehoof again, and Applejack chuckles.

“I ain’t no gangster! And my pops was cleared of those rum running charges!” she defends.

“Oh, sorry,” you apologize, and then realize something, "Wait a minute, why would he be accused of rum running in this day and age?"

"He wouldn't, the courts said so!" she says, not answering your question at all.

"But, I...I thought booze was legal?" you say looking to Applejack.

"Oh it is Sugar Cube, though hauling it across the border between Manehattan and Caneighda without a license-"

"Allegedly!" Babs pipes up.

"...Allegedly, is still illegal."

"Oh..." you say in understanding.

A Walk Later

After that bit of awkwardness (Though you still swear she's probably a gangster), you four take Babs to the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders?” she asks confused as you all tell her the name of your club.

“A club devoted to helping ponies get there cutie marks,” Scootaloo explains as she Applebloom and Sweetie Belle shove their flanks together, causing some sort of unnatural shine.

“AH! Yeesh girls, what the heck have you been putting on your butts? Chrome?” you shout as you shield your eyes.

As you do, you notice Babs’s eyes widen in shock as her tail subconsciously covers her own blank flank.

“Well we have been using that shiny paint for the parade float,” Sweetie surmises about their shining butt fur.

“…Anyway,” Applebloom gets back on track, “We’re the only members, well technically Nightshade is a returning member, and we’re always looking to expand,” she pitches.

The three of them then go about explaining what they do around the clubhouse while you sit back and take it in seeing as how you were on hiatus for a few months. And even though they put on a big show about the activities, it seems but it seems Babs is underwhelmed, so Applebloom calls a huddle.

“I thought she’d be more impressed,” Applebloom says.

“Well she’s from Manehattan, if we want to impress her, we really have to wow her,” Sweetie says.

“Why don’t we just take her into the Everfree to see some of the cool monsters we got?” you suggest.

“We want to impress her Nightshade, not kill her,” Scootaloo deadpans.

“Well excuse me for suggesting cool stuff,” you harrumph. “You think they got an Olive Grotto in Manehattan?”

“Of course they do, that’s where the restaurant is from,” Sweetie says.

"And we kind of got the one here shut down remember?" Applebloom adds.

"Oh right, revenge pranking. Totally forgot," you say in rememberance. “Well in that case I’m out of ideas…”

The four of you then have a group

“Hmmmm.”

"Oh, I got a great Idea. Why don't we introduce her to your Fox thing?" Scootaloo suggests to you.

"Mangle? Well I guess we could, but I kind of left her in my Dad's inventory."

I've really got to get my Inventory back now that we're not hauling criminals around in it, you think as Applebloom says,

"We got plenty of time to introduce her to Mangle and your Dad at dinner, right now we have to show her something that represents all four of us."

"Yeah alright," Scootaloo concedes. "Still though, Nightshade's dad and pet are some of the coolest things Ponyville's got."

While Scootaloo fans out over your Dad, you wonder what he's up to.

POV Change: Bugze



Kersey's Comment



You are currently helping Big Red make a racing path and other entertainment areas for the Family Reunion. You've had to make several Horseshoe tossing lanes, set up bleachers and flag poles, and now this. 

"Ugh, if I wasn't getting paid and invited to this thing, I'd say it's all yours," you complain to Big Red who just rolls his eyes.

So while your body sweats from physical labor, you let your mind wander to a conversation you've been having.

So, I'm thinking that if we can get a battering ram onto a cart, and roll it right off the edge of the hill, it will strike him right where it hurts.

But how would you even get him into that spot and position and have him stay still long enough, not to mention have him not hear the cart rolling down the hill?

Dang you're right. This is obviously a two stallion job...but now that just raises the question of who would be willing (stupid) enough to help me revenge prank Bulk Biceps?

Must we really do this? she asks in annoyance.

Yes! The guy decked me in the halls during the Loveocalypse in front of everyone for no reason! you think passionately.

As I recall, he did it in retaliation for your badgering of his little brother.

...OK, so maybe there was a reason, but still! It's the principal of the matter. His comeuppance has to be equal to what he did to me, and since Nightshade showed us that he's immune to normal nard shots, we have to apply greater force! And once we're even, we can be bros again.

As Selena rolls her eyes at your antics, the two of you don't notice five fillies running towards the main barn.

POV Change: Nightshade



BrownDog's Comment



You five trot into the main barn to show off the parade float you all made for the Summer Harvest Festival. Ultimately, this was the most interesting thing you guys could think of to impress Babs.

I mean, without the random monsters or occasional crazy pony, I forgot how dull Ponyville could actually be, you think to yourself.

Regardless on how dull it is, this float has been interesting to work on. It’s a golden pumpkin. Why you all made a pumpkin and not an apple seeing as how you’re on Apple Family Land? Nopony knows for sure, but you all blamed Snips and Snails, even though they’ve been nowhere near this project.

Anyway, you present her with the giant pumpkin, you even run inside it and turn on the magic engine so she can hear it sing, and Scootaloo offers her a seat on it.

"As a Cutie Mark Crusader, you can ride it with us. It's gonna be so much fun!"

“More like Funny…”

“Looking!”

Your hair stands up on end as you hear the snooty sounding voices.

Oh criminy not these whackadoos again, you think indignantly as you hear Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walk around the corner, giggling like idiots.

“What is that thing a giant orange?” Silver Spoon mocks.

“It’s a pumpkin,” Applebloom defends.

“More like a Lame-kin,” Diamond Tiara “Disses” before they laugh again.

Really? That’s the best you got? You think as you get off the seat and start walking towards the door.

“Say, who’s the new blank flank?” Diamond Tiara asks.

“You gonna join their club?” Silver mocks, causing Babs to shrink down and cover her flank. Before they can say anything else though...



Amethyst Blade's Comment: First order of bussiness. Derail the episode right from the get go, Nightshade! 



“I wouldn’t diss her if I were you, I’m pretty sure she’s in the mafia,” you declare as you open the Pumpkin door and step out, startling Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. “And Lame-Kin? Seriously? Don’t you remember anything I talked about with a good insult you chucklebucks?” you snarl.

DT and SP back up away from you, and in the corner of your eye, you see Babs smile vindictively.

“N-Nightshade…” Silver sputters.

“Y-you’re actually back,” Diamond adds nervously.

“Heck ya I’m back, no foalnapping changelings are gonna be the end of me, even if you two hoped it would be” you declare puffing your chest out.

They stop backing up and look at you nervously.



ThePonySpartan's Comment: When Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon appear they have mixed feelings. Still rude to the CMC, a little hesitant towards Nightshade because last time they thought she died and they ended on a bad note.



“W-we never hoped that. Wh-when we thought that you and your dad-” Silver says in a downcast voice.

“Oh really? You all didn't throw yourself a little party celebrating my death before getting back to annoying my friends?” you snarl causing them to shudder.

“No! That sounds horrible. Silver's right, we wouldn't do that. Um…Look, we’re glad that you’re not dead especially after how we…” Diamond starts, but you cut her off.

“Yeah, I’m glad I'm not dead too, but do you know what I’m not glad about? You two sticking your stuck up noses where they don’t belong!” you shout.
They back up again, and you continue.

“I haven’t been back here for months, MONTHS! All I wanted was to hang around with my friends again. And now that I am I sure as Tartarus don’t want to have to deal with you two and your petty bullspit!”

“W-w-we…” Diamond sputters.

“I know what you two were doing, trying to start some crap with my friends right? And trying to drag our new friend Babs down in the dirt too? Well buck you two. Get out of here and stay the buck away from our pumpkin!” you roar.
You see their eyes starting to well up a bit, but then you hear another voice enter the conversation.

“Ya! You little crybaby losahs. Get on out of here or I’ll show ya how we deal with jerks in Manehattan!” Babs says, advancing on the two with an evil smirk on her face.

“B-but we,” Diamond tries to say scared.

“Th-the thing is…” Silver sputters.

“Didn’t you hear my friend? She said get out!” Babs yells snatching Silver Spoon’s glasses.

“Hey!” she cries out, flailing.

“Give those back, she can’t see witho-HEY!” Diamond is interrupted as you take the initiative and take her Tiara.

“Nightshade, Babs, What are y’all doing?” asks a worried Applebloom.

“Giving them incentive Cuz!” replies Babs as she throws the glasses at the pumpkin hard. You hear them crack.

“NOOO!!!” Silver cries as she blindly flails on the ground for her glasses.

As Diamond helps Silver Spoon put on her cracked lenses, she looks back at Babs angrily.

“Why would you do that?! She needs those to see! I’m so gonna tell my daddy on you!” she yells.

“OH REALLY?!” Babs gets in their faces, causing them to back up into the float. “What are you, snitches?”

“Yeah, because we all know what snitches get don’t we,” you join in leering over the two as you hold up her Tiara, and bend it out of shape.

“My Tiara...” Diamond bawls.

"Hey, I just made it look just like it's owner. Broken and ugly," you jeer.

"Y-Y-Y-YOU STUPID BLANK FLANKS!!! Our families are far greater and more powerful than yours will ever be You Big Meanies!!!" she yells out in defiance as tears roll down her face.

SNAP



Guardling66's Comment



"Speak like that again and I will break the rest of it and shove it down your throat," you say menacingly as your eyes glow pure white, causing her to gasp and hold onto Silver Spoon.

"Wh-Whoa there Nightshade Calm Down!" Applebloom calls out, but you ignore her. Your trigger words have been activated.

"Great and Powerful you say? Those are just words weak flankholes like you throw around. What are words going to do to stop me?" you say in your subdued anger, which has the desired effect of scaring them even more.

"W-we'll..." Diamond tries sputters as she and Silver Spoon shudder in terror.

“Try us, I dare you,” you threaten as you place the bent crown on her head slowly and deliberately, before giving both of them a rough shove back into the parade float.

At this, both of them begin bawling out loud and run out the door as the parade float begins to wobble. As it does, you sigh in relief and satisfaction as you let some of your anger go.

"Whoah Shade, Your Eyes were glowing, what's up with that?" asks an impressed Babs as she hoofbumps you.

"Oh, I was just incredibly pissed off. It happens," you hoofwave and bump her back.

"Dang, what'd those losahs do to tick you off so bad?"

"Oh nothing, they just reminded me of someone I really, REALLY hate more..."

Yeah, someone who betrayed Daddy and Me, nearly got me killed, and caused us to never have a chance at a normal life...

"But I guess it all worked out in the end."

"I'll say. Did you see how they was crying?" Babs then begins laughing as you start to chuckle, but still you do have one last thought of anger.

Trixie wherever you are, you'd best pray to Luna, Celestia, or even My Mom that I don't see you again. Otherwise your next show may be your last.

With that, you let go of the anger build up and start laughing with your new friend.

“Oh Sweet Celestia Shade, you really know how to sock it to em,” she praises.

“Well, I may not be related to any gangsters, but I’ve seen enough movies and been in plenty of fights to know how to be mean,” you humbly say.

“Again, I ain’t in the mafia. But you know what? I could get used to this. You know where those bozos live?” Babs asks.

“Well duh, you think I don’t know where most of my enemies live?” you chuckle. “What do you have in mind?”

“Oh lots. From what I can see these jerks have been teasing us blank flanks for far too long!”

“Hooray! Time for Vengeance!” you cheer.

You and Babs then start coming up with more ideas to get back at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon each one a bit more overboard than the last.

Meanwhile

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo look at you and Babs laughing at what you just did.

“What the hay just happened?” Applebloom asks a bit disturbed.

“That was like, so needlessly mean,” Sweetie shudders.

“I mean, I don’t much care for Diamond or Silver, but that was…I think Nightshade and Babs went to the dark side,” Scootaloo mutters.

“Should we tell someone? Like her Dad, or Applejack?” asks Sweetie.

“No! You heard what they said. We ain’t snitches!” Applebloom cries out.

“But they’re our friends right? They wouldn’t do that to us…would they?” asks Scootaloo.

“I don’t know. Let’s not risk it, you saw how her eyes got” Applebloom commands.

The fillies all nod before nervously glancing back at you and Babs, before Sweetie says,

"Ummm. Is the float supposed to be doing that?"

The three of them then look to the shuddering float, as one of it's wheel's gets loose from the axle and goes shooting out the barn door.

Back To You

"And then we can hot glue their jewelry to their tails and-" *WHOOSH* you are interrupted as a wagon wheel passes right between you and Babs.

"Nightshade, Babs! Look out!" cries Applebloom.
You instinctively dive into Babs and out of the way as a massive crash is heard followed by several more outside the barn doors.

You both look up and see your Pumpkin that you and the girls spent days making tumbling out towards the mud pits. You all hear screams and see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon diving out of the way of the wreckage and into some mud.

"Nightshade! Babs! Are ya'll alright?" asks Applebloom.

"You aren't hurt are you?" asks Sweetie Belle.

"Oh crud, did they get hurt?" asks Scootaloo as she points out towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who are shaking from almost getting hit.

Instead of answering rationally and in a calm manner, you take a page out of your dad's book.

"THOSE B!&$#%@S WRECKED OUR PUMPKIN!!!" you yell out.

"WHAT?" the CMC and SP and DT in the distance declare.

"Yeah, them losahs touched it last!" Babs agrees.

"But, you're the ones who pushed them into-" Sweetie starts.

"OI! IT'S TIME FOR JEWELRY THROAT SHOVING!!!" you yell out to the two fillies who cry out, and run away crying as you and Babs pursue them.

As you do, the rest of your friends reluctantly run behind you, hoping to keep you and Babs from hurting those two any further.

"When we catch you, You're building us a new float!"

POV Change: Bugze

You are hauling more tools so that you and Big Red can put up the outdoor bleachers.

"Ugh, today just hasn't been my day. Nothing but boring boring labor. I really hope nothing else happens to make things wor-"

Before you can finish that always jinxing sentence you hear a weird sound coming from behind you. Getting curious you turn around... and immediately jump out of the way as a



The Rutherford's Comment

 

random wheel comes by and almost hits you. Thanks to your expert dodging skills, the wheel continues to bounce and roll down the road until it's out of sight.

"What the buck was that?" you yelp. You aren't really answered, but in the distance you hear shouting.

That came from the direction of the barn Nightshade and her friends were building the parade float.

What? The Shouting or the Wheel?

Both.

Sighing you think back  I guess I should go check and make sure noling got hurt.

That would be wise. That float was made by foals after all

Before you can reply, the usual druggy speaks up.

What is a float? And how would one be in a parade? Is it a cloud formation? And if so why would it need a cart wheel?
Instead of ignoring the dope fiend, you decide to educate.

A float is basicly a cart with a bunch of decorations on it. Some floats are smaller for parades like what will likely be seen here. However some of the really big extraordinary floats are seen during a celebration called Carnival in New Oatleans. There they throw out beads and it is a non-stop party for a few weeks strait. I would love to take Nightshade down there, but it would have to be at any other time.

Why do you say that? A party would likely mean a lot of food and fun for her. Why would you deprive her of that? asks Selena in curiosity. 

Too much booze. It is a party, but one that a filly should never be at. Heck I shouldn't have even been there, but Grandbuggy couldn't find a sitter...Though maybe I could use that as an excuse if I make enough bits. Then I'd have a valid excuse to Twilight for missing the "Royal Meeting".

With that in mind, you begin making your way through the fields towards the barn.

3 Fields of Walking Later

You're reminded that once again, the Apple Farm could be it's own nation if it had a higher population. That wheel rolling past you must have been a miracle. But anyway, as you make your way to check on you daughter and the CMC you stop suddenly when you hear...crying?

That doesn't sound good. Better check it out and see what's up.

Following the sound of the crying you eventually find...

Well...that's new.

You look in confusion as you see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon of all ponies are crying behind a bush. Confusion mainly for the fact that from what you've been told, these two were usually the ones causing the crying, not being the criers themselves. And even through a part of you thinks you should just leave them alone and not help, the other more reasonable side reminds you that they're just kids. Kids who are crying, which never leads to anything good.

Hopefully this is just about their daddy's cutting off their allowance or something. But I have the strangest feeling Nightshade is involved...nah. She may get into insult matches with these two, but she wouldn't go so far as to make them cry...I hope.

With that thought you make your way over to them. As you do, you can hear them whimpering and sniffling.

"I can't see very well D-Diamond *sniff* are they still out there?"

"I *sniff* Don't see them. How are you holding up?"

"N-Not good. I'm still shaking from that pumpkin almost hitting us," Silver whimpers, and Diamond pats her back.

"Ya that was s-scary. We should p-probably get back home before those jerks find us."

"How?! I can hardly see! And my parents will flip when they see my glasses," Silver Spoon whines.

"And you don't think mine will? It will only get worse if Mom finds out...she'll be...disappointed..." Diamond sniffles in fear.

You are a bit shocked by what they're saying and how they're saying it.

OK, someling's definitely gone at these two

And did the pink one in the crown insinuate she's afraid of her own mother? Selena asks in speculation.

I...don't know, it...Oh my gosh! you lose your train of thought as you get closer and you see for yourself that they are in rough shape. You see that the lenses on Silver Spoon's glasses are cracked, and Diamond Tiara's tiara is bent and broken. Both of them are covered in mud and leaves and have scratches and bruises on them.

Oh Geeze, roughed up and crying. Fatherly Instincts kicking in!, you think as you finally give a cough to let them know you're there. They react by screaming and holding onto each other, until they realize it's you.

"Oh, Hi M-Mr Tenant," Diamond sniffles nervously.

"H-Hi..." Silver says looking to the ground.

"Hi girls, are you doing alright?"

"Y-yes, we're fine. Wh-why do you ask?" stutters Silver Spoon.

"Well, aside from your broken glasses and headware, you two look like you've been running through bushes and are hiding, and on top of that, crying. What's going on?"

They both look down, and Silver looks up at you and is about to speak, when Diamond shushes her.

"NOTHING! Nothing's going on. Just mind your own business! We're not snitches!" she tries to say haughtily, but her scared emotions betray her. You know what it's like to be bullied, so you know the signs. Threatening the victim for snitching is a tool they employ. You grit your teeth, but make yourself look more relaxed for the girls.

You kneel down in front of them, 

"Girls, it's alright. I know you've seen and heard of the things I've done. Noli-Pony is gonna hurt you with me around I promise," you say gently.

Diamond looks to the ground and bites her lip, but then Silver Spoon places a hoof on her shoulder and nods.

With that encouragement you ask,

"It's gonna be alright. Now tell me, who are you running away from?"

They both hesitate for a minute before they both look down and whisper, "Nightshade..."

Your eyes widen at this.

"WHAT?!!!"

They both recoil from that, and Silver then starts begging, "Please, Please don't tell her we told you!" While Diamond bawls.

You stand there in shock staring at these two scared fillies as a realization washes over you.

Nightshade did this to them?

Shaking your head, you reach out to them pull them both into a hug. They don't resist, in fact, they cling to and cry against your chest as you comfort them.

"Shh, Shh, it's going to be alright," you say soothingly, but they continue to cry.


Then from around the bush gallops Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

"Mr. Tenant!" they all cry out. The two fillies hold onto you harder and shudder at their voices. Feeling this you give an angry glare to the CMC, causing them to step back.

"Where is Nightshade?" you seethe.

"Th-they ran off the other way, we just came around to..." Applebloom trails off as she sees Diamond and Silver crying and the condition they're in.

You look from the two crying fillies to the three in front of you who start getting teary eyed themselves.

"What. Happened?"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 56: So You've Raised a Bully...Great Job >:(
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:


What they all  told you has served to make you angry and disappointed in your daughter. After all the trouble you went through as a larvae, you went and somehow raised a bully. As you hold the two crying fillies and try to comfort them as best as possible while also keeping an eye on the CMC (who are teary eyed themselves) you can't help but think,



Kichi's Comment




Kersey's Comment



I can't believe it, why would Nightshade do that to them? I mean, I know these two like to bully the others sometimes but, this is too much

Bwa ha ha, Sombra chuckles darkly causing you to scowl.

And what's got you so happy? you think indignantly.

Why, Little Ms. Overlord of course. She is showing these weak pathetic fools who really has the power, as is her right. They need to know who's the boss. Today's victims are tomorrow's slaves.

Suddenly the image of Nightshade in armor similar to Sombra's and laughing evilly, as she stands over Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in chains pops into your head. 

You shake your head from this image as you hold the two sad fillies in your arms tighter.

That will NEVER come to be you swine! Selena yells at the deposed king.

Oh come on. That was a fantastic image. It would suit her just fine, my little overlord...he says in a voice that sounds like a proud parent gushing over something their foal did.

She is not your anything! You and Selena roar at the same time which seems to shut him up. But even still, that raises another question.

Wait, Sombrero is beginning to talk logically! How many days has it been? you ask Selena.

Without your injections? 3 Days.

Crud! He's coming off his high. We never did ask Fluttershy about getting tranquilizers.

I don't believe that tart was in the right state of mind at the time, Selena huffs.

Well be that as it may, we gotta remember to get some more drugs so we don't have to listen to him...

*Sniff* *Blubber*

You focus back on the two sad fillies and you rock them a little to calm them down.

...But first things first...you think madly.

How come I didn't see any of this coming? The signs were so clear...

What do you mean?

You mentally sigh before thinking,

It's just...looking back on the last couple of months when we were out bounty hunting Nightshade was becoming more and more...hostile towards everyling. Remember when she made fun of Kersey's fatness before we even knew he was the enemy? Or that time at the hippy camp when she made fun of their food and starting breaking things? Heck when we got back she attacked Thunderlane and Caramel's marefriend over snacks of all things!

Selena is silent for a moment before saying,

Well...now that you mention it Nightshade has indeed become quiet more hostile.

You mentally sigh sadly before thinking,

I guess I was so busy trying to protect Nightshade I ignored raising her properly. All I've really done on that adventure...on any of our adventures over the last 3 years was teach her that violence and insults solve everything. I didn't think all of that would lead to her becoming the one thing I hate the most...next to traitors and Trixie I mean.

I wonder if I have some fault in this, comments Selena in a sad voice which confuses you a little. I am her mother, my blood flows through her. Even if I've changed, my darkness might be passed down-

No, don't think like that, you cut her off. You've been a great mother to her...well as well as you could be given our weird circumstances. No...I think this rests squarely on me.

But Bugze-

I'm the one she constantly sees in fights, I'm the one who never taught her the difference between pranking and bullying, and I'm the one who kept shoving her back into the inventory even when she didn't want to...I've made her jaded. But even still, she needs to punished for it now so she never does it again...

Before Selena can respond, you hear Applebloom say,

"Please Mr. Tennant, you have to believe us. The parade float was an accident," Applebloom blubbers.

You look back up from the crying fillies to the CMC  then back to the girls in your arms.



BrownDog's Comment



"So they chased you into the orchard after the parade float almost crushed you two right?"

DT and SP sniffle and nod as you grit your teeth.

"I-it was an accident, honest!" Scootaloo says.

"None of us tried to crush you with it," Sweetie adds.

"Then why were you chasing them?" you shoot back.

"W-we wanted to make sure Nightshade and Babs didn't do anything worse," Applebloom confesses. You then look to the two in your arms.

"Was it only Nightshade and Babs, or did the other three join in?"

The fillies both sniffle, and Diamond says, "It was just the two. They didn't do anything," she says pointing to the CMC.

"They didn't help either," Silver adds.

"W-we're sorry. We didn't know what was going to happen. And when her eyes glowed white, we were just as scared," Sweetie apologizes with a quivering lip.

"Yeah, I mean, you guys were being jerks sure, but you didn't deserve that," Scootaloo says.

Diamond and Silver then look down guiltily, but you make them look up at you.

"Listen girls, I'm not justifying anything my daughter did, but why did you walk all the way out to the barn just to mock them all?"

They stiffen at that, but then Diamond says, "Well, because we wanted to show we were better. We heard a new filly was coming into town, and we wanted her to know what was what."

She says it so casually, it throws you for a loop.

"And who taught you that?" you ask.

"I-it's what Mom says. I-I can't disappoint the family, I can't disappoint her..." Diamond shudders as Silver Spoon places a hoof on her shoulder.

Sweet Luna, what kind of b!%$# is this girl's mother? No wonder she's so messed up.

Indeed, and the glasses clad one just follows along to support her friend, enabling her...

Right...add this filly's mother to the back burner of things I need to look into, right now we need to focus on the present.

You then stand up.

"Alright, here's what's going to happen, you three are going to help me walk these two back to the house, and you are going to tell Applejack everything," you declare.

"But Babs and Nightshade-"

"I don't care what they said! It's what we're doing." You then look down to Diamond and Silver, "You two, you're gonna be alright. But when we get to the house, I want you and those three to sit down and talk things out OK? There's no need for any of you kids to be enemies."

They all sniffle and nod.

"Good. Now, let's get going." You then start marching all five sad fillies back towards Applejack's house

As you carry the two now sniffling fillies on your back and as the CMC follow you back to the Apple's farm you ask Selena,



Kersey's Comment



*sigh* What the buck am I going to do with that filly? A grounding or a lecture just doesn't feel like enough, but I don't want to hurt her-

Let me handle the discipline, she says with conviction.

What?

When we find our daughter, you should indeed give her a tongue lashing, both of us shall. But I will insure that the lessons stick with her.

That sounds rather ominous. What do you mean?

Do you remember back in Fillydelphia? When we convinced that strumpet to change sides and free us?

Painful as it is, you do think back to what she's talking about. When Flag Burner had you chained up and helpless, you had Selena reach out to Coco's mind. You changed it with...

A Nightmare?! you think in shock.

Indeed. What better way to show her the enormity of the consequences for her actions?

You blink in slight surprise at Selena's idea as you think,

Wow...that is both harsh yet justifiable all in one.

While I do not like it, I do have to put a example for her. You may say I'm not to blame for her behavior, and that it's all your fault. But if both of us are to be better parents, we have to take more responsibility. You're not the only one who has let things slide with her. 

You nod in understanding and are about to say something when you are interrupted with a familiar voice shouting,

"WHAT IN THE SAM HILL!?!"

You look to see Applejack  and Big Mac staring at you and the fillies in shock. You give her a grim look before you say,

"Applejack...we have a problem."

A FEW MOMENTS LATER AT THE APPLE'S HOUSE



The Rutherford's Comment



You've all sat the five fillies together in the living room. Granny Smith has even brought out hot cocoa for each of the fillies to help calm them down. As they all sit huddled together with their cocoa, you explain to the older ponies what you've been told. Once in awhile, you will ask either Diamond, Silver, or the CMC for confirmation, but the story gets told. By the end of it, Applejack is fuming.

"And these three saw them head towards me, while the other two ran off towards town, and from what Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo told me, they might be heading to Diamond's house."

"Ah can't believe this, Babs came here to get away from bullies and now she is being one!?"

This seems to get Diamond Tiara's, Silver Spoon's and the CMC's attention as they gasp in shock and confusion.

"Just wait until Ah get a hold of her, she's gonna be punished Apple Family Style!"

"Eyup," Big Red responds grumpily.

"That is all well and good AJ, but we need to get both her and my daughter before they cause any more harm," you point out.

"Darn tootin! Let's go Mister Tennant, we'll round them up right quick," she declares as she stands up. Before she gets anywhere near the door though, you place your hoof on her chest and stop her.

"No. You stay," you declare causing both her eyebrows to shoot up.

"What? Why? I am responsible for Babs and her actions. I need to be there when you get to them fillies."

"No you stay here with the girls. Big Red, I want you to come with me," you say looking to your bro.

Applejack seems flabbergasted at this as she asks,

"No offense Mac, but why should he go with you instead of me?" 

You look at her and sigh before saying,

"Because you are visibly angry, not thinking with a clear head, and might make a bigger scene than this will already be... and that's ME saying that," you point out. She scowls but you continue, "Big Red should be there because he is one of the most level headed ponies I have ever met. If something happens when we find the girls or when we go to talk to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's parents, I want him there to be a voice of reason...And to hold me back if Tiara's mother truly is as bad as I am thinking," you mumble that last part before continuing. "Furthermore, even though I believe that we are all quite angry at their actions," all the adults in the room nod in agreement, "yelling like you would probably won't help, it might make them bolt. I already have an idea of how to make them stop and come with us. Red and I are going to give the best speech known to parenting."

"And what speech is that?"

You look at Applejack with a hard expression and say,

"I am very disappointed in you young lady."

At this remark, all the fillies gasp and hang their heads (Diamond Tiara most of all). Applejack and Big Mac go wide-eyed and Granny Smith nods her head in approval.

"That ought to stop them in their tracks. Although I would recommend using a belt to get the point across when they get home."

You stop and look at her for a moment before you say,

"Well I can't exactly do that to Babs I would likely end up in jail. She isn't my daughter, so that one falls to you guys. For Nightshade however, don't worry, I've got punishment lined up for her. One that I will not say around these fillies."

They don't question you with the look you are giving, so they nod. Before you and Red leave though, you look to the five fillies.

"Now look girls, I want you all to talk to each other. REALLY talk. Diamond, Silver, your brand of bullying may be low tier next to what the other two did, but it still can hurt others, and even make them lash out. Nightshade and Babs took things way too far, and I don't want to see any of you ever reach those levels," you say gently. They all nod and look to each other a bit nervously before you start hearing them all start saying "Sorry" to one another.

Smirking, you then look to Applejack and say,

"Be a mediator to those five, I think they've got a lot to talk about." 

As Applejack nods, and the fillies start talking, you and Red take your leave.

LATER AT FILTHY RICH'S HOUSE

As you and Big Mac approach Filthy Rich's home you see a...disturbing sight. You see...



Master of Shadow's Comment



Nightshade and Babs near the house with a couple of Molotov's. Nightshade is even clanging bottles together and chanting,

"Di-a-mond...Come out to plaa-aay..."

Now any normal parent would have rushed over to them, confiscated the Molotov's and chided their child for having them. You on the other hoof just get pissed that your daughter would go so far as to burn down a filly's house, perhaps even with semi-questionable parents still possibly inside, just to get back at them. With that in mind you respond in the most predictable way...



PrinceDuskRiser's Comment

 


Kersey's comment



"NIGHTSHADE MOON FLOWER LITTLE WINGS MIDNIGHT HEART NYX SAPPHIRE ECLIPSE!" you roar in the Royal Canterlot Voice, causing her to seize up suddenly and quit her chanting.

Big Red looks over to you and says, "I didn't know she had a full name."

"She doesn't. Those were just rejected names I came up with when I was naming her..."

Both fillies look over to you in surprise. You hear her gulp as she sees your glowing orange eyes, and Babs Seed shrinks as she sees Big Red giving her the stink eye. 

"Honey...you have a lot of explaining to do."

WHAT DO YOU DO?  

Outro:

> Episode 57: The Ugly Truth 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:





Sharp77's Comment




Blade Dancer's Comment



The first thing you do is quickly snatch the Molotov's away from the girls' hooves before they have any time to react. Both fillies look at their hooves in shock as Nightshade shouts out,

"The heck dad?!"

You ignore her shout as you resist the urge to see the beautiful flames of the Molotovs spread all around creating a masterful piece of ash and flame by putting them in your potion sash (you almost forgot you had one).

4 Molotov's added to Potion Sash

Nightshade continues to give you a shocked look while Babs seems to shrink even more into herself as Big Mac begins to walk towards her. Deciding to follow his lead you begin to walk over to Nightshade while saying,



The Pony Spartan's Comment

   

"Anata wa nani o yatte iru to omoimasu ka (What do you think your doing)!?" in a menacing voice.

Babs looks at you confused, intimidated, and amazed while Big Red just glares at her, ignoring your language change. You ignore all this as you focus solely on Nightshade, who just gives you a confused look before asking,

"I was just gonna teach that snot nosed Diamond Tiara a lesson, why?" 

"Y-yeah, just a simple...uh..." Babs tries to add on, but she begins to falter under Red's gaze.

"Simple? With a Molotov?" he says in an unbelieving tone.

You see the little orange filly with the heavy Manehattan accent begin to stammer to this.



BrownDog's Comment



“Well you see cousin Big Mac…heh heh…We was just…” Babs stammers.

Big Mac snorts causing her to stop talking and tremble.

“We’re heading home to the farm now young lady. MOVE!” he orders with a point down the road.

Hanging her head down and gulping, she follows orders, following Big Red.

Big Red nods at you before walking away with the filly. You nod back and look at a confused Nightshade who asks, 

“H-Hey, what’s going on, why’s everyone so upset and yelling?” 

You glare at her causing her to take a step back as you say,



Kichi's Comment



"We're upset Nightshade, because of what you two have done," you growl.

"What we've done? We haven't done anything yet. In fact, you took my molotovs before I could do anything," she points out. "Can I have those back by the way, I still need to teach Diamond a lesson and-."

"No!" you declare, causing her to stop. "You are not getting those back. And I'm not talking just about this, I'm talking about what you and Babs did to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon back at the farm."

Her eyes narrow at that. "Oh those stupid little snitches! Don't they know a threat when they hear one? I guess shoving broken jewelry down their throat isn't scary enough for them to-."

"Be quiet Shade," you command, and she does so. "Do you have any idea what you've done to them? They're terrified of you. And to give you a clue on how badly you've messed up, your own friends are the ones that told me."

"What?!" she gasps in shock. "Applebloom, Sweetie, and Scootaloo told on me?"

"You're Gorramned right they did! Don't you see? Even your friends feel you've gone over-"

"Those backstabbing jerks!" she yells interrupting you. "I go out of my way to take down their tormentors and this is how they repay me? Why would they do that?"

"Because you've scared them Nightshade! They were frightened by what you were trying to do to Diamond and Silver!"

"But why? What did I do wrong? Noling had problems when we punched the bad guys before. How is this any different?" she asks in confusion.

"Because it is! Sweet Luna, how can you not see that Nightshade? A moment ago you were trying to burn someling's house down, and for what?"

"To teach her a lesson! They're the bad guys dad, and I have to stop them!"

"I..." you trail off as you can see in her eyes she has no notion that what she is doing is wrong. That she thinks she is completely in the right, and it shocks you something fierce. 

As you are having this parental meltdown Sombra decides to chime in his two cents by saying,



Kersey's Comment



From what the little Overlord is saying it makes sense. I don't see why you can't agre-

You decide to vent off some steam as you and Selena yell out,

SHUT THE BUCK UP SOMBRA!!!  

As the annoyance in your head quiets down (or shuts up due to magic fire blasts, one of the two) you take a deep breath before you begin to pace back and forth in front of Nightshade. Said filly begins to give you a weird look but before she can say anything you begin to speak while pacing. You say with stern authority,



BrownDog's Comment

  

"Look sweetie, the reason why I'm so upset with you and why I'm trying to lecture you is because I have failed you as a father."

Nightshade gains a confused look as you continue, 

"I've let you become something I hate the most and I didn't do a thing to prevent it. I let you become something that has plagued me my whole life. I let you become...a bully."

Her eyes widen in confusion and shock at this.

"WHAT?! But I'm not a bully! I'm the good guy that fights the bullies!"

"Really? A good guy that breaks a scared crying filly's glasses and personal belongings? A good guy that threatens and chases them and attempts to burn their house down?"

"Um...Yes?" she guesses still confused, causing you to shake your head.

"Well too bad Good Guy, but they're not here. They're back at the farmhouse safe and sound with your friends."

“What? They’re back at the farm? Well in that case let’s head over there and…”

“NO! None of that! Shame on you! You are in big trouble young lady. I’m very disappointed in you,” you declare causing her to wince.

“Dis-disappointed?” she asks shocked and hurt.

“Yes! How could you do this?”

“I learned it from watching you!” she declares a bit huffily.

“Yeah? And what made you think breaking a fillies glasses and belongings and attempting to burn down her house is something I would do?”

“You burn things all the time, and I’m no Bully! I’m just giving those bullies they’re comeuppance!”

“Why? Because they called you all some names? Because they had a bad attitude?”

“Yes! Exactly that. I hated their stupid smug faces and decided to-”

“You don’t go overboard like this Nightshade! Did Diamond or Silver break your guys’s stuff?”

“Well…no. But-“.

“Did they physically hurt you or the others?”

“N-no, but-“

“Did they threaten any of you?”

“No! They were being jerks!” she declares.

“Jerks huh? And being jerks that have never actually physically hurt you, you decide to take things up to 11 and hurt them and try to burn down their house? What part of that sounds right?!” you scold causing her ears to fold down.

“B-but you do this all the time!”

“Do I?”

“Yes! All those knights were bullies right? And you hate Discord and Trixie and will fight them too. So what’s the difference?” she says grumpily.

“The difference Nightshade, is that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are nowhere NEAR the level of what they’ve done,” you answer harshly. “They’re little kids, just like you. If what I suspect is true, they’re lashing out because they haven’t been raised properly. I can’t say I don’t understand it, I didn’t teach you the right lessons. But I’m teaching them now.”

“But Dad-“

“Nightshade, The Knights were Terrorists, and their list of crimes were horrible and got people hurt. Can those compare to Diamond and Silver’s words?”

“Well no…”

“And Discord is a cosmic troll, we lashed out at him out of instinct for what he’d done to us. I can’t say I wouldn’t mind giving him a beatdown again, but that’s because he’s done a lot more than just name calling.”

“I…” she trails off looking towards the ground. “What about Trixie?”

“And as for TRIXIE…” you seethe her name as your eyes flash, “She’s not a bully Nightshade…she’s a traitor. The worst kind of pony. We gave her our trust and friendship, and she threw it all away for money and fame. Really, a lot of the problems you, your mother and I face stem back to that day she betrayed us. She deserves our hatred, but compared to her, compared to any of the others, can you honestly say Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon deserves this?”

“I…I…” she mumbles, confusion and shock on her features.

“Honey, when I was growing up, I had bullies too," you say as you place your hoof on her shoulder. "The things they did to me though…I wish I had something as simple as Diamond or Silver. Sure they’ll mock you, but they don’t ostracize you, beat you, rub it in your face when your family…isn’t there anymore,” you wince thinking back to those lonely days without your mom, dad, and eventually Grandbuggy.

“Daddy?” she asks you cautiously seeing your sad expression. You shake your head and look back to her.

“The point is Nightshade, there IS a difference. A big difference between fighting bad guys, and being a bully. A bully is someone who takes things overboard. Someone who will hurt, threaten, and abuse someone far beyond what is simple payback. Someone who will hurt another just for things the other person has said...” you trail off looking into her eyes.

Nightshade’s eyes widen in realization as she looks back down at her hooves, as if studying them for the first time.

"I...I'm a bully?" she asks in shock as she looks back up to you. The look you give her is all the answer she needs.

“I…I thought I was being the good guy, like you,” she whimpers. You let out a sigh as you place your other hoof on her shoulder, steadying her.

“Shade, I’ve never been a good guy, or a bad guy. Just an unlucky one. I fight out of necessity. My fights and actions are not how you deal with things in a regular life and I never took the time to tell you that. I’m sorry. I am sorry for putting you on this road.”
She looks down in shame at that as she thinks on her actions.

“We’re going back to the farm now Shade, and your mother would like a word with you as well when we get there.” She shivers at that and nods her head, but she says nothing. Nodding your own head you place both hooves back on the ground.

“But that comes later. First thing that's going to happen is that you and Babs are going to have to apologize to all of the girls, not just Diamond and Silver. Your actions have hurt more than you realize."

You then begin to march her back to the farm as one more thought pops in your head.

“And honey, never EVER get into fire like I have. I know it’s wrong, but it’s an addiction. You don’t need to get mixed up in it.”

She nods in shame and continues to follow you as you slowly catch up to Red and Babs.


BACK AT THE FARM

You, Applejack, and Big Red stand by as Nightshade, Babs, the CMC, and the two former bullies talk amongst each other. While the two fillies initially hid behind Applejack when you brought in Nightshade, you were able to assure them she wouldn't hurt them. Then the real talks began, starting with both Nightshade and Babs apologizing, and leading into the why. 

Revelations were made. Babs Seed lashed out because her own bullying problems were so severe that she wanted to avoid them at all costs while in Ponyville, even if it meant becoming one herself. Diamond admits that she acts the way she does, because it's how her mother taught her. That you have to be respected and put others down to hide your own insecurities. Her biggest one being that she doesn't actually know what her Cutie Mark means. Silver Spoon admits that she only ever wanted to help out her best friend and support her, even if what she did went too far sometimes, she just didn't want to lose her only friend. 

With that information, Nightshade wept and admitted that she thought they were bad guys and needed to be punished, but now that she knows the truth she realizes she was the bad guy all along. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo being caught up in the whole mess accepted everyone's apologies. There were many tears shed and hugs shared that may or may not have made this author tear up while thinking of it. It certainly got to you and the other older ponies.

Still though, after an hour or so of this little scene of hatchets being buried, you can tell that Diamond and Silver don't seem to have fully forgiven Nightshade or Babs, but that's to be expected. With time wounds will heal after all. As for their feelings on Applebloom, Sweetie, and Scootaloo...you think they're going to work it all out.

Looking out the window however, you see that it's starting to get dark, and while Silver and Diamond are cleaned up and in better shape thanks to the apples, they're respective headwear is still damaged. Forgiveness or none, these fillies have to get back home, and someling has to speak with their parents.

Sighing you interrupt the fillies by coughing into your hoof.

"Alright, it's getting late. Diamond. Silver. It's time for me and Red to take you home."

"Oh...OK," Diamond says hesitantly.

You nod then say to Nightshade, "Honey, after we leave, you go straight to the shack. Applejack will make sure you do, and you will wait for me young lady."
She nods sadly at this, and you can hear Granny saying something similar to Babs, about going to her room early.

When you and Red have Silver and Diamond ready, all the CMC call out to them.

"Listen, we can hang out more if you'd like," ventures Applebloom.

"Yeah, we'd love to have you back," says Sweetie.

Even Scootaloo smirks and says, "Yeah, we do need to build another float for the Harvest Festival. You can help us and get to ride on it too."

Though they still seem sad and tired, you see ghosts of smiles appear on the two.

"We'd like that..." they both say in a hopeful voice that is just above a whisper.

"And again, I'm really sorry for what I did...I hope ya'lls can forgive me one day. I'll make it up to ya for what I did to yer glasses," Babs says to Silver, causing her to look down.

"Me too," Nightshade adds looking at Diamond. "I'll make this up to you somehow...I'm sorry."

Both Silver and Diamond just nod at these two declarations, as they turn and head for the door, with you and Red behind them.

Later, Back At The Rich Household

You now stand in front of the Rich Household. It turns out, Silver Spoon is staying with them while her family is out of town, which you are thankful for because it means two less worried (Possibly Uptight) Ponies you have to deal with today. From what you've gathered from Red, Filthy Rich himself is a decent enough fellow. Always does good business with the Apple Family. His wife on the other hand...All you got in response from Red was a shiver. That, on top of what Diamond admitted to the others, has made you dread this moment.

Both fillies seem a bit hesitant to knock on the door, so you give both of them a comforting squeeze before sighing.

Well, might as well get this over with. I still got a daughter to get back home to and punish.

You then knock on the door.

An elderly pony in a butler uniform opens the door and gasps at the sight of Diamond's Tiara.

"H-Hi Randolph," Diamond stutters.

The butler then looks to Silver then to you and Big Red, before calling over his shoulder.

"Ma'am, Ms. Tiara has returned. And I think that she's been in some sort of acc-"

From behind him comes one of the snootiest voices you've ever heard.

"What?! At This Hour?!" comes the voice, and you see Diamond flinch.

Suddenly the butler is pushed out of the way and a middle aged mare who is clearly Diamond's mother looks down at her, ignoring the rest of you.

"Diamond! Do you have any idea what time it is?" she asks before her eyes narrow inquisitively, "And what have you done to your Tiara?!" she scolds, causing Diamond to falter. 

"I-I-I...It..."

Normally you'd be quick to jump in and start explaining the situation, but one thought is crossing your mind taking up all your thought process.

Oh Sweet Luna! What is wrong with this mare's nose?!!!

WHAT DO YOU DO?  

Outro:

   
> Episode 58: Time For A Parent Conference!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:



As you and Big Mac stare awkwardly at the mare before you with the two fillies frozen in fright you can't help but be mesmerized by the nose. 

The term stuck up isn't supposed to be literal. It looks like it's trying to curve 180 degrees and enter her skull. Did she walk into a wall? Was it plastic surgery gone bad? Is it a birth defect? What? WHAT?!!!




The Rutherford's Comment



Ignore that for now! Concentrate on the real matter at hoof. Save that for a later time.

I don't know, I would have to agree with the idiot, that does not look natural, Sombra mutters in awe. She looks like one of the Who-Ponies from that zebra foal-book writer. The one who wrote 'Green Eggs and Yams'. 

You continue to stare at her for a few microseconds as she continues to talk to her daughter ignoring you.

I don't know how you know about those nostalgic books, but you're right Subaru. But Selly's more right, I need to focus. So everyling be quiet and don't even mention this awe inspiring train wreck, otherwise I might not be able to look away!

And you really can't. It's just so prominent...




Master of Shadow's  Comment




 Just_another_guy's Comment



Your hoof subconsciously reaches for your own nose, to make sure her affliction isn't contagious somehow. Big Mac notices this and gets a worried look on his face. He grabs your head and pulls you into a huddle before he whispers,

"Whatever you do, DON'T mention her-" he points at his muzzle before continuing , "or you'll feel the wrath of a thousand fruit bats" he says with a new level of seriousness and... fear?

Oh come on, THIS stallion is afraid of that ugly schnoz? Selena huffs in irritation.

I know, If it's enough to get Red talking normally, It's very VERY serious, you shudder making her sigh.

With that said you both get out of the huddle and you clear your throat. This catches the attention of the mare in front of you, who looks over to you and gains a...some sort of look that you feel is insulting before she says,

"Oh...and who are you?" Growling a little bit at the way she said that you say,

"I'm Baker Sylvester Tennant and this is Big Mac. We're the ones who brought your daug-"
Before you can finish the mare rudely interrupts you as she says snobbishly,

"Yes yes I understand. I'm Spoiled Rich, but of course you already knew that."
Her voice just drips snootiness...and that nose just sort of bounces...



Gorgeous Freeman's Comment



"Well it's nice to nose you-MEET YOU!" you shout realizing your mistake as she squints her eye at you. "Nice to get to nose you!"

Big Mac elbows you.

"Right, right, don't say nose," you whisper.

"Quit it!" he shushes.

"I said nose..."

"Stop!"

She keeps giving you the stink eye, before sniffing with that pointing thing loudly.

"Rrrriiiigggghhhtttt...Well Come on in then so we can talk more, the night air is bad for my fur," she says as she walks back through the door.

As she walks with Diamond and Silver you hear her start berating her daughter.

"What's the meaning of walking around with low life nobody's like them Tiara? Were you hanging around that filthy farm again?!"

You and Red clench your teeth together as she makes no effort to hide her insults, but you both roll your eyes and follow her inside. As you do walk in you can't help but think,

 Yep, this lady is a grade A B!^%$. She's not even asking why Silver Spoon's glasses are broken, or if her daughter actually got hurt. *sigh* Hopefully this won't take too long. 


A FEW MOMENTS LATER

I just had to think that, didn't I?

You've been in here trying to talk to the now named Spoiled Rich, said name making you think even her parents knew she'd turn out like this, with no progress. The reason being....




SnapDrakeGames's Comment




Kersey's Comment



For whatever reason, Spoiled Rich seems to be continuously surrounded by a group of well-groomed, tuxedoed stallions. You find this rather unusual, given that she's married.

"Hey, uh, I don't mean to be rude, but what's with the entourage?" you ask, interrupting whatever condescending thing she was saying to her daughter.

"Them? Oh, don't mind them. They follow me around wherever I go, that's their job," Spoiled Rich replies.

"They just... follow you around? What are they? Bodyguards? Eye candy?"

"Better," she grins. All the stallions suddenly whip out legal pads and ballpoint pens. "Lawyers!"

"...Oh," you mutter. 

"I advise you consider your next words very carefully, if you intend to get to nose me,"

Both You and Red gulp at this.
She then looks back towards Diamond.

"Now then, Diamond, do you realize how much that Tiara cost? What have I told you about walking around the dirtier parts of this town?"

"I...I know mom," she says downcast.

"How exactly did you break it?"

"Well you see..." you start to say, before you notice the dozen lawyers starting to scribble on their notepads.

"My daughter can speak for herself, thank you very much," she says pointedly.

"I...I..." Diamond mutters, and you see Spoiled roll her eyes.

"Let me guess, you'd rather tell your father?"

Diamond nods and Spoiled curls her lip (and Nose) and shakes her head.

"Fine, go on then, he's in his study," she says as she gives a shooing gesture. Diamond and Silver then look back at you and Red before trotting off down the hallway as the butler Randolph follows them.

"Oh no, you can't possibly tell me anything, I'm only your mother after all," she mutters in what you think sounds like a smidgen of hurt...but with all the snootiness in her voice it's hard to tell.

She then shakes her head and says, "I'm getting a drink, keep these lowlifes company and make sure they don't steal anything," she says to the lawyers and walks into another room.

"Ummm..." you say putting your hoof out trying to get her attention, but you again see the lawyers start scribbling in their notebooks.

Oh Gorramit!

Lawyers... Sombra growls

They had these leeches around in your day? you mentally ask.

Indeed. One of my first acts was to have all these parasites stripped of their possessions and thrown in the deepest, darkest parts of my ice dungeons right next to the mimes.

I guess that's one good deed on your resume. But I can't have a proper conversation with this lady with these vultures ready to sue me for any mista- *ding*

"Look, a distraction!" you declare and point causing everypony to look away. You quickly take out the Power Glove and whisper, "WouldYouKindlyBuzzOff?"

This causes a small swarm of bees to come out of your hoof before you quickly put it away and dramatically dive to the side into Big Red yelling, "Look out, bees!"

When everypony looks back, the bees converge on the lawyers. They take this as well as expected;

"My suit!"

"Why did I help sue my Epi-Pen company into bankruptcy?!"

"I'll sue you little bugs out of hive and honey!" (Un/surprisingly the bees understood what this one was saying and stung him even harder)

Soon all the lawyers rush out of the front door screaming as the swarm follows them.

Big Red looks confused as heck at what just happened, but you chuckle. With them gone you think that you'll finally be able to hold a conversation with the mare. Speaking of which...

"What in the world? Where are my lawyers?"

"They just randomly started yelling and mocking your nose and they ran out before they had to look at you again," you lie and Red gives you a worried look, because her eyes do appear to catch fire.

"OH THEY DID DID THEY? Well I guess Hodges and Haybelle have lost a very powerful client!" she declares as she takes a drink of whatever she's got in her glass. "What other good news can come my way?!" she shouts. 

"Well...you see Mrs. Rich, we brought the girls back because they were getting bullied and..."

"BULLIED?! My Diamond?! She's not that weak SIR! My Diamond is strong! Nopony would be stupid enough to bully her! Those Schoolhouse Weaklings know their superior when they see her!" 

She then begins to go on a tirade, and you can't help but feel that isn't the first glass of booze she's had tonight. Even still,




Kichi's Comment



A lot of the things she keeps ranting about, and at you, has made you want to slap her in that thing she calls a nose.

"My daughter comes in here with a broken crown with that defeated look! That's NOT the face of a Winner Diamond! You're lucky I'm even letting your four eyed friend stay here!" she then takes another drink and starts pacing, "Stupid lawyers, stupid hired help. Stupid Town!" she then glares down her nose at you two. "And then there's THESE Flankholes! I have to deal with some backwards dirty hick that my Filthy won't just get rid of, and some stupidly dressed moron with orange eyes won't stop staring at me! I'm married MISTER!" 

You didn't even realize your eyes were glowing, but this mare (tipsy though she maybe) is just awful to listen to, and you glare is fixed solely on her. Red doesn't seem to notice your eyes though, but out of your peripheral, you notice that his jaw is clenched and he appears redder than normal.

"I taught Diamond Tiara everything she knows! But I guess it isn't enough! As a Rich pony, you must always think of your social standing. My daughter associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? Socializing with your kind is not how you move up in Equestria! Especially with that sister, or daughter or whatever the heck she is with the bow. Little parasite should know her place." You feel particularly fed up with this mare and are about to say something, when Red beats you to it.

"I've had enough of your smart-mouthing Spoiled! You don't talk about Applebloom like that!" he booms in his voice as he walks towards her intimidatingly with a scowl.

She immediately recoils in dramatic fashion and yells,

"Don't you dare strike me! You! Low life! Do you know who I am?" she yells, even though Red just stands their glaring at her, not even raising his hoof.

"Um, we're not attacking you lady, you're just," you try to interject.

"I'll have you brought up on charges as soon as I've found a new law firm. I'll see you thrown in jail! I'll-" 

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" she is interrupted by Filthy Rich himself as he walks into the room. She stops her tirade and trots over to him. "Now, what is happening here?"

"Oh Filthy! These low life ruffians, they just barged in here with Diamond and then they hit me!" she says dramatically.

"What? No! We..." you try to defend, but Filthy Rich cuts you off with a glare.

"Oh really? You Two, in my study now!"

"You're study? But Filthy," she whines.

"I'll Handle this Spoiled!" he declares shutting her up. "In the meantime, sit down and relax, have another drink if you need one. Just keep quiet, Diamond and Silver have already been sent up to bed."

"Ugh! Fine!" she declares as she angrily trots off to a sitting couch, glaring at you and Red.

"Alright. Inside you get! Come on! Or would you like me to have Randolph get the guards?" he declares.

You don't really like the sound of that, and though you'd rather just get out of this mansion, you see Big Red visibly lighten up and follow Rich's orders without objection. You decide not to leave your bro hanging and follow, the glare of that horn nosed harpy watching you the whole way.

As you both enter through some double doors, and he closes them behind you, you see Filthy Rich's face drop the pretense of anger as he gives both of you a sympathetic look.


"So...Did my wife run her mouth again?" he asks.

"Uhhh..." you stutter a bit confused, but luckily Big Red saves you from looking too stupid as he sighs and says his usual,

"Eyup."

Shaking his head and sighing, Filthy points to two plush looking chairs and says,

"Please, have a seat gentleman," he then walks over to his mini bar and starts pulling some bottles out.

"So... What did she say this time?" he asks as you and Red take a seat.

"Well..."

You then give him the rundown of the things she said to and about you guys, which causes him to shake his head.

"Gol'Darnit Spoiled," looking over his shoulder at you two he asks, 




BrownDog's Comment



“Would you all care for a drink? Something Soft or something Strong?”

“No thank you.”

“Enope,” you both say. He shrugs and pours himself a drink from his bar.

“I apologize for my wife, she can be…grating when she’s cranky.”

“When is she not cranky?” you ask, causing a subdued chuckle for him.

“Oh you may not believe me, but she has her days,” he says almost wistfully  before sighing and taking a drink of the liquid in his cup. You think it’s something strong.

“But even still, even she should know better than to get angry at a friend like Big Mac,” he adds.

“It’s OK Rich. It ain’t new,” he says in understanding.

"No Mac, it's not OK. The Riches and the Apples have been business partners, and I'd like to thing friends for a hundred years. It's like she can't figure that out..." he says almost sadly.

"Really Rich, It's fine. You and I are good. I probably shouldn't have lost it like that, but I can't stand anypony badmouthing my baby sister," he explains. 

Really, as bad as this whole situation is, you're hearing Red speak a lot more than you've ever heard before.

Rich nods then sighs again as looks at you, “And you Mr. Tennant, you and your little girl just came back from the grave not three days ago, she shouldn’t be giving you any guff,” he says sincerely.

You don’t know why, but you find Filthy Rich to be a very laid back and reasonable guy, so you say,

“Hey it’s alright, if I’ve learned anything about myself, I never stop getting guff.”
He nods at this, and then as he sits down, he asks,

“Yeah…but anyway, now that Spoiled’s not ranting and raving, might I ask what happened to my daughter and her little friend?"

"They didn't tell you?" you ask surprised.

"Well, they were trying to. They mentioned some trouble down at the farm, and they spoke of you two, but by the time I was able to calm them down and start asking questions, my wife starting shouting, so I just sent them to their room."

You and Red then look at each other before looking back and you tell them the events that happened this afternoon. You don’t know how many times you’ve apologized, but it still doesn’t seem like enough.

As the story concludes, he just sighs again, and takes a bigger swig of his drink. 

I guess in one regard, he is like his wife then.


“Well, I can’t exactly say I’m surprised this happened,” he mutters confusing you. “It was only a matter of time before Diamond said the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong pony.”

“What?” you ask.

He sighs again and pours himself another drink. “I’ve known about my daughter and her friend teasing others from Ms. Cheerilee, and even from Randolph. I thought it was just a phase that she’d grow out of and be friends with everypony eventually,” he sighs again, “But I’m always so busy with work, and I thought my wife would handle the situation better.” He then takes another swig. “Plus, I don’t think my therapist’s advice of drinking to forget is particularly healthy,” he adds.

Yeesh, what kind of Quack is this guy’s therapist?


Elsewhere in a Bar in The Middle of The Desert,

Dr. Quacksalver suddenly sneezes Johnny Trotter out of his nose.




Back with you


“Guess now it’s all come to a head,” he surmises.

“H-hey man, don’t put yourself down so much, Nightshade and Babs are the ones who-”

“Yes yes, they certainly went a little overboard I’d say. But kids will tend to do that,” he says really calmly. After all the emotions you’ve went through today, it’s kind of surprising to see how he’s taking it in stride.

“But even still, maybe there is a lesson in this for Diamond and Silver.”

“Well, even so, what they did was horrible to those two fillies,” you say and he nods.

“Yeah, I know that. But I have faith that you two will give whatever punishment to them that you see fit, so I don’t have to worry about that. But from what you’ve said, it has made my Diamond see the light so to speak. Was she really getting along well with your sister and her friends Big Mac?”

“Eyup,” Red answers as usual. Filthy gives a small smile to that.

“B-but what about,” you try to say.

“Mr. Tennant, do not worry about my wife’s threats or myself being angry. A tiara can be replaced, and I’ve certainly got enough cash to fix poor Silver Spoon’s glasses. Nothing lasting has been damaged. In fact, I suspect that this whole mess has actually been beneficial for everypony involved. You’re not the only one who has to become more involved in his daughter’s life Mr. Tennant,” he says rationally.

You can’t believe this guy. Aren’t all rich guys supposed to be stuck up jerks like his wife?

“Mac, Mr. Tennant, I thank you for letting me know everything. I’ll handle things from here, and I’ll even let Silver’s parents know when they get back…though I don’t think they need to know EVERYTHING. Especially if her glasses will be fixed by then,” he gives you both a wink.

Dear Luna. How is this guy married to that Rhino? I know they say love can make you blind, but love is making this guy blind, deaf, and dumb. 

He then looks to Red and says, “So the Cutie Mark Crusaders offered to let them build a new float for the Harvest Festival with them?”

“Eyup.” He smiles again at that. “Well, I’m sure I can work something out so those five can do just that.” He then sets his drink down and looks to you two.

"Well everything seems to be settled now. I'll have a talk with that wife of mine and see if I can't calm her down. After that I'll be taking a break from work and spend Diamond's first day of being grounded giving her time and understanding she needs." 

You and Big Mac nod your heads at this and you make a comment about how Diamond doesn't know what her Talent is and he nods understanding that's another thing for them to talk about.

With all said and done the three of you stand up as Filthy says,

"Now gentlemen I hate to do this but I must escort you out in a rather...loud manner. Need to keep that wife of mine calm for now and seeing my chatting with the pony who 'hit' her won't do that any good. When she sobers up she should be more reasonable."

You and Big Mac nod your heads in understanding as Filthy begins to drag you both out. While you are surprised by how strong he is to be able to do this, you also spot Spoiled smiling cockily from the other room. So you decide to do what you do best...make a scene!

You begin to thrash about a bit as you yell in a poor accent of some kind,

"I DID NOT HIT HER IT'S NOT TRUE! IT'S BULLSPIT! I DID NOT HIT HER! I DID NO-oh hi Mac."

Big Mac proceeds to look at you in confusion while you hear a tiny, nearly silent laugh from Filthy. The look on Spoiled's face is also a thing of glory. However that very confused look on her face is ruined by the unavoidable nose. Still making a scene, you decide to do something incredibly stupid...



Gorgeous Freeman's Comment




 Amethyst Blade's Comment



"NOSE! Bloody nose! We're not supposed to talk about the bloody nose, but there is a bloody nose winking me in the face!" you shout causing her to gasp in shock before anger comes to her eyes.


"Kill it! Kill it with fire! DOWN WITH THE MONSTER OF A NOSE!!"

You then throw what you presume to be one of the unlit Molotov, but in your ranting your hoof slips. Instead of landing above her head, the bottle strikes her straight in her snooter, shattering over her face.

Filthy stops pretending to drag you, and you three stare in shock by what you just did.

I think I just ruined any chances of Diamond having a good childhood.... you think ruefully.

She then looks up and begins glaring at you.

"Why you no good stupid...huh?" she trails off as she and in turn the rest of you notice that her nose...is no longer upturned and sharp. Instead, it's normal and rounded. It actually improves her looks and you can understand why Filthy would have married her. She's actually pretty good looking when her face isn't jacked up.

As she touches her now normal nose in awe, Filthy whispers in your ear.

"Thank you...I've missed her old muzzle," he says in such gratitude with sparkling eyes.

"Um...You're welcome?"

But how did I... you trail off as you see the red liquid all over the floor next to the bits of broken glass. Your eyes widen.

Oh Son of a B$@!^, I just wasted one of my health potions!


*6 Health Potions Remaining


Spoiled Rich then stops touching her muzzle, which has a subdued smile on it. She just gives you and Red a tiny scowl, before she says haughtily,

"And that useless so-called doctor Quack said it was incurable! Hmmph!" she then walks out of the room without so much as a thank you.

Before you or Mac can comment at this miracle you are both "thrown out." With one last nod from Filthy, the door slams behind you.

You look at Red and he looks at you before you both shrug.

"So...that happened. Went a lot better than I thought."

"Eyup."

You and him then begin walking back to the farm.

"Well, I guess it's time for us to take care of Babs and Nightshade huh?"

He nods and sighs.

"Well, good luck with that big guy. I've got something in store for her..." you then trail off as something comes to mind. "Say Mac, do you happen to have any Hard Cider back at the house?"

He raises an eyebrow at you.

"Eyup."

"Cool, think I can have six pack? I know I don't normally drink, but I need something to...calm my mind for tonight."

Wait What?

Later At The Shack

You stand with 6 empty bottles in your hoof. Not even a hint of being buzzed as Nightshade sleeps on the cot. You and Red had told Applejack the situation, and the two siblings went on up to the house to deal with Babs, leaving you to take care of Nightshade. 

So Selly, did my idea work?

Listen for yourself,

*Hic* Crystals... the drunken king slurs in your head.

Nice. So until we get more tranqs, I can just booze it up whenever the need arises.

True, though alcohol is different than the drugs. I may be able to siphon the toxins, but you are still filling your belly with swill. Be sure to eat something so you won't get sick, she explains.

Well that won't be hard, you think as you pick up an apple and bite into it.

But now onto brass tacks. With Sombra in the drunk tank, how do you want to handle this?

Simply lay down and slumber. I will allow you to observe, but that will be all you'll be able to do as you are not a walker like us. I must weave this story before I speak to her at the end.

You nod, but then ask, But what about Princess Luna? Didn't you tell me she was always on the look out for Nightmares?

Do not worry about her, she will not find us. I know how to shield our activities from her eyes, she says in spite.

Alright then. Just...don't overdue it alright?

I will only show her what she must see. But do not fret, it won't be nearly as bad as what that swine's door showed you. I only wish to teach her a lesson, not torment her.

Nodding, you lie down and think, OK. I'll meet you in the usual spot. You then tussle Nightshade's mane. Honey, this is for your own good...You then nod off.


POV Change: Nightshade

You sit on a swing set on an empty playground as you stare at your hanging hooves. You're not quite sure how you got here, but you feel down. 

"Maybe Diamond and Silver didn't deserve what I did but...I still don't get it. Am I really a bully?" you muse. You are still confused by what your dad has told you today. Your whole way of thinking has been called into question.

You shake your head,

"No, I can't be. I apologized. Sure maybe I went overboard. I know that now. But if I stand up in my own way, is it really that bad?" 

You then hear whispers from all around you. You look up and see your friends. The CMC, Spike, and even a few other schoolyard friends.

You light up, "Guys! Hey!" you call out to them...but they all stop talking and give you a funny look.

"Guys?" you ask as you get off the swing set, and they all wince. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike and the rest start taking steps back.

"Wh-what's wrong?" you ask. "What are all you guys scared of?" you ask as they stare at you in fear.


"Guys?"

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

  
> Episode 59: A Nightmarish Punishment!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Nightshade stares at her frightened friends she tries to get a closer look at them, but to her shock they take a step back. Slightly hurt by their action she asks them,

"Hey guys, what gives?"

The frightened friends just take a further step back as Sweetie says,




Master of Shadow's Comment



"P-please just stay away from us."

Quickly following behind her Scootaloo says,

"Yeah just stay over there."

Confused, you take another step closer and see small cuts and bruises on them. "What happened to you guys?!"

They all take an even further step back and huddle together as Applebloom asks,

"How do you not remember?"

"Remember? Remember What?" you cry out.

Spike gets an angry look on his face, shocking you, as he yells,

"YOU did this! So stay away and leave us alone!"

"What? What are you talking about?!" you exclaim flabbergasted and hurt, but they just whimper.

Not getting a clear answer...




BrownDog's Comment

 

You plead desperately with your friends.

“Everyling just calm down, everything’s going to be alright, I promise! But for Pete's sake! Just answer me.”

You try to trot towards them, but the groups all huddle together and whimper louder.

“Please, just leave us alone!” Scootaloo yells.

“Don’t hurt us anymore,” Applebloom whimpers.

“But I didn’t…”

“Just because you hate Diamond and Silver doesn’t mean you have to hurt us too,” Sweetie pleads.

“What?” you ask flabbergasted. You look to the group of fillies and colts and see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the middle of the CMC with Spike.

“They’re our friends now! Don’t hurt them anymore!” Spike yells.

“I…Ok, that’s fine, they’re your friends, I wasn’t gonna,”

“MS. Cheerilee! Help!”

“What are you calling her for?! I haven’t done anything!” you growl frustrated by them not answering any of your questions as you stomp towards them, they cower before you.

“Why are you all beat up? Why does everyling think I’ve been hurting them?!”

“Ms. Cheerilee!” the group yells.

“Come on, this isn’t funny! You don’t have any reason to be afraid of me!” you shout as your eyes glow white.

“She’s getting mad again!” Sweetie Belle squeals and runs away, causing the group to run off.

“NO WAIT!” you yell and growl in frustration.

Your anger and confusion reaches its boiling point as you yell out in frustration,




The Pony Spartan's Comment 

 

"You're going to be my friends!"

You run after them, yelling for them to stop, but they won’t. As you continue to chase them, the landscape begins to get white and fuzzy and featureless.

"What the...?" you mutter as you look around the mist like surroundings. "What is...Hey!" your legs suddenly feel very heavy, and it's like you can't run anymore.


“Wh-what?” you say as you try to move, but your legs refuse to budge. From the mists walks the CMC with sad downtrodden looks.

“Girls! WHAT IS GOING ON?!”
They flinch, but then they look at you.


“We…we don’t want you in the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore,” they admit to you, causing you to gasp in shock.

“Y-You…you’re kicking me out?” you ask in hurt.
They look down at that before they start speaking again.

“We thought you were nice…” Sweetie whimpers.

“We thought you were cool…” Scootaloo mumbles.

“We thought you were our friend…” Applebloom finishes.

“I…I AM! I’m all those things! Girls please! I would never hurt you!”

Suddenly your voice echoes across the landscape.

We All know what snitches get now don’t we…?

Your eyes widen at this.

Those backstabbing jerks! I go out of my way to take down their tormentors and this is how they repay me?

“I…I didn’t mean it!” you belt out as tears come to your eyes, but they don’t look at you. “Girls please!”

You then hear crying from behind you and you turn your head. There sits Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, much more roughed up, bruised, and even cut than you thought they were. Spike stands defensively in front of them, glaring at you.

“No…” you gasp.

“I won’t let you hurt them anymore Nightshade!”

“Spike…I didn’t…” you try to defend as more tears come to your eyes and you raise your hoof, but the two fillies huddle together and Spike puffs out some smoke, causing you to stop.

“We’re sorry Nightshade,” Silver Spoon cries.

“We won’t bother anypony again,” Diamond bawls.

“Please don’t hurt us anymore!” 

“I won’t. I promise! I won’t…” you shout as tears start falling down your cheeks.

“And why should we trust you?” Spike says with a glare in his eyes. “You’re not anyone’s friend! You’re a jerk!”

“Spike…?” you whimper out but he turns around and leads the two fillies away, not even looking back at you.

From the mists you see other colts and fillies pass by you.

“I don’t want you to play videogames with me anymore. You keep breaking my stuff,” Button says as he passes.

“You keep hurting my big brother. Why should I be friends with you?” Rumble says before he vanishes.

Babs walks past. “I’ll never be forgiven for what I done…You dragged me into this…”

Others walk on by, but you can’t hardly see their features with the tears in your eyes.


“Please…I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry,” you plead to the mist. You turn back around and see Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo still standing there, staring at you sadly.

“I’m sorry! I’ll never be like that! I swear! I don’t want to be a bully! I just want to be your friends!”
All three of them look up at you.

“How can you? You’re just like them,” they say simultaneously as they point to the side. Your eyes wander and you see a horrible scene.

There is a large group of young changelings huddled together, surrounding something and laughing.

“Yeah! Get that orange haired freak!” 

*SMACK*

“Take this Gingy!”

*PUNCH*

“Hey! Cut that out!” you yell as you try to get to the group, but it’s as if you’re running in slow motion. “Stop it!” you yell, but they ignore you.

“Just because you hang around HER sometimes doesn’t mean you’re safe nerd!”

*SLAM*

“How’s it feel knowing your parents never loved you?!” 

*PUSH*

“Yeah, they couldn’t stand the sight of Mr. Lucky the mutant freak, so they ran to get away from you!”

This is followed by several cruel laughs that cause you to gasp, and suddenly a yell.

“THAT’S NOT TRUE!!! You stupid motherbuckers! I’ll make you pay! I’ll- *CRACK*"

The voice is cut short and a thud is heard. 

“You’ll what freak?” comes one of the taunts as several more blows are heard.

“You’ll What?!” the bully’s voice raises. “Are you going to talk back to us again? Huh?! Are you?!”

“Nooo…” the voice whimpers as the group starts laughing.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!” you yell, even as your voice sounds like it’s coming from a far distance.

Suddenly one of them looks up as if hearing you and says,

“Come on, let’s get going before his Grandpa shows up.”

“Yeah, that senile old buck is actually intimidating, which is more than we can say for this loser.”

*KICK* 

*Whimper*

The group of young changelings then walk away as a group, revealing the victim who sits on the floor crying with his head between his legs.

As if this is the trigger, you get full control of your movements back and you rush up to him. He appears to be a changeling, just like the others, but there is something different about him, but you can’t quite put your hoof on why.

“Are…are you ok? They’re gone now!” you say as you reach out a hoof, but suddenly it is slapped away, and the changeling looks up to you causing you to gasp.

“Get Away From Me!” the orange haired young changeling cries as he backs away from you, as though you’ll hurt him. 

“Dad?!” you cry out in shock, confusion, and sadness.

“Please…No more…” he cries as he looks at you in fear. "No more..."

“No…NO…NOOOOOOO!!!!” you yell to the heavens as even your own dad thinks you’re a bully.

The tears flow freely from your eyes as you bawl at the awful truth.

All around you now is darkness, noling around to see you, noling around to hear your cries.

“I’ll change! I swear! Please! Girls! Spike! DADDY! EVERYLING! Please give me another chance…I don’t want to be a bully anymore! Please!...Please…”

As you look to the ground, suddenly the darkness fades away, and a soothing presence is felt as a familiar voice declares.

“That is enough. I believe you honey…” A black hoof lifts your chin up till you are staring into the blue draconic eyes of your mother.

“M-Mommy!” you declare as you leap to into her arms and hug her.

“Shh...It’s alright now my precious,” she says in a soothing voice

After a few moments of your mom comforting you and calming you down, a realization strikes you.

“Wait…this is a dream isn’t it?” Your mom nods confirming your suspicions.

“No wonder everything was so weird and wonky…but dang. I thought I had a handle on the whole dream walking thing.”

“You still have much to learn Nightshade. You’re still not nearly as skilled as I am.”

You nod at this, and then ask, “So…was this my punishment that Dad was talking about?”

She closes her eyes and nods. “I am sorry Nightshade, but we felt this would drive the point home the best. And though it stung my heart to watch you cry…it was…necessary.”

You look down at the ground. “Was it all fake then?”

“In some ways yes, in other ways no. I wielded the tapestry of fears and thoughts you already had deep within you. The events that transpired today, and your father’s words left an impact on you, but the emotions were scattered and confusing to you…I just put them into something resembling coherency.”

You nod as you stare at the ground.

“I don’t want to be a bully mommy. I don’t want my friends, or anyling to look at me like a monster. I don’t want to hurt anyling unless I know for sure that they deserve it…I don't want to be the bad guy...”

She places a hoof on your shoulder. “I know child. I know you don’t. And I’m glad that you know that with so much resolve now too.”

You sniffle and look up at her. “I’m sorry mommy. I’m sorry for making you and daddy mad at me.”

She hugs you and says, “We weren’t mad so much as disappointed my darling. In a way, I think it’s more we don’t want you to go down the same paths we took.”

“What do you mean?” you ask as you hug her.

“Your father and I are considered monsters Nightshade. Our actions and misdeeds carry immense weight. You though…you are still young. You have a chance to be something greater than the two of us. Something better.”

You smile at that and hug her tighter.

She then breaks away from the hug and looks into your eyes. “Tonight, there were will be no more Nightmares. I shall stay with you, and if you wish, I can craft you any pleasant dream you want.”

You nod and smile. “Thanks mommy...” You trail off as something still bugs you.

“Nightshade?” she asks in worry.

“Mommy, there’s still one thing about the nightmare…did that really happen to daddy?”

Her eyes widen before she sighs and nods, causing you to feel sad again.“Yes sweet one. His memories are full of moments such as that one.”

You now understand more about why Daddy wouldn’t want you to walk this path. You’ll never be like them.

“If he had the chance, would Daddy hurt those jerks?” you ask.

Your mom sighs again and answers, “Truthfully, I believe he would. Though I think he would only dish out equal retribution to what was done to him. He…he knows what it’s like to go over the line when dealing with some of his past bullies. I don’t believe he wants to cross that line again.” Your mom has a faraway, almost sad look in her eyes as she says this.

Nodding once more in understanding, you give her another hug and say, “Just stay with me till I wake up. That’s the good dream I want for tonight.” This causes her to smile and ruffle your mane.

"As you wish my child…As you wish…"


POV Change: Bugze (You)

You watch your little girl, and your...Selena in their little heart warming moment, and you can't help but feel a bit relieved.

"Hopefully now she'll walk a better path. She still might get into fights if enemies show up, but I hope at least she understands the difference between fighting and being a tormentor." You then look down and sigh because you are still a bit shaken by what you saw in her dream. Especially the ending. "I wish you would have given me a heads up Selly. I don't like reliving those times..."

And she was right, situations like that were more common than you'd like to admit. There wasn't just one group, it seemed like the whole hive was out to get you. First for looking different, then when your parents...when they were gone it got worse. When Grandbuggy was banished and you were conscripted, you were at your lowest of lows, and they never let up. 

You grit your teeth as some anger courses through you, before you sigh. The pain is still there, but even still, you think on Selena's words.

"Would I only dish out what they served? Or would I go further again...?" You remember the cave, their pleas for help, the look in her crestfallen eyes...

"Sin...you asked for forgiveness, and I left you to die. I couldn't find it in my heart to forgive you or the others..." you think as you look down. "You didn't deserve that, but I don't think I can ever forgive my tormentors. Not the changelings, not Discord...and certainly NEVER Trixie," you growl the last name before looking up and seeing Nightshade and Selena playing a board game of some kind. "I hope you turn out better than me baby. Someone less broken and monstrous..."

A Few Days Later

It's been a few days since the incident at the barn. A few days since you learned that Nightshade was becoming a bully. A few days since you hopefully put a stop to that. She seems more friendly now, especially to Diamond and Silver who helped build a new float with Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo. Babs and Nightshade helped too, but as they were still grounded, they weren't allowed to ride in the Harvest Festival (Plus things between them and the two former bullies is still a bit weary).

The CMC (Including Babs who was initiated) promised that on top of trying to figure out their talents, they would help Diamond, and even Silver figure out what their Cutie Marks meant. It warms your heart to see the two misled fillies turning over a new leaf and becoming friends with those they originally hurt. Even Babs and Nightshade have improved for the better, as you've seen the former talking and laughing more, and the latter NOT kicking Caramel for the crime of being Caramel...(though that guy still grates on you for some reason.) 

Also you think you've made your first friendly business acquaintance since Filthy Rich has given you permanent VIP Membership discounts at all his stores since you inadvertently made his wife attractive again. You get 50% off items, and you're not being sued, that's a win-win in your book.

But yeah, friendship blooms for the young, and it makes you wish you could have been so lucky to have former enemies turn buddy without having to change your clothes and identity. Then again, the only ones that really fit that bill are Aqua, and maybe Pinkie Pie, though she's more of a psychotic frenemy if nothing else.

Still, even with all this bully shenanigans, you've been hard at work setting up for this Apple Family Reunion for a little over a week, and after smelling all of those wonderful apple deserts being prepped and baked, today is the day you finally get to sample them.

On the horizon, you see the first wagons full of ponies (who might actually be your family too if Genealogy is what you think it is) heading towards the farm, as you stand with Nightshade, Babs, Applebloom, Red, Granny and Applejack.

"Alright ya'll, I know we've had a might bit of drama the last couple of days. But things have been sorted, apologies have been accepted, and today is going to be a fun filled day for all." She then looks at the two fillies who were the cause of said drama. "You can have fun today kids, just don't have too much fun ya hear?"

They both nod at this.

"You got it Ms. Applejack."

"No problem cuz," Babs smiles.

"I'll keep an eye on 'em," Applebloom responds and everyone chuckles a little at this.

"Alright ya'll, any other last minute questions?"

"When can we get to eating the fritters and the pies and the etc?!" you ask in apprehension.

Applejack rolls her eyes, as Granny Smith says, "Hold your horses Baker, we got a whole day ahead of us."

"I know, but I've been smelling those things for three days! I'm dying for a bite."

Rolling her eyes again, Applejack walks forward as the first wagon passes the gate.

"We'll get to them Sugar cube. In the meantime, let's make this the most epic Apple Family Reunion Ever!" she declares making the rest of her family and Nightshade to rear up and cheer.

You however have your eyes focused on another wagon pulling in through the gate. Amidst a group of other ponies, you see a true friend you haven't seen or spoken to in two years. A friend that knows you're a changeling, but doesn't care.

You smile under your face mask.

Alright! Braeburn's here!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

> Episode 60: A Series of Awkward And Unwanted Advances (Reunion Style)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:



Spotting your best friend from Appleoosa you begin to make your way towards him. However...



 Kurolothgarian's Comment



As you try to approach Braeburn, strange occurrences keep happening that keep you apart.

After the first wagon of ponies is unloaded, you are introduced to several of them.

"Hi, I'm Apple Crisp."

"Hi, I'm Uncle Strudel."

"Hi, I'm Candy Apple."

Not trying to be too rude, you shake hooves with each one, but this gives Braeburn the time to wander off into the crowd.

As introductions continue, Applejack gets on the bullhorn and announces activities for everyling to do, and in trying to catch up to your bro, you stumble across some of these activities.

Like that one tree that falls on you because Big Mac was showing off to his younger cousins.

"Ow! The Bu-rrrr-Heck Big Red!" you shout as you notice the kids looking at you.

After that, you dizzily chased after the Braeburn colored blur you think is him...and you get caught in the elderly mares' quilting (literally).

"OW! OW!"

"Say now, I don't remember picking up orange yarn for this section," Granny Smith's sister ponders.

"That's because that's my Mane!" you shout as you untangle your hair that was woven into the quilt.

"Oh sorry youngun...Say, you look an awful like that stallion Smithy used to travel with way back when," she says as she squints at you.

"Yeah yeah, Allonsy and all that," you mutter as you place your hat back on and spot Braeburn walking past the stage where the band is getting set up.

He appears to be talking to a mare that looks like a recolored Octavia with a fiddle.

"Huh. Wonder if Octavia actually is related to the-Whoah!" you yelp as you stumble over a guitar stand, your head ending up through the strings.

"Really?" you grumble as you pull the guitar off and look at it. It's scuffed, but in good shape.

"Well it's in a lot better shape than the one I trashed at the gala. Good thing Flash isn't around, he would've choked in anger if I broke a good guitar."


KILL THE WAIFU STEALER! HE RUINED THAT ENTIRE SECOND MOVIE FOR ME! HE'S SUPPOSED TO BE WITH SUNSE-

Shuup already!! He's not even here!

The annoying voices that always seem to come up when you mention your Pega-Bro fade away at yours, Selena's, and surprisingly Sombra's shout.

A bit surprised, you ask,

What's the deal Sombreo? Usually your all up for spilling someling's blood for no reason.

Sombra drunkenly replies with this,

Those insufferable voices are loud and annoying *hick*! Always shouting nonsense about princess making drama is *hick* dumb or how a movie is terrible since it isn't about *hick* ponies or whatever...*burp*

You managed to keep a straight face for a good couple of seconds before facepalming and mumbling,

"That's what I get for asking a drunk and expecting a legit answer."  

I still don't even know why you humor him, Selena titters with (presumably) a shake of her head.

Sighing and shaking your head you look for Braeburn in the crowd of apple-themed ponies once again. When you eventually do find him again, right back at the beginning where more Apple relatives are arriving, you quickly make your way towards him in case Lady Luck has any other plan to mess with your introduction. However as you're just about to reach him you bump into somepony getting off one of the newly arrived wagons.  

Instead of the usual bumping to the ground you both manage to stay up right. You offer the mare an apology while trying to keep your eyes on Braeburn. The mare just shrugs it off before she introduces herself,



Kichi's Comment



"No problem feller, not too often I let a stallion run into me,” the mare says with a cocky smile. “The name's Apple Candy, owner of the Apple Flavor Candy shop down in Manehatten."

“Yeah, yeah, nice to meetcha and everything, I’m BST” you kind of ignore her as you just say your name and try to follow Braeburn. However you lose sight of him when a thought occurs,

“Wait, Apple Candy? Didn’t I already get introduced to you after the first wagon?” you ask as you turn your head, but you don’t see her in the midst of the countless apple ponies milling about. All you see is an old pale mare, some older dark colored stallion, a young green filly about Applebloom’s age, and some big yellow guy about Red's size, and countless other ponies you haven’t met yet.

Huh. Guess we just got around to introductions twice in the madness…or something. Anyway, where did Braeburn go?

As you look for your bro again, you keep shaking the hooves of separate apple family members, but your search again is halted when you come across someone you’ve met a few times before, and it looks like she’s trying to blend into the crowd.

“Bon Bon? I didn’t know you were a member of the Apple Family,” you declare causing her to yelp and face you, her sunglasses falling off.

“Umm, who is this Bon Bon you speak of?” she stutters. You just raise an eyebrow and point at her, saying,

“You.”

“Nah, that’s crazy. I’m…errr…Chocolate…Apple…Yeah…” she says as her eyes dart every which way like Applejack when she tries to lie.

You give her an incredulous look and say, 

“Lady, you and I were in an intense fan club together. We had a drunken barroom brawl with the Elements and the Guards. You think I don’t recognize you?”

She sighs and says,

"Okay, you got me. Gosh I used to be so much better at blending in,” she grumbles.

“Sooo, what’s the deal?”

She sighs again and says,

“I’m here for the food,” she explains as she holds up an extra strength garbage bag.

Confused you ask, 

“Is the candy store not doing well?”

“Oh no it’s doing fine. Better than my last job. Being semi-retired is kind of a pain though. Stupid bug bears,” she grumbles again.

Other Job? What’s she…Oh right. She was working for Torchwood. Maybe she knows where the Doctor…No wait, I can’t let her know that I know or I might end up with my mind wiped or something. Besides, she says she’s somewhat retired.

While you have this epiphany, she continues.

“Really I just want some good quality Apple Food for free, and I need a break from Lyra.”

“Oh. Did something happen?” you ask apprehensively.

She just rolls her eyes and says, “Nothing more than usual I suppose. I mean, I love her and all, but she is getting annoying with her both her obsessions.”

“And what are those?”

“Well, for starters, she’s CONSTANLY whining about the season finale of that My Little Human show. Something about her favorite character Tara being made a government official out of nowhere…”

WHAT?! SPOILERS!  Sombra drunkenly yells, but you ignore him.

You just shake your head and say, 

“Freaking Humies.”

“Don’t I know it. And the other obsession of course is The Offender.”

“Oh…wait, you were in the Horde too, doesn’t that mean you were also obsessed?” you point out.

“Ehhh, it was more of a hobby than anything. Sure I like the guy and what he does for the most part, but I’m not that invested. Lyra on the other hoof is helping Octavia try and bring the club back now that the Crimson Knights got taken down by that bounty hunter.”

Your eyes widen at that bit of news, but she continues with a sigh

“But I don’t know. The guy said he didn’t want followers or a club anymore, and Fluttershy and Spike have no intention of returning, so who knows,” she shrugs. “How about you?”

“Yeah, not gonna happen,” you tell her and she nods.

“I get ya. But between you and me, I still got my cloak, and I’m sure others do too. You never know right?”

“Ahh. Well don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” you say, trying not to sigh.

“Alright. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” she picks the glasses up off the ground and puts them on. “I have to blend into the background till the food comes.” She then walks backwards into the crowd of mingling ponies, and for all intents and purposes, she disappears.
With her gone, you let out the sigh you were holding in.

Gorramit Lyra and Octavia. Why do you guys keep trying to support me?

Well one of them is “madly in love with you” but I couldn’t even guess the reason for the Harp player.

Great. Just great.

Do you plan on doing anything to stop them? She asks.

What do you want me to do? I asked and commanded them to stop, but I guess they’re more stubborn than Applejack. You know, some days I wish I DID have hypnosis powers to make everything easier!

Oh sure, when you say it it’s ok, but when I speak of using my trapped Umbrum kind to posses crystal ponies to conquer my enemies, I’m “Out of Line” , he drunkenly huffs in a surly voice.

Oh sod off Zombo. Offering my baby an army of darkness is NOT appropriate behavior during your little sessions. 

Bah! I just wish for her to unlock her potential. My way is her destiny, I’m telling you…Though speaking of destiny is Tara’s in politics? Would that fit her character? He trails off thinking of his Human Trash Show for Children.
Rolling your eyes you ignore the tyrant and think

Stupid drunk Sombrero.

Yes, he is not nearly as docile as his drugged counterpart.

Well either way, at least he’s not full on Samba. That’s something I don’t have to worry about right now. And for that matter, I can worry about my followers later and explain what the definition of 'disband' is. But right now, I need to find Braeburn. I swear to Luna if I don't get to talk to him at least once while he's here...

With that thought you continue your search for him. Eventually, after many hoof shakes with many, MANY ponies with Apple in their name you find him and finally get to introduce yourself.

"Well hey there Mr. The name is Braeburn, and I come from AAAAPPPPPLLLLEEEEOOOSSSAAAA!!!" he declares lifting his legs up in his usual excited manner. You smile at this. It's been so long since you've heard him say that.

"Nice to meet you Braeburn, My name is Baker Sylvester Tennant, or BST for short," you say as you shake his hoof.

"Well I'd be right silly if I didn't know who you were Mr. Tennant. I've heard the tales Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom have told of you."

"Oh really?" you ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Darn tootin. Is it true you fought a grown Hydra by yourself?"

You beam and puff out your chest. "Well if you're talking about King Ghidorha, then it's yes and no. I had help from my little girl Nightshade...who's around here somewhere," you say looking around the farm. "Anyway, I got swallowed by the thing, and she went and kicked it in the nards and it..."

You then begin to make small talk with your old friend, catching him up on the life of Baker Sylvester Tennant. Even though it's a technicallity, since he doesn't know you're Bugze the Changeling, it still feels good to let him know what's happened over the last 2 years. After many of your exploits, (including the Mare-Do-Well incident) you decide...



BrownDog's Comment



to ask him about life in Appleloosa. It's been two years since you've been home, and it may be awhile yet before you get to go back, but just hearing about it should give you some comfort.

“Oh, things are pretty interesting in Appleloosa nowadays. We recently got a whole group of…uh…” he hesitates. “Sisters that moved to town. Now most of them are pretty similar and hyper, but a few are more subdued, but they’ve really changed the town for the better I think.”

“Oookay..." you stammer, not catching the subtly meaning of that sentence like the idiot you are. "How so?”

“Well for one, the harvest was completed in record time thanks to all their help. Heck, usually we celebrate by a quick drink after it’s all done, but this time we had an honest to goodness festival and party. Even the Buffalo came to celebrate.”

“Nice.”

“More than just nice Mr., it’s fantastic! Heck, a couple of the sisters have joined their tribe for whatever reason. I tell you Little Strongheart sure has a hoofful with them," he chuckles. "But the majority of them though are making the rodeos ten times more interesting, and making businesses expand in the town. Heck, we’re even thinking of starting up a Buck Ball team since we all have some more free time.”

“What the buck is a buck ball?” you ask in confusion. You’ve heard of Hoofball, Baseball, Basketball, and even Volley Ball, but never Buck Ball. 

It sounds dirty.

“Buck ball is a very fun sport Mr. Tennant. There’s two teams, with three players each they have to be a Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth Pony. Now, what happens is that the ball is kicked by the…” he then starts explaining the rules to this sport that sounds both simplistic and complicated at the same time. But as he blathers on, you keep nodding, not paying too much attention.

Eventually Braeburn stops talking about sports and feels the need to introduce you to all his cousins.

And by all of them, I mean all of them...



 SnapDrakeGames's Comment



"Mr. Tennant, this is Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Caramel Apple, Apple Cider, Apple Cobbler, Apple Honey, Apple Munchies, Gala Appleby, Jonagold, Lavender Fritter, Peachy Sweet, Perfect Pie..." he drawls on, dragging you from cousin to cousin. 

"Hey, Braeburn, it's fine, I'll get their names as we go," you mutter, hoping to cut this whole thing short. 

"Eh... if you say so," Braeburn replies. "It's a lot to keep track of."

"For the record, Mr. Tennant," Perfect Pie says, grinning sweetly, "It's been an honor to meet you." She grins in a manner you've seen many times before, usually on Rainbow Dash, Aloe or Applejack, and it suddenly occurs to you that Perfect Pie is very attractive. Her flanks are well shaped, her muscles toned, and her eyes twinkle with youth and beauty. Actually now that you think about it, Apple Cider had the most soothing fur color, like a cool ocean breeze... Red Gala had a bright face and a curvy figure... Jonagold had given you the exact smile Perfect Pie had... In fact, all of Applejack's cousins had been exceptionally attractive and had looked you over with exceptional interest. 

Something about this fact leaves you quite concerned. Even more so when Braeburn decides to leave your side and talk with more cousins.

"Now, Mr. Tennant, can I call you Baker? And while we're at it, would you like to head into the orchards? I hear they're just lovely this kind of year, in that intimate way only apples can be, you know?" she says with fluttering eyelids.

"Umm... yeah, of course, but, uh, I have somewhere else to be right now," you deflect, motioning in another direction. As Perfect Pie's face begins to morph into a pout, you excuse yourself from the immediate vicinity.

"Alright, uh, over here, over here," you mutter, glancing around. 

"Six-legged races!" you hear Applejack's voice call. She gestures to a long track that she'd set up before. "Be the fastest couple to run across! Be the closest pair, tied at the hip!" 

"Yeesh, she needs to get some more sleep," you murmur as you see she looks kind of tired. "I'm not sure even she knows what she's saying anymo- ah!" You stumble backwards in surprise as a face pops up in front of you.

"Hey, Mr. Tennant!" Apple Bumpkin cries, grinning widely. "Would you like to join me in the race?"

"Hold on a moment," another mare interrupts, a pony who you tentatively identify as Apple Cobbler. "Mr. Tennant would definitely prefer to participate with me, right Baker dear?" She bats her eyelashes suggestively.

"Well, heh, uh, truth is that my balance is terrible and I'd probably end up just falling down on you," you stutter.

"That's fine," they both say grinning widely. Your eyes widen at this so you decide to make another daring escape.

"Oh, and I'm also really hungry, so I think I'm going to have to skip out on this one, bye!" you desperately plea, dashing off towards the food table.



Fireheart 1945's



As you reach the food table you breathe heavily as you hear the six legged race start.

"Ugh. I didn't think this day was going to be filled with stalkers. It's a FAMILY reunion for Pete's sake." Shaking your head from these thoughts you instead focus on the deliciousness that is in front of you. Countless deserts all waiting to be sampled. You even see Bon Bon at the other end filling her garbage bag full of baked goods.

Smiling, you reach into the Inventory and to pull out a napkin and some eating utensils...when you realize you don't actually have any. All you end up doing is tugging on Mangle's ears, to which she scratches your hoof.

"Ouch! Well excuse me then," you growl. "Then again, why do I even need them? I'm a slob when it comes to food," you declare as you begin to slightly drool at all the tasty apple-themed goods. You see Apple Munchies, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, and even Apple Strudel! Your mouth begins to truly water at the sight. You pick up a piece of the Apple Strudel and begin to guide the heavenly gift that is apple goodness to your mouth and are about to bite into it...when of course this is all ruined when a strong hoof grabs your hoof out of nowhere.

You look down at it for a good few seconds before shouting out,

"Oh buck you Lady Lu-"

Your shout is cut off when you are pulled below the table, your dessert getting tossed into the air, where Bon Bon expertly catches it and puts it in her bag. You glance around wildly, before you find yourself nose-to-nose with the violet eyes of... 

"Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Apple uh... Apple Honey!" 

"You remember me?" Apple Honey replies. "Oh, I'm flattered, Baker dear. I don't suppose...?"

"You don't suppose...?" you mutter.

"That you'll let me flatter you back?" she replies, grinning slyly.

"Er- look, I'd be happy to but, uh... Look! A distraction!" you point but she just smiles at you coyly.

"Oh, honey, did you really think that'd work?"

"Look! An Apple-themed distraction!" 

"Where?" she cries, turning frantically. You dart away as fast as possible, nearly toppling the table in the process.

"Alright," you mutter, ducking behind the barn. "There are way too many mares hitting on me. I've got to get out of here before I use up all my excuses. You glance behind you, at the bright red barn. "Yeah, that should work." Looking around, you make sure no one's around before slipping quietly into the barn.

"Alright," you whisper to yourself, creeping through the hay. "There's no reason anyone would come in here, so I should be safe right?"

"Hm? Is somepony there?" a soft voice asks. You whirl, ready to make your way out of the barn. "Ah! Mr. Tennant, is that you?" 

You turn, catching sight of the approaching mare, her cream fur and violet mane. "Oh, hey there, uh... Apple... Apple uh..."

"Actually, it's Lavender. Lavender Fritter," the mare smiles. "You forgot my name? How could you?" she pouts.

"Oh, well, uh, see, there's a lot of you, and it was really quick, and, I..."

"It's alright," Lavender Fritter smiles, and she tackles you to the ground. You try to stand up, but her muscular finger keeps you solidly pinned. "I know exactly how you can make it up to me..."

"I NEED AN ADULT!!!" you scream.

"I am an adult," she declares as she...



Kersey's Comment



starts snuggling your neck. You are about to call out again when you hear a familiar voice declare "GET THE BUCK OFF MY DADDY!!!" before a flaming hoof knocks the lustful mare off you.

"Nightshade!" you loudly admonish as you stand up. "What did I tell you about hitting random ponies?"

"But she's a motherbucking vampire!" Nightshade says pointing at Lavender.

"What?!" you and Lavender exclaim.

"She stayed out of the light, lured you to a dark room, knocked you down, and was about to bite your neck! Motherbucking vampire!" your daughter declares as she throws a piece of garlic at Lavender.

*smack* Wonderful. She even sounds like you on one of your conclusion-jumped half-baked theories. Selena facehooves.

Mmmmm... Half baked...

Well thank goodness she did jump to conclusions, that mare was strong as heck.

You then decide to clear up the misunderstanding.

"She's not a vampire honey, she was uh...giving me CPR."

"CPR?" she asks incredulously.

"Eyup. I passed out due too, uh..."

"Over-stimulation?" Lavender says in a flirty manner causing a bit of blood to leak out your nose.

"S-sure. But I'm better now. Thanks Lavender. Bye!" You then grab Nightshade and run out of the barn.

"Was it really CPR Dad, or are mares being weird around you again?"

"Kind of yes. Listen honey, thanks for the save back there. How'd you find me anyway? I thought you were hanging out with the girls?"

"Babs and Applebloom decided to do the race, and I heard you screaming about distractions, so I followed you," she explains.

"Right. Good job. Anyway, while I have you here, can I put you on mare guard?"

"Sure thing Daddy."

"Alright, but do NOT harm the mares that won't leave me alone OK?"

"I won't!" she huffs. "I'm not a bully anymore. I'll handle them in a better way."

And she does, as you walk through the crowd, Nightshade acts as Mare repellent.

"Mr. Tennant would yo-" *splash* 

"Sorry! My bad!" she declares to the mare in the wet dress.

"Hellooo Mr. Tenn-" 

"Daddy, Where do foals come from?" 

"Uh... I see y'all busy at the moment...." the mare runs off.

"BST, do these boots make my flanks look big?" *wiggle* 

"Yup."

"Nightshade!" you admonish.

"What? It does."

Eventually you (sadly) have to let Nightshade go as she runs off to play with the Applebloom and Babs. Thankfully she's led you all to the way to Braeburn who you hope can shield you from the flirty menace that is half the mares here.



BrownDog's Comment

  

“Hey buddy, how come all your mare cousins are swarming around me like flies? What have I done? I’ve never met them before!”
He chuckles at that.

“Well Mr. Tennant, many of them cousins live and work on farms in towns that are smaller and more remote than Ponyville. They don’t tend to see stallions that ain’t relatives all that often.”

“Are they really THAT desperate?” you ask flabbergasted.

“Oh I should say so. Every year during the Reunion, it’s not that unusual for some of the more distant related cousins to give Big Mac, or even me the googley eyes. Heck, there’s quite a few of them I heard trying to gun for Mac moreso this year since he recently got divorced. But the first and second cousins know better than to be thinking like that, so a single non-relative stallion like yourself sticks out.”

But I’m 95% Sure I actually am a relative of yours! you think in despair.

“I’m just here because I helped set this thing up and I want some baked goods! I didn’t sign up for this bullspit!”

“I get you Tennant. Besides, I’m more than certain that Applejack’s called dibs on you.”

You just facehoof real hard at this.

However after you do this you can't help but look around in confusion as you ask,

"Speaking of Applejack, have you seen her? She was looking kind of stressed, and I would have thought I'd bump into her by now."

Braeburn gains a confused look as well as he looks around before saying,

"Ya know now that you'd mention it I haven't seen cousin Applejack at all this reunion. Which is really weird cause usually she's all over the place making sure everypony's having fun."

As you look around, you also notice something that is even stranger and comment,

"Hey Braeburn, does it seem like there are less ponies around than before?"

Braeburns eyes widen at this as he says,

"You know what...there are! What in the Sam Hill is going on?"

As you and Braeburn begin to look around in worry you can't help but think,

Why do I have a feeling this is connected to Applejack not being here?

MEANWHILE, IN THE ORCHARD



Kersey's Comment



Applejack stands in front of a boundary wall out of sight of the main reunion area. In front of her, she has gathered all the mares that had been hitting on you (Perfect Pie, Apple Bumpkin, Apple Cobbler, Apple Honey, Lavender Fritter, etc.).

"What are we doing out here Applejack?" asks Apple Cobbler.
AJ gives them all a stink eye, and they quiet down.

"Well, we're all out here because I couldn't help but notice you lot swarming around a certain funny dressed stallion like flies to a rotted apple," she growls. A few of them shudder at her look, but a few others declare.

"Oh right, Mr. Tennant."

"He's so Mysterious in those clothes."

"What's he hiding underneath?"

"His voice sounds so silky smooth and-"

"That's enough of yer yappin!" Applejack shouts causing them to shut up.

"Now girls, I understand where you're coming from. A single, non-relative stallion will draw the eye. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Baker Sylvester Tennant is MINE! And Mine alone. I didn't invite him to this dang thing for one of ya'll to snatch him away from me. Got enough of that bullspit happening in this very town. He is a strong, dependable family stallion. No other stallion I've ever met would go through as much trouble for his little girl. Family is everything to him, and if I have my way that will include me. So back off!"

A lot of the mares begin to moan and whine at that.

"Oh come on. Why do you get first dibs?" asks Lavender.

"Need I remind you who is the undefeated champion of the Reunion wrasslin contests?" she declares causing the mares to stop complaining. "That's what I thought. Now, let's get back to having fun, but don't let me catch you with my sugar cube again..." she then kicks the brick wall so hard she breaks right through it. "Got it?"

They all nod fearfully causing her to smile.

"Right then. Let's get this reunion back on track. Still so much to do today," she says as she trots away happily.

BACK WITH YOU

With nearly all the mares gone, you and Braeburn had decided to go to the dessert table...only to discover that the food is all gone.

"Oh Come On!" you then spy Bon Bon in the distance with her bag filled to burst.

"Bon Bon!!!" you yell after her.

"Well shoot, guess we'll have to wait for the fresh ones to get baked," Braeburn surmises causing you to whimper.

It's at that point that you spot all the mares that were hitting on you walking out of the orchard with downcast looks. They look at you, but they keep their distance. Not that your complaining or anything, it just seems weird that they were so dead-set earlier yet now they go nowhere near you. Also there's the fact that Applejack, who came back around the same time as the other mares, seems to be really happy for some reason.

There is definitely a connection here...buuuuutttt I'll let it slide in favor of waiting for delicious food. All I have to do is stare at the table and time will go faster



BrownDog's Comment



A While Later (While Still Not Eating Any Baked Goods!)

This is bullspit! I am so raiding your house for snacks later Bon Bon! you angrily think as the replacement food STILL hasn't been delivered.

But while you are lamenting this, Nightshade, Applebloom, and Babs Seed are loaded up on carts with a bunch of other kids, and some supervising adults. You only notice this when Applejack herself trots up to you.

“Hey Baker, do you want to go with along with the kids for the cart rides through the orchard?” Applejack asks you.

“If it makes the food come faster and gets me away from you cousins, then yes!” you declare.

“Well alright then, I knew I could count on you sugar cube," she says with a sly grin. "It’s a might easy, but keep to the schedule. Just hurry on through so we can get to more activities, and try not to disturb the Fruit Bats and…”

“BATS?!” you declare in shock, interrupting her. “What? Bats?”

“The fruit ones that nest out in the grove where you’ll be taking the kids and-.”

You then get into her face. “You didn’t say anything about bats…” you say in apprehension.

“Why’s that matter?” Applejack asks with a raised eyebrow.

“WHY’S THAT…” you declare at her shortsightedness. 

Now, you’re not scared of many things thanks to your misadventures. Aside from clowns, spiders, and your unknown uncertain future, not much can get to you. Bats on the other hand…

“Have you ever seen bats? They’re hideous. Lifeless beady eyes, clawed feet, huge grotesque wings, even Fangs! Wololoololllolohahalollllooo!!!” you lose your mind briefly as you flap your arms around Applejack making strange noises, causing her to back away from you in alarm.

Unobservant to her freaked out nature, you stop making noise and punctuate, “They give ya rabies ya know?”

“Oooookkkkaaaayyyy,” she says as she pushes you back from her personal space. “I see yer point, so does that mean you aren’t taking the cart ride?”

“Exactly!” you then call out to Nightshade. “Honey! If you see any bats, DON’T touch them!”

She gives you a confused look. “Umm, wasn’t planning to dad.”

“Good girl!” you declare in hysteria as AJ backs off, and commands the carts to take off.

"Got a thing against bats I take it," Braeburn asks coyly, and you just gag at the thought of those filthy winged spawns of tartarus.

"I better not see a dang bat today I swear to-"

Not Long After 

You hear a bunch of ponies screaming. You look towards the source and your eyes shrink.

Thousands of colorful fruitbats fill the air, and are chasing everyling.

You react in the usual manner.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” and bravely flee, causing a mass panic as other ponies begin fleeing.

“We Can’t Stop Here! This is Bat Country!”

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

  
> Episode 61: The Not-So-Terrifying-Rather-More-Adorable Attack Of The Fruit Bats!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:



As you and the other apple family members run away in a panic from the fruit bats, a thought occurs to you...



Kichi's Comment



OH BUCK I FORGOT ABOUT NIGHTSHADE!!

As soon as you remember your daughter you begin to frantically search for her while dodging both apple family members and the pure evil that is bats. Somehow through the crowd you hear Nightshade's voice tones,

"Don't worry Nightshade! I will...save...you?" you sputter off as you take in the scene in front of you. 

You did hear your daughter's voice above the crowd, but she wasn't screaming. She was laughing.

You see her up an apple tree, standing on a branch and waving her arms around in the air like an orchestra conductor...And the Bats are obeying her!

"Hee hee. Now do a bunch of loop-de-loops!" she commands, and sure enough, the group of bats in front of her all do spin tricks.

"Now flap with only your left wings!"

They, laboriously, do just that as well.

And while you take in this scene, a larger majority of bats continue to fly around, terrorizing the Apple Family, but not the ones she is talking too.

"How in the...?"

Oh my sweet child. She's inherited one of my talents, Selena gushes in what you think is pride.

Wait, What? you ask.

The ability to control creatures of the night, Selena explains with glee. When I was a filly...or rather when SHE was a filly, she corrects losing a bit of her glee, She loved to play with bats for they could not refuse to obey her. And it seems that our child also has this ability.

So you and...she who will not be named had complete control over these little monsters?

Of course. Didn't you ever wonder why Thestrals are the majority of the Night Guard?

You mean those guards that were pulling her chariot on Nightmare Night were BAT Ponies? you ask in dread.

Yes. What else did you think they were? she asks confused.

I really thought she was just really into metal and illusioned them to have demon wings or something. I didn't expect the legends of Bat Ponies to be true...NO, I Hoped they weren't true! you shriek in your mind as there is now a whole species out there that frightens you.

Rolling her eyes (you presume) she just says, Yes, anyway take comfort to know you are not in danger from these creatures anymore.

Wait, can you control them? Can I? Can Nightshade command Bat ponies? you think back.

You and I? No. As for the Thestrals...I do not truly know if she can. Best hope the situation doesn't arrive where we must find out. 

Agreed. But control powers or not, she should still NOT be touching one of those gross things! you shriek in your head as you see Nightshade pluck one of the colorful bats out of the air and begin hugging.

"NO! Rabies Alert! RABIES ALERT!!!"

You then gallop closer to the true, and as you do, you notice something off about the bat...



Kersey's Comment



The thing off about it is that it looks likes it's about to burst like a balloon! Your eyes widen at this as you think,

What the buck did that thing eat!?

I believe it's less of what it ate and more so the fact that our daughter can't control her strength  when it comes to things she finds adorable. Remember Cerberus?

You thoughts drift back to when Nightshade made the guard dog of Tartarus whimper in pain (or so you were told, but you believe it) before you shake your head to get to the matter at hoof. You continue to stare at the scene until you think,

...Will it make me a bad parent if I let her squeeze that monstrous thing till it pops?

YES YOU IDIOT!! 

Holding your head in pain from the shout you think,

Fine fine I'll stop her...if for more the bat beast's sake than her own....Never thought I'd say that.

With that said you shout up at her.

"Nightshade!" hearing you, she lets off some pressure from the poor bat, which you can't help but notice it let out an actual sigh of relief. Shaking your head you continue.
"What did I tell you about these things!" Rolling her eyes she responds.



BrownDog's Comment

  

“Dad, I know you said don’t touch the bats, but come on, these things are so cute,” she says cuddling the entrapped one under her chin. As if to counteract this statement, Big Red runs past screaming with some in his mane.

“No! Bad Nightshade! Quit consorting with the dark forces of darkness themselves!"

And what’s THAT supposed to mean? Selena huffs.

No, not you Selly. I’m talking about the bats obviously! The true meaning of evil!

Well mind your tongue in the future. And for goodness sake, they are literally just flying rodents. And these ones appear to have bodies that mimic harmless fruit.

That’s what they want you to think!

“Stop the Bats! Stop The Bats! Make them go and not come back!” you chant out.

“But I’ve got them under control. See, they’re not so bad,” she says as she sends some flapping towards you.

“NIGHTSHADE! WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?!” you shriek as the group of bats make a bee line for you, causing you to bravely flee.

“They just want cuddles dad!” she calls out, but you ignore it as the rainbow of death chases you.

This is literally a recurring nightmare you had as a larvae, made manifest by your own daughter no less.
As you run, you enter into a larger group of Apple members who are being chased by their own bats, leading to you and them changing directions multiple times.

Eventually another group of bats appear in front of your group, while the ones from before cut off your exit at the back. You and the Apple ponies pause and stare in dread at the two groups, who have stopped due to surprise from the front bat's sudden appearance.

Then, both groups of bats begin to stare at you and the others, as you stare back at them in utter horror.

They stare at you.

You stare at them.

They continue to stare...and stare...and...



Master of Shadow's



Out of the corner of your eye you see that the group of ponies right next to you are the band ponies, including that Octavia recolor mare. You see her and the other band members sigh as they pull out instruments from their saddlebags.

"What are you doing? No sudden movements!" you whisper shriek to them.

The Not-Octavia mare simply says, "Mr. This here swarm is gonna happen whether we like it or not. At least this way we'll have some nice music to panic to."

As she finishes explaining, the others have their instruments ready to play. Recognizing just what those instruments are, you can't help but begin to sweat nervously and think,

Oh Lady Luck I'm begging ya. Please don't let them play what I think they're gonna play.  

Sadly for you Lady Luck has other plans in mind as they begin to play this, and with that all heck breaks loose once again!

The bats begin to go crazy and begin to 'chase' you and the other ponies once again (they're really just freaked out from the sudden music, and following the band ponies). Ponies begin to run this way and that, throwing their hooves up and flinging them wildly. 

Ponies run in and out of the barn, and chicken coop, and the Apple Family house with bats chasing after them, usually somehow entering and exiting the buildings at different points that would seem impossible to reach from where they entered.

You, meanwhile,  have gotten squashed from the stampede of ponies running way from the bats. After puling yourself up from the ground with a cartoonish sound effect out of nowhere, you shake your head in annoyance as you scan the scene. Coming right towards you is a group of the fruit bats, that might very well be the same ones Nightshade sent. And you know what time it is.

"AAAAAHHHH!!!" you yell like a mare as you once again bravely flee.



BrownDog's Comment



As you flee, the images of pure evil keep playing in your mind.

Bats are never good news. Even Batmane is afraid of them. All they do is suck your blood, give you rabies, get eaten by drugged up rock stars, and annoy the heck out of you in caves in Pokem- *DING*

That’s It!

You turn around, and though you shiver in abject horror, you reach into your inventory grabbing your daughter’s pet while yelling.

“Mangle! I Choose You!” and throwing the plush animatronic to the ground in front of you. She dusts herself off and gives you a glare.

“Mangle! Use Sonic Blast on those monsters before they DESTROY US ALL!!!”

Mangle looks from you, back to the bats, and around to the screeching ponies, and then back to you in confusion.

“Just blast some Ozzy! Bats are terrified of his music!”

The fox just shrugs, faces the incoming bats, opens her mouth and blasts some awesome music.

Immediately you see panic in their beady little soulless eyes as they, and the bats swarming the other ponies screech all at once, hurting your ears. But it causes them to stop swarming and just hover in midair.

When Mangle closes her jaws, all the bats in the area turn and glare at her, causing her to take a step back, and you think you hear a mechanical gulp.

“Alright, great job Mangle. Now use slash!”

The fox looks at the countless ticked off bats and then her own claws and back, before she peaces out and jumps back into your inventory, causing ALL of the bats to chase after you again because she’s in your bag, leaving everyling else alone.

“Curse You Mangle!” you yell and run as others keep clear of you. Where before the bats were just randomly flapping around, or startled by music, they are now intentionally trying to get you thanks to your choice in music.

"Oh Come On! It was just the one bat he did it to!" you yell back, but this does nothing to deter them.

Also to add insult to injury, you run into the dessert table where fresh pies and other goodness had just been placed, causing the food to smear all over your clothes.

“OH COME ON!”

Covered in sticky food stuff also has another drawback. As you are swarmed by the angry bats, several stick to you and won’t come off. This is the straw that breaks the camel’s back as you shriek incoherently and run aimlessly.

Bugze! Just calm down!

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!”

Just breathe! For the love of me breathe and get your wits about you! Selena implores.

“IIII DON’T WANT TO DIIIIIEEEE!!!” you flail as the bats beat their wings against you and squeek.

“Hang on daddy! Stay still and I’ll”

“I DON’T WANT TO BE BATMANE!!!”

Meanwhile Sombra is just laughing his drunk flank off. Oh, by Tartarus. If only I’d known about bats, you would have been Nothing, hahahaha *HICK* But my sweet little overlord has none of your weakness. Bwahahahaha!

Screaming madly, covered in bats, and running like a nutjob, you rush into the barn by crashing right through the side of it, and the entire swarm follows you in.

“Go Away! For Bucks Sake Get Lost!” you yell as you start smashing into wooden posts, rolling around on the ground, and eventually, getting out your powerglove and sending out whatever plasmids that you can think of. This serves to get rid of the bats that were just following you, but the ones still stuck to your coat drive you mad. Luckily, after setting fire to the barn, and freezing yourself, the heat melts the ice into water, causing the adhesive apple foods to fall off, allowing the bats to fly away.

“Oh thank goodness! I’m saved! I’m *Crash*”

Unfortunately, your structural damage brings the barn down on top of you.

As the dust settles, and the fires are smothered Applejack and Braeburn worriedly call out for you, but you pop out of all the debris still screaming.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!” You then proceed to start flailing around like a madstallion, and hitting yourself in the head with a piece of wood.

“They’re in my mane! They’re in my mane! Oh Sweet Celestia HELP MEEEEEE!!!!”

“Baker!” Applejack shouts, causing you to pause.

“There is NOTHING in your mane.”

You then look around, seeing no bats, and take in the wrecked barn and the entire reunion looking at you like you’re nuts. Some of the stalker cousins from before are more than a little freaked out by you now.

“…Exactly. I was…merely running a drill, heh heh…” you make up, causing everypony there to facehoof with a resounding smack that echoes across the farm.

Chuckling nervously, you extricate yourself and stand next to Nightshade who just shakes her head at you.

“Wow Daddy. Really?”

“Quiet you. You’re still grounded.” you snark back causing her to roll her eyes.

Yeah yeah, roll your eyes Queen of the Bats. I on the other hand probably have rabies, and malaria, and lockjaw and all kinds of diseases thanks to those monsters. Good thing they took off though, I don't think my heart can handle any more of this bullspit.


You then notice that Applejack seems down and depressed, and you even see her on the verge of crying, as you hear her saying the Reunion is ruined because of her. You feel a bit guilty because of this since technically YOU destroyed the barn. But then she gets the idea to have everyone build a new barn…which is accompanied by a musical number.

Sure enough, Not-Octavia and her bandmates put away the instruments they played during the bat invasion, and begin playing a very catchy tune, as the Apple Family members begin hoof tapping, and happily building a new barn. You help where you can...but seeing as how you did just destroy the thing, you only handle little things and listen to the song.

It’s really catchy, but Nightshade points something out about it.

“Are they saying RACIST Barn Daddy?” Confused, you listen to the lyrics more closely, and now that she's said it...

“I…can’t really tell. But why would it be a racist barn? What does that even mean? Are Zebras and Minotaurs not allowed in? I mean, Flash isn’t here so I don’t know for sure. Although I know for a fact the apples don’t look kindly on Changelings…well except for Braeburn that is...”

As you ponder this, they finish building the barn back up. You are then forced to be included in the family portrait, even though you try to object, but Big Red, some of the kids force you into it. With the photo taken, the day starts drawing to a close, and several of the families start loading up to leave. You keep your distance from several of the mares, but while some of them do look at you with a sad expression, none of them approach you. Which makes you, and strangely Applejack thankful.

It eventually comes time though for Braeburn to make his leave.

"Are you sure you can't hang around for a few days? I've mis....only just gotten to know you."

"I'm afraid so Mr. Tennant. I feel the same way though. In the short time I've known ya, you've been a blast. You remind me of an old friend I haven't seen in years," he says with a wistful smile.
"I hope you come visit Appleloosa some time, I'd show you around. It's a very friendly place."

I know it is buddy...I know it is you think in sadness as you nod to him and give him a hoofbump.

"Right, well see ya in the future Baker Sylvester Tennant. I've got to get back to see how Zappy's holding up."

"Zappy?" you ask in confusion.

"Oh, right. She's the main...uh...Big Sister of all the others. She and I kind of, uh...work together to keep the others happy," he stammers. Still not getting the implications, you just nod and say,

"Good luck Braeburn."

"Thanks. So long Everypony!" he calls out as his wagon begins moving, carrying him away into the sunset. You let out a sigh as he disappears from sight.

"Did ya take a likin to Braeburn Baker?" AJ asks beside you suddenly, causing you jolt a little.

"Y-yeah. He seemed like a cool guy."

"For sure. Cousin Braeburn's the friendliest pony you'll ever meet outside of Pinkie Pie," she says as she places a hoof around your shoulders in comfort...until she starts trying to pull you in further than is just friendly.

"I gotta get to bed!" you say as you stand up, untangling yourself. Applejack seems offput by your actions but just shrugs.

"Well alright then. I hope you at least had enough good Apple treats today, because we are plum cleaned out." You wilt as you realize you didn't get one single bite. Now you realize how Rainbow felt before you gave her your cider last year. "Yeah...sure," you mumble and start walking away. 

Buck you Bon Bon.

You then begin heading back to your shack, but she calls out to you one more time.

"Wait! Baker." You stop and look back at her.

"Umm...well. You see the thing is, I just wanted to say sorry for the bats. Because of my manic planning, they swarmed, and you got scared. Don't even worry about the barn from before, it ain't your fault. I'm sorry," she apologizes as she twists her hoof on the ground.

Taken aback by the apology, you just wave your hoof and say, "Forget about it. It's all good, heh heh." She chuckles with you but then you add,
"But no seriously, FORGET about it. I'd rather not be reminded by that swarm of evil again..."

And with that you find it best for everyone, and your damaged pride, if you went back to your shack. So with the excuse of it being late and how you still need to organize a few things you leave, but you still let Nightshade stay so she can play with her friends.

As you near your shack, you see a shadowy silhouette exit your front door.

"Hey!" you call out. The figure looks towards you, before disappearing into the darkness of the trees.

"Oh what the buck is going on now?!" you think in irritation as you open your door and see...

"Oh Sweet Smoking Mamba Jamba!" you cry out in happiness.

On the table in your tiny kitchen area is an assortment of Apple Family Baked goods. Apple Fritters, Pies, Strudels, etc. All sweet heavenly things that you thought were lost to bats and sneaky Former Agent Mares.

"Oh thank you mysterious benefactor!" you cry out as you dig into the desserts like a slob. In the back of your mind, you wonder who it was that left you these goods. Was it Bon Bon feeling guilty? Maybe. Though the size of the silhouette seemed bigger than a mare...But oh well. YOU GOT FRITTERS!

You then eat yourself into a food coma, being sure to leave enough for Nightshade to gobble up when she gets back.

After the day you've had, you fall into a food induced sleep. 

A WEEK LATER 

Today's the day. Today's the day you finally have a chance to escape. You are at the train station with The Deadly 6 and Nightshade. It's been a week after the reunion, and while nothing really spectacular has happened, you've been awaiting this day with glee. Soon, they will be on there way to the Crystal Empire to talk to some official or something for the Equestria Games. Soon you will have a whole day without any of them, and you can make your escape. 

You can get back home to Appleloosa, and not have to worry about meeting the princesses when they come in two weeks. Sure it might make them sad leaving like that, but not seeing the look of guilt won't make it so bad. All they have to do is get on the dang train already!

"Alright, Baker I know it's your day off, but you never know if Mac might need help or not, so keep your ears open," Applejack says.

"Got it, Got it," you say hurriedly as she boards.

"Oh, and it'd be real cool if you could check my mail box for me please? I'm expecting an important letter," Rainbow implores you.

"Yeah yeah, sure," you say as you shoo her onto the train.

"Thanks, you're the best," she smiles at you and gets on the train.

Rarity then asks, "Be a dear and stop the CMC if you see them getting out of hand."

"FINE! Train's gonna leave!"

Then Fluttershy stands in front of you. "Oh, um. The uh, animal sedatives are on my table. I'm sure Harry will let you in," Fluttershy says, still not quite looking you in the eye, but at least she's not upset anymore.

"Thanks Fluttershy," you say calmly. "Now hurry, before you miss the train."

She smiles and boards.

"Be sure to have lots of fun BST!" Pinkie cheers.

"I will. LOADS of fun! It's starting up!"

You then see Twilight whispering something to Nightshade, causing her to nod. Raising your eyebrow suspiciously, you walk over to her, but she stops you halfway and says,

"Have a good day Tennant. We'll be back by the evening. Don't get into too much trouble."

"UGH. Will you all just leave?!"

"Oh I will. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll have plenty of company while we're gone," she says with a sly grin.

"What's that supposed to mean?" you ask.

"You'll see," she titters as she gets onto the locomotive and the whistle blows.

Finally, FINALLY! The mares get on there dang train, many of them waving at you from the windows. You see the train disappear into the distance, and you let out a victory smile.

"Finally!"

Why did we not go with those pathetic whorses! slurs the king.

Because A. I'd rather not go back to the Crystal Empire so soon after I did what I did. And B. I am not taking your butt anywhere near it. So stop whining!

After dissing smokey, you look to your daughter and say,

"Alright Nightshade, the next train coming is getting us out of this dumb town and back home."

She just looks up at you and gives you a weird look.

"I sincerely doubt that," she says as she hops on your back and pulls Mangle out of the Inventory.
Raising your eyebrow you ask.

"And why do you say that?"

She then hops off with the robot fox and says.

"Dad, if I've learned anything over the last three years, it's that Lady Luck will always buck up your plans just for fun. So the chances of us getting on that next train and leaving are slim to none," she says matter of factly.

"Oh is that so?" you snark back. "Well to heck with that logic. The Deadly 6 are gone, no one else is watching me like a hawk, and the train to Appleloosa should be cresting that corner right about..."

*WHISTLE*

"Now!" you punctuate with a smile. And even as Nightshade rolls her eyes, and the train stops in front of you, you feel confident that nothing, NOTHING will screw with your pla-

"BAKER SYLVESTER TENNANT!!!" comes a very excited/overjoyed to the brink of tears male voice on the train. The shout is so loud, it rattles the windows, and can be heard as far away as the Whitetail Woods.

Your eyes widen as you recognize the voice.

The minute the train doors open, a flash of orange and blue rushes out in a blur and slams into you at such a high velocity, that you land several blocks back from the station.

As you try to get your breathing back under control, you look up into the teary eyed, overjoyed face of your Bro Flash Sentry, as he hugs the living daylights out of you.

"Oh Bro, Oh Bro, Oh Bro! I knew I'd see you again one day. ONE DAY!!! The minute I got Twilight's letter, I bolted straight here!" he says as he ruffles the top of your head under his chin.

You can't quite get the air to tell him to stop, even though you see an amused crowd of ponies watching you...and surprisingly an upset looking Aloe? But anyway, what he says registers with you.

Oh Twilight you crafty scheming troglodyte!

She is Celestia's pupil after all Selena snickers.

As Flash blubbers away randomly while hugging you, you hear the train take off in the distance. Then, Nightshade and Mangle come into your sight.

"See. Told you daddy. Slim to none. Anyway, you have fun with your bromance, I'm gonna go help Spike with pet sitting like Ms. Twilight asked. Bye daddy," she says as she trots off with her pet.

A bit upset you shout in your mind since you are barely getting oxygen.

BUCK YOU TWILIGHT!!!

Kill Him! Kill the Waifu-

SHUT UP!!!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 62: The Rekindling Of A Bromance!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:



So here you are, having the living daylights squeezed out of you by the pegasus who is simultaneously one of your best friends, and worst enemies. Though even when you were enemies, you don't think he's ever hurt you as he is now. Your ribs feel like they're going to crack.



Kichi's Comment



You try as hard as you can to get free of him, but his grip is like iron. Frustrated, you turn your head to the departing train as it disappears into the distance.

Your ears wilt as you realize that that was the only train back to Appleloosa for a good long while. Thanks to Twilight's meddling, you are in fact not leaving anytime soon.

Crafty witch.

"Nooo. I was supposed to be on that train!!!" you "shout" in a low voice as you can't get air from the hug.

"Baker! I thought you were dead! I knew a month ago you weren't, but I couldn't tell anypony! It's so good to see you again!" he joyously cheers.

"Come back train...come back..." you weakly mutter as you reach out a hoof to the train, right before it disappears completely.

And like that...It's gone, you think in sadness.

Kill Him! Maim Him! Destroy the waifu stealer!

Ugh! Why can't we drug these voices to high heaven? Selena moans.

A bit peeved that your way home was blocked, AGAIN. A part of you considers listening to the voices, but you shake off that thought. Even if it did screw up your plans, this guy is a bro. And you will be damned if you break the bro code.



BrownDog's Comment



After surviving a lot of hugs, and a tear stained panama hat, you finally get Flash under control. Seeing as how you’re still getting amused stares from the town, you take him away from prying eyes into an alley way.

“Flash buddy, it’s great to see you and all, but for crying out loud, calm down.”

“A-a-alright bro. I’m sorry, I just didn’t expect to see you so soon. Your bounty hunter brother told me you were in Neighsa.”

“Ah, so you met my brother eh?” you say sounding surprised.

“Heck ya I did. We were both at ground zero for the Beigh v. Shamalamadingdong fight, taking on some Crimson Knights. Why didn’t you ever tell me you had a brother?”

“It never came up before,” you say.

“How? I told you all about my little brother and then I asked you if you had any siblings way back when.”

“Well…the truth is, he and I were kind of strained, but we’ve made up a bit. He invited me and Nightshade to come settle down with him. He said he had a lot of bits, and would make sure nopony would try to harm us.”

“Oh, right. Well he was a pretty cool guy, and it meant the world to me when he told me about you not being dead. The minute I found that burnt piece of scarf…I felt terrible man.”

He then pulls out from his saddle bags the burnt scrap of scarf he found that day.

“I kind of held onto this, at first to remember you by, but then after I met your brother, I knew I had to give you at least something back. I know how much you loved this thing.”

“Yeah…I did,” you say as you accept the burnt scrap of what was once your amazing and awesome scarf.

“Thank you Flash, and I gotta say, it really is good to see you too.”

“Yeah, I know it is,” he says with a smirk. “Keep that in mind while I do this,” he says.

“When you do wha- *PUNCH* OW!” you cry out as he sucker punches you right in the mouth.

“What the buck Flash?”

“That’s for making me, all those poor stalkers, and most of this town sad for making them think you were dead!” he chides.

“Oh for Pete’s Sake! I already went through this like two weeks ago. I got enough punches and smacks for my mistake,” you whine.

He then picks you up from the ground.

“Yeah, I figured, but I had to get my two bits in,” he smiles and you roll your eyes.

“Anyway, now that I’m here, let’s go get Twilight and the girls, and we can hang out and catch up. I took a couple of days off of work to come here,” he beams.

“Well, bad news there Flashy, Twilight and them went off to the Crystal Empire literal minutes before you arrived.

His eyes widen at that.

“Seriously?” he asks.

“Eyup. They went to kiss some Games Committee agent’s butt in order for the Equestria Games to be hosted there.”

His ear wilts at that.

“Oh. Well she didn’t say anything about that in her letter,” he says as he pulls it out. “I kind of thought, well, you know, that we’d all be able to hang out…” he says a bit sadly.

Smirking, you say,

“Oh, what’s this? Are you upset a mare ditched you to hang out with her friends?”

He looks up startled at that.

“What?!”

“Oh I get it, she’s…adorkable I guess you could say,” you tease.

“I-I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says with shifty eyes and a blush.

“No no, to each his own. Although I think it’s kind of dangerous, ya know, since she is your boss’s little sister,”

“Shut up! I wasn’t thinking anything like that I swear,” he says with eyes darting in fear as his cheeks turn redder.

“Not to mention she’s absolutely insane on some days, but if you like the librarian type who am I to-*MMPH!*” he suddenly puts his hoof in your mouth and whispers.

“Shut up! You never know when THEY might be listening!”

As soon as he says that, you hear from out on the street.

“Oh just shut up already! I’ll gladly kill the waifu thief, I think he’s after my future husband!...How about instead of shouting you actually give directions?!”

Both of you look in fear down the alley way.

“That was the voices!”

“That was Aloe!”

You and him then look at each other before you both nod, and decide to flee the area.

A Brave Flight Later

After getting a good distance away, you tell Flash that Twilight and the gals should be back later tonight (which puts him at ease) and that until then you two can catch up. If your escape plans are going to be ruined, you might as well not waste a Bro-Day.

You let him know about how he’s probably only down here thanks to Twilight’s scheming, and how you won’t be here forever. She’s just dead set on you meeting the princesses.

He lets you know about how he wishes your brother would accept the reward himself. 

“Yeah, not only do you get a medal, but a job. That Aqua lady, she got inducted into a program that’s even more mysterious than mine. Kind of a shame though, I’d hoped to get to work with her again. She was cool."

You smile at that because Aqua’s doing alright in the world, and you keep chatting.

He doesn’t explain what he works on, Top Secret and all that biz, but he goes on to explain how he’s making his former boss’s life a living hell now that he’s his subordinate. In fact, now that Flash took some time off, he’s confined to a closet of a room until Flash gets back.

Ugh, can we stop chatting with this thief! I would prefer your insane unwanted stalkers to this sickenly sweet “bromance” as you call it.

Quiet you! My Bug’s Bromantic partner is none of your concern!

Rolling your eyes you think, Wow, thanks Selly. Way to defend me.

I have. And tell me I’m not lying? If you were, as they say, pitching for the other team, I’d say this Pegasus would be receiving flowers and chocolates from you, she teases.

THAT image makes you shake your head.

Nope! Nope! NOPE!!! Do Not Want!

“You okay Baker?” he asks as you shake your head wildly.

“I’m fine! Just don’t stand so close to me!” you tell him as you push him away trot up ahead causing him to shrug.

Wanting a distraction, any distraction, you come across Rainbow Dash’s mailbox and check it for her like she wanted. Inside is a letter with the Wonderbolts insignia.

“Oh hey, look at that. She actually got a letter from them,” you say as you open the envelope.

“Whoah dude wait! It’s illegal to open someone else's- “

You drown him out as you read the letter.

Seems Rainbow has in fact been accepted into the Wonderbolts Academy. You smile at this since it means less chances of her stalking you but then you read the bottom of the page and you Squee a little.

“What was that noise?” Flash asks. 

“This letter is signed by Spitfire herself!” you say as you caress her name at the bottom of the letter.

“OH…and…?”

"What do you mean and? She's the coolest, most hottest member of the Wonderbolts. Plus she's the captain!" you chide.

"Oh. I don't know, I always felt like Fleetfoot was the more attractive one," he admits.

"Well, you're just wrong is all," you dismiss causing him to ruffle his feathers.

Again you ignore him and stare at the elegant signature of one of your celebrity crushes.

OK, I know Sapphire Shores let me down in the idol department, but hopefully not you, you fiery speed demon you...

You get so engrossed in you idolization you bring the letter up to your face and take a big sniff of the hoof signature at the bottom. It has the faint scent of cinnamon and smoke.

“OK, what the buck are you doing now?” Flash asks a bit creeped out, causing you to come to your senses.

“NOTHING! What do you mean? I wasn’t doing anything weird!” you yell as you stuff the letter back in the envelope and shove it back into the mailbox.

You give him a wide eyed look, and he still stares at you a bit creeped out.

“Let us never speak of this again,” you blurt.

“Agreed.”

Oh for the gods’ sake. What in the actual Tartarus is the point of any of this! Sombra growls.

You sigh at this outburst. You haven’t really drank too much over the last week. Constant booze consumption without drunkenness still has it's drawbacks as you found out a few days ago.

Luckily though, Fluttershy has come through.

“Hey Flash, you mind taking a detour? I need to see a bear about a tranq.”

“Umm…OK?”

As the two of you begin to walk towards Fluttershy's home, you can't help but feel a flashback coming to explain how you asked Fluttershy about them in the first place...

FLASHBACK TIME!



Kersey's Comment



A few days after the Apple Family Reunion, you were treated to a lovely breakfast courtesy of your (more than likely) grandmother. Some news was thrown around, like the School House Derby race coming up soon, and how Babs Seed and her friends and family worked on her bullying issues back in Manehattan. Applebloom was getting ready for school, while Nightshade was getting ready for more magic lessons with Twilight. Why wasn't she in school? Because you're NOT staying permanently in Ponyville that's why! And whatever Red's ex-wife can throw out, Crazlight can spit out much more effectively. 

Anyway, you were having breakfast one day when...

"Uh... did you change the recipe?" you ask hesitantly to Granny Smith, the piece of normally sweet apple bread feeling a bit underwhelming in your mouth.

"Course not!" Granny Smith replies, "I've been making my breakfast foods the same way since my grand-pappy made them as a youngin! Ya don't mess with the family recipe."

"Really? Cause this tastes... different. Like somehow... less than normal," you say as you chew the food.

"Well you have been hitting the hard cider pretty frequent-like. The cider sweetness is probably drowning it out." Big Mac points out.

"Ya Baker, you have been putting away cider like a squirrel puts away nuts. Heck, you're chugging a bottle right now!" she points out causing you stop and put the bottle down with a nervous chuckle.

She shakes her head at this, "Sugar cube, while it's pretty amazing that you've been drinking nonstop and you're still more sober than a Salt Lick City prohibitionist with a liver disorder, the fact is we think you should cut back." Applejack comments.

"Aw man, really?" you mutter.

"Yes young un. Ain't no good for a stallion to spend his days in a bottle. You'll end up ruining yer tastebuds for good," Granny points out.

"... *ding* Oh buck!" you exclaim in horror as you realize if that's the case, you won't be able to taste this wonderful and glorious food.

"Language!" Red scolds.

"Sorry," you say sheepishly as you slide the bottle over to him.

So, not wanting to permanently destroy your taste buds, you decide that it's high time  to head over to Fluttershy's to get some animal tranquilizers.

When you head over after breakfast, you don't hear Applejack say this to her family.

"Thank goodness he bought that. He's practically gone through all our private winter stores."

Granny Smith chuckles at this, "Heh, stallions that take to the bottle all tend to believe what the more level headed tell them. Now let's put away this bland bread and have some real Apple Food."

But alas, you didn't hear that exchange, you idiot.

Along the way to the the cottage, Selena speaks up.

I know that we will need the sedatives now that you've decided to stop drinking, but we have at least three days. Is now REALLY the best time to visit that useless strumpet?

One, Fluttershy is NOT a useless strumpet, she was just misguided is all, and I don't think she hates you anymore

I'll believe that when I see it, she grumbles.

 Two, MY ABILITY TO TASTE ALL THOSE DELICIOUS APPLE RECIPES ARE IN DANGER!!! And Three, well, there may not be a guarantee that she even has tranqs. Better to ask now while smokey is still boozed up.

When arriving at Fluttershy's, there was of course an awkward silence between you. It'd been about a week and a half since the party and since Selena verbally beat her down, and you hadn't really spoken since due to Reunion prep and Bully drama.

The both of you are silent for awhile until you're about to slap yourself out of it, as is your protocol, when Fluttershy stops your hoof saying,

"Wait! Sorry, you don't have to slap yourself out of an awkward silence for me."

"Oh thank goodness for that, I know it's a habit but it does still sting when I do."

"Right...Well...hello Hoody and..." she looks away from your eyes and adds, "You..."

"Hey Fluttershy...and she says Hi too."

I most certainly did not!

She invites you inside, and you both make small talk, mostly about what's new. Nothing much with her, except for turning down Lyra and Octavia's invitation for reforming the Horde.

She asks how have you been, and you tell her about how you've been busy with the Apple Reunion, and how crazy that was with the bats and everything.

"Aw, but fruit bats are so adora-"

"NO! Do not finish that sentence! In fact, let us never speak of those night terrors again," you command, confusing her.

You also briefly touch on the Nightshade bully issue, and how you straightened the whole thing out. She says she understands and sympathizes, since she was on both sides of that problem. This confuses you.

"You were a bully?"

"Yeah...briefly. It was after Iron Will's seminar, and I took being assertive a little too far. I'm not proud of what I did, especially because I know how it felt to be a victim. Those guys back at flight camp never left Rainbow and I alone. But I'm glad things worked out for Nightshade and the others."

Really? Who the heck picks on the shy girl? Stupid jerks. Maybe I could ask Rainbow who they were then kidnap them, bring them here, and then let her assertive side maim them for vengeance and...

Isn't that the same kind of thinking that caused our daughter to act like a petty thug not too long ago? Selena points out.

Uhhhhhh...Right. Jeeze my mind is twisted. Why did I come here again?!

To acquire sedatives for our drunken captive.

*hic* I could still defeat all of you if you just had the courtesy to die and release *ZAP* Owwww...

What was that? you ask.

*chuckle* Nothing, just therapeutic shocking of a moron. But yes, get those sedatives from this little tart.

OI! Quit with the name calling. She's not a tart!

You then talk with Fluttershy more. You even apologize again about how harsh Selena spoke to her, she nods and stays quiet for a bit before responding.

"It's alright, I was harsh myself. I mean, I did speak about killing her to her face..." She then looks you square in the eye. 

"Look, you...I was hoping that maybe we could...start anew. Have a clean start?" she asks with a bit of apprehension.

Your mouth doesn't move, nor do your eyes glow. You don't hear a response aside from an intake of breath.

Fluttershy hesitantly and slowly looks away, 

"I-if you want that is..."

Aren't you going to say anything?

No. I said I was done with her. If she proves genuine with her actions, then perhaps I will grace her with my voice. Until then, nay. YOU speak with her all you want. she huffs.

"She's uh...still kind of sore on the subject," you say to Fluttershy. "Look, that night was tense, we all said things that were pretty harsh, and we've all apologized more or less. I'm sure all three of us can move on from this eventually," you say being the middle man. 

Fluttershy nods, and you add,

"Don't forget Fluttershy, you're still one of my most trusted and bestest friends. Even if I have other close friends that you're on rocky ground with, okay?"

You then give her a hug and she visibly becomes less tense with a sigh.

Aw, see? We're all friends here. And wow it's been a long time, I forgot how good she feels against- NO! BAD BUG! you think pushing yourself away from her quickly.

Some things never change... Selena rolls her eyes.

After that awkwardness you ask Fluttershy for heavy duty animal tranquilizers, preferably some for larger creatures. When asked why, you tell her it's for temperament issues, while pointing at your head. She then says she'll happily get some in for you because she thinks they'll be for Selena. You're about to correct her when said mare chimes in;

Let her carry on with that delusion. It'll be easier in the long term if she doesn't know about the extra guest in your head.

Right...Plus she's only kind of accepting of you. I don't even want to know what can of worms ol Shambala will open.

FLASHBACK IS NOW OVER


You knock three times on Fluttershy's cottage, and Harry the bear opens it.

"IS THAT A FREAKING BEAR!!!" Flash yells in fright, hovering off the ground.

"Eyup. So Harry, you got the goods?"

The bear looks to Flash behind you and points a claw at him before giving you a questioning growl.

"Yeah he's fuzz, but don't worry. He's cool."

The bear then nods and hands you a paper bag.

"Thanks Harry. See ya around."

The bear the waves happily at you and closes the door.

What a nice young bear. I'm glad you didn't actually get your neck snapped by Fluttershy.

You then open the bag...and it's not what you were expecting. When you asked for tranqs, you thought you'd be getting more needles or something. Instead, you have a bottle of pills with a picture of an elephant on it.

"Sooo, what's all this about then?" Flash asks.

"Oh, not much. I just need some medicine...apparently the kind that can take out a full grown elephant, and until Twilight officially allows me to come back from the dead, I can't buy them," you say as you open up the bottle and take out one of the bouncy ball sized pills.

"Oh, no worries man. I know the feeling," he says pulling out his own bottle of prescription pills.

Both being good bros, you don't ask WHY the two of you need pills.

"Well, bottoms up!" you toast him as you both down your pills, chewing them like the rugged stallions you are...and wishing you each had some water because they taste terrible.

Bottle of Elephant Tranqs Added to Inventory

So, how is this batch of-

All the ducks are swimming in the water, Faldaraldaralda, Faldaraldaralda...

Wow, talk about immediate results.

Indeed. 

As the former king sings, you look to Flash and say.

"Soo, you wanna get lunch or something?"

"Yeah. Sounds good man. Then let's hit up a bowling alley or something. I haven't had a day off in forever."

Smiling, you walk with your buddy back into town. As you do, you can't help but wonder something.

I wonder where Nightshade wandered off too earlier. She said something about helping...pets or something like that. I'm sure she's fine. She better not be alone with a guy or I swe-

POV CHANGE: Nightshade 

You are walking with your pet robot fox Mangle towards the Golden Oaks Library as your dad is getting hugged by Mr. Sentry.

"Told ya so Dad," you chuckle. "Dang Ms. Twilight can be clever...when she's not too busy being nuts that is. Although she is teaching me some cool stuff. That reconfiguration spell is kind of neat."

Anyway, now that your dad's hopes of leaving have been dashed for at least another two weeks, you decide to check up on Spike.

For you see, you and Spike have set up a gem making scheme by offering to take care of the Deadly Six's pets while they're gone. Half the gems will go to Spike to make a cake (which you wouldn't mind having a bite of), the other half towards you...so that you can pay off your grounding. You figure that a few gems will allow you to buy something nice and meaningful to give to Diamond and Silver as an apology. If it goes well, things might not be so tense, and your grounding time might go down. Win Win for everyling.

You were supposed to be there earlier, but your Dad's schemes at the train station kept you longer than you thought.

"I'm sure Spike's got this handled," you say to Mangle. "I doubt those cute little guys are that much of a hassle."

With that said you open the door to the library...and into a scene of complete chaos. 

"SPIKE!" you cry out in alarm.

Spike is unconscious on the ground with the Deadly Six's pets running wild all over the library. Rarity's cat is shredding the curtains, Applejack's dog is chasing Fluttershy's bunny around, Pinkie's gator is somehow walking on the ceiling, and Twilight's owl is frantically trying (and failing) to keep things in order.

Closing the door behind you and running to the dragon's side you say,

"Spike! What the buck happened?! Why are you knocked out on the- *BONK* oooohhhhh," you wobble woozily as Rainbow's flying tortoise smacks you in the head.

Laying on the floor next to knocked out dragon and rubbing your head where you got smacked, you and Mangle can only stare at the pet's shenanigans as you think,

OK, NOW WHAT THE BUCK DO I DO!? 

Outro:


> Episode 63: A Pet Disaster!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Kichi's Comment




SnapDrake's Comment



Though you haven't quiet mastered the RCV (your Daddy being too busy lately to start your training again), you know enough to make a quieter version of it. You take in a great mouth of air and shout,

"STOOOP!"

The treebrary shakes a little and the animals stop moving and look to you.

"General Mangle," you say to your fox who immediately stands at attention, "keep them in line while I deal with Spike." The plush robot salutes and stars mechanically barking at the others. This does kind of the exact opposite of what you wanted as they back away from her and start causing havoc a little further away.

Rolling your eyes you say sarcastically, 

"Great job Mangle, A-plus." 

She barks apologetically in response to that.

Shaking your still sore head you look back to Spike.

"Spike? Spike, are you okay?" You shake him a bit, but he does not wake. You look around for a glass of water or something, when that tortoise flies by again causing you to duck.

"Watch where you're flying!"

With no water, and not wanting the pets to walk over him anymore, you try to think of some other solutions.

"OK. Besides water and shaking, what else can wake the knocked out? I don't have any smelling salts or any adrenaline to pump directly into his heart..." you then trail off as you remember some old cartoon movies your dad showed you.

"Well...he's not a princess, would a magic kiss even work?" you think aloud.

Across Town

POV Change: Bugze (You)

You a currently running away from the alley way with Flash since Aloe and the voices seemed to have teamed up, when suddenly you are hit with foreboding dread causing you to come to a dead halt.

Flash looks back at you in panic.

"What are you doing?!"

"My dad senses are tingling! Nightshade's doing something. I don't know what or why, but I feel very overprotective and angry right now!"

"Can we worry about that later?! Stalker with evil voices is still close by!"

You are about to argue the point...when all of a sudden your anger drops away.

"Yeah you're right. I guess she's got more sense than I thought," you think as you begin running for your hypothetical life again.

Back at the Library

POV Change: Nightshade

"Eh, probably shouldn't. Besides if I'm gonna have my first kiss it sure as heck isn't gonna be when the guy is passed out and can't refuse. That just seems wrong," you rationalize, which unknowingly makes your father feel extremely relieved.

While you come to this conclusion, you do see his mouth moving. It looks like he's mumbling something.

"Well that's a good sign I think. Brain damaged folks don't have dreams do they? I wonder what he's mumbling?"

You are about to lean in closer to hear what he's saying over the racket of pets when...



BrownDog's Comment



Angel bunny jumps over to you, and sits on Spikes snout.

“Hey! Get off  him! He needs to breathe,” you command the rabbit.

He doesn’t acknowledge that, rather he keeps giving you a desperate look and pointing to his tail that is done up in curlers.

“Quit shaking your butt and move!” you say as you slap the bunny off of Spike’s face, and into a book shelf, causing several heavy tomes to fall and bury him. You wince, feeling maybe you hit a bit too hard, but Spike’s safety comes first.

With the bunny out of the way you lean in closer to hear Spike mumble,



Kichi's Comment

 

"Mmm, that feels nice...Oh Rarity...Of course I'd like more...I know...I'm so handsome..." 

You feel annoyed at that for some reason as you lean back away from him and his stupid dream grin.

"Oi! Quit dreaming about that McStabFlank whorse! She wears too much makeup!" you shout and slap his face, trying to wake him up.

"Gah!" he wakes and sits up suddenly, and in the process his head hits your head.

"OW!" you both yell after your foreheads collide. 

First a tortoise, and now a dragon. What other scaled thing is gonna hit my head today?  you think in annoyance. As you do you hear him groan.

"Ohhh...Nightshade? When did you get here? What's going on?" he asks in confusion rubbing his head.

"Ugh..." you rub your temple again. "I just walked through the door, I think Tank knocked you out, and the pets are running around, but I brought Mangle to help out," you explain.

However as you say that Mangle runs by you as she gets chased by Applejacks dog and Rarity's snooty cat. You can feel a sweatdrop on your head as you chuckle nervously and say,

"Uh well...she's trying at least, heh heh."

Spike just sighs before rubbing his head in pain.



BrownDog's Comment



“I am definitely wearing a helmet from now on,” Spike says as he gives a glare to Tank.

“Yeah, say, do you have a spare? I got bonked by him too."

“Actually I do. I think it’s still in the closet next to Twilight’s skateboard she’s never used,” he says as he leads you towards said closet.

You raise an eyebrow at that. You have never, EVER seen Ms. Twilight doing anything close to recreational fun. The only time she starts running around is when she’s going nuts.

“Why the heck does she even have a skateboard?”

“Rainbow Dash. She tried to get Twilight to exercise more. Surprise surprise, it didn’t work,” he deadpans and you chuckle.

After retrieving the helmets, you put them on so that that tortoise does not give you any more lumps.

You both then look over the pets running amuck and he sighs.

"Why can't things ever be so simple? I just wanted to make a jewel cake."

“How did you think you were going to bake and watch all these little guys at the same time?” you ask.

“Well, I thought I could get it started before you got here, but then you were late...and then I got bonked...” he mutters as Gummy licks Opalescence and causes her to hiss at him.

“Sorry, I got held up at the train station, but don't worry because I'm here now,” you boast raising your head up. “You can make that delicious cake, and Mangle and I will make sure these guys are obedient and- HEY! Mangle stop that! You’re not supposed to be having fun!” you scold Mangle who stops playing tug of war with Winona, and gives you hurt looking eyes.

“Oh come on Mangle, don’t give me that look,” you plead but she continues to give the puppy dog eyes. You swear, her speaker system is even playing some sad background music.

“Oh Fine! Be that way,” you say looking away from her, and she and Winona continue playing their game while Owlowicious perches on her head.

“Dang troublesome pets, infecting my fox,” you mumble.

“Well, really they're not so bad. Twilight on one of her off days can do a heck of a lot more damage. But yeah, there's only one problem pet here," he says as she sneers at points to the bunny who is sits scowling at both of you in the corner, his tail still done up in curlers.

“Really?” you say a bit surprised. As if to emphasize this point, he kicks a lamp off a desk, which breaks it, while giving you both a smug look.

All the other pets stop what they're doing and glare at him, and you say.

“Hey! That wasn’t very nice!”

He then hops up some bookshelves and sticks his tongue out at both you and Spike.

“See what I mean? A jerk,” Spike sighs.

“Hmmph. I’ll deal with you in a minute Mister!” you threaten up to the bunny who just turns his back on you.

“But yeah, get to baking Master Chef. Cake awaits us!”

“Alright! Thanks Nightshade. Listen, do you mind if I use the rest of your gems in the recipe and I’ll give you the equivalent in bits?” he asks.

“Well, I guess so. Why do you need more though?” you say as you hand him the gems.

He rolls his eyes and grunts at this, 

“Because, SomeDRAGON, decided that she’d like some cake too, while doing absolutely NOTHING to help.”

“Honk Honk!” comes a cry from upstairs.

“Yes I’m talking about you!” Spike yells to the ceiling before shaking his head and looking at you.

“So yeah, I need to make a bigger cake so we all can have some.”

“Why don’t you just not give Crackle any if she’s not willing to help?” you point out.

He rolls his eyes again, “Because then she’ll bring up how SHE was the one to fly the girls and I to safety, that the Hooded Offender trusted her sooo much, and I’ll have to hear her sob story again about Garble and…Look, it’s much more simpler this way.”

“You can understand her blargs and honks?” you ask surprised.

“Not really. But she does use cue cards and interpretive dance, so the point still gets across,” he says, confusing you even further.

“Well…Alright, as long I get a piece of cake, I’m all good.”

“That actually is something I was thinking of Shade. Can you even eat gems?”

“Huh?”

“Well, I know you love food a lot, but…well, gems are pretty tough, and other ponies don’t eat them…”

“Spike! Come on. It’s ME we’re talking about here,” you say to him cockily as you take a small green gem out of his mixing cup. “I kicked a hydra in the nards, hugged Cerberus into submission, and beat down both King Sombra and The Hooded Offender. I can handle a little ol gem.” You then punctuate this statement with a bite of the gem…which chips off a piece of one of your front teeth.

Your eyes widen in shock as all goes still in the library. Spike cups his claws to his mouth, the pets stare at you and you don't say anything as you just stare straight ahead.

“Ha Ha Snort! Blarg!” Crackle chuckles upstairs at something, which causes to the dam to break. 

“AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! My Bucking Tooth!” you yell, which causes all the animals to start rioting again, and you even hear Angel chuckling.

“Oh jeeze! Nightshade are you alright!”

“Do I look alright?!” you growl, causing him to take a step back, but then you add, “I’m serious. Do I look alright?” you then open your mouth wider. “How’s it look?”

“Well…I’ve seen worse. You’ve definitely chipped it,” he explains hesitantly. He even holds up one of the bigger gems so you can see your reflection.

“Well, that's just perfect! Now I’m gonna have to get Zecora’s tooth tonic before Daddy finds out and freaks out like he always does!” you grumble.

“Oh jeeze! He won’t let you hang out with me anymore!” Spike panics.

“Ugh…well luckily my dad’s hanging out with Flash Sentry for the day, so we got some time."

“Wait, Flash is here?” Spike asks.

“Oh yeah, I think Twilight called him in to distract my dad from running away.”

“Oh…good thinking…I guess,” he says apprehensively.

“Something wrong?” you ask.

“I don’t know, it’s just that sometimes when we’re all hanging out I’ll catch him looking at Twilight funny, and then screaming voices come out of nowhere telling me to kill him and protect her. It’s kind of creepy.”

“Don’t worry, that’s normal for everpony. But yeah, they’re together right now, so all we have to do is make sure they don’t find out,” you say as you tongue the chipped part of your tooth.

"In the meantime though, can I have some ice? This kind of hurts."

LATER

After the pain from your tooth dulls down you and Spike decide you have to take the pets and go find Zecora. You tell him to go ahead and start making the cake, but he refuses, saying that friends in need overtake the need for cake.

Luckily, there is enough leashes for all the pets, though you don't feel like Mangle needs one. Splitting them up half and half seems to do the trick, but even then it is hectic. The stupid cat keeps trying to scratch at you both, luckily the claws can't hurt Spike, Angel keeps trying to trip you all up with the leashes, and Tank keeps bonking into your helmeted heads, and Gummy just lies on the ground being dragged.

"Why are you guys being so difficult?" you moan. It's so bad, you guys decide to take a break and rest up at a park. You don't want to be tired with these dang pets when entering the Everfree forest.

Surprsingly, it seems a trick to the park serves to calm them down. Tank, Gummy and Opalesense bask in the sun, Winona and Mangle chase sticks, Owlowicious rests in a tree and Angel...well, let's just say he's been tied up to a statue for his jerkiness. With this breathing space, You and Spike sit against a tree and talk while watching them. Eventually Spike asks you,



 The Pony Spartan's Comment

 

"So, Nightshade? I've been thinking... What's your opinion on The Offender after what happened at the Crystal Empire?"

Internally you sigh. "Why do you ask?"

"I've just been thinking about all the times when he appeared more often. Kind of hard not to when Twilight has that detective wall and all. But yeah, I went through each time he fought Twilight and the others, but I just don't know how to look at him after that incident."

"Well... I guess when I look at him I see a struggling stallion with very bad luck." You explain. He stares at you with curiosity so you keep going. "He means well, I know he does, it's just when he gets angry he can't control himself, and that's why he's dangerous... it's why everypony hates him..."

"...Do you hate him?" he asks after a moment of silence.

"I...don't know," you say as that question hits you hard. Your response even surprises you a little. "I mean, I really hate when he gets so angry that he can't control himself, but when he's his normal self I lo- like and care for him like every other pony."

Spike looks out to the field as he says. "There was this one time he acted like a real parent to me...did I ever tell you about that?"

You shake your head, curiosity getting the better of you.

"It was some months back. There was a Horde Meeting at Berry Punch's bar and it got crashed by Twilight and the girls. They didn't even know it was a meeting, Twilight had put a tracer on me because they thought I was underage drinking," he shakes his head and sighs at this. "She was worried about me, but I felt betrayed I felt like my personal space was violated, and I'd inadvertently led them to the meeting so I was angry. I snapped and yelled at Twilight and she started to tear up, which is what I wanted to happen," he says with remorse.

"Really?" You ask in shock. You don't think you've ever seen them angry at each other. Annoyed sure, but not angry.

"Yeah," He chuckles at your surprised face. "He talked to me and calmed me down, just like a proper adult would. Told me not to throw away my family, because he knew what it was like without one." He then refocuses out of that memory and looks back to you, 

"That's the part that I like about him. The guy that will save you from making a huge mistake, and will give you some stomach medicine after burping up hundreds of letters," he chuckles. "But... but when he goes on a rampage I just can't help but imagine that his heroic figure is gone for good. Like, an erased memory." He shudders a bit. "I don't know if it's like that one Power Ponies chapter when half of the team couldn't control their powers and almost destroyed the city, or if someone is controlling him or something, but I really hope he fixes it soon."

"Yeah... me too," you agree. You then smile and add, "I'm glad that he talked you down though. I've always seen Twilight as your big sister...and maybe a bit as your mom..."

He laughs at that.

"It's complicated. Your dad thought I was her pet when he first saw me," Spike frowns but soon chuckles a bit. "He's kinda like The Hooded Offender in some ways... when he's normal."

Your heart starts to beat a little faster. "Y-you don't say?" You nervously laugh to which he doesn't notice.

Thankfully before the conversation can get anymore awkward you hear the sound of a statue breaking. You and Spike look over to the noise in surprise...and see Angel Bunny smiling smugly at a now broken park bust of some pony you don't know. Both of you quickly rush over to him, and he tries to escape, but luckily Mangle Judo chops him in the back of the head. She then picks him up and holds him steady as you begin to angrily scold him,



BrownDog's Comment



“Alright Bunny, listen up. I know you’re a turd on the best of days, but we aren’t putting up with any more of your bullspit, got it?”

He just angrily squeeks trying to break out of Mangle’s grasp.

“Really? Read the room guy. You’re surrounded on all sides by bigger predators. The only other plant eater is Tank, and he’s not backing you up. Making them mad doesn’t seem to be smart,” Spike adds.

Angel then looks around and sees all the glaring pets and he gulps.

“Now, unless you want to be lunch, I propose you straighten up,” you scold.

He then looks downcast, before pulling a picture of Fluttershy out…from somewhere. He then points at her frantically and sadly.

“She ain’t here bub. We are. She put us in control, so you better listen to us,” you growl.
He then points from the picture, to his tail with the curlers and moans.

“OH! Right! I forgot all about your tail fluffing. I was so focused on the cake,” Spike says.

The Rabbit then nods and you stare at him. 

“Really? This was all over your tail?! Why didn’t you say that from the beginning?”

He then motions you hitting him earlier.

“Oh…right. Well you’re still pretty nasty. How about we make a deal. We fluff your tail, and you stop giving us the run around?”
He nods at this.

You then give the go ahead to Mangle who drops him, and not only undoes the curlers, but using her wiry claws, and even some internal heating of some kind to brush it to maximum fluffiness. Angel…is awestruck by how majestic his tail feels, like it hasn't ever felt that good before, and looks up to the robot fox with new awestruck eyes…Eyes that suddenly get hearts in them.

Mangle seems a bit taken aback by this, before suddenly the rabbit hugs her around the waste and keeps snuggling her. She barks in surprise, and tries to get him off her, but his grip is like iron. She then looks up to you in panic and worry.

“Umm…Okay. Didn’t expect that,” you say in all honesty.

“Yeah. I mean, I guess he’s not being a jerk…but I don’t know if this is any better,” Spike says a bit creeped out.

Meanwhile, all the other pets seem very VERY amused by Mangle’s predicament. Even Gummy looks like he’s laughing. While Mangle just belts out a sound file of your dad screaming,

“Buck You Lady Luck!”

You and Spike share a quick chuckle at this before you sigh and say,

"Well I think that's enough relaxing for now. We need to get to Zecora's soon before we run into my Daddy."

Spike nods at this and begins to round up the animals. Mangle meanwhile still desperately tries to pry the lovesick bunny off of her.

"Alright, I'll take the reptiles, the owl and the cat, you take the canines and the bunny, sound good?" he asks.

"Yeah, sure. I just hope that we don't cause too much noise in the Everfree and...Oh hey look, there's Zecora," you say pointing down the road.

As luck would have it, she's in town today, and she seems to be buying Filly Scout Cookies.

"Oh great, there's a filly scout right there, and here we are without my Dad's Lifetime Supply card!" you grumble.

"You're dad has a lifetime supply card for filly scout cookies?" Spike asks in surprise.

"Yeah...not sure exactly what he did to get that now that I think of it," you mutter.

"Well let's go get your tooth fixed, and then we can go back and bake the cake," Spike says as he starts trotting over to her.

Looking around you spot no sign of your dad anywhere. "OK, coast is clear. Wherever Dad is, it isn't here!" you redundantly say as you trot forward, poor Mangle chasing after you still trying to get the rabbit off her.

Wherever You Are

POV Change: Bugze (You)



The Rutherford's Comment



Currently, you are eating delicious delicious Hayburgers with Flash and making Idle conversation.

"So how is everything going with the Crimson Knights? Not much news about them after they got captured."

"That's classified, sorry man. Can't even tell you. Suffice to say, they are being watched over by top stallions."

"Who?"

"TOP. STALLIONS..."

WITH THE KNIGHTS

In the classified location, the Knights are singing at the top of their lungs, and have been for hours and hours. For them, it's a source of great amusement, but for the guards during this shift...

"OH SWEET CELESTIA MAKE IT END!!!"

Rather than listen, Rutherford the Wyvern belts out another lyric of their infuriating song "This is the song that doesn't end. It goes on and on my friends. Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because..."

The rest of the knights jump in: "This is the song that doesn't end!"

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!" the poor guards scream.

"Please, just stop!" the second guard pleads as both of their sanity's have slipped. Solarkness the Timberwolf replies,

"Well we could, but seeing as how we're stuck in here 24/7 without any outside time, I'm gonna go with..."This is the song that doesn't end!"

"Ha ha. Ha ha ha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!" one of the guard loses his mind, while the others on duty join in and help sing.

After the first guard laughs himself to tears, he whimpers,

"Can you at least sing something else?"

"Oooh, Requests," Brown Dog says excitedly.

"What do you have in mind oh great tyranical flankholes?" Kichi asks sarcastically.

"Well how about "The Camp Town Ladies"? he mutters after awhile.

"The Camp Town Ladies?" Rutherford carefully pronounces each syllable. As if there is some unspoken command given, all of the Knights say simultaneously,

"The Camp Town Ladies?" in the same manner.

The guard nods, his level of sanity not quite up to standards anymore "Oh you know: the camp town ladies sing this song do da, do da, the camp town racetrack five miles long, all the do da day."

At that, all the guards start singing and dancing around like idiots, the madness lovingly embraced.

Going to run all night. Going to run all day..."

And as the song continues, the knights laugh harder than they have in months. Even Changer cracks a small smile. Suddenly a large colorful bang goes off in the hallway, stopping the singing, and the laughing as the guard captain comes in.

"What in the wide, wide world of sports is a goin' on here?!" he yells. "The crown hired you ponies to guard these varmints, not jump around like a bunch of Las Pegasus show-fillies!!!"

The main guard from before says, 

"We're sorry sir, but the singing got to us..."

"You've only been on shift for three hours!" the captain yells.

"Time has no meaning in the halls of madness!" the guard responds, causing laughter to return.

Rolling his eyes, the captain bonks his subordinate on the head and growls, "Listen dummy, just keep it together. We've only got a few more weeks with these morons until we dump them on the new facility. Keep! It! Together!" he commands causing the guard to shake his head fast. He then looks to the surrounding cells of laughing inmates.

"And all of ya shut yer mouths or we'll blast Stableine Dion over the loudspeakers!" 

This causes the laughter to stop immediately, even Kersey's and Erised's heart-rate monitors skip a bit.

"You wouldn't!" cries out Snap Drake.

"Try me," the Captain declares with an evil smirk, causing all to shiver.

After the guards leave, and the next shift of guards are brought in, Solarkness says to Rutherford.

"You heard what that captain said right?"

"Yeah," nods the Wyvern. "They're dumping as at another facility?"

"That is ominous...but if we're being transferred..."

"What are you thinking?"

"We'd all have to be moved to this new facility, which means between here and there, we all might have a chance to get out of this mess," the Timberwolf deduces.

The Wyvern looks up and arround at the others.

"Well unless we learn to dig through reinforced concrete, I'd say you're right..."

The timberwolf nods and says,

"Pass the info along to the others when the guards aren't listening."

BACK TO YOU AND FLASH

You smack him upside the head.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Saying things cryptically and in confidence never leads to anything good!" you point out.

Flash just rubs his head, "Okay, I get yer point, but don't you think the slap was a bit overboard?"

"Don't forget, this is Ponyville, the town has luck almost as bad as mine. And with me in it, the bad luck likely triples."

Flash visibly pales at this. "Good point."

As if on que, the ground begins to rumble. You, Flash, and other ponies around you begin to look around in worry as the ground begins to shake more and more. But before you have a chance to yell out "Earthquake" you hear the lovely voice of your daughter shout out,

"MOVE THE BUCK OUT OF THE WAY! I CAN'T CONTROL THEM! THERE'S TOO MANY MAN! TOO MANY!"

You and Flash look over to where your daughter's shout came from...and see a stampede of pets coming down the road!

In the front is Mangle, running for dear life, while Angel and an army of bunnies with hearts in their eyes chase after her. Mixed into the crowd is Nightshade who is riding Harry the bear with Gummy attached to her mane, Spike, who is in the trunk of an elephant and is holding the leashes of the Deadly 6's pets for dear life, while Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo seem to be reluctantly wrapped around a Hippo, Pig, and Ostrich respectively with what looks like Bungie Chords, and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who are stuck in a Kangaroo pouch apiece (and appear to be queezy thanks to the jumping).

As these animals and more run down the road with the kids you and Flash just stare slackjawed with all the other ponies in the area.

You are brought out of this stupor by Zecora who is galloping after the stampede and out of breath.

"Zecora!" you shout, causing her to stop and look to you. "What in the buck is going on?!"

She gives an exasperated look and says, 

"I do not know how things got to this point to tell you the truth, I only signed on to help fix a tooth!" she then charges again after the stampede.

"...WHAT?!!!" you yell out in confusion.

Rewind to When You Were Still Talking to Flash

POV CHANGE: NIGHTSHADE

OK, you and Spike have reached Zecora and she's given you her usual rhymed greeting. How the heck did you get from that, to what your dad saw? No seriously, HOW?!

WHAT DID YOU DO?

> Episode 64: Really? That's How It All Went Down?!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opening Theme:



With some sort of feeling of foreboding that washes over you, you and your dragon friend walk up to the Zebra shaman who greets you with a smile.

"Why hello there Nightshade and Spike, 
I see that you are taking a large group of animals for a hike."

"Hi Zecora, how have you been?" you ask to be polite.

"I've been great young filly, but it's been so long, 
How come you and your father only visit me when something goes wrong?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

You laugh nervously at that. "Well that's not true...well it's not planned really."

"Oh...?" she asks with an eyebrow raise, "Then you have no other reason to approach me so?" 

"Well...OK you got me, but I swear we aren't doing it on purpose. You taught me some sick fighting moves. You're awesome," you reassure the Zebra who just chuckles.

"She did?" Spike asks.

"Yeah, I don't know what it's called, but they sure help my falcon kicks hit harder."

"Huh...hey Zecora, do you think you can teach me?" he asks.

"Mayhaps I will kind little drake, 
But first thing's first, tell me what's wrong for goodness' sake.

At that you sigh and show her your chipped tooth and she nods.




BrownDog's Comment



You then tell Zecora how you chipped your tooth, and how you don't want your dad to know and how frustrating things are with the animals. She surprisingly understands your predicament.

“Oh silly little marvelous youth, of course I can help fix your tooth.

But as your father once pointed out…” she then holds her hoof towards you and Spike with a clever grin. “Paying for my services is a smart route.”

“Dang it Daddy!” you scream to the air.

"Wait what's that about a tooth?" comes a voice behind Zecora causing you all to look behind her.




Kichi's Comment



Behind her is a blue unicorn mare with a blue and white mane with cutie mark that looks like the Doctor's. You've seen her in the background a lot, and your dad has referred to her as Colgate due to her color scheme, but you don't know her real name.
When you all look to her, she gives a sheepish grin.

"Sorry if I was eavesdropping, but I heard something about a tooth accident. Hi Spike," she adds.

"Hi Minuette, been awhile huh?" Spike answers with a smile.

How many ponies does Spike know? I can't even remember half their names.


"A long while, How's Twilight these days?"

"Still Twilight," he answers causing her to laugh similarly to Pinkie Pie. "So I take it you're still in Dentistry School?"

"Eyup! And if there's any problem with teeth, I'm more than certain I can help out."

"Well..." you trail off.

"I can give you a free consultation right here and now," she says.

"Free you say?! Sign me up!" you ask enthusiastically a you get in front of the mare's face, causing Zecora to scowl.

The blue mare chuckles and opens your jaw while looking at your mouth.

"Mmhmm. Mmhmm. Hmmm. Yup," she contemplates.

"So what's the diagnosis?" Spike asks.

"That is one chipped tooth," she responds plainly, "But it's not unfixable. All you need is a cap for it."

"Really? And how fast and secretive will that be?" you ask.

"It wouldn't even take an hour," she responds.

"Sweet! And it's all free?" you ask excitedly.

"Oh no, that will cost at least 200 bits," she responds.

"WHAT?! But you said it was free before!" you yelp.

"Well the consultation is free, but the actual toothcare part costs money. Though if you have a good dental plan, it can help cut the cost a bit."

You look at the mare, then back to Zecora.

"How much were you charging?" 

She turns her head and looks at Spike's mixing cup full of gems.

"I do not require hundreds of bits or dentristy fees, what I would like is one of those gems please."

You then way your options then look to the mare.

"Sorry lady, but Voodoo magic wins out over medicine today."

"Sorry Minuette," Spike adds.

"No worries. I'll see you around Spike, I'm visiting Lyra today. She wanted to ask me about joining something or another. Bye," she declares as she happily trots away.

Spike groans for some reason as she walks away but you just shrug.

"Sooo...gems huh?" you ask Zecora who nods. You then look back to Spike as he sighs.




BrownDog's Comment



“Well, I think we could let one little gem go,” Spike says as he brings out the green gem that got you in this mess in the first place. He hands it to Zecora and she nods…before giving it to the Filly Scout as a donation. She doesn’t even get any cookies!

“Very well, thank you for paying my fees, 
Now to make this quick, follow me to the edge of the trees,” she ushers you both to follow her, and you do so, pets and all.

“Thanks for that Spike, I’ll pay you back,” you say reaching for some of the bits he gave you.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. Didn’t seem right to use that gem after all,” he reassures.

"Are you sure?" you ask.

"Of course, I have enough saved to treat a friend," he smiles, and you thankfully put your bits back.

Along the way, Mangle tries to claw and bite Angel off her, but you stop her with a glare, causing her to whimper.

"Oh and do you have any potion by chance that can make a bunny not be so lovey dovey with a robot fox?"

Zecora looks at the beleagured Mangle and contemplates,

"I...maybe?
The situation seems tricky."

Tricky doesn't even come close to the situation. Plus Tricky sounds too much like evil incarnate.

Gritting you teeth, you drag your half of the pets as you follow the Zebra.


As you near the entrance to the Everfree, Zecora turns and looks at you.

“Now, normally I’d Usher you lot, 

But with all those creatures to watch, I think not.”

“Oh, well then what are we supposed to do?” you ask.
She points at a trail going to the left.

“If I’m not mistaken, down that way is the house of Fluttershy,
Until I get back, that might be a place to pass the time by.”

“So we’ll just wait at Fluttershy’s till you get the tooth stuff?”
She nods and heads into the forest while you and Spike shrug and walk the pets towards the mare’s cottage.


“I’m glad we don’t have to go in there with these guys, but it seems kind of wrong being at someone’s house when they’re not there,” Spike muses.

“Oh don’t worry, I’m sure Harry will let us in, heck, he might help us get these pets under control.”

“Hoo” the owl asks.

“Harry,” you respond.

“Hoo.”

“Harry the Bear?”

“Hoo.”

Exasperated you look at the leashed owl. “How do you not know Harry? He’s literally a giant bear that hangs out around here?”

“Hoo.”

Frustrated you just look to the flying tortoise and say, “You lived with him the longest, you fill him in!” You think you see Tank nod, but then again that could just be him wobbling.
While Spike chuckles at your back and forth, you just roll your eyes.
As you approach the cottage, you all stop when a few voices cry out,


“Hey wait up!”

You, Spike and the pets look around to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders…with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon trotting towards you.

“Uh-Oh,” Spike mumbles and you nervously look down.

Things between you and the two…well, it isn’t bad, but it’s not really good either. So far the only times you’ve seen them, they’ve been spending more time with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Without their jerkiness, the rich fillies have actually started to have fun, doing things with the CMC, trying to help them discover what their Cutie Marks might be. It’s been great for everypony else, except you.

If there’s one thing my being a jerk did, it was bring those two groups together…but it feels like the cost of it was me being left behind, you think forlornly.


You were thinking, that if you could come up with, or buy some sort of big gesture towards them, then you could become good friends with them too, and things won’t be so awkward anymore. But you bit a gem, and now have to wait to go through with those plans.

As the five fillies trot up, everyone goes,

“Hey Nightshade, Hi Spike.”
Spike takes the initiative and says,

“Hey girls. What are you all doing out here and…why do you have bungee chords on?”

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo laugh nervously at this.


“Well you see, we were all out by the bridge trying to get our bungee jumping cutie marks…” Scootaloo starts.

“I keep telling you, that wasn’t going to work. You need a much higher bridge,” Diamond Tiara points out.

“Yeah, all you guys were going to do was end up getting wet,” Silver adds.

“We still don’t know that for a fact!” Sweetie snaps back.

“You have fifty feet of chord for a ten foot bridge,” Silver replies.

“Agree to disagree,” Applebloom says before finishing Scootaloo’s statement, “But yeah we were gonna jump, when we all spied you two walking with Zecora and all them animals. Hey Winona!” The dog barks happily at it’s owner.

“So yeah, we saw you walking with her, and got curious, and then we saw you headed towards Fluttershy’s,” Sweetie finishes.

“So what’s the deal huh?” Scootaloo asks.

You look up at them, and when you catch the eyes of Silver and Diamond, you all nervously glance away.

“I uh…well she’s getting something for me, and since Spike and I were watching these Pets we couldn’t follow her.”

“Oh, what did you need from her?” asks Applebloom.
You sigh and open your mouth so that they can see your tooth, and they look a bit disturbed.


“Oh boy, how’d you go and do that?” asks Applebloom.

“I…tried to eat one of Spike’s gems…”
There is a pause at that statement before all five start laughing.

“Hey come on!” you bark.

“S-sorry Shade, but seriously, why did you think you could eat a gem?” Scootaloo laughs.

“I don’t know! It seemed like a good idea at the time,” you pout.

"Yup, you're definitely Mr. Tennant's daughter," Applebloom laughs causing you to purse your lips.

“Well, I think her reasoning was that she was awesome enough to do it,” Spike points out with a giggle, causing the others to laugh harder.

“Sppppiiiiikkkeee” you whine causing them to giggle harder.

You let them get their laughing out of the way, and if you think about it, the situation is kind of funny. But your tooth still is sore so you sit there with your arms crossed.


Applebloom then says to you, catching her breath, “Oh don’t be so down Nightshade, if this were permanent, that’d be one thing, but Zecora’s got your back.”

“That’s not the point. Think about what will happen if my dad finds out I chipped it?”
To that, they all pale.

“Oh…right. But don’t worry, when Zecora gets back, it will be like it never happened. My tooth got all nice and fixed,” she finishes with a bright smile.

“Seriously, why does she not patent that? She’d be richer than most ponies in Canterlot,” Diamond Tiara asks.

“Well I think she is starting to think along those lines, she actually charged us for it,” Spike points out.

“Yeah, and she gave it to that Filly Scout. She didn’t even buy any cookies! How nuts is that?!”

“Oh, there’s an idea. Why don’t you three become Filly Scouts?” Silver chirps, causing them all to look to her.

“You’ll learn several skills, get to sell cookies, and who knows, you might find your Cutie Marks,” she finishes.

“That’s a great idea!” Sweetie Belle squeaks, causing Winona and Mangle to rub their ears.

“Yeah it is, good job Silver!” Scootaloo gives the filly a hoof bump and she just smiles.
While they all start talking about the possibilities Diamond Tiara looks at you, then glances away and speaks to Spike.

“So…why are you heading with her alone to the Animal Lover’s house?”

“Zecora said she’d meet us there. And it’s not like we can get in, Fluttershy isn’t home today.”
Her eyes light up in excitement at that.

“Do you mean to tell me that all those cute, cuddly and adorable creatures are all by themselves where anypony could go and pet them?!”

“Ummm…” you and Spike look at each other then back to her.

“Yes?”

“Girls! I say we head with them!” Diamond announces.

With that, the seven of you plus the pets start heading over.


“By the way, why are you wearing hel-EEP!” Diamond shrieks as you pull her head down before Tank can bonk into it.

“That’s why,” you say as you let go of her nervously.

“Hey Nightshade. Why is Angel Bunny hugging Mangle so hard?” Sweetie asks.

“Apparently he’s in love. Don’t ask me how that works, but if it keeps him from being a turd, then I’m all for it.”

To this Mangle just moans.

When you all arrive to the house, you knock on the door, and you hear a bear groan in what sounds like annoyance.
The door opens moments later and Diamond and Silver scream at Harry, who just winces and covers his ears.

The rest of you respond with, "Hi Harry."

He looks from you five to the other two and gives a questioning growl.

"Oh don't mind them, they're still getting used to hanging out with us," Sweetie Belle responds causing the bear to nod.
Diamond and Silver still seem confused, but stop screaming.

Harry then gives another questioning growl and points at all of you.

"Well, we were hoping we could hang out here for a bit till Zecora comes back and fixes my tooth," you tell the bear.

He rubs the back of his head and looks back inside the house nervously, the whole time he's been blocking your view. He gives a nervous groan, before looking back to you, twiddling his claws.

Angel then miraculously lets go of Mangle and jumps in front of you, glaring up at Harry and stamping his foot and squeaking at him.

To this, the bear sighs and reluctantly opens the door all the way and ushers you inside.

As you all enter, you realize why the bear was being apprehensive.




Kersey's Comment



There is a full blown party going on. Animals are everywhere in the house, wearing party hats, drinking punch, and eating treats. There's even an elephant eating peanuts by sticking it's trunk in through the window. There's a dance floor, an area for games, and even a poker table set up. At the table are a hippo, an Ostrich, and a pig, whom Applebloom recognizes.

"Henrietta? What are you doing out here?"
The pig nervously oinks and places it's cards down.

The party seems to be at a stand still as all the animals stare at your group and your pets.

Angel gives all the animals a glare for having a party while Fluttershy's out, before he smiles and shrugs.

"Um...don't stop on our account," you declare, causing the animals to get back into the swing of things. A stereo system gets turned on and music blares.

With nothing better to do, you all join in. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon especially go a little nuts petting all of the animals who enjoy the petting.

"They're all so cute!" Diamond squees while petting a red fox.

"My parents won't let me have a pet because Mom's allergic, but I'm not!" Silver exclaims as she snuggles a Koala.

The CMC decide to play games with the critters in the game area next to the poker table, while Harry takes his seat and picks up his cards.

With all the animals, you and Spike hold onto your leashes for dear life so as not lose the pets in the party. All of them except Angel however who you see is preaching to a large group of other bunnies.




Kurolothgarian's Comment



He keeps gesturing to his tail and pointing to Mangle who is sticking by your side like glue. The rest of the bunnies seem to be enraptured by what he preaches and they all look to Mangle in reverence. They even start staining their fur with the punch to mimic her pink and white fur and holding their paws together while bowing to her.

Mangle groans and presses closer into your side.

"Oh calm down Mangle, it's only a cult that's being built around your very existence. It's not like that's ever turned out ba...Oh..." you come to the realization. 

"I really hope Zecora's got a pill for this or something, because this is creepy," Spike mutters.

While you wait, you and Spike and the pets do attempt to enjoy yourselves, but you try to keep Mangle as far away from the bunnies as possible.


After awhile, Zecora finally shows up, and doesn't even bat an eye at the literal party animals.

"Oh thank goodness, Zecora you got the goods?"

"Indeed I do,
And I may have something for your bunny problem too."

She pulls out two bottles one with a tooth on it, and another with a bunny inside a crossed out circle.

"It's Bunnies now," you lament as you point towards the horde of rabbits with pink stained fur causing Zecora's eyes to light up.





Fireheart1945's Comment




"Oh dear, it's worse than I thought.
Luckily I have enough ingredients to make a lot," she says as she pulls out more bottles of stuff and a mixing bowl.

"Um, can I have the tooth medicine first?"

"Oh sorry, of course you can, you've been through enough," she begins to start handing it towards you before she yells,
"Hey! Paws off that you little cretin of fluff!"

You look over and see Angel holding a bottle with a heart on it.

"Is that love poison?!" you shriek.

"Yes, it's an ingredient in my concoction to break bunny love,
Now can one of you get that, and for good measure, give him a shove?"

"Gladly," Spike says as she tries to get Angel, but the rabbit dodges him and runs up to Mangle holding the bottle out for her. He keeps gesturing for her to drink it, but she frustratingly yells at him and smacks the bottle away...which serves to splash over the bunny cult.

Everyone's eyes pale at this, Equine, dragon, and pet alike.

Without warning, all of the rabbits begin glomping on every animal there, causing mayhem. The music stops, the animals panic, and a riot occurs. In doing so, you accidentally lose your leash hold on your half of the pets...except for Gummy who purposefully latches onto your mane and won't let go.

"Why are they all freaking out?!" Sweetie Belle screams.

"I don't-WHOAH!" Applebloom is cut off as her bungie chord gets tangled up the Hippo.

"Calm down, I-EEP!" Sweetie screams as the Pig gets tangled with her, and Scootaloo follows suit by getting tied to the Ostrich. 

"Seriously?!" she yells exasperated.

"Let us go!" Diamond yells to a Kangaroo who puts her in her pouch, "We are not your baby kangaroos!"

"Actually, the correct term is Joey," Silver Spoon points out from her pouch.

"Not now Silver!"

With the riot in full swing, Angel takes his chance to try to get to Mangle, but unfortunately, a lot of the bunnies feel like he's the ideal mate and follow suit.

Finally done with everything, Mangle kicks the door open and runs out, while the bunnies chase her...unknowingly unleashing all the panicking animals.

"AAAAAAHHHH!!!" the CMC and former bullies scream as they unwillingly get caught up in the stampede.

"Oh Crud! Mangle! Girls! Don't worry I'll save you!" You then hop onto Harry. "Onwards Harry! Follow that stampede!" 
The bear grunts in acknowledgement and rushes out the door. 

Spike, who gets left behind yells, "Nightshade wait!" he gathers up the remaining four pets and looks for some way to follow you...before he is picked up by the helpful elephant who charges after Harry. Spike doesn't know this though and begins panicking.

As the entire cottage is emptied, Zecora just looks wide eyed holding her potions. Before snapping out of it and running out the door.


Eventually, Harry and the Elephant enter the fray of the stampede, but no matter how much you yell and scream, the animals won't stop stampeding. Their panicked instincts seem to adhere to no master.

As the stampede inevitably leads into town (because why wouldn't it?) You yell out to the ponies in the road

"MOVE THE BUCK OUT OF THE WAY! I CAN'T CONTROL THEM! THERE'S TOO MANY MAN! TOO MANY!"



Luckily, ponies seem to listen to you unlike the animals. Unfortunately...


"Nightshade! What Did You Do?!!!" 

You look behind the stampede and pale as you see your dad running with Flash Sentry and Zecora.

"It's not my fault this time! I swear it!" you yell back.

"OH! So it was Spike's then wasn't it!" he yells glaring at the dragon in the elephant's trunk.

"Oh for Pete's sake dad! No!" you yell.

Seriously, why is Daddy so weird about him?

"Mr. Tennant! Save us!" The CMC, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon cry out from their respective animals.

"I'm trying!" he yells.

"They won't listen daddy! I don't even think breaking the rabbits' things will work, the others won't stop!"

"Ugh! Why does this have to happen when Fluttershy and Applejack are gone?!" your dad yells. 

"I know right?" you agree from on top of Harry who groans in support as well. "Really when it comes to animals and herding, there's no one else rugged or scary enough to put a stop to-"

"WHAT ON CELESTIA'S GREEN LAND DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!!!" comes the stern, and very angry voice of a mare. Almost instananeously, the stampede comes to a screeching halt. Even the bunnies stop hounding Mangle as they stare in fear at the mare. As the dust settles, you all see who has put a stop to the stampede.




BrownDog's Comment



"Ms. Cheerilee?" you, the CMC, Diamond, Silver, and your dad exclaim in shock. Indeed, it is the school house teacher with the angriest face you think you've ever seen outside of your dad's. The animals all squirm before her gaze.

"How Dare You Put Those Children in Danger! Running around like wild animals!" she scolds.

"Umm...but they are wild..." your dad tries to interrupt, but she shuts him up with a gaze towards him.

Turning her attention back to the animals, she starts lecturing them. "I don't care how this started, or why, but you should all be very ashamed of yourselves! You're lucky nopony got hurt!"

All the animals' ears wilt as they look down.

"Not to mention if you'd kept stampeding, you would have broken up the road side set up for the Derby Race! Can you imagine how sad the children would be if you ruined that?!" she scolds as she unties Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle from their animals.

The animals begin whimpering at that.

"I am very disappointed in you all. Now, put the children down and go home and think on your actions, or I might just have a talk with Fluttershy later." At that all of the animals have wide eyes, and this threat even seems to break the love spell over the bunnies. Harry immediately puts you on the ground, with Gummy still attached to your hair, while the elephant places Spike and the pets down. 
"That means you too marsupials!" she scolds the Kangaroos, who reluctantly take the dizzy Diamond and Silver out and put them on the ground.

The animals all then sullenly walk back towards Fluttershy's with Harry shepherding them.

As Cheerilee glares and watches them leave, the girls, and Mangle, all glomp her in a hug crying out their thanks. Angel tries to hug Mangle, but she back kicks him and you catch him, putting his leash back on.

"Well...that happened," you say to Spike who groans.

"I just wanted to make a cake, how did it lead to this?"

Your dad, his bud, and Zecora then walk up to you guys.

"Soo...what exactly happened Nightshade?"

You nervously look at your dad, but don't open your mouth. If you do, he'll see your tooth. Thankfully, Ms. Cheerilee saves you yet again.

"Mr. Tennant!" she says causing your dad to look at her in panic.

She marches over with that disappointed look on her face, causing your dad to gulp.

"You wouldn't happen to have anything to do with this stampede would you?" she insinuates.

"No! It wasn't me this time! I swear it!" he yells, copying what you'd said earlier.

She sneers at him, and you remember that they don't have the best relationship with each other. Thankfully, while he's distracted, you rush to Zecora and say,

"Tooth medicine, Now!"

She nods and hands you the bottle, to which you chug. After it hits your gut, your jaw starts to feel funny, as it feels like something is pushing through and out of your cracked tooth. With one final push, the feeling goes away.

"A complete and utter success,
The one good thing out of this whole mess," she tells you, causing you to run your tongue over your now healed chomper.

"Please don't tell my dad, please?" you beg her.
She raises and eyebrow at that, but then at your side Spike holds up his cup full of gems.

"Yeah, please don't tell him, we won't be able to hang out again. I'll give you these if you stay quiet."

She raises an eyebrow at that, but then smiles and pushes the back as she mimes a zipper going across her mouth.

Thankful for both hers and Spike's reactions, you look back to your dad who is sweating nervously.


POV CHANGE: BUGZE (YOU)

As the ex wife of your other bro glares at you, Flash comes to your aid.

"He's right ma'am, he didn't start this. Really, we don't know how it happened."

She then glares at him, before her eye twitches. You then hear the sound of the voices whimpering, and seemingly running away.

"Mr. Sentry. Good to see you again. Still haven't fixed those voices have we?"

"I can't control them," he moans and looks down.

She then looks at all of you and asks, "So then, what DID happen?"

Zecora and the children then explain how Angel started a cult to Mangle over his love for her, and it led to disaster.

Your eye twitches at how familiar that situation is. You feel like there's something else that's being left out...but you let it slide, you don't want to anger Cheerilee in some way.

Speaking of which, the mare looks to you and says,

"By the way, Mr. Tennant, I know Nightshade is no longer one of my students, but that doesn't mean she can't participate in the race."

"Yeah, I was gonna ask earlier, what is this Derby Race?"

"It's a competition for the students and an adult of their choice. I'll officially give the statement tomorrow, but you will be given the means to build a cart. Prizes are given for most stylish, traditional, and fastest, and it's a fun day for everypony."

You look behind her and see that before she stopped the stampede, she was setting up flags on streamers along the road.

"Oh, OK, I'll keep that in mind then," you stammer. She then gets in your grill, "I expect that safety above all else should be the priority."

"Yes ma'am," you mutter. She nods and smiles and says to everypony,

"Right, have a good day then. Stay out of trouble all of you." And she goes back to setting up the flags. The girls all start talking excitedly about the race and how they want to try new things, and who they'll ask to help. 


After it's all said and done, you all agree to one thing.

None of this happened! 
You sure as heck don't want the Deadly 6 to find out about this Pet Disaster. And though you may be weary of Spike, you don't want him getting in trouble with the bookworm.

So, since they still have to pet sit, Nightshade and Spike go with the CMC and friends, while you continue hang out with Flash, and surprisingly Zecora who has nothing better to do. It always seems you're hanging out with her only after things go wrong.

Eventually, the Deadly 6 return to town, and being a bro for Harry the bear, you convince Fluttershy and the girls to hang out for dinner so that he has time to clean up the cottage.

Flash also seems thankful since a certain bookworm is there, but you don't say anything, lest the voices return.

Apparently things were hectic in the empire, but they eventually got the official, named Ms. Harshwhinny, to approve the location for the Equestria Games.

Great, And I probably won't be able to go to it. Aside from the crystal ponies not liking me, I'm not taking Sambino anywhere near it.

At dinner, you do overhear something that ticks you off though,




Kurolothgarian's Comment



"And then the stampede went right through me, but not a single animal touched me. And I was like 'Call me Lyra "Lady Luck" Heartstrings' I even found a big blue gem by my hoof." 

Your eye twitching, you look a few tables down to see Lyra sitting with some blue unicorn mare you've nicknamed Colgate. The mare laughs while you see Bon Bon just roll her eyes.

Your luck better run out there, I don't need you and Octavia starting the Horde back up again, you think bitterly.

The rest of the day goes without incident...on your end anyway, you can't say for sure with Nightshade. But No one rats out Harry and his little party. You never know when you need a bear that owes you a favor. Heck, the night even gets better when you tell Rainbow Dash she's been accepted to the Wonderbolts Academy, and she pays for the whole dinner. Unfortunately, she won't be leaving for awhile, so you'll still probably run into her, especially during this Derby Race...


Two Days Later

It is currently way too early to be up, but here you are anyway, standing out in the meadow near the schoolhouse, with several other adults and children.

Just like Cheerilee said, it's a day to build a cart for these kids to race around the town in. The wood and paint and all the supplies you'll need are there, but you just need the go ahead.

The CMC have their respective sisters and Rainbow Dash. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon appear to be sharing her butler as their adult supervisor, and of course Nightshade has you. What's surprising is that Flash is there...with an orange earth pony colt with a blue mane.

Your eyes widen at this.

"He's got a kid?!"


WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 65: Let The Pre-Race Building Begin!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



The Rutherford's Comment




Kichi's Comment



As you look to Flash, you can only ask yourself:

How does he have a kid? As far as I know, he has not been in a relationship since he told me about his marefriend disappearing on him.

When did that happen? I have been with you since before you took control of the diamond dogs and he has never said anything about it.

Before the invasion, I used to talk to him when I disguised myself as a foal....sitter...Holy Moley! That is his little brother. I haven't seen him in ages!

FLASHBACK TO SEASON 1, EPISODE 59: THE CAKE IS A LIE!!!

You see, you know Flash because, during your foalsitting in Canterlot (and skipping changeling assault class in favor of playing some Saints Raw 3 and other games the foals had) the foal you would watch over the most was Flash's Earth Pony little brother, First Base. Little dude was great at playing Baseball, while you were... less than good (by that, you usually ended up hitting yourself with the bat... curse you uncoordinated hooves). He was a nice colt, always full of energy and he loved your references (very few creatures do for some odd reason).

FLASHBACK OVER

...Why do my flashbacks have seasons and episode numbers in-NO! Nevermind! you think shaking your head. Flash told "me" about him, but I can't let him know I already met the little guy. Better play dumb.

So business as usual? Selena snarks.

Pretty muc- Hey! Chuckling at your outburst, she continues with another thought.

So he has a little brother. Interesting. But why is everypony giving them so much space?

You look a little closer and realize that no other adults or kids are around them, as if they have an invisible barrier around them.

Deciding to investigate this you begin to walk over to him. However after you close a certain distance...



Kichi's Comment



Kill them! Destroy them before they do anything! His whole family must die! Waifu stealers! The voices scream, cluing you into why ponies are keeping their distance.

Wow... Trippy, Sombra comments in his drugged state.

Rolling your eyes you ignore the voices and approach Flash.

"Morning Flash." He smiles and looks to you.

"Morning Tennant."

"The Voices seem a bit more aggressive today," you point towards the other ponies keeping their distances.

He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck, "Yeah...but at least nopony is acting on them. You and Nightshade are actually the first to come near us."

"Oh believe me, I'm an expert when it comes to persistent voices in my head."

He just looks confused at this, "Ooookaaaayyyy?" Wanting to change the subject you look down the the little colt and back to Flash.

"So...You have a kid...I didn't know you had one," you insinuate.

"Oh...OH!" Flashes eyes widen, "Nononono, this is my little brother," he says as he ushers the colt forward who smiles. "Introduce yourself little dude."

"Hello, My name is First Base! And me and big bro are gonna win this whole thing" he says enthusiastically.

"Oh really? What division?" you ask.

"Huh?" the colt mutters confused.

"What kind of cart are you building? Fast, Traditional or Stylish?"

He looks back up at Flash.

"There's different cart types?" Flash looks to you.

"There's different cart types?"

"Yeah, Cheerilee said that after the stampede remember?"

"Not really, that mare is kind of scary so I didn't quite hear what she was saying."

You nod your head in understanding.

"So..." First Base speaks up, "Is this the guy you always talk about Flash?"

You realize you still need to introduce yourself so you don't seem rude. With that you say,



BrownDog's Comment



“Oh, where are my manners? I’m Baker Sylvester Tennant little guy." You then bump his hoof.

“And I’m Nightshade!” your daughter introduces herself running in front of you and, holding out her hoof.

He bumps her hoof and says, “Pleased to meet you."

Your eye twitches as you realize that a colt named First Base has touched your daughter's hoof. Yeah you used to play baseball with him, but he was still a blank flank back then, you don't know what his actual talent is! Over-protectiveness overriding your common sense, you place a hoof in front of Nightshade shielding her from the colt, making him nervous.

“You have about five seconds to tell me your special talent is Baseball related, or I swear to Luna I’ll…”

“I-it is Baseball! I love playing it!” he nervously shows you his cutie mark which is in fact baseball related.

“Oh…right then,” you say as you lift your hoof and Flash gives you the stink eye. 

"What? I had to be sure," you explain.

He is a child, Selena scolds.

Nightshade just rolls her eyes.

“Don’t mind my Dad, he’s always like this,” she explains to First Base.

“I am not! Only MOST of the time. Get your facts straight Shade,” you chide.

Rolling her eyes again, she looks to the colt and asks, “So are you new? I don’t remember seeing you in school. Then again I’ve been gone for a few months.”

“Oh, well…I actually don’t live here. Well, I might if Mom decides to take Flash’s advice, but I’m just visiting while Flash is down.”

You then look to your buddy and raise an eyebrow.

“I haven’t seen them for a long time thanks to my new duties, I invited them out since I’m on vacation. I decided, hey why not have my little bro enter the race?”

“Gotcha…but they might move here?” you ask.

“Well this place is cheaper than Canterlot, I thought it might help them out more, but she’s still thinking about it.”

"Right...but really is Ponyville any safer? There's always crazy stuff happening around here, some of it on world changing scales. The only thing bad that happened in Canterlot in the last 3 years was the Changeling Invasion and when...The Hooded Offender trashed the gala."

"That is true, but again, it's cheaper, and there's powerful ponies I trust here. Twilight and her friends usually keep this place safe."

His little brother looks up at that.

"Wait, Twilight? Isn't that that mare you keep talking about all the ti-" he is stopped by Flash's hoof.

"I don't know what you're talking about little bro. I have absolutely no inclination towards anypony that would make the voices mad!" he says aloud looking around with shifty eyes.

"Oh, right," the colt says in understanding as he takes the hoof out of his mouth.

"That's right, nopony catches my eye," he badly lies, "There is nopony in this town I find atraaaaaaa...." he trails off as he stares behind you, his jaw dropping as blood leaks out his nose. 

Confused, you look around and...

*SPURT*

“Holy…" you mutter in awe.

"Crap..." Flash finishes, with the same awed speech.

Ms. Cheerilee has taken the stage to announce the beginning of the cart building, and she is wearing a miniskirt cheerleader outfit.

"Why is she wearing that for? This isn't a hoofball game” Nightshade asks.

You can’t answer her as you feel very conflicted. On one hoof, this mare makes you terrified on a whole other level compared to your other enemies...but on the other hoof...Dang.

Oh geeze Cheerilee what are you doing wearing that? Were you actually a skimpy cheerleader back in high school? Woof, you’re definitely making me hot for tea-NO BAD BUG!!! 

Oh for goodness sake, she is one of your friend’s Ex-Wife! Selena scolds.

I know, I know! I just wasn’t expecting her to pull off that look…	

What, that old sow? Ha! Your taste in mares is laughable. All of your stalkers are trash, Sombra druggedly rambles.

Oh come off it. Your outdated standards probably don’t apply.

I have known true beauty insect. None can compare to her, even in death…he contemplates, with a sad sounding voice.

Who’s he talking about?

I have no idea, nor do I care Selena answers. Now pick your tongue off the floor and stop ogling the mare who can make those annoying voices whimper.

Adhering to this sound advice, you do close your mouth as you listen to the...Cheerileader, but you do still stare.

As you and Flash continue to leer at the mare while she makes her announcement, Nightshade just rolls her eyes and says to First Base, 

“Stallions.”

After awhile, she finally allows everyone to start building as she walks from view, which finally focuses you and Flash.

"Dang man, why are there so many pretty mares in this town?" he asks you.

"I have no clue. But at least now I know the reason why Red took so long in divorcing her. On the plus side though, she is as far away from being one of my stalkers as you can get, so free game for you buddy."

"Hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves here, I'm not like you when it comes to gathering mares, I'm more of a one mare guy."

"Oi! It's not like I do it on purpose!"

"Umm, can we get to building the karts already? Everyone else has already started," Nightshade speaks up.

You both look around and see she's right.

"Yeah, let's get our heads focused and get to building!" you declare.

"Right. Come on little bro, let's get to building."

The colt nods then says, “Why don’t we build a traditional cart?”

“What? Why would we do that?” he asks in confusion.

“It sounds fun and different to do," the colt says with a shrug. "Also, I bet it’d be something Granddad would be proud of and…”

“NOPE! Nope, we are not doing traditional!” Flash interrupts startling his brother.

“But I want to…”

“We gotta go fast Base! Otherwise Rainbow Dash won’t let me live it down!”

"Dang Right!" comes said mare's voice from one of the building areas.

"You see! Come on! Gotta Go Fast!" he yells as he drags his brother off to one of the building areas.

Shrugging, you and Nightshade then walk to your area where the building materials and tools have been laid out.

You both smile though as it didn't say anything about using outside supplies to build, as evidenced by Rarity's swan design.

No, both you and Nightshade know exactly what you're going to build as you get out your supplies, and your own blueprints. Nightshade brings out a can of chrome spray paint and a glittering plastic skull. You in turn pull out some plastic chains and spikes that were half off due to being leftovers from Nightmare Night. Cackling, you and your daughter say,



Kersey's Comment




ThePonySpartan's Comment



"Oh what a day! What a lovely day!" as you dive right into building the kart. You've both taken to quoting an awesome movie you both saw yesterday. A movie so awesome, it caused you to come up with a theme for your kart...

Yesterday

You and Nightshade went to see Mad Maximus: Fury Road to unwind after the pet disaster. Also it was somewhat of a reward since Nightshade was improving with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon after the pet shenanigans. Needless to say, you both loved it. Though one of the characters in it did make you shout in frustration.

"What the buck?! The Immortan's wearing the Crimson Vengeance's Mask?!"

"Well can you blame him daddy? It's an awesome mask."

"Well sure, but how in the heck did my mask end up on this movie's bad guy?"

"Well, CV is pretty famous, maybe the director took inspiration?" Nightshade guesses.

"More like image infringement," you groan. Even still, if you did help influence the bad guy's look in the movie, it still rocks.

Not to mention that Nightshade's friends expressed jealousy that she was able to see a "grown-up" film (in your early days in Ponyville, you used to have a problem with the box office pony who was hesitant to let you take your filly to violent movies, but one *snap* and a yell later and the theater doesn't bother you and your daughter seeing R-rated movies anymore).

But yeah, you and her were hyped, so much so that when the template sheet for the cart designs were delivered yesterday, you both decided that you were gonna create your own.

Of course it IS going to be the fastest kart, that much is a given. When drawing up your designs, you ignored a great deal of other valuable stats like acceleration handling and traction. Why? Because you were too occupied by the thought of winning the race, and you swear that by the Mighty V8, you will have a cart worthy for a world ruled by the Mad. 

"And it should have skulls, and spikes, and chains. And of course, it should be Shiny and Chrome!" Nightshade jumps up and down in a Pinkieesque manner.

"And it will honey. It will. But unlike the guy who stole my mask design, we aren't going to rip off their designs whole heartedly. NO, we are going to pay homage to it...along with something else."

"Something else? What do you mean dad?"

Turning to her you show her your blueprints.



BrownDog's Comment



“Daddy, What’s a Dragula?”

You smirk and say, “Something that will make Herman Munster proud Nightshade.”

“Who?”

“A character from an old tv show. But yes, our Fury Road Dragula will not only win us fastest Nightshade, but it will net us Traditional and Creative as well."

Her eyes light up at that.

"Really? How?"

"Simple, It’s old enough to be traditional, it’s looks cool as Tartarus, and it will leave the competition in the dust, there's nothing in the rules about only receiving one prize. Nor does it say anything about using outside equipment."

"Right on Daddy-O" she replies excitedly. You smirk and stand up.

"That's the spirit, now let's head to barnyard bargains and use my VIP membership for cheap supplies."

Back to the Present

And now, with your supplies, including smoke pipes, nitro, and of course a portable record player, you are ready to create the Fury Dragula.

Following your blueprints, you and Nightshade work side by side, creating your masterpiece. Thanks to your handy man skills, you and your daughter finish way ahead of schedule, and are even able to inspect and go over your craftmanship. However, there is something that both you and your daughter notice.



Fireheart1945's Comment



Namely that Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle seem absolutely miserable as their carts are getting made. You keep seeing each of the fillies trying to add different design choices to their carts, but Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash keep excluding them. Confused, and a bit concerned, you ask Nightshade to go investigate.

POV CHANGE: Nightshade

While your dad tunes up the awesome racecar, you go over to your friends who are huddled up and look put out.

“What’s wrong gals?”

“It’s our sisters and Rainbow Dash, they won’t listen to us,” Applebloom complains.

“Yeah, we wanted to try something different!” Sweetie adds.

“But they’ve taken over our projects,” Scootaloo finishes.

You look to the older sisters building the carts their way.

"But I thought you'd all be on the same wavelength as them. Don't you like going fast Scootaloo?"

"I do, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be creative once and awhile."

"And I'm all for tradition, but for once I'd like to go fast," Applebloom adds.

"And I'm always around creativity, something old timey sounds like it'd be fun," Sweetie chimes.

"Well dang, why didn't you all say something sooner?"

"We tried!" Applebloom pouts. "While your dad took ya to that grown up movie, we all tried to tell our sisters, but they won't listen. They just want to do things THEIR way."

You look from your friends, to the three older mares and back.

Well, they are three of the Deadly 6, so they for sure are stubborn as heck...But wait a minute! you think as you come up with a solution.

“Why don’t you just trade sisters?”

“Huh?” they ask.

“Well if they’re gonna be project hogging b!$#@es and not listen to you, just switch it up. Go help out the one with the project style you like. You're all still building, so you can help out any way you want."

“Oh…that could work,” Scootaloo says.

“But we kind of wanted to do a bonding thing with them,” Sweetie says.

“Well it’s hard to bond when they’re too stuck up and stubborn to listen,” you point out.

With that, the three split from their teams, and go work in the cart style they want. Applebloom working with Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle working with Applejack, and Scootaloo working with Rarity. This not only serves to make them see how kind of stuck up they were since their respective sisters abandoned the project. So halfway through each one, the fillies get to put their own spin on the designs.

Smiling in satisfaction, you walk back to your dad who is wiping his greasy hooves on a towel.

"So, how'd it go?" he asks.

"It went just fine dad. I think I went and solved a friendship problem."

Your dad's eyes widen at that. "Has the bookworm been teaching you that?"

"Oh no, she's only teaching me magic. And I'm sure as heck not sending Sun Butt a letter," you say causing him to chuckle.

A lightbulb then goes off in your head as you say, "Actually, I've actually put one of her lessons to good use." You then jump on his back and rummage around in the inventory.

POV CHANGE: Bugze (You)

As Nightshade rummages in the bags, you ask.

"What does that mean?"

"Well, I found something in your bag two days ago and decided to fix it with a spell Twilight taught me. I got it right that day...but I was waiting for a special moment to give it to you," she says as she hops down and holds something behind her back. "And I figured now, before we drive that Super Beast, is the perfect time."

"Give what to me? What did you fix?" you ask in curiosity.

She smiles and pulls from behind her back...

Your eyes well up with tears at the sight of what she's holding. It's beautiful absolutely beautiful. You feel as if you've felt true joy for the first time in your life at the object your daughter holds out in front of you as you swear you hear a choir of angels singing praise.

"M-M-M-MY SCARF!!!" you yell out so loudly, everypony stops building their carts and look to you. The 4th Doctor's Scarf, the one you tragically lost to the forest fire so many months ago, is fixed and looks brand new.

"Yeah, I found the burnt scrap in the bag and used this neat fixer spell to-WHOAH!!!" you cut your daughter off as you pull her into a tight hug.

"Nightshade...thank you...thank you so much..." you whimper.

"Heh. No problem daddy, I knew you liked this thing."

You then break the hug, taking the scarf from her hooves and wrapping it around your face mask, where it always belonged.

"I more than like this thing Nightshade. I love it. In some regards, I feel as though this scarf is actually your sibling."

She looks a bit creeped out at this.

"Umm...Kay?"

Smiling and patting your wonderful daughter's head you give her her reward for this miracle. "Your grounding has been cut in half."

"Oh Heck Ya!" she whoops with a hoof to the air as everypony else just rolls their eyes and continues building.

Her sibling? Really? Selena snarks.

Well, maybe I exaggerated a bit heh heh.

With your missing accessory returned, you truly are Baker Sylvester Tennant again. And as you revel in these thoughts, time has no meaning. It seems like moments later that the provocatively dressed Cheerilee is announcing the start of the race, but your joy high drowns out the skimpily clothed mare...somewhat.

You and Nightshade then put on your helmets and wheel the Fury Dragula to the starting line. Everypony else looks in wonder at it, most notably Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry. Black smoke emits from the pipes, the enjoy growls like a monster, and the chrome paint job shines in the sun. You and Nightshade bask in their stares, your scarf majestically blowing in the breeze.

"Do not my friends become addicted to our presence. It will take hold of you, and you will resent our absence," you declare to the other racers.

After everypony's initial gawking, every takes their place. You see Applejack with Sweetie Belle in the slow as Tartarus traditional vehicle, Rarity and Scootaloo in a giant swan of some kind, and Applebloom and Rainbow Dash in a kart built for speed. Next to them is Flash and First Base, who have a kart matching their color scheme with bolt of lightning along the sides.

You look to Nightshade and say, "Let's show these guys how to ride eternal on the Fury Road."

She smirks and says whispers, "Witness Me..."

Cheerilee then begins the countdown "Alright everypony. In 3, 2, 1...Go!"

As you put the pedal to the metal, you and Nightshade scream at the top of your lungs,

"WITNESS!!!"

WHAT DO YOU DO?!
  
> Episode 66: LET THE RACE BEGIN...And End As Expected 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Master of Shadow's Comment



As you scream your entire cart gets covered in black smoke causing you to both to cough.

"Aw Crud! I forgot to wait till 2 to push on the gas!" you yell as your cart stalls, and all the other racers pull ahead, even AJ's slow one, and you hear their laughter at your expense.

You and Nightshade exchange glances at this as the crowd gives you both awkward looks as you sigh and say,

"Well...that could have gone better."

Nightshade just pouts before she says,

"We can look back at this mess-up later Daddy! Let's get this thing GOING!!"

You nod, but as you do, you can't help but notice that another cart has done the same thing you've done. It's pink, and looks like it was professionally built. In it sits Diamond Tiara and her butler Randolph.

"Oh, I gassed it too late!" she wails.

"Hit it now Ma'am," the butler calmly says...and they immediately shoot out of the gates filling your face with black smoke.

Your eyes widening you yell,

"Holy Buck we got some competition!"

You then quickly jumpstart with a shock of your power glove and drive off to catch up.


As you gun it, you mostly stay in the wake of DT's pink bullet, but then you and Nightshade notice that once she reaches the traditional carts in the back, she looks like she is deliberately ramming into them.




Kichi's Comment



Shocked, you shift gear and get along side her cart, only for her to start ramming into your Dragula. Nightshade seems confused by this.

"Diamond Tiara? Cut it out. I thought you weren’t a bully anymore?" she asks as the Butler holds onto his hair piece.

"I'm not doing this on purpose! This cart is too much to handle!” she screams in panic.

“Hey you made it, you can figure it out!” Diamond shouts.

“Actually, Madame Rich had the designs and parts for this cart commissioned weeks ago. I just put them together today,” the Butler says as the pink cart swerves and hits you again.

“Really? Really? She’s gotta show off her money for this competition?” you balk.

“But aren’t we showing off?” Nightshade asks.

“Yes, but we built this out of love and care, her mom had someone else build it and didn’t test it out just for the sole purpose of winning!” you grumble at that mare. Then again she did order this back before you fixed her nose, so she was probably at the height of her snootiness and b!%#@iness.

As if to emphasize that, Diamond accidentally knocks into Snails and causes his cart to start wobbling.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” she yells.

“Don’t worry! I can help you!” you yell.

“Really? How?” asks the pink filly.

You point your glove at the spot where her engine is.

“Would You Kindly have some engine trouble?!” you yell as you send out a bolt of electricity which shorts out whatever professional wiring she has, causing her cart to sound like it’s got a cough. It eventually starts slowing down, cruising along with the others at a way more reasonable speed for a little filly.

“Thank you Mr. Tennant!” she cries out in thanks as her Pink Cart coughs black smoke and looks like it wants to die.

“No problem kid!” you yell as you gun your own engine and leave her behind with all the other slow losers.

“Daddy, was that cheating?” Nightshade asks.

“Nope. We were doing her a service by ensuring her safety, and the safety of others from rich mother negligence,” you say as you cut off a colt and his mother in a creative cart, causing them to hit the brakes hard.

“Uh-huh…” Nightshade says conflicted.

"Don't worry honey, it will all be worth it when we do one thing,” you reassure.

"What?" she asks.

"Winning with style" you say offering a hoof bump to Nightshade as you make your engine growl. This causes her to not look conflicted anymore.

"Yeah!" she yells, bumping your hoof and pulling a pair of shades down over her eyes.

"Wait... Where did you got those sunglasses?" you ask in surprise.

“The Fillyfooler. She left them on her work table.” she responds.

This causes you to both laugh as you finally pull ahead of the back group, made up of traditional and slower creative carts. As you leave them behind in the dust, you shout out,





BrownDog's Comment



"MEDIOCRE!!!"

And for good measure, you gas out those behind you with your exhaust pipes.

As the competition coughs, you see you still have a bit of a crowd to get through if you're going to take first.

At one point, you even pass Derpy...who is with some young colt that looks like her.

"Hey! I thought you only had a daughter?!" you call out.

This gets her to look to you, "I do. This is my little brother. His name is,"

"Tell us later!" Nightshade yells as you swerve around Derpy who thinks that was awfully rude.
You can't dwell too much on that though, as Nightshade brings something to your attention.


"Hey Dad, the crowd is singing," Nightshade points out. You strain your ears, and even above the roar of your engines, you realize she's right.

The crowd is singing some sort of song, you even catch a glimpse of Cheerileader singing it. It's upbeat and catchy...but it doesn't really fit your War Colt mood.
With a scowl and a wish for something more appropriate, you yell out,

"Mangle!" This causes the robot fox to get out of your bags.

"Hit it!"

She nods, and places her claw on the portable record player like a needle. She then opens her maw as a loud record scratch is heard, causing all the singing ponies to stop their musical number, and even a few of the racers to swerve a bit. Acting as an amplified speaker, Mangle starts playing an awesome tune as you and Nightshade start bobbing your heads and rocking out.
Hearing the tune, all the singing ponies from before get into it's rhythm and start banging their heads as well.

Smirking, you put the petal to the metal as you and Nightshade start singing.


Dead I am the one, exterminating son 
Slipping through the trees, strangling the breeze 

You pass through another group, gassing them, and causing some to pull over.

Dead I am the sky, watching angels cry 
While they slowly turn, conquering the worm 

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

You then ride dangerously close to a corner, hitting top speed as you pass three carts at once.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

You finally catch up to the lead group, and see Rarity's Swan, which is causing problems. The wings can retract, stalling other cart racers from getting around, including you, Dash and Flash. Grunting, you look to Nightshade.

"Take the wheel honey!" you yell, and she does so.

You then yell, "WITNESS ME!!!" while pulling down your scarf and mask and spraying chrome cake paint onto you teeth, Still rocking out, many of the other racers yell back

"WITNESS!!!"

You then proceed to jump onto the swan with your vice grips.

"What are you doing?" Rarity screeches.

You don't answer as you continue singing

Dead I am the pool, spreading from the fool 
Weak and what you need, nowhere as you bleed 


Then before hers and Scootaloo's eyes, you disable one of the wings, causing it to fall off, several carts hit it, sending debris everywhere as the other racers cheer. While Rarity screeches in anguish, Nightshade pulls up for you to jump back, as Rainbow and Flash dart ahead.


Dead I am the rat, feast upon the cat 
Tender is the fur, 

You then make the leap, landing on the hood of the Dragula.

Dying as you purr!

Nightshade then guns it.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

You then hear another crash and see that Derpy has barreled right through Rarity's other swan wing.

"SHE'S DESTROYING MY CREATIVITY AGAIN!" Rarity yells.
Snickering at TackyMcStabFlakes  misfortune you continue to sing.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

Nightshade shifts gears, and suddenly you are neck in neck with Flash and Dash, who have been chanting your song as well.

Flash then surprises you by hopping onto the hood of his cart and letting First Base drive as he whips out his guitar and starts rocking with the beat.

"Ride on Doof Warrior!" you call out. He chuckles but then his eyes are drawn to the side lines as he sings,

Do it baby, do it baby 

You look to where he's looking and you see Cheerilee...dancing provocatively in her cheerleader outfit (Or rather just a normal cheerleader routine you perv). Either way, you sing along your agreement, causing Rainbow, Nightshade and Applebloom to roll their eyes.

Do it baby, do it baby 

Pointing your glove up you let loose a torrent of flame into the air

Burn like an animal 


With this flame distraction, Nightshade pulls ahead, giving you two a significant lead.

Your victory is all but achieved...but then.

BONK

"Ow!" you yell as something hard collides with your head, causing you to lose your balance and nearly fall off the side. Luckily, your hoof catches in one of the smoke stacks and you instead hang upside down precariously.

"Daddy!" Nightshade yells as she slows down trying to get you to get back up.

"What hit me?!" you ask as you struggle



Kersey's Comment




 Fireheart 1945's Comment



To answer your question, Tank the flying Tortoise whizzes overhead.

"What?" you ask in confusion, when all of a sudden Rainbow and Flash rush past you.

"Good boy Tank!" Rainbow yells as the tortoise returns to her.

"...That clever B!%$# She had her own Blue Turtle Shell!"

"Tank's not Blue," Nightshade points out.

"Not the point, she still knocked us out of the lead. Gun it honey! I'll be fine!" you yell as you still dangle.

"Are you sure?"

"Do it!"

She complies, and you feel the cart lurch forward again. And even though it hurts, dangling from one leg, you see that you have caught back up to the two. They are neck in neck, taking up the whole road as Nightshade rides their bumper. You realize you need to get past them, and you have an idea.




BrownDog's Comment




TheRutherford's Comment




Dead I am the life, dig into the skin 
Knuckle crack the bone, twenty one to win 

You point your gloved hoof at the ground.

Dead I am the dog, hound of hell you cry 

You ready Bucking Bronco.

Devil on your back,


You let it go and you and Nightshade launch over the top of the two speedsters who look up at you in awe.

I can never die!

As you land in front of them, you are jolted back up into sitting position as you start singing again.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

You then see that the finish line is in sight.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

Nightshade looks back at the competition and gloats, 
"Don't worry. It's all downhill from there."

As both occupants of the "fast cart," as well as a few other spectators cringe at the bad pun, you look at her with a tear in your eye.

"That was beautiful.... 

Do it baby, do it baby 

You encourage her so she says,

"I guess you could say their flashy dreams have been dashed..." more groans follow this, but you sing in enjoyment.

Do it baby, do it baby 
Burn like an animal 

You then notice up ahead that the intersection before the last stretch has Applejack's slow as heck cart making a beeline for it, so you hop onto the back of your cart.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

You spin a knob, and suddenly you both rocket forth as the Nitro hits the engine.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula! 

With your added speed, you miss Applejack and Sweetie Belle by inches, and seconds later, you and Nightshade cross the finish line. Hitting the brakes and skidding in triumph, you both declare to the crowd.

Dig through the ditches 
And burn through the witches 
I slam in the back of my 
Dragula!

This causes all of the spectators to start whooping and hollering and clapping their hooves as you and Nightshade smile and bow to them...which lasts for about 2 seconds before multiple crashes are heard.

With shocked gasps from the crowd, you and Nightshade look behind you and see that Rainbow and Flash weren't so fortunate in missing Applejack, broadsiding her and causing all the other racers to barrel into them like a painful conga line.


"Oof, that looks painful," Nightshade winces. Luckily, it seems nopony is hurt as the adults and fillies all get out and look at the wreckage.

"Well, at least we got to race our way," Scootaloo shrugs.

"Yeah, we may not have finished, but it was fun," Applebloom agrees.

"Yeah, still it kind of stinks that our carts got smashed," Sweetie muses as Rarity weeps over her destroyed swan and Flash, Dash, and AJ scream to the skies.

Watching this scene unfold you can't help but snicker.




Kersey's Comment



"Sweet Luna, it feels weird seeing a disaster I didn't cause for once," you comment.

True. Although the decision to make the racetrack clover-shaped makes me more surprised there wasn't a crash sooner, the musical number and your barbaric racing maneuvers notwithstanding, Selena adds.

Yeah...Cheerilee kind of dropped the ball on that one. She must have been too focused trying to catch another stallions eye now that she's divorced.


"Well good thing nopony's too hurt," Nightshade says aloud.

"Eyup. And on the bright side we've won Nightshade!" you smirk under your scarf.

"Yeah, we did didn't we?!" she smiles.

"And not only that, our cart is the only one left standing, so It just goes to show how with grit and determination, we can make something sturdy that will last forever!"

As soon as you say that, your cart comedically falls apart on its own. Both you and Nightshade's eyes unfocus at that, before you finally lose it.

"Fury Dragula! WHHHHHYYY!!!" you yell to the heavens on your knees.

"Um, Dad. Did you use duct tape to hold all the insides together?" she asks as she points to the burnt and torn pieces of grey tape all over.

"Yes! Duct Tape fixes everything! It's supposed to have no equaaaallll!!!!" you yell and sob while Nightshade facehooves.


After that, you and Nightshade were in fact given the prizes for all three categories since your cart was the only one to make it over the finish line before falling apart. The prizes...Ribbons. Yup. You all went nuts and rode historic on the Fury Road over three ribbons. Somewhere in Valhalla you think the Immortan may be facehooving.

But anyway, the cart debris was all cleared up, Spoiled Rich half heartedly scolded you for ruining a thousand bits (her breath not smelling of booze surprisingly) and you begged Cheerilee to not dress so sultry while children were around, causing her to roll her eyes.

Later, you and Nightshade went to lunch with the CMC, their sisters, Flash and First Base. While the kids got to know the colt better, the elder siblings forlornly talked about how they still felt guilty about how they didn't listen to their little sisters earlier and nearly ruined the day for them. Since they all switched out partners, they didn't get that special sibling bond, and in the case of Rainbow, Fan bond that would have made the day the best.

You then suggested, "Why not just make it up to them? All of you do something together that will bring you closer as sisters."

They in turn thought that meant as soon as possible, also since this is last weekend Dash knows for certain she'll have off before she goes to Wonderbolts Academy. They also decide that this has to be done as a big group, so they decided that over the weekend they would hike with the girls to Rainbow Falls and camp. And somehow this meant that you and Nightshade had to go along.

Really it was a guilt trip. Mostly from the CMC who wanted Nightshade to come too. Nightshade even brought out the puppy dog eyes, so you relented. She did deserve it after bringing your scarf back to life and her sick driving moves.

As you begrudgingly agreed, the older mares added their two bits.

"Come on Baker, it will be loads of fun. Us together. Under the stars. All peaceful like," AJ says, but as she does her eyelids droop more and more.

"Yeah, plenty of awesome openess where ponies could have any amount of privacy they'd need," Rainbow adds causing you to sweat.
Luckily, you have a shield.


"Flash, You've got to come camping with us man! Bring First Base with you."

"What? But this weekend is the last I'll be here. I got to get back to Canterlot and train some more with the new systems and..."

"Flash, you've got to be a bro here. You CAN'T leave me alone with those three in the middle of the woods. They might try something even with the kids there," you said in a panic.

"Wait, Three? I though only AJ and Rainbow were stalking you?"

"Yeah, well McStabFlank might take this opportunity to finally get rid of me and dump me in a shallow grave for my crimes against fashion."

After a bit of guilt tripping on your behalf, you were able to convince him to come along on the trip, much to the dismay of Rainbow and Applejack. You and him even cemented the agreement with a toast of your pill bottles.

"Oh Luna help me this coming weekend," you grumbled.

The Weekend

It's early in the morning again, and you can't believe how much sleep you've been losing since coming back to Ponyville. When you were bounty hunting, noling got you up early! But now you stand with your usual saddle bags on, and you've even given Nightshade back her own now that you don't need them for hauling prisoners. You are at the edge of the White Tail Woods with all the others (sans Rarity and Sweetie Belle), ready to go hiking then camping.

As if I didn't get enough of this the last year, you grumble.

Eventually McStabFlank and Sweetie arrive and...

"What the buck is she doing with all that luggage?" you say aloud. They are hauling a wagon that is stacked twenty feet tall with designer bags.

"Good morning everypony. Are we ready to begin?" Rarity asks.

"Depends, are we all moving to the woods and I just wasn't notified?" you ask sarcastically.

Rolling her eyes, she starts walking the path, as do the rest of your group, with you sticking close to your bro and his little bro.

"A camping we shall go I guess," you grumble as you trot along.

WHAT DO YOU DO?


> Episode 67: Camping Woes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's a fine morning for a hike you decide. Not too warm, not too cool. Just the right temperature. You think it would actually be pretty perfect, even with three of the Deadly 6 here, aside from one thing. You notice that that mountain of luggage that your former meat shield brought isn't being hauled by her, rather it's being hauled by poor Sweetie Belle. It's only been three minutes and you can notice her straining and sweating. Your eye twitches in annoyance as you decide to say something.

"Alright, alright, hold up! This isn't gonna fly," you say as you stop Sweetie Belle and glare at Rarity.

"Why what ever is the matter Mr. Tennant?"Rarity asks.
You just glare at her and silently point from Sweetie Belle to all her bags and back.

"What? She's pulling it alright," Rarity remarks to your beleaguered stare.



The Pony Spartan's Comment




Falx_of_Lume's Comment



"She's half your age!" You yell at Rarity, causing her to wince and the others to look at you.

"B-but she wanted to help," She stammers nervously. Sweetie Belle meanwhile just pants catching her breath.

"So helping means 'giving her the whole job' now?" you insinuate causing the other mares and Flash to glare at Rarity. While she sweats you continue. "Dang Mare, first you screw up your sister's kart and forced her to go with Applejack and now this?"

"I...Uh..." she stammers.

"Oh, Luna. I don't want to imagine treating my baby like a slave." 

She gasps at this with a hoof to her chest.

Slaves?! Sombra chirps somewhat hopefully.

Shut it! both you and Selena scold.

"I would never treat Sweetie Belle like a slave!" Rarity declares.

"Oh what, this doesn't count?" you snark.

"I would never make her do something against her will!"

"Actually, I kind of don't want to drag this wagon," Sweetie speaks up, causing you all to look at her.

"Sweetie Belle, why didn't you say anything before?" Rarity gasps.

"Cause I know you hate hauling heavy loads and didn't want you to complain the whole hike," she admits.

"Oh Sweetie, I don't want you to be put out like that, I'll haul it now," Rarity says.

"No it's Okay, I can haul it a little while more if you want."

"But now I don't want you to haul it."

"But I don't want you to be put out."

"Oh to Tartarus with this!" You cry out.

You whip Nightshade's Inventory off her back,

"Hey!" she cries as you leap on top of Rarity's mountain of luggage, and shove the saddle bags on top of them, causing you to fall to the ground as the luggage gets stored inside. You then casually put the bags back on Nightshade, the weight no longer mattering.

"There, now everypony's happy," you declare as everyone aside from Nightshade stare at you strangely.

"What?" you ask with a shrug.

"Where in Equestria did you get those bags Mr. Tennant?" Rarity asks in fascination.

"I found them," you say truthfully as even you don't know where or how these bags were made.

"...I'll take it from here Sweetie," Rarity declares as she hitches herself to the empty wagon, causing her sister to smile and get into it. All the others just sigh and shake their heads at yet another mysterious thing about you.

You chuckle to yourself and continue to trot down your path as the day is now a bit more perfect.

A Day of Hiking Later

The hike went pretty well, and thanks to your actions, a little filly didn't overexert herself. As evening starts to set in, Applejack calls for everyone to stop and set up camp.



BrownDog's Comment



Hearing this, you walk over to Rarity and Sweetie Belle with Nightshade's inventory, turn it over and dump all of her luggage onto the ground. After giving you a stink eye, Rarity gets one piece of luggage in particular, presses a button and a two story tall elaborate tent pops out, looking like something out of a renaissance fair. If she didn't ask where you'd gotten your bags before, you'd have thunk this tent was bought at the same place.

“Really? This and Luna knows whatever else is what you were going to have Sweetie Belle haul?” you scold her.

“Oh enough shaming already, I apologized!” she huffs and you just roll your eyes.

“Hey Baker, can you help me set up the tent?” Applejack asks as she hammers a stake into the ground.

“Nope!” you call out, not wanting to be in any enclosed space with her.

“How about me? You got a sec?” Rainbow asks.

“Fraid not. Got my own tent…plus I think Flash needs more help than I do," you say pointing the Pegasus.

“It says place pole A through clasp C,” First Base reads off the directions.

“Saying it again and again won’t make the tent any less screwed!” Flash growls, as he is somehow tangled up in a jumble of tent parts.

“Come on Flash, it’s like the tent we always set up in the yard.”

“Granddad was the one who set that up! I don’t know how to tent at all!” he whines as another pole slaps him in the face.

“Oh what a drama queen,” Rarity muses causing you to look at her with a slack jaw.

“…Relatively speaking…” she titters.

After that, you got your simple tent set up. It's borrowed from Applejack as the one you had before the Crystal Empire got left due to Nightshade's teleportation mishap. After that you help Flash untangle himself.

How many times do I have to help this guy after he's hung up like a pinata?

Apparently more than once.

And then the two of you go about getting the fire pit ready for dinner.

You look up and see First Base looking a bit nervous amidst all the fillies' conversations, plus their inquiries into how he got his cutie mark, and how if he can teach them baseball.

“You know,” Flash speaks up, “I know those three are all gung ho about getting their marks, but Nightshade doesn’t seem to harp on it so much.”

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s high on her priority list. The day she gets it though, I’m going to guess she won’t shut up about it,” you joke.
After a laugh, you then see First Base and the girls picking up sticks and Pine cones and playing a mock game.

“Hey Flash, I’ve always wondered something.”

“Yeah? What is it Baker?”

“Well…we all know how you have your little um…outbursts now and again right?”

He looks down at that, “Don’t remind me,” he grumbles as he takes a pill out and puts it in his mouth.

“Kind of hard to ignore. But yeah, you’re always going on and on about how you just picked it up from your grandpa…but you’re little brother is an earth pony so…how does that all work out?”

He sighs at that. “Look, Granddad was many things, not all of them good, but even still he loved First Base with all of his heart…and the more I think about it, the more I think that Granddad wasn’t so much a bigot as he was just a hater.”

“Huh?” you ask in confusion.

He sighs again, “Grandad had many marriages before my grandmother, and most of them left him for someone who wasn’t a Pegasus…or even a pony in some cases. It left him jaded. Add onto the fact that his own dad was an earth pony who left him and his mother, he had some anger. Oh sure he would say some pretty speciest things…but really he didn’t hold anypony above as a pillar. I swear, he would even say hateful things about other pegasi. And I guess little me kind of sponged up those words subconsciously.”

“So wait, are you saying your Grandpa was an equal opportunitist hater?” you say trying to piece together his point.

“Yeah…I mean, he never said anything like mud pony or any other derogatory terms whenever Base was born…I guess that’s something.”

You nod your head, “So do you have your outbursts under control?”

“For the most part, I’ve got calming meds, and now that I’m in Shining’s new project, I’m not really out in public anymore. The headaches have stopped and I haven’t said anything speciest in months. I think I’ve made huge progress.”

“Good on you buddy. Now all we have to do is get rid of those murderous voices and things will be great.”

He sighs at that, “I’m trying. Zecora says they’ve mistakenly bonded to me thinking I was someone else…I don’t get it. I mean, how do you mistake an orange coated, blue haired guy name Flash Sentry for someone else?"

"I don't know, but I have seen some ponies that look like recolors of our little group of...acquaintances."

"Really?" he asks.

"Oh definitely. Applejack's got a cousin that looks like a country version of Octavia, and I once met a mare in a library that looked almost exactly like Twilight, but with glasses and a sweater.

"Huh...that's kind of strange," he muses.

"Yeah, so who knows, maybe your thieving doppleganger is still out there."

With a nod, he gets two stones and starts trying to get a spark to light and start the fire.

Smirking you ask Flash,

"Hey buddy, you wanna see something cool?"

"Uh..."

Not giving him time to answer you focus on the pile of wood in front of you and concentrate.



The Rutherford's Comment



Using a move you've utilized in the past, you send out a dark flame, via your eye which immediately sets the logs ablaze in glorious beauty.

"Whoah!" Flash declares as she scuttles back, clearly not suspecting that. You start to chuckle, before you immediately hold your eye and wince in pain as it throbs.

Ow, Ow, OW! Oh Luna why did I keep forgetting about this part?

Pride comes before the fall you showoff, Selena scolds.

As you rub your mind and get chewed out, Flash looks to you with a look of awe.

"Dude, that was totally awesome! You didn't even use your hoof like you normally do."

As the pain subsides you look to him, "Buddy, if there's a way to start fire, chances are I know it."

With that done, you both roast the carrot dogs for dinner. After everypony has eaten their fill you declare.

"Alright! Now it's time to impale a marshmallow with my stick! Now scoot over Rarity," you say to the mare sitting next to you.

"What?!" Rarity declares with shocked wide eyes and a blush for some reason. 

Oh Celestia forbid everyling have a desert made of actual sugar or anything. Dang health cautious McStabFlank you think with a roll of your eyes.

"Oh don't try to get out of this lady, your figure is fine. Just enjoy this like everypony else will," you say as you reach into your bags between the two of you.

While you do this, you don't notice the look of absolute shock on Rarity's face as she tries to scuttle back from you, and the livid faces of Rainbow and Applejack.

"Now Mr. Tennant! I am a lady! You do not simple say such-" she badgers until you finally bring out your bag of marshmallows and interrupt her.

"What? A lady can't have a roasted marshmallow? Don't be such a grown up," you declare as you place a hoofful a marshmallows into her hooves.

"You better find your own stick though, because I'm not sharing mine," you say holding up the perfect marshmallow roasting stick you found when gathering wood.

"Oh, um...right," she says with red cheeks.

You then hold out the bag to others, "Alright who else wants...some?" you trail off as you see Applejack and Rainbow looking sheepish and Flash chuckling, while the kids seem kind of confused at the adult's reactions.

"Um, did I miss something?" you ask aloud.

Chuckling again, Flash says, "Don't worry about it." As the older mares give their own nervous chuckles you just shrug your shoulders.

"Don't forget the chocolate and graham crackers daddy," Nightshade says as she brings up her own roasting stick.

"On it."

After getting the perfectness that are the ingredients for the most delicious campfire snack around, you all, McStabFlank included, roast and eat quite a few of the glorious Smores.

With the younger kids now more wired to all the sugar, the older mares decide to tell ghost stories, and Rainbow tells the tale of the Olden Pony...and it's kind of generic if you have to say so.

"And then, the olden pony asked, Who's got my rusty horseshoe?"

You and Nightshade look around to see everyone besides Dash quivering , the young foals clutching to their siblings (and idol).

"Really?" you ask plainly. "That's it? An old mare wanted her shoe back?"

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash barks at you for breaking the mood she set up.

"Oh come on Baker, it's a classic," Flash says with a slight tremble causing you to roll your eyes.

"Well classic or not, it wasn't really that scary. Daddy and I have seen a lot worse," Nightshade points out.

"Well yeah, but that's real life. If we're going off that basis then what we all saw at the Crystal Empire was far worse than..."

The mares then give a pointed look towards Flash. He sees them subtly telling him to stop and pointing their heads at the kids.

"Oh...right," he trails off not wanting to go into detail about your rampage in front of the kids.

You cringe at that along with the everyone else who was there before he pitches in,

"Well, sometime I should tell you all about the report I received about the two Crimson Knights that got taken down in Tall Tale."

"The one's at the Asylum?" Applejack asks.

"The very one. Very disturbing account. But I don't think I can tell that one to the kids either..."

Rainbow crosses her forelegs and pouts, 

"Alright fine, real life is scarier than my classic tale. Why don't you tell a scarier one BST?"

"Ummm...like what? You're kind of putting me on the spot," you say. Nightshade then smirks and motions for you to put your head down to her. She then whispers.

"Why don't we tell them about Sunny Town?"

Your eyes widen as you whisper back.

"We're not supposed to talk about that honey, we all pinkie promised remember?"

"Yeah, but don't tell it as a truth, tell it as a story, that way you don't admit it happened. Plus I don't think Applebloom ever told the others about the gory details."

Nodding, you clear your throat and say.

"Alright, I got a story for you. It was actually inspired by a story Applebloom told."

You see the filly's eyes widen at that.

"You're not talking about Sunny Town are ya?"

You nod at this and you see the other fillies look a bit confused and nervous.

"Ain't that the town you told Twilight about?" Applejack asks her little sister. "The one she couldn't find any trace of?"

"It was real I tell ya!"

"You had yourself a head injury and some foreign substance in your belly Applebloom," Applejack says trying to placate her.

"B-but I..." she looks to you and you give her a subtle wink, causing her to stop.

"Anyway," you say getting everyone's attention again, "As I said, this tale is inspired by that. You don't mind do you Bloom?"

"I...No I guess not," she says still confused where you are going with this.

Smiling at that, you look to every pony around you "Alright. Now, this is the tale which while filled with dismay and monsters, is also about the ability to forgive and live in peace." You then pick up some pine needles "Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this one, Silent Sunny Town." And with that you throw the needles into the fire.

You then weave the tale of a little filly named Maple Broom who encounters a town full of darkness, and how a father and daughter named Lugsy and Bright Fade got mixed into it as well.

Esentially, you give them all an abridged retelling of what you all went through, while making it seem like just a simple story.

"And so, they buried Ruby's remains in the nick of time. Her spirit freed the rest of their damned souls, and sent Pyramid Head back to where he came from. She thanked the three before finally finding peace. A peace Maple, Lugsy and Bright Fade would never truly know again while in the dark..." 

You look around the campfire to see everyone is shaking like a leaf in the wind, except Nightshade and Applebloom, but even they shudder a bit at the memories.

Scootaloo seems to be shaking the worst as she grips the frightened Rainbow Dash. Even Flash seems disturbed as his little brother hugs him.

"That was quite a story...the details you went into, it's like it actually happened."

Sweetie Belle stutters, 

"S-s-so is that Pyramid Head guy still out there?"

"Perhaps, but he only punishes the wicked like the zombies in Sunny Town, I think you should be safe."

First base stammers from behind Flash, 

"But how could Lugsy have really fought Pyramid Head with a Chainsaw and lived?! He is like impossible to beat in the game."

"Well, I would not really call it fighting. Any damage Lugsy caused him regenerated really quickly, all he did was stall him until they all could escape."

"Heh...well that was a good story Baker. Not like I was scared or anything," Rainbow says with shifting eyes. "Right Scootaloo?"

The shaking filly tries to put on a brave face, even though she is pale and says,

"S-sure Rainbow. I-I could have totally taken him on heh heh,"

"That's the spirit kid!"

Seeing as how eveyling is still scared out of their wits, you declare "Well, this has been fun and all, but I think it's time to turn in for the night. We still need to get to Rainbow Falls tomorrow."

With that, you all turn into your respective tents. You are about to sleep when you hear the worst sound to ever grace your ears. You run out of the tent about the same time Flash does. Nightshade and First Base poke their heads out looking spooked. Quietly you and Flash walk to each other and whisper,

"What the Buck is that?" 

"I have no idea," he responds, "but it seems to be coming from Rainbow and Scootaloo's tent. Let's see what it is and if it is dangerous, we can take it down."

"Sounds like a plan," You agree. Not a good plan, but a plan.

You two poke your heads in to see Scootaloo wide-eyed and tense until she realizes that it is you two. As she starts to get up, you hear the unholy sound coming from Rainbow Dash's Sleeping bag. She rolls over in her sleep and unleashes another deafening whinny. You two look at her then each other before looking at Scoots, who has grabbed her stuff. When you two back out of the tent entrance, Scoots comes out and asks,

"Any chance I can sleep with Nightshade and you Mr. Tennant? No offence to Rainbow Dash, but I doubt I could get any sleep with that in my ear all night."

"No problem. I'm sure she'd love that. But yeah, let's get you away from...that," you shudder as another blasting snore comes from the tent.

As you make your way back to your tent with the filly, you see that she is still scared and looking around. She even decides to sleep between you and Nightshade, as if your very presence can protect her.

Yeesh, it was only a story.

A story that she happens to know was a true event, that happened in a forest in the dark like this one.

...Maybe I should have thought of that instead of not at all, you muse.

Eventually though, she does get to sleep hugging her teddy bear, and with a yawn you start to drift off...

SOMETIME LATER



BrownDog's Comment



“Daddy, I think Scootaloo is having a nightmare,” Nightshade wakes you up in the middle of the night.

“Huh?” you say as your eyes slowly unblur.

“Scootaloo. I think your Sunny Town story is giving her a nightmare," she says as she points to the filly who has sweat on her brow and is tossing and turning.

“Oh crud. Well why don't you do that thing you do Shade?"

"My thing?" 

"Yeah, you can go into other's dreams right? Why don't you help her out?”

“Oh right, about that. I already tried," she answers nervously.

"Huh?"

"I was going to do just what you said, but there was something different about her dreams. I sensed another presence in there."

"Another presence?" you ask a bit worried.

"Yes. It felt like Mommy's magic...but different. It kind of spooked me."

You are about to respond, when Selena takes command of your voice,

“Do NOT go into her mind!” she cries out in alarm.

“Mom?" Nightshade ventures in confusion.

"Nightshade, you must listen to me, You mustn't go into her dreamscape tonight!"

"But why not? Is it that other presence? What is it?” Nightshade asks.

“It seems Luna has been drawn to that crippled pegasus’s night terrors, do not venture in lest she see you too my precious,” she commands and Nightshade nods.

Relinquishing control, you ask with your mouth, "Wait, Luna is inside Scootaloo's head? Great, just great," you say as you scoot your sleeping bag a few feet from the filly.

"Oh, but she seems so scared dad," Nightshade mutters.

"Well I know how to fix that," you say as you reach out and shake Scootaloo.

"Ah! Wha, What?" she looks around in panic.

"Hey," you say causing her to look at you, "Wake up and go to sleep."

She is about to nod, before confusion crosses her face, but she does what you say and lays back down. Unfortunately, none of you can really fall back asleep, what with Rainbow's monstrous snoring and the fact that Luna was so close by. With these thoughts, you all have a long night.

The Next Morning



TheRutherford's Comment



After you have all woken up and broken down your camping equipment, you start your journey to Rainbow Fall again. Rainbow decides that she will take point and lead the way. You all agree and as she zooms ahead, you and Flash fall back to walk beside Rarity and Applejack. With a yawn you ask,

"So how did you two sleep?"

"Like a stone,"Applejack answers before turning to Rarity, "How about Y'all?"

"Well it was not nearly as soft as my bed back home, but I do feel well rested. Why do you ask?" the designer then looks to you, Nightshade, Scootaloo, Flash and First Base as her eyes widen, "Oh Darlings! Did you get any sleep at all?"

"Not really," Flash grumbles with bags under his eyes.

"Rainbow snores like a wild animal. How did you not hear that infernal noise?" Nightshade huffs grumpily.
At this Rarity and Applejack look at each other, towards Rainbow Dash, then back at each other before smirking.

"Shoot sugar-cubes, Ah forgot to tell you she snores like a demon from Tartarus didn't Ah?  Should have told him that sooner. He'd be mine already," she mumbles.

"What was that?" you ask with another yawn.

"Ah said we got earplugs for us and our sisters. We brought extra for y'all but I forgot to give them to ya after that scary story last night."She then blushes and brings a foreleg to the back of her head, "Sorry about that."

After you secure a pair for you, Nightshade, and Scoots, you continue down the trail.

Ugh, stupid snoring Rainbow. It's been some time since I've pulled an all nighter. 

Hmmph, you think that's pathetic? I am the true princess of the Night and last evening was the longest I've been conscious for one, Selena snarks.

You chuckle at that, but still you are tired, as is the rest of the non earplug group. While your body is kind of on auto pilot, you start thinking in your tired mind.

You know, I think the last all nighter before this one was back during the invasion. When I was stationed to guard Cadence...Man, I haven't spoken with her in a long time.

Not since your letter some months ago.

Exactly. And I kind of feel guilty. Cadence was my first real friend. Before Fluttershy, before the horde, and even before you Selly. I mean, just because I've caught the Knights doesn't mean I have to stop talking to her.

Before Selena can respond, your other guest interupts.

Ha! You think that Pink Alicorn is your friend? She will betray you just like the other one.

Frowning you think, 

She won't do that to me. The other Cadence lost her family, friends and world, and her mind. This one is still-

They'll all betray in the end. She's a princess. It's what they do. They ruin lives thinking they are superior, that they know what's best. If this Cadenza is a descendant of Amore, then she is not your friend, he growls.

Oh Shut up you! You don't know what you're talking about.

Don't I? he snarls.

In fact, you're sounding a little too sober. Medication time!

You then pop an Elephant Tranq pill as you hear him sigh in defeat.

Covering my words will not lessen their truth....he fades.

Stupid vague Simba. Do you even know what he's talking about Selly?

... She doesn't answer you so you try again.

Selena?

Hm? she asks, sounding distracted, Yes, what is it?

You Okay? You sound kind of spaced out. Did the drug hit you too?

Oh no, no. It's just...something that swine said. About covering words not lessening their truth...she trails off again.

Oh don't worry about him, he's an idiot and a drug fiend, you reassure.

Yes. Of course...she mutters, still deep in thought. She doesn't say anything else, so you decide to let her think as you put one tired hoof in front of the other.

"I cannot wait to hit the hay tonight."

LATER

After another day of hiking, you all do not reach the falls before nightfall. Most likely because about half the group was sluggish from lack of sleep. After setting up camp in a nearby cave and eating dinner again, you want nothing more than to go to bed, but Scootaloo insists on everyone staying up. Sweetie Belle, who actually did get a good night’s rest, thinks this is the greatest plan and sings 100 Buckets of oats on the wall at the top of her lungs and out of tune. Not wanting to be a jerk, you are forced to listen to the whole thing. Flash and First Base on the other hoof check out not even a quarter of the way through the song.

After what seems like forever, Sweetie finishes and passes out, allowing you all to finally be able to go to bed. With her new earplugs, Scootaloo decides to try sleeping next to Rainbow again, even though you’re all pretty much in the open within the cave with your sleeping bags (aside from Rarity’s giant tent). And even though she keeps trying to get the other kids to play games, you all eventually get her to calm down enough to get to bed. 

Nightshade decides to sleep next to her just in case she starts having a Nightmare again. With one final warning from you to stay out of Scootaloo’s head, you pass out.



Kichi's Comment



POV Change: Nightshade

As your dad and the rest of the group fall asleep, you can’t help but notice that Scootaloo still seems nervous.

“C’mon Nightshade. You and me, we can stay up the whole night again. Sleep is for the weak.”

You sigh and say, 

“Look Scoots, coming from a pony who slept for the better part of a year straight through, I can safely say that you don’t get tired of it. Now can you just please close your eyes?”

“Oh, I don’t know if I can,” she says worriedly. “I keep thinking about all those zombies and that Pyramid guy. How the heck do you still sleep having gone through all that?”

“Because we got a happy ending out of it?” you guess. “I mean, Ruby and all them are at peace now. No matter how scary it got, that’s how it ended so it lessens the fear I guess.”

“R-right. That makes sense. Totally not scared anymore, heh heh,” she lies badly causing you to roll your eyes.

“Sheesh, is Princess Luna even doing her job right?”

“Princess Luna?” Scootaloo asks confused.

“Yeah. She’s supposed to go into the bad dreams of others and help them with them.”

“Really? I didn’t know that,” Scootaloo muses.

“So wait, you didn’t dream her last night?” you ask.

“I don’t think so. Your dad woke me up then told me to go back to sleep, but I couldn’t.”

“Huh. Well if Princess Luna isn’t going to do her job, I’ll do it for her. I’ll make sure you have a pleasant dream.”

“Well that sounds nice Nightshade, but I don’t think I can get to sleep in the first place in order to have a good dream.”

“Oh, right. Dang it, and here I am not knowing any good knock out spells,” you grumble. You’ve learned a few things from Twilight, but aside from magic missile, you haven’t really learnt any Offense spells. You almost did learn the knock out spell…except…

FLASHBACK

In the library, Twilight has Spike sat upon a stool in front of you.

"Today Nightshade, I will teach you how to pacify smaller creatures by making them fall asleep.”

“I’m not a smaller creature Twilight. I’m taller than her!” Spike grumbles.

“Well I’m sorry Spike, Fluttershy won’t lend me any of her rabbits for this test,” she hmmphs. 

“I kind of don’t want to hurt Spike either,” you add. She turns to you with a hoof wave.

“He’ll be fine. Since he’s not a bunny he might only feel a bit drowsy. Now, to make somepony sleep all you have to do is-" she is interrupted by a burp from Spike.

"Message from the Princess!" he shouts. Looking over the scroll Twilight looks to you.

“Change of plans Nightshade, you and Spike go somewhere out of the library, I have to read an updated Encyclopedia on the culture of Saddle Arabia so that nopony gets offended.”

She then ushers the both of you out. Looking to Spike you ask, “Soooo, Movies?”

“Sounds good,” he smiles as the two of you walk off to watch Fury Road for the fifth time.

Flashback End

“Curse inconvenient timing and my love of movie violence!”

“Huh?” Scootaloo asks to your outburst.

“Nevermind. But since I don’t know any knockout spells, we’ll just go with Plan B.”

“What’s Plan B?” your friend asks. 

You lift up a rock off the floor and say, “I’ll hit you with this in the back of the head and knock you out,” you say as you raise the rock.

“AH! No! Cut it out Shade!” she protests as she squirms away from you, knocking the rock out of your hooves. “Not cool!”

“Well how else am I supposed to knock you out? It’s not like we have a convenient item that can make you fall asleep and make you have good…dre- AW Come On! Why didn’t I think of this last night?!” you yell in frustration as you walk over to your dad’s inventory and pull out the Luna Plushie.

“Her Scoots, take a look at this,” you say as you hold it up to her eyes, causing them to roll and her head to hit the pillow. She is out like a light, causing you to smirk. Placing the plushie back into the inventory, you go back to your bag and decide to fall asleep the old fashioned way. With all the walking and lack of sleep, you don’t find this hard.

Don’t worry Scoots, I’ll keep an eye on you. Though Luna shouldn’t have any reason to come out tonight if the Plushie did it’s job right.

You then close your eyes and fall into slumber.

POV Change: Bugze (You)

You sit outside the very cave where you are all sleeping, looking up at the moon and stars. Crickets chirp, and you hear the breeze through the trees. It is a very relaxing night. But a thought hits you.

"Wait, didn't I just pass out after not sleeping for a day and a half?"

"Yes, you did," comes the familiar majestic voice of the Mare in the Moon. You look to the side and see her sitting beside you, staring up at the moon. "Thankfully this scenery is still fresh within your subconscious," she says with a small smile.

"Oh, Hi Selly," you say nonchalantly. As you look back up at the moon with her. "And yeah, if I wasn't so tired I think I would have appreciated this day more. At least now I can kind of take it in," you say as you breathe in the simulated fresh air.

"Indeed..." she then breaks her view of the moon and looks to you, but she doesn't say anything. Looking away from the satellite you look back at her and see that her face seems to be scrunched up in thought and worry.

"Selena? Is everything alright?"

She shakes her head at that. "Well..." she lets out a sigh. "I don't know Bugze. I've been pondering something since this morning."

"What? About Luna?" you ask looking around in panic.

"No, not about her. About what that filth said to you."

"You're still hung up on that?" you ask incredulously. "Why? Those were just his common vague insults."

She shakes her head at that, "Even if they were, they ring true for me my friend. About the truth existing even when covered up."

Seeing how serious she is about it you let out a sigh, "Fine, let's bring him out and talk to him about it. Don't know how much we'll get when he's on the happy farm but-"

"No Bugze, he is already submerged within your subconscious so that we might be alone."

"Huh?" you ask confused.

"It is not him I wish to talk to you about, it is about me..." she admits.

"Oookkkkaaaayyyy, what do you mean by that?"

She is silent for a moment as she stares at the moon, her ethereal mane floating in the invisible breeze. With one more sigh she looks back to you. Her eyes hold resolve, yet also worry.

"Bugze, I think it's time I told you the truth about Nightshade..."

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!
> Episode 68: Revelations Long Overdue (Written By: BrownDog77)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Opening Theme


You were not ready for that sentence. After three years, and several times asking, you didn't ever think she would say that to you.

“The Truth about Nightshade?” you ask in shock and she nods.

“I promised you that one day I would tell you everything," she nods "And now on this still night, after pondering over that filth's words, after witnessing the joy on Nightshade's face today and many other days…I think I’m ready.”
She looks nervous more than anything as she turns towards you.

“Are…are you sure?” you ask. You want more than anything to know, but she looks scared.

“Yes…I have already delayed this truth far longer than I should have.” She then sighs and looks to you pleadingly. “It’s time for you to know…even if it makes you hate me once again…”

You gulp at this and she looks away from you and to the ground. You steel yourself for whatever truths may come.

“I already told you about how we first became joined…” she pauses.

“Yeah," you answer, "You were dying and fading away in your armor after being hit by the Elements when I stumbled upon you and you jumped into me.”

She nods. “You saved my life that day Bugze, I shall never forget it.” She then looks up again, “And from that day forward, I grew stronger within you, giving you the power you wield…for better or for worse.”

She then shudders and sighs heavily.

“But that wasn’t originally the plan…”

She pauses again so you stay quiet and let her continue.

“It was not even a week after the Elements of Harmony had struck me, and that traitor had abandoned me. Even as I lay dying, the only thing I wished was vengeance upon them all," she declares with gritted teeth, "When you became my host, I found within you a dynamo of magic, seemingly blended together. Some of it felt familiar, other pieces I perceived as Changeling magic, but you were also overcharged with a magic I myself couldn’t identify.”

She looks to you, 

“I now know it was Love magic, far more than a creature should hold within it.”

“Shining and Cadence’s love blast…” you say in realization causing her to nod.

“Precisely, but at the time all I knew was that I had jumped into a Changeling who held more magic than most. I had an avenue…in which to enact my vengeance.”

“But, how does Nightshade…?” you ask in confusion, causing her to hold up her hoof.

“When we bonded, the moment you fell asleep, I reached out with my own fledgling soul into your store of power. Tapping into this magical source, I set about performing a very old, very dark, and very complicated spell. A spell that not even Starswirl the Bearded would dare enact.”

“And…what spell was that?” you ask in trepidation.

“Transmutation,” she says as if the word is vile.

That word strikes at you. One of your favorite animes dealt heavily into that word. And things didn’t always go good for the Elrics.

“With Luna and I's shared blood from inside the armor, the mass amounts of magic at my disposal, and the blood of the changeling I had jumped into, I had all I needed…all I needed to create flesh, blood and bone…” her voice hitches as your eyes widen.

“Flesh blood and…that means?” She answers with a nod.

“So…Nightshade was made with a spell? With both our blood and magic?” you deduce. She nods again and you are speechless. She had said before that Nightshade’s birth was far from traditional, but in light of this revelation, that doesn’t seem an accurate enough description.

Equine Transmutation is not simply far from traditional. It's dark, unnatural, and from all you've ever understood, impossible. In the realm of fantasy. But then again you live in a world where magic is the norm, and a Time Traveling alien pops up every now and again. Still, you thought that there were some rules that just didn't get broken.

But you are still confused, because though you know the how, you still don’t know the reason why. Why did she create Nightshade?

“But…I don’t get it. Why go through with creating a filly? How would that…? I don’t…”

“Bugze…back then, all I saw of you was a tool, a pawn to use to get what I wanted. And what I wanted…was a body…” she strains to say.

“A…body?” you say in dread.

She closes her eyes and nods.

“Y-You…” you gasp as understanding finally dawns, so she continues your thought.

“Nightshade was created so that I could walk the land once more. So that I could personally destroy that traitor and my enemies. To be the new body of Nightmare Moon.”

The declaration is like a deafening thunderclap. All other sound dies out, crushed under the weight of what those words mean. The shock runs throughout your whole body.

“B-but…” 

“You know how I was back then…How cold and calculating I was. Do you doubt I would’ve done such a horrible thing?” she says with a hitch in her voice and her eyes tear up a bit, leaving you again to process her words.

You imagine the thing she described coming to fruition, Nightshade not existing, and Nightmare Moon living again…but…

“But that didn’t happen,” you say aloud. “None of that happened. What changed?”

She sighs, 

“An act of fate I suppose. Even with that magic within you, I was still weak. I was only a shadow of a soul. A collection of HER stolen thoughts and memories. Weakened as I was, the spell cast was only enough to create the body of a filly…after which, I was much too drained for anything else, and I took to recuperating within your mind.”

“So that’s when she got into my Inventory,” you muse, that piece of the timeline fitting in perfectly.

“Indeed, a large, hidden and protected area, it was a ideal location," she confirms. She pauses again before continuing.

"But know this Bugze, even after all I had done, after all the effort and strain I put into creating her, even in the depths of your mind, I was surprised beyond surprise when she popped out and first spoke to you.”

“You were?” you ask as yet another shock hits you. “But, you created her. How could you be surprised at her speaking?”

“Because I had not set out to create a sentient being…only a new shell for me to fill. I did not plan for her to actually be a pony with thoughts, feelings and a soul,” she says in guilt.

“But…if she was only supposed to be a body, then...how is Nightshade…Nightshade?” you ask in confusion.

She looks down at that, “I do not know Bugze. I still don’t know. Perhaps it was the love magic I used, perhaps I made a mistake with the incantations, or maybe that’s what the spell always did…I do not know. But at the time, when my heart was naught but ice, I thought that I had failed and would have to utilize a new plan for my body,"

She looks away from you again and shuts her eyes tight.

“With her sentient, I figured I would have to play the waiting game, reside within you as she grew to the point where I could effectively take her over. She had already made the parental bond with you, and so I used that to my advantage. I gave you power so that you could protect my vessel till the time was right for me to take my vengeance.”

You look down as you process this information.

“You were using me to protect your new body?” you say, hurt washing over you.

Again, she silently nods, her face full of shame.

“So…All those fights I got into, every time I went overboard…this whole time…every time I’ve ever freaked out when she was in danger…that was because you made me attached to her?” you accuse.

“No Bugze," she declares, "Your attachment and love of Nightshade was all you. You posses a strong natural parental instinct, even if you didn’t understand how she came to be. I only gave you the power to act upon it…”

“But you were using that fatherly instinct. Perverting it to your own purposes!” you snap at her causing her to wince.

“Yes. I do not deny it. I’m sorry…but Bugze, you must believe me,” she looks over to you worriedly. “I don’t use her or you like that anymore. As I viewed her life with you, as I saw her learn and grow, I became attached. I viewed her less and less as my vessel, but as a pony I had created. A pony that shared my blood. My child. And it took Discord for me to finally admit that I loved her.”

She then looks up at the sky again, “Even if her birth was for monstrous reasons.”

You turn from her and look down as you process what she’s told you. And yes, it is a big revelation learning about all this. Heck it’s more than that, it’s life shattering. The last three years with your daughter has a new underlying narrative to it. You were used by a dark goddess to create a new body, that your love and protection of Nightshade had a darker motive. That you were used. That it could have turned out so much more horribly. That your child could’ve been the bringer of eternal night…

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” you ask, your voice barely above a ragged whisper.

“B-b-because…” she sniffles, out of the corner of your eye you see the tears start to fall, “Because I was ashamed about how I once was. Over these last three years…I have willingly taken on the role of a mother. I love, I care, I *sniff* want to see her grow up in happiness,” she blubbers.

It’s been some time since you’ve seen her worked up like this. The only other times you’ve seen her so emotional, she thought you were going to kill her. Does she think that now?

“I hate knowing that all these new emotions and experiences I’ve gained, that this love I hold,” she continues confessing, “that I originally started any of this, so that she could be a pawn in one of my games, that I thought of her as a thing and not a pony…it makes me feel guilt beyond measure.”

She sniffs again and looks away from you, holding her head down, but you still can’t bring yourself to look at her.

“And not only that…I was selfish. You and I…we’ve…we’ve grown closer…” she says in melancholy. “When you asked me for the truth on that train and again after my return…I did not want to lose what we’d gained. I was afraid…” She admits as she looks back at you with tear stained cheeks. “I did not want you to hate me again, for the monster that I was…But now…now that I’ve come clean, I fear I’ve waited too long…that that fear has come to fruition.”

That part hits you hard. It is as you thought. She’s emotional because she’s afraid of how you’ll react. How you’ve been reacting. Only she’s not afraid of you killing her…she’s afraid you’ll hate her. And do you hate her? You were used since day one. She took your blood and made a child without consent. She planned to use that daughter as a meat coat to bring about the end of the world. She manipulated your emotions to suit her needs. Truly she was as monstrous as the boogeymare legend claimed. 

And yet…do you hate her?

You look back upon the mare in the moon. She looks nothing like how you first met her, and that doesn’t just mean for her height. The change is in her eyes. Her draconic blue eyes are not that of a monster. They hold a sadness you’ve seen before. One you saw when looking into a mirror when you were younger. The sadness and fear of being hated and abandoned. Of being alone.

Her words have rattled you, have made you see your recent past through a new lens…But her eyes tell a different story. They are not the same eyes as the spirit who possessed you three years ago. They are the eyes of the mare who has protected you through thick and thin. They are eyes of a friend. Of a mother. And most of all they are eyes that hold truth, and a mountain of regret and sadness.

Your emotions are stirred, but you make your decision. 

Do you hate her?

She takes your inquisitive silence for confirmation to her fears as she turns her head away.

“I understand your anger, and I understand why you could never forgive me. I waited far too long, and I wasn’t honest with you from the start. I will still protect you and Nightshade, but If you wish for my silence I will-*Gasp*” you silence her with a hug. Just a simple hug, and yet it conveys so much more. She seems hesitant within your arms, as if she doesn’t deserve it, and she stands still, not returning the embrace.

“I don’t hate you Selena, I have no reason to,” you tell her plainly.

“B-but I…the things I did…” she counters, not quite believing as she trembles.

“Did Selena do them?” you ask, throwing her for a loop.

“Wh-what?”

“Did, Selena do the things you described?” you ask once again. Understanding still escapes her at your question.

“I-I don’t.”

“No. Because the Selena I know loves her daughter like no other. She puts up with an idiotic changeling daily because she cares about his well being, and because he is the father of her child. Selena will joke and snark and honor her promises. She will feel remorse and guilt over mistakes she’s made, and will try to better herself. She will have your back when noling else in the world will.” You then add the kicker, “And she will selflessly sacrifice herself for another…”

“B-Bugze…” she stutters.

“Now tell me. Does that mare at all describe the one from the past? The one who would create a filly for a tool of vengeance? No, because that mare wasn’t Selena. That mare was Nightmare Moon.”

“B-but Bugze, I am-“.

“No You’re Not!” you say pointedly as you hold her at arm’s length, looking into her eyes. “Nightmare Moon has been dead for years. She died the day you decided that love meant more to you than her goals of conquest. That you were a mother and a friend more than a god…”

Her eyes well up again, only this time, her eyes seem grateful.

“So, how can I be mad at a dead mare? All I see before me is Selena, a mare who would never do something so horrible…a mare who doesn’t need to be afraid of a shadow from her past,” you say pushing a stray bit of mane out of her face.

She sniffs again and looks away from you.

“You may honey your words as much as you like, but it doesn’t change the fact that before that mare died, I was still her.”

“Yeah, but you know what? It doesn’t matter,” you say turning her head back towards you.

“It doesn’t matter why Nightshade was born, or what your plans once were," you declare.

"H-How can you-"

"There are many parents out there that have had a child for all the wrong reasons. Maybe they were unplanned, maybe they were a result of poor decisions, or maybe they were conceived out of spite, trickery or maliciousness,” you list off before squeezing her shoulders. 

“The reason why they were started means nothing when compared to how they are raised, and how you act as they grow,” you lecture.

“B-but…”

“Look, I’ll admit, what you’ve said tonight has shaken me. You’ve answered a question that I didn’t really expect to hear. It was a shocking answer. More than that it was life altering.” She tries to look away at that, but you won’t let her.

“But the very fact that you’ve told me, even through your fears, shows that you care.” You then steady her and make sure she doesn’t look away as your voice takes on a stern edge.

“You CARE Selena. About Nightshade, about me, about all our futures. You care about the well being and happiness of others, where Nightmare Moon could have cared less. YOU. CARE. Do you understand?”

She nods, speechless and awed at your lecture.

“Good. So then care about my words. I don’t hate you because as far as I know, you have no inkling to go through with those plans am I right?”

“I-I-I…” she stammers.

“Are you going to possess Nightshade and take over her body?”

“NO! Never!” she shouts in defiance causing you to smirk. “I could never do that to her. She is my child! She is her own pony! And…I have no clue what would happen if I even attempted it. I fear that if I did, her personality, her emotions, her everything would disappear…and that is unacceptable! I would not risk sentencing my daughter to death!” she says with conviction and passion, which causes you to smile.

“And that’s all the convincing I need, and it should be enough for you too.” You then pull her back into the hug and pat her back. “It’s all you need…”

You hear her sniffle, and this time she returns your embrace with gusto. She trembles against you as her tensions and fears seem to melt before you.

“Thank you Bugze…thank you for being you,” she whimpers in your ear.

“No problem. Who else am I gonna be? Commander Hurricane?” you joke causing her to giggle a bit.

“Oh I hope not. He was such an arrogant ass, heh heh heh.” She relaxes even more as the fears of the mare in the moon wash away.

As you hold her you think more on your decision.

It may have taken her three years to confess the awful truth but she did, like a true true friend. She didn’t have to, but she put all of her trust in me. Why wouldn’t I put my trust in her?

After what seems an eternity, and gallons of tears, you two break apart and sit back beside each other, and her smile is more prevalent.

“Better?” you ask.

“Much so. It feels like a great weight has lifted from my chest and I can finally breathe again,” she says, her spirits visibly lifted.

That puts you at ease. You don’t want her feeling that you would abandon her. No matter how it started, Nightshade is only around because of her, and whatever may come, you wouldn’t trade that for the world.

You smile again and tell her, 

“Good. And always remember, no matter how Nightshade came to be, she will always love you as her mother. Just being here for her is enough.”

She nods at this. “Yes, I can see that more clearly now…Perhaps now that my mind is at ease we can forget and move on from my little meltdown?” she ventures causing you to smirk.

“What? Afraid your street cred will be ruined if anyling knows that you have actual pony emotions?” you tease causing her to pout.

“I still am the true Princess of the Night, it would not do to have myself labeled as an emotional wreck. And I would thank you kindly not to share our private personal moments with others,” she instructs causing you to roll your eyes.

“As you wish my liege,” you say with a mock courtly bow causing her to roll her eyes.

“If I am ever recrowned I will abolish flourished bows.”

You look back up with your smirk, 

“Glad to see we’re all better and back to our usual banter.”

She gives her own smirk to that. “Indeed. But one last thing on the serious front, I think it wise that we not tell Nightshade the truth of her birth…until she is much older that is.”

You agree with this sentiment. When she’s older, she can understand better.

“With our life though, I just hope to see her grow older. My parents never had that luxury with me,” you say in thoughtfulness.

“We shall Bugze. She shall grow before our eyes…or rather your eyes,” she says with a sigh.

You look her over and see that that sigh holds something else within it.

“Oh geeze, I took it back into serious emotional territory. I’m sorry. Are you alright?” 

She waves a hoof, 

“It’s nothing Bugze.”

“After all we just talked about I doubt it. Come on, what else is bugging you?”

With another sigh she says, 

“It’s just that…I still wish to have a physical body again.”

“Oh…” you say in understanding.

“Not for the reasons I once had,” she reassures. “I still hate that traitor, but that is secondary to what I now want. I would like to see Nightshade grow with my own eyes, to speak with her with my own voice in the waking world…and to hold her with my own arms,” she looks at her forelegs as she says this, before pulling them back. “But I do not know how to accomplish this without that spell.”

A memory comes back to you when Nightshade was first introduced to her after you all fought Shadow.

“You freaked out when Nightshade suggested making a body for yourself. I didn’t understand why you were so terrified back then, but now…”

With a nod she explains, “That spell gave us a child, and I never wish to risk bringing another foal into this world that way again. Even if it succeeded, it would always be at the back of my mind that the body I created could’ve had it’s own life, that it could have been another one of my babies,” she shudders.

You understand where she’s coming from, so you place your hoof upon hers for comfort. “Well, I’m sure there’s some other way. This world is full of magical bullspit do-dads, so there’s got to be another way.”

“If there is, I do not know of it,” she then sighs again, “Besides, I cannot leave your head whilst we keep that Umbrum trapped here.”

“Huh? What is an...Oh…Right,” you say as with all these emotional roller coasters, you’ve forgotten about Ol Smokey. Selena continues her thought.

“I will not leave you alone with him, and until the day we can find a way to remove him AND ensure that he isn’t a threat to others, I will still have to remain here for your sake more than anything.”

Her mood droops with this declaration, but this won’t do for you.

“Selly, listen to me,” you say causing her to look up. “I promise you, that we will find a way for you to have a body again,” she seems surprised at this. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but we WILL get you a body. I Pinkie Promise.”

She gasps at this. “Bugze, do not make a promise upon that Pink Eldritch Abomination that you don’t know you can keep!”

“Too bad, I just did,” you smirk as you finish sticking a cupcake in your eye. “Now I don’t have a choice but to find a way.” She sighs at your recklessness, but this gives way to a bright smile.

“Thank you Bugze. Not just for that promise, but for making this whole moment go against my worries. One day I hope to show you my appreciation for all this, my little changeling,” she says as she takes the initiative and hugs you tight.

“I’m sure you will,” you sigh at her warmth and softness.

“Indeed,” she whispers soothingly into your ear, nuzzling it. “Especially when I am once again flesh and blood, Nightshade won’t be the only one I can hold in my arms…” she sighs, caressing your back, causing your eyes to widen.

“Uh…what do you mean by that?” you ask nervously as you realize your own hooves are wandering.

She stiffens at your words.

“Um…” she stammers her eyes darting around.

“MOM! DAD!” comes the shout of Nightshade all around you, causing you two to break the embrace.

“Oh look a distraction, let’s focus on that and speak about this never!” Selena stammers, pink in the cheeks.

“Sure, yep, sounds good,” you stammer with your own blush as you witness Nightshade invading your dreamscape.

“Dad! You gotta wake up!” Nightshade screeches.

“Why what’s going on honey?”

“Scootaloo! She woke up and ran out into the woods!”

“What?!”

“She got scared of Rainbow’s snoring after a nightmare and she ran off! Even after the Luna Plushie, she still had bad dreams!”

You sit up right in your bag, still feeling sleepy as you see the Pegasus filly scooter off into the woods.

“Honey, Stay here!” you order Nightshade as you run out of the cave dislodging your ear plugs in the process.

“Scootaloo wait! Come back!” you yell, but the small little Pegasus can’t seem to hear you over the drone of her own wings.

Yeesh, can’t even have a life altering conversation without something in the real world going wrong.

Indeed, Mistress Luck never seems to give us a break, Selena agrees.

Eventually, After running through the trees and hitting several branches, you catch up in time to see Scootaloo fail to make a jump over the river and end up hanging onto the roots of a tree.

“Help!” she calls out.

“Don’t worry kid, Help is on the-*CRACK*”"

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” she yells as she plummets into the water.

“Buck!” you yell as you see her being carried by the current.

“Mr. Tennant help!” she calls out.

Not thinking twice, you dive into the river…unfortunately the current is too strong for you to swim effectively. Scootaloo tries to swim towards you, but she gets carried further away…and towards a freaking waterfall.

“SCOOTALOO!” you call out and she starts crying as she nears the edge.

You send your shadow whip out towards her, but it falls short and she falls over the edge.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!”

“NOOOO!!!” you yell as the little filly falls to her death. You begin to lament that you failed to save her, only to see Rainbow Dash fly up with her and into the sky.

“Oh thank goodness,” you sigh in relief and relax…forgetting for just the right amount of time that you yourself are about to go over the waterfall.

Bugze! Selena yells snapping your attention to your imminent plummet.

“Oh…” you mutter as gravity finally frees you from the water into it’s deadly embrace. As you fall you yell out,

“BBBBUUUCCCKKK YYYYYOOUUUU LLLLAAADDDDYYYY LLLUUUUCCCCKKKK!!!!"

*SPLASH*

You crash into the water at the bottom, the shock of the stop jolts you, and as your lungs are empty due to shouting, your body tries to breathe…while still underwater, and your vision darkens.

Moments Later, or an Eternity, You wake up, coughing up water from your burning lungs, and finally inhaling wonderful oxygen.

As you start coughing, regaining your functions, you hear Selena say worriedly,

Oh Thank the gods you’re alive. That’s it, keep breathing! Get it all out.

You do as she says as you still cough, and your vision spins. You feel sore from the landing, but even in your dizzy state you realize that you are at the edge of the river on dry land, the waterfall and cliff down some yards away. 

How…how…?

You then realize that, amidst your own coughing, you hear someling wheezing and panting. It sounds like it’s coming from a mile away with your head spinning.

You look behind you and see a wet figure silhouetted in the darkness. It's the same figure you saw running from your shack after leaving you snacks. You can’t tell much about the figure except that it appears to be about your height, and the wheezing sounds masculine.

After you give another cough, you ask,

"Who are you?"

The figure stops panting as it looks at you from the darkness. You can see the shine of their eyes, but it's still too dark to make out.
Trying to get up, you crawl a bit closer.

"Who are-"

The figure suddenly points their hoof up and behind you,

"Look! A Distraction!" the figure yells in a rugged, raspy voice. It sounds familiar...

“TENNANT!” you hear a cry from above you. You look away from the figure to see Rainbow Dash flying straight towards you with Scootaloo on her back.

You look away from her and back behind you, and the figure is gone.

"Son of a...Beat me at my own game..." you mutter.

Rainbow Dash lands besides you and helps pick you up.

“Oh My Gosh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you were in the river too!”

“I’m so sorry Mr. Tennant,” Scootaloo cries as she hugs you.

You don’t acknowledge them, you just start looking around for that figure.

“Tennant?” Rainbow asks.

“Did you see him?”

“See who?” she asks.

“Th-the figure! The stallion that pulled me out!” you say looking around.

“Um…there was no one else here Baker.”

You walk over to the spot where you swear you saw him, but there are no hoof prints or anything.

“Baker?” Rainbow asks again.

“I-I swear…he was right here…”

“Who?” asks Scootaloo.

“I…no…nevermind, I think my head was still swimming from the fall,” you say as you look into the darkness.

Oh no, that figure was all too real, I heard him too.

You nod and turn back to the two pegasi.

“Now, why were you running in the woods young lady?” you scold Scootaloo.

She goes over how she was having nightmares, mostly about the story you told, and how she wanted to be cool in front of Rainbow Dash. This leads to a bonding moment for them, where she officially says she’ll act as her big sister.

You would have listened more closely, but you swear to Luna that...well, Luna was talking from the moon to Scootaloo.

"Holy Crap! Did you see that?!" you yell to Rainbow Dash.

"See what? That invisible stallion?"

"No! Princess Luna's face was on the freaking moon!"

"It hasn't been there for three years Baker. Are you sure you didn't hit your head?" she ask causing you to growl in frustration while Scootaloo chuckles and tries to whistle nonchalantly.

After you yourself start questioning your sanity again, Rainbow Dash apologizes again and again about not catching you, but you reassure her and tell her not to worry about it.

"Really? But you almost died, how could I make it up to you?" she says as she bats her eyelashes.

"Actually, there is one thing you can do for me," you tell her.

"Really?" she asks excitedly. "What?"

Moments later you are carried on Rainbow's back as she flies up the cliff with Scootaloo in her arms. She pants and is sweating.

"Come on! It'll be daytime by the time we get there!" you yell.

"Give me a break! You're freaking heavy!"

You laugh as Rainbow "Makes it up to you," and flies you all the way back to camp, where only Nightshade is still awake.

Yeesh those earplugs are godlike, you contemplate as your daughter runs up to you.

"Good job saving her Daddy," Nightshade beams.

"Actually all I did was fall off a waterfall, but thanks honey."

"Alright cool, well I'll get back to watching over her to make sure she doesn't have any more nightmares."

She is about to trot over when you stop her.

"Actually honey, let her have this moment with Dash. I want you to keep your mom company for me alright?"

"Oh...did something happen?" Nightshade asks in worry.

"Oh no, nothing like that. But she'd just like to spend some time with you tonight I think."

That would be an accurate statement, Selena says in a cheery manner.

"Alright then," Nightshade says with her bright smile. Seeing her smile, you know you made the right call. As long as you get to look upon that smiling face every day, you could care less what she was meant to be. What she is now is all that matters. And what she is now is your happy little girl.

Ruffling her mane, you slide her sleeping bag back towards yours as you lay down with her in your arms. She soon drifts off to sleep along with Rainbow and Scootaloo, but you find it hard to shut off after all the revelations and your rescue tonight. Speaking of your mysterious rescuer...

Selena. That voice. I know it sounds familiar...but I can't quite place it.

Whoever it was, he saved your life. For what reason remains to be seen, but I am grateful none the less.

As am I. Ugh, why are there so many mysterious beings in the shadows watching me?
With a sigh, you go to your inventory and pull out the Luna plushie.

I think we all need a good rest after tonight, you think.

Very well. I shall keep watch over Nightshade, should Luna still lurk around Nightshade's friend

Thanks. And Selena?

Y-Yes? she stammers.

I still meant what I promised, you reassure her causing her to let out a calming sigh.

I know you do, she says in thanks, Now rest my bug, we've had a long night.

Nodding in agreement, you look into the eyes of the Luna Plushie and fall into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.

Days Later

It's been a few days since you went camping. After your sleep, you and the rest of the group had finally made it to Rainbow Falls. The view was great, the Rainbows just the right amount of spicy for your camp nachos, and most of all, no one suffered any more nightmares. After the camping trip was over, Rainbow immediately had to go to the Wonderbolts Academy so thankfully she's been out of your hair these last few days. Nightshade has continued her lessons, but you can't help but feel as though you're going through the motions. In the next couple of days, the Saddle Arabian diplomats will accompany Princess Celestia to this very town. She will wish to speak to you about your "Brother" and who knows how she might monitor you to ensure Crimson Vengeance gets his medal. 

Your days in Ponyville are numbered, and today is one such day. Today is the last day that Flash Sentry will be in town before he has to go back to work. One last day to spend in town with your bro before you will most likely never see him again (If you're lucky.)

As your eyes open on this very day you let out a sigh, and as you do, you can't help but notice there is a note upon your muzzle.

Peeling it off, you see it's from someone you haven't heard from in forever.

A Friend

With a mixture of dread and curiosity, you open the letter.

Dear Bugze,

Now As much as I want to tell you how much of a idiot you are and gloat about it, I can't. The clock is ticking and change is coming soon, and rather you like it or not its happening 

I'm just gonna come out and say it. Today is the very last day you will feel happy and at peace in this town. Tomorrow, you will be back upon the road to despair. I would add in a "Pupupupu" here for a reference but even I have to be serious sometimes.

So take comfort in today Bugze. Spend time with your many frenemies, settle whatever scores that need settling, and say your goodbyes. Appleloosa calls to you, but the road is going to be rocky. Take comfort in your last carefree day in Ponyville.

Lady Luck is coming for her due, and then the fun will begin. 

Signed,
A Friend.

As you put the letter down, you realize that your thoughts are coming to fruition, only much sooner. 

Your friend has given you a heads up it seems.

Yeah. And I'd best take it. He warned me about Sunny Town before.

You awaken Nightshade.

"Hm? What is it dad? Why are we up so early?" she asks with a yawn.

"Honey. Today is our last day here." She looks up at you in shock, before her face becomes downtrodden.

"Already?" she asks.

"Yup. We've been cutting it as close as it is with Sunbutt's arrival, and it's time for us to go home."
She lets out a sigh at that, before looking up at you with sad eyes.

"OK Daddy."

You pat her shoulder and comfort, "We have one more day Nightshade. Spend it however you want with your friends. Don't let them know we're leaving, but still find a way to say your goodbyes. Tomorrow is the day we leave."

She nods at this, still in sadness, yet she understands.

You then stand up and open the door to your shack in the early morning light.

You both gaze upon the Apple Fields, and Ponyville in the distance.

"Our last carefree day in Ponyville huh?" you ask aloud as Nightshade looks to you. "Well, I guess we better get started."

YOU BOTH HAVE ONE MORE DAY. WHAT DO YOU DO?

Special Ending Theme:


> Episode 69: Dawn of the Final Day Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro Theme: 




First thing's first; Inventory Review! You wonder how long has it been since you've checked it...




Before you head out, you look to Nightshade and say,

“OK, first things first, let’s make sure what we have all our stuff, keep it in track so we don’t leave it tomorrow."

She nods her head and the two of you look through both your Inventories.

Your Inventory

Weapons
Boomstick (Black Staff with Red Crystal. Causes shockwaves when slammed)
Jet Stream Sam Sword (Can't unsheathe it no matter what you've done)
Knock-Out Luna Plushie
Ninja Stars (15)
Power Glove (Plasmid and Vigor channel with grappling hook attachment)
Second Law: (Air Shotgun)

Disguises/Clothing
Baker Sylvester Tennant (Brown overcoat, Yellow and black striped pants, White 
Panama hat, face mask, and 4th Doctor Scarf)

Crimson Vengeance: (Alucard Hat, Immortan Joe Mask, Deadpool shirt, 
Vash the Stampede Coat, and red pants)

El Hunko (Restored), with Purple Top Hat

Hooded Offender Cloak

Stetson Hat with Orange Bandana

Miscellaneous
Bingo Book (Wanted Criminals List)
Bounty Hunter License
Brown Money Pouch: (500 Bits)
Changeling Hidden Locations/Aliases List
Doctor Info File
Free Filly Scout Cookies For Life Card
Grandbuggy with Granny Smith photo
Grandbuggy with Your Mother Photo
Instant Mail Transfer Container (Cadence Direct Line)
Mangle: (Nightshade's pet Plush Robot Fox with 
transforming/computer capabilities.)
Orange-Frosted Buffo-Bombs Cereal (1)
Patching Supplies (Vice-Grips, Duct Tape, WD-40)
Pink Lover’s Jewel Necklace
Powers and Spells List (That you know)
Sapphire Shores Signed Photo (Probably worth a lot)

Potion Sash
Bottle of Elephant Tranqs (1)
Healing Potion (6)
Molotov Cocktail (4)
Stink Bomb (3)
Transformation/Disguise Potion (4)	

Nightshade’s Inventory

Weapons
Dark Cannon (Laser Gun with Limited Shots)
Junk Jet (Cannon that launches junk)
Kendo Stick

Miscelaneous
Assorted Movies, Videogames and Videogame Systems
Ocarina (Might be able to manipulate weather?)

“Thank goodness for hammer space,” you say after looking through all your stuff. “Though I remember it being a bit more cluttered than this.”

“I junk jetted a lot of stuff back in Applewood,” Nightshade chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Well, I guess it was for a good cause then. Certainly did need a clean after all our shenanigans.” You both then put back on your saddlebags. You then look to your daughter and say,

“Alright Nightshade, I’ll meet you either for lunch or dinner. I’m going to go tie up some loose ends, say some goodbyes and whatnot, so you might as well go see your friends.

She nods, and silently walks down the road. You see her shoulders slumping and a bit of guilt hits you.

“I’m sorry honey…”

Shaking your head from these thoughts you look around the apple farm and sigh.



TheRutherford’s Comment




Roker12’s Comment




FireHeart1945’s Comment



You look back at your shed, your little home away from home and you feel sad knowing you only have one more night within it.

Selena, What should I do? I know I have to leave, but I don't want anyling here to think I have died again, so I need a really good/believable cover story for leaving. So how should I go about this?

She clicks her tongue as if in thought, 

Honestly Bugze, I am unsure. Aside from you and that traitor, I’ve never had anyone close. When she and I were one, we didn’t have the luxury of bidding farewell.

I have. Just leave them bitter and cold and alone. No letter, no explanation, just abandonment, just like what she did to me. Sombra grumbles. 

What are you talking about?

…Hope…he says bitterly.

Roling your eyes you think, I’m not talking about losing hope, I’m talking about leaving acquaintances behind dummy. He grumbles at that, but then you add, Although what you’ve said has given me an idea.

And what Idea could you possible receive from the mind of a mad stallion? Selena inquires.

A letter. Since I’m not planning on telling anyling I’m actually leaving, I could leave a letter for them tomorrow. I could tell them a semi truth, that I received a tip about skipping town, and that I couldn’t bear to tell them straight to their faces.

Seems rather impersonal, but considering our predicament…

You nod and continue, 

Yeah, it makes me feel a bit sick to my stomach letting them know this way. Heck, the last time I did this, they thought I was going to commit suicide. But at least this way I don’t have to worry about being dragged back.

You then put a hoof to your chin, 

And to avoid a mess like last time, I’ll tell them I’ll still keep in touch with them. Appleloosa may be out in the middle of nowhere, but even they have the postal service. I could just say my brother found me a safe place to live.

Hmm. That would seem a fair compromise. If you ensure that they get the occasional message from you and one from Nightshade for her friends, then they may not investigate further. Especially if you spend this last day among their company.

Exactly, you agree. Since it is a Sunday, everyling should be off of work, even Rainbow Dash is off from the academy for the weekend. I’ll make sure none of them feel cheated too much for when BST leaves…but before that.

You close the door and walk back into the room, getting a pad and paper.

There’s someone I should write to. This talk of leaving notes has reminded me that I forgot to do something.

Ah yes, you had wished to write to…what I guess is technically my niece after all that happened on that camping trip.

Hey, you poured out your soul to me, we went on an emotional roller coaster, and I fell off a cliff and got rescued by some mystery stallion, the little things get lost after something like that.

Indeed.

With that, you write a long overdue note to the mare who was essentially your first friend.


Dear Cadence,
Sorry it has been a while since I've written to you. After the Crimson Knights were taken care of, I figured that I would lie low a bit. However, it seems that the nice break my daughter and I had is at its end. Just this morning, I received a letter warning me that I would have to leave the safety of the place you first sent me and that my days would be filled with despair for a while. I am not sure what this warning means, but I do not plan to ignore it and hope for the best. So today, I plan to walk around, spend time with both friend and frenemy alike, and try to make my and everyling else's memory of me a good one, as tomorrow I will be gone. Also, I’ll try to write to you more often. I realize that you are my first and oldest friend and I don't want you to feel like I have forgotten about you. I honestly pray that there will be a time that I can one day walk around freely in Equestria and not be attacked for what I am, and that I can have more friends like you who know who (and what) I am and accept it. Once the worst of whatever is coming my way has passed, I plan to start a special project that will not only be beneficial for me, but for a few other as well. I cannot go into detail now, as I do not have much more than a concept, but I think it is something you would approve of. I want to help a few ponies close to me, but until I have a better idea of how, I will leave it at that. As much as I curse Lady Luck, I truly hope she will help me in this endeavor. Well I need to go for now, so until next time, Take care. 

Your friend,
Bugze


As you prepare to send off your heartfelt letter, you hear a bit of sniffling inside your head.

That was beautiful. You can be a real sweetheart when you want to be.

Um, thanks I think? You think back with a blush.

So what is this project you mentioned in the letter?

Simple, getting you a body of your own, you reply as if it’s obvious and send Cadence her letter.

She gasps at that. What?

You think back to her, 

I did Pinkie Promise you didn’t I? Once we’re resettled back in Appleloosa for awhile, I can finally make a plan for making good on it.

B-But Bugze, even if you found a way, the deposed king is still within you.

Yeah, don’t you remember the “ponies close to me” part? He’s technically close sharing my head and everything. And if getting you a body means getting him out too, then I will find a way. That’s why I called it a project, since I have to figure out a means for getting both of you out. Who knows, maybe he could get his own body and he’d turn over a new leaf.

Oh of course, I’ll frolick in meadows without a care in the world and pick flowers and do good deeds and other such bullspit, he says sarcastically.

See? Even he’s in the spirit, you jest causing him to grumble again.

I…well then, I did not expect you to make a plan of action so soon, she mentions still surprised.

Well, it’s more an idea of a plan. First we have to leave here and get Stetson Wearing Bugze’s life back together in Appleloosa, and then we can start.

Even still, I am grateful for your resolve, she says happily.

Smiling you place the message tube back into your inventory and reopen the door.

Alright, so we know our plan for the future, let’s go deal with the present.

You walk out your door and start heading into town in the early morning, no clear destination in mind.

Looking around, you can tell it’s a pretty peaceful day. The note’s ominous warning seems in sharp contrast to it. Then again this is Ponyville, disaster center of Equestria, but still.



Kichi’s Comment



“What could possibly be coming that I have to bail town?” you think for a moment. “Hmm, maybe it’s Discord? Probably going to show up and wreck the town showing Celestia how stupid she is?”

Knowing our luck, that is entirely possible.

“Well, if it is, then I could finally get vengeance on him…somehow. I know Fluttershy said she reformed him, but I don’t know, I feel as though he’d sell everyling out if he had the chance…”

I agree, his reformation seems entirely too convenient. 

“Exactly, and he always said he’d be watching me…Like right NOW!” you yell looking behind you seeing absolutely no one. “Rrrrrright NOW!” you whip your head to the side, seeing nothing but an apple tree. “Um…Now?” you look up to the sky and see the sun slowly rising over the horizon.

Now you are just sounding paranoid.

“I am properly paranoid, thank you very much!” you declare. “And if I can help it, we will remain off Lady Luck’s Radar before we leave.”

I understand that, but…

“Constant Vigilance!” you yell spinning in a circle, which only serves to make you dizzy.

She sighs and you know she’s rolling her eyes.

“Alright fine, maybe he’s not watching this exact moment, doesn’t mean he’s not the despair the note talked about. Now…what was I doing again?” you say as the world stops spinning.

Bidding farewell to the psychopathic members of this town that you call friend and foe at the same time.

“Right, right. I just have to figure out how to say goodbye to everling, and NOT screw it up with my bad luck. If only I had a lucky rabbit’s foot…”

You would amputate a rabbit’s foot? How would that be sneaky and vigilant?

“Oh, is that how those work? I thought you just hold onto a bunny leg while he squirms or something. Either way, maybe Fluttershy might have some spares from some…non living rabbits."

How could they possibly be lucky if they are dead?

“I don’t know, but I guess asking to dismember her dead friends might upset her, so I guess that options out. Let's still head to her cottage now, Fluttershy should be the first I say goodbye to.”

With this in mind, you start walking towards Fluttershy’s Cottage.

As you walk, you have some more thoughts.

“I’m sure Fluttershy will be understanding, if not a bit sad when we leave, and most of the Deadly 6 too.”

What of your group of stalkers though?

“Hmm…good point. Chances are they’ll be heartbroken again. I know, I’ll get them all some flowers, that should make it less painful for them…or at least that’s what grandbuggy always said was protocol when leaving a mare.”

Thinking that buying flowers from the Flower Trio would raise some questions, and more than likely make them faint for absolutely no reason, you decide to gather your own. Between the Apple Farm and Fluttershy’s cottage, you find a small thicket of flowers amidst the trees on the border of the Everfree.



Kersey’s Comment



"OK, so about twelve apiece should make a bouquet, so let’s see. Well Rainbow and Applejack are a given, one’s my boss, and Rainbow will more than likely notice if I only give her flowers, so that’s two dozen. And I should visit Octavia today about her idea starting the horde again, and she lives with Vinyl so I guess that’s another two dozen. Who else…?"

The pink sultry masseuse will most certainly get jealous if she receives none, likely causing it’s own set of problems, Selena adds.

“Oh, good point. Better get some for Aloe as well. And last but not least, Fluttershy.”

You sigh at that before saying,

“Things between she and I have been…awkward with her new understanding towards you. I mean, we’ve still hung out with the weeks we’ve been here, but now that she’s no longer the president of the Horde, we don’t have any more super secret spy meetings and what not. And now that I’m leaving, she deserves some flowers even more so.”

Hmmph, if you feel the need to waste such a gesture that she will take out of context, Selena mumbles.

“Oh don’t be like that Selly, She’s still my friend. Heck, after Cadence, she was my second friend before I even met you,” you counter.

I’ll remind you that she’s still gleefully under the impression that those tranquilizers are for me, she huffs.

“Yeah, well it’s better than declaring that the Crystal King is in my head. Besides, it’s probably no different than Flash’s medication for his temperament…Oh crud, Flash is leaving today,” you remember suddenly. “Gotta do something with him as well.”

Oh, so another dozen flowers then? Selena snarks.

“Bwah!” you shudder at that image and jump out of the flower patch. “Don’t even joke about that!” you whine while she chuckles.

Mentally bleaching that thought from your brain, you go about making the flowers into bouquets ala duct taping their stems together.

“There, now they’ll absolutely know they’re from me,” you say looking over your handiwork.

You then place them into your inventory.

6 Bouquets added to Inventory.

“Alright, I’ll deal with my adoring stalker crowd, starting with Fluttershy, then I’ll work my way towards other frenemies and my best bro.”

Fine, let’s get this awkward visit with the animal tart over with, she says begrudgingly.

“Ugh, Look, I know you two don’t exactly get along, but don’t you know the old saying of “If you can’t say anything nice?”

Of course I know that annoying adage. The Sunflanked Tyrant came up with it, she grumbles.

“Well if you can’t say ANYTHING nice, then don’t say anything at all, it will make all three of us happier in the long run,” you say with a roll of your eyes.

Hmmph, you hear her harrumph, Fine, if anything, I will complement her body.

“Wait, what now?” you say taken aback.

She does have a graceful delicate beauty, and when that traitor and I were one, there were talks of creating a harem of the best mares and stallions in the land. She could’ve been a contender for a spot. There, is that NICE enough for you?

Taking the complement a bit too far, you imagine a scene of Selena and Fluttershy in Saddle Arabian clothing together on a bed, holding each other and- 

*Spurt*

Some blood flies out your nose and absorbs into your scarf.

“Oh great! Now I need some lemon and seltzer water to get this stain out. And wait, don’t you normally respond to these kinds of thoughts with a-“

 *gong* 

"There it is..." you say dizzily.

I complimented her looks, not her attitude. I will not be snogging her anytime soon Mister!

“Yeah, yeah…” you sigh.

Awhile later, you arrive at her cottage and knock on the door.

“Oh, good morning Hoody,” she says happily as she opens it up.

“Morning Fluttershy, are you busy?”

“Well, not at the moment, I will be in a bit though. Twilight has been coming by the last couple days to work on a magic trick she’ll be showing for the Saddle Arabian visitors.”

“She’s been coming here for a magic trick? What is it?” you ask curiously.

“She does a delicate intricate juggling trick with many of my critter friends,” she replies causing you to raise an eyebrow.

“She’s juggling animals? And they let her?” you ask flabbergasted.

“Oh of course, as a favor to me. She’s not hurting them, and some even find it fun.”

“Oookaaay. Well before that happens, can I talk to you for a sec?”

“Sure, come on in.”

She lets you into her house, and you see Harry the Bear sitting on the couch reading a magazine. You nod at him and he nods back.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” she asks.

You are about to speak, but before you do…



Kichi’s Comment



Angel Bunny suddenly jumps on your back, holding a daisy. He opens up your Inventory and dives in.

“Angel!” spouts Fluttershy.

“OI! Get out of there you little fluff ball!” you order.

All you hear in response is a mechanical screech of surprise, and stuff being knocked over.

“Oh come on! I just organized everything!” you whine.

Suddenly, the bag is thrown open as you see the panicked Robot Fox jump out and run off into the house, with the bunny hot on her heels.

“Angel! I don’t think she wants to play,” Fluttershy calls after him.

“I’m not sure he’s wanting to “Play” either…however the heck that works,” you say as your eyes wobble.

Shaking your head, you witness the chase as it goes around the house with Harry the Bear rolling his eyes. At one point, Mangle finds a Glowstick in the ferret beds and starts chasing Angel with it, trying to hit him on the head. That is until he gets his own glowstick, and he keeps defending himself from her attacks as their “Epic Battle” continues around the house.

“Should we stop them?” Fluttershy asks?

“They’ll tire out eventually,” you say as you hear a crash come from upstairs. “Eyup…Eventually. Ahem, anyway getting back to before this Furry Star Wars fight…



Kersey’s Comment



“I came to bear some bad news.”

“B-bad news?” she asks hesitantly.

“Yeah…but before I say what, here, take these” you say as you hoof over one of the bouquets causing her eyes to widen.

5 Bouquets Remaining

“Hopefully these help ease what I’m about to-“ she cuts you off as she suddenly gasps in excitement,

"Are those medicus furorem?" she says as she eyes the flowers.

“Are they what?”

It’s ancient Romane for Furry Healer, Selena answers.

"Oh, well I don’t know I thought they were just flo-" 

"I thought these flowers were impossible to find in Equestria!" she says excitedly as she pulls out a wooden mortar and pestle, "They've been said to help treat all fur-related illnesses!"

“Really? Because I kind of just found them at the Edge of the Everfree between here and the Farm.”

“Oh My Goodness! And so close too!” she squees as she takes the pestle and starts crushing the flowers into paste.

"Oh, Well I'm glad you like th-" suddenly Fluttershy hugs you.

"Oh Hoody, I can't thank you enough!" she says

“No problem,” you say as you smile. “Heh, glad to see we’re back to our old ways of me doing something without realizing it and you being all happy.”

“What do you mean?” she asks as she steps back from you.

“Oh nothing, just how things have been kind of awkward between us and all,” you admit.

"Oh Hoody, I'm so sorry if I made you think like that! You're not the problem, you've never been the problem! It was just..." she looks away with an upset glare, "Her."

Oh of course, she replies exasperated.

Don't start, I don’t need the headache.

"I know she still doesn’t like me, and I’ll admit I still have some strong feelings about her…But now that you're keeping her sedated, she won't be (much) of a problem!" Fluttershy says more cheerfully, "Speaking of which, I talked to some animal pharmacists I know a few days ago and Derpy just delivered some new tranquilizers!"

She then flies into the kitchen before coming back with a bottle with a picture of a sleeping rock golem with Zzzz's over it's head.

"What's that stuff?" you ask a bit nervously.

"These are Super-Ultra-sleeping pills! A dozen times more powerful than those elephant tranquilizers I gave you! They've even been banned in Equestria for the side effect of putting some ponies into comas so this will be perfect for her!" Fluttershy says perhaps a little too excitedly.

"Uh..." you and Selena both think/say as Fluttershy happily gives the bottle to you.

"Thanks. I guess…" you say accepting so as to not upset the normally sweet and shy pegasus.

1 Bottle of banned "Super-Ultra-sleeping pills" added to Inventory

Don't even think of putting THEMS into m-

If you don't shut it, I'll down a whole bottle right now you bluntly mentally interrupt Sombra.

I don’t know Bugze, 12 times the size of an Elephant is dragon territory. We may be strong, but those might put all three of us out.

Look, I still got plenty of the Elephant pills, so we’ll just worry about that later.

As Fluttershy happily turns back around to keep crushing up the flowers you clear your throat getting her attention.

“Oh, right. You had bad news…” she says, the smile falling from her face.

“Yeah…look Fluttershy, my days in this town are coming to an end.”

She listens attentively to that.

“I even told all of you this after the Pinkie Clone incident, but I’m not staying forever.”

She looks down at this, “Oh…”

“I’ll be leaving here soon, I won’t tell you when, but you’ll know when everyling else does.”

She frowns at that, “Do you have to?” she whispers.

Looking down you nod and say, “Sorry, but I have to. The longer I stay here, the more likely something bad will happen. That’s just how my life goes.” You then look back up to her, “Besides, Ponyville is nice, but it isn’t my home. I haven’t been home for nearly two years. I miss it.”

She gasps at this, “Y-You don’t mean…b-back to the Hive?”

“No no no,” you reassure. “That wasn’t home either. I won’t tell you where, but just know that it is a place where someling like me can live in peace.”

“But, what about your brother, the bounty hunter?” she asks.

“I guarantee he’ll find me there. For right now he just wants to be out of the limelight, and I don’t blame him.”

She nods at this and looks down. She closes her eyes and lets out a big sigh. You are about to ask her if she’s okay, when she says.

“I understand Hoody. You have to do what you have to do. Just…be careful out there will you?”

“Yeah, I will,” you say calmly. “And thanks for understanding.”

"Of course…Although I just wish we could have spent more time together before it was over. Had more talks, gone on more picnics, maybe having an actual…d-d-da…” she starts stuttering and blushing on whatever the last word is.

"Relax, knowing what my life is like I'm sure we'll see each other again. Besides, unlike last time, I’m planning on actually writing to everyling. I think I owe this town that much after my last “Death”" you obliviously interrupt.

Selena facehoofs at this, but says nothing. Fortunately this interruption snaps her out of this and she nervously-rapidly says,

"O-okay! Well... now I have too... bottle the mashed flowers! I'll... try to actually do something to keep the girls from hurting you if we see each other again!"

"Ok, though I don’t plan on putting the Cloak on anytime so-" you say before Fluttershy pulls you into a hug that you're shocked by, but then return.

"See ya Fluttershy."

"See ya Hoody," Fluttershy says, intimately pressing her soft body against yours which feels so go-

NO! BAD BUG! You think as you break the hug.

Not wasting anytime on the awkwardness, You whistle for Mangle, who bounds towards you down the stairs. You catch her and glare at the bunny who stops in his tracks.

“When the lady says no pal, it means NO!”

His ears wilt at that as he sadly looks at Mangle hiding behind your neck.

“He’s right Angel,” Fluttershy says as she places a hoof on his tiny head. “Sometimes you just gotta let them go.”

The bunny looks devastated as he turns and whimpers into Fluttershy’s leg.

You and Fluttershy look each other in the eye, and both nod as you turn around and exit the house.

As you begin walking, you look back at the fox. “You’re just a regular old heart breaker aintcha?”

She rolls her eyes at that and dives into your Inventory.

“Right, so the hard part is over, now to deal with all the others…”

As you walk back into town, you pass by Twilight.

“Good morning Baker.”

“Morning Twi. Say have you seen Flash anywhere?”

“Wh-what? Why would I have seen Flash, heh heh…” she chuckles nervously.

Rolling your eyes you say, 

“No, I mean, he hasn’t left yet has he?”

“Oh! No not yet, he’ll leave a bit before dinner tonight. You guys got something planned?” she asks.

“Nothing yet. Anyway Twilight?”

“Yes?”

“Just…Good luck juggling animals.” Her ears wilt at that.

“Ah, it’s supposed to be a secret,” she whines.

Chuckling you say, 

“Take it easy Twilight.”

“Yeah, you too.”

You both then head your separate ways.

“Well, I’ll be seeing Applejack tonight, and Rainbow is hard to find zipping all over the place, and Aloe…I’m just not ready for that yet. I think I’ll go stop by Octavia’s, at least then I can get some more info about the horde restarting.”

With that in mind, you head to the musician’s house. As you do you can’t help but wonder how Nightshade’s quest is going.



BrownDog’s Comment



POV Change: Nightshade

Your dad dropped a bombshell on you early this morning. Today is your last day here. You wish you’d had more of a heads up to mentally prepare for this moment, but it is what it is.

“Well if dad is going to be hanging out one last time with his friends, then me and mine will have an epic last day,” you say with resolve.

Unfortunately…

“Sorry Nightshade, Ah gotta study and do my schoolwork today,” Applebloom apologizes.

“What really?” you ask in surprise.

“Yeah,” she says as she scratches the back of her head. “I’ve kind of been putting stuff off, what with the Reunion and Derby Racing and Camping. And since Ms. Cheerilee isn’t my sister in law anymore, she’s less inclined to let things slide.”

“Oh. Well dang that sucks, I was hoping that we could all go do some crusading today.”

“Sorry Nightshade. But hey, tomorrow after school I should be free. And maybe after Supper tonight I won’t be too tired, we could play a board game or something.”

“I…I guess,” you trail off as you won’t have as much time with your friend as you’d hoped.

“Alright then, I’ll see ya at the dinner table then,” she smiles as she puts her nose back in her book causing you to sigh.
You walk up and hug her.

“Um, what’s that for Shade?” she asks confused.

“Well, just in case I don’t see you over dinner, I just wanted to say…Good Bye,” you say in melancholy.
Applebloom just shrugs, smiles and says, “Alright then.” And as she starts studying again, you head out to see your other friends.


“Well it sucks that Applebloom can’t hang out, but hopefully I’ll be able to make do with the others.”

When you arrive at Carousal Boutique, Sweetie Belle gives you a sheepish look.

“Sorry Nightshade, I’m actually helping Rarity make decorations today.”

“Decorations for what?” you ask.

“For when Princess Celestia shows up with the Saddle Arabian Diplomats. She’s even letting me help design some to make up for the whole suitcase thing when we went camping,” she squeeks.

“Oh. Well I guess if you’re too busy…” you trail off.

“Ya, sorry. But I’m sure we’ll have time to hang out tomorrow. After school that is,” she smiles. You return the smile, even though sadness creeps up on you.

“OK then,” you say as you then grasp and hug Sweetie Belle who is all but happy to return it.
“S-See ya around Sweetie,” you say as you break the hug.

“Yeah, see ya around Shade,” she smiles obliviously. You then walk on as she closes to the door to help her sister.

“Oh, why did today have to be the last day? Hopefully Scootaloo isn’t too busy…”

When you arrive at Scootaloo’s, she has the same apologetic look as the other two, making your ears fall.

“Oh, sorry Nightshade but I actually have an appointment with Rainbow Dash today.”

“An appointment?” you ask flabbergasted causing her to nod.

“She’s had this whole weekend and tomorrow off from the Wonderbolts Academy. She’ll be getting here pretty soon, and she promised that now that she’s my Big Sister, she’ll teach me some new moves she’s learned,” she says in excitement as she buzzes her wings. 

You think one of the big reasons she idolizes Rainbow is because she thinks Dash is the best chance she has for finally flying.
You ruffle your own wings (Hidden from view via magic) You’ve always wanted to learn to fly, but there just never seemed to be a time or place to learn. So even though it breaks your heart that none of the crusaders can hang out with you today, you decide to let her chase her dream with her new Big Sister.

“Alright. Just...” you choke up. “Just be sure to outpace her once you learn those moves.”

“Oh, I definitely will! I’ll show you and the girls tomorrow after school. It’s gonna be awesome!” she says buzzing her wings.

“Right…After School…” you mutter. You pull her into a hug before she can see your eyes watering.

“Kn-knock em dead Scoots…Later,” you then break the hug and run out her door as she calls back to you,

“Later Shade!”
When her house is out of view, you sniffle back the tears, and wipe away the few that fell.

“This is such Bullspit! Why did Dad decide today was the day? If it had just been one day sooner or later, the girls wouldn’t be busy, or at least could have hung out after school!” you growl as you kick the dirt.

“But no! I gotta say goodbye to my friends without actually saying goodbye. I mean, I want to go back to Appleloosa sure, but at the same time I also want to stay here.” You then sigh trying to calm yourself.

“Relax Nightshade. You knew this wasn’t going to last forever…Even still, I wished it would have been longer.” Sighing once more, you look up to the sky.

“Please Lady Luck, I’ve only got one real friend left in this place, don’t let him be busy too…”

At the Library, you see that Spike has cleaning supplies, and gloves on.

Buck you Lady Luck…you think in sadness.

“Um…are you busy today?” you ask just to get it over with.

He scratches the back of his neck. “Well…Kind of. Twilight’s is being ultra critical on preparations for when the Saddle Arabians arrive with Princess Celestia. She’s even had me reorganize the library. Three times!”

“By yourself?” you ask and he nods with a roll of his eyes.

“Well that stinks!” you groan as he continues cleaning.

“Tell me about it. She’s constantly over at Fluttershy’s practicing for the magical performance she’s going to show them. I don’t know why juggling animals is so important but…” he just shrugs in complacency.

“So…You can’t come out and play?” you ask feeling immense hurt. Spike is one of your bestest, closest, and toughest friends. The thought of not being able to hang out with him or any of the girls shatters your heart.

He looks at you and your downcast face. “I’m sorry Nightshade, I really want to but…well you know how things go,” he says gesturing to the library causing you to nod.

“Right…” you choke back a sob. “Well if you’re busy I’ll just get out of your way,” you say as you trudge towards the door.

“Hey Nightshade, wait. Are you OK?” he asks seeing your slumped form.

You pause and look back at him, trying not to let the sadness show in your eyes.

“Ya, sure. I’m fine,” you lie and he picks up on it as he walks over to you.

“No really, what’s wrong?” he asks.

You sigh and look at him.

“I’m just tired Spike. I’m so tired of running.”

“You’ve been running today?” he asks in obliviousness.

“I’ve been running for a long time,” you answer back as you think on your life.

“Oh, do you need some water or something?” he offers and you wave him off.

“No, I’m fine. I’m just gonna…go home,” you admit the truth.

“Well alright then,” he says accepting your answer. “Be sure to take it easy.”

Just like your other friends, you pull him into a sudden hug.

“Oh, heh heh, what’s this for?” he stammers, his cheeks darkening.

“I don’t need a reason to hug my friend do I?” you ask.

“I-I guess not,” he says returning the hug.

Nodding you give him a squeeze and say,

“Goodbye Spike…”

“Goodbye Nightshade. I’ll see you later.”

No…you won’t…you think sadly as you leave the library. After walking out of view of the Treebary, your emotions get the better of you.

“It’s not fair. It’s just not fair,” you whimper as you hang your head and sluggishly walk through the town.

Why? Why couldn’t Ponyville have been our home? Why couldn’t it have been as friendly and welcoming to Daddy like Appleloosa was? Why couldn’t we have stopped running here? You lament. You then grit your teeth as you know the reason.

“Trixie…” you seethe, your eyes faintly glowing.

If she hadn’t been such a traitorous b!#$%, Daddy wouldn’t have been thrown in jail, and that giant bear wouldn’t have attacked and he wouldn’t have freaked out thinking I was dead! Noling would have been hurt, and we wouldn’t have had to run and hide anymore! If she had just been good, if she had just been our friend, MAYBE she could have helped the others see that Daddy wasn’t a monster. MAYBE we could have stopped running, and MAYBE we could have lived here happily…but no. We’ll never know…All because She wanted her Gorramned Money!

You kick the dirt in front of you again, accidentally creating a sizeable pot hole thanks to your anger. Your tears fall into the hole as the emotions finally hit you all at once, but you stifle the tears. You don’t want some random passerbys asking you questions.
You sigh again as you look at the hole, before smoothing it over with your bending.

“We’ve been running ever since I was born. Just once I’d like to stop and just live…” you then move on, taking in the town one last time. Really, all you want to do is go into the Inventory and curl up on your bed just like old times. That way, the outside world can’t hurt you anymore.

The day is halfway done, and it’s only served to break your heart. In looking for your dad, you see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the distance and you still your sad heart.

Well, if Lady Luck is gonna screw with me, then I’m sure as heck gonna settle some wrongs before I leave, you think as you trot over to them.

If you can at least right a wrong then perhaps it will all be worth it. You will yourself to put a smile on your face as you near them.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment




Roker12’s Comment



"Hey, you two!" You greet.

They look your way before smiling and waving. 

"What's up, Nightshade?" Silver Spoon asks.

"Nothing much... How about you?"

“Same, just kind of walking,” Diamond answers.

"We don't really have anything to do." Silver adds.

“Really. Absolutely nothing?” you ask.

"Well, we might go back to my house while Mom is at the Spa and swim or something. We're not sure yet.”

“But we are getting hungry, so we’re leaning that way,” Silver adds.

"Oh, alright then." You give a sad smile.

"Is... anything wrong?" Diamond asks you as she notices the shift on your face.

"Oh! Uh... no, something's just on my mind." You say sheepishly. "Anyway, I…well, I just wanted to apologize again for all the fights we had in the past."

Both fillies share a confused look with you.

"Well, we're sorry too, but didn't we already apologize to each other?" Silver asks you.

“Yeah, like a lot actually?” Diamond asks.

"Yeah, I know that, but.... I just want you to know that whatever happens, I don't dislike or hate you guys at all. And I hope that…we could be real friends. I know it's been awkward these last few weeks…" You scratch the back of your head at that.

"You can say that again..." Silver whispers to herself. She then looks to your shrinking form and says in a hesitant voice, "Do…do you want come with us to Dia's house? We could play games and stuff, just the three of us.”

“R-really?” you ask.

Diamond seems to like this idea as she smiles brightly at you.

“Of course, I got a big house, we could do all sorts of stuff. Plus you always have interesting ideas.”

You look at their smiling faces, actual genuine smiles. It suits them much better than the sneers from the past.
But would you like to spend your last day in Ponyville with the ones whom you had the most conflict with in the past?

Well it’s a heck of a lot better than being alone, you think in resolve. Your face then brightens with genuine glee.

"Okay! I'm down to hang out today! The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike are all busy anyways... not that I'm only hanging out with you two because there's no one else..." You ensure.

They giggle. "No offense taken Shade," Both of them reply.

Th-they called me by my nickname... You smile and happily bounce over to them.

Maybe you were wrong, maybe you did have more than just four real friends, even if you only realized it on the last day. But you’ll make the day count.

POV Change: Bugze



Kersey’s Comment



After getting lost a few times as usual, you finally find Octavia and Vinyl’s house... which is half purple and half brown?

Shrugging at this unorthodox color pattern you knock on the door a few times.

"Coming." you hear Octavia say before she opens the door.

"Hi Octavia. You got a minute?" you say as you hand her one of the bouquet of flowers. She visibly flusters, clearly not expecting that.

"M-Mr. Tennant?" she questions you with a blush.

“Yes?” you ask.

“I um…you’ve given me flowers…” she stammers.

“Uh huh. Oh, and is Vinyl home too?” you ask taking out another bouquet which causes her eyes to widen a bit.

"Wh- I mean no, she's out buying more liquor." she responds, deflating a bit. "Come in."

“Alright then,” you say as you trot inside, which is also split down the middle with different décor.

“Right, well…” Octavia stammers as she holds her bouquet of flowers.“Was there something you wished to talk about Mr. Tennant?”

“Well kind of. I heard via Bon Bon that you were thinking of starting the Horde back up.”

Her eyes widen at this, “Oh Darn it Lyra!” she yells into the kitchen.

“What’d I do?” comes the voice of said mare as she walks out of the kitchen, surprising you.

“I told you not to tell anypony about business unless we all discussed it first!”

“I didn’t tell anypony though. Oh, hey Mr. Tennant,” she smiles at you.

“Sup?” you respond. 

“Anypony INCLUDES Bon Bon!” Octavia interrupts your greeting.

“Oh…well you should have specified,” Lyra responds haughtily causing Octavia to facehoof.

“What? You didn’t complain when I brought the dragon into the fold,” Lyra defends.

“Honk Honk!” comes the voice of Crackle who walks out of the living room, causing you to jump a bit.

“Because Ms. Crackle knows and respects HIM! What if somepony else besides Mr. Tennant caught wind?”

“Oh relax, it’s all cool. Minuette was cool about it, and she says that Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts are open to joining.”

“Honk Honk!” Crackle adds.

“That is besides the point Ms. Heartstrings. Because of those Knight scoundrels, we have to be more careful and…”

As the mares continue to argue, seemingly ignoring you, you think,

Well, clearly they’re trying to start it up again, though their numbers seem small. Hopefully I can get them to stop arguing and learn more. I still got to speak with my other three stalkers, and hang with Flash before he leaves, so hopefully this doesn’t take too long. The day is far from over.

You then clear your throat causing the mares and the dragon to stop speaking and look to you.

“Yes Mr. Tennant?” Octavia asks civilly as if she wasn’t just arguing.

What Do You Do?

Outro Theme:



> Episode 70: Dawn of the Final Day Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro Theme: 




DWC’s Comment



As you are about to answer Octavia, the door suddenly opens and you and everyone else turn towards it.

“Yo Octy, I got more Vodka, Whiskey and…” Vinyl Scratch stammers off as she sees you, Lyra and Crackle all standing in the living room surrounding Octavia.

There is a short pause before she suddenly sighs and starts backing out the door. “Nope, nope, nope! I am not getting involved with this Horde stuff again, I don’t care how hot he is, too much crazy.”

“But Vinyl- “ Octavia starts.

“Nope, Nope, Nope! If you need me, I’ll be getting drunk on the porch till your secret meeting is over,” the DJ declares before shutting the door.

After the door slams you all look back to Octavia who is facehooving.

“Soooo,” Lyra says, “That was kind of…um…”

“Blarg Honk?” Crackle guesses.

“Yeah, exactly. Blarg Honk. What’s up with her?”

Octavia sighs. “She and I have been disagreeing about our little fan club starting back up again, thinks the government will come and take me away, which is ridiculous, we’re clearly not Crimson Knights.”

“Well maybe she should be cautious,” you speak up. “I mean, didn’t the Offender himself say that the Horde should disband?”



Fireheart1945’s Comment



She sighs at this, “See? This is why I said no telling anyone Lyra. We get the ones who keep trying to talk us out of it like Spike and Fluttershy, and now Mr. Tennant.”

“Hey now look, I like the Offender just as much as the next guy, but come on ladies, shouldn’t now be the time to throw in the towel? I mean, all those radicals JUST got taken down,” you implore.

“That’s exactly why we must come back though. We are not the Crimson Knights, and if we just have one small group made up of the absolute devote to him, then we can still support him and show what his true message is,” Octavia answers.

“But what if you all get thrown in a dungeon or something, he’s still not popular.”

“Perhaps not, but Mr. Tennant, please understand, we are merely becoming what we once were. A fanclub. Surely nopony can claim we’re breaking the law for just supporting someone we care about.”

“Honk Honk!” Crackle agrees.

“But, still…”

“Look, if you don’t want to join back up you don’t have to man, it’s entirely your choice, just like Vinyl. We’re not forcing anypony into this,” Lyra says.

“I…Do you swear you guys aren’t going to do anything…um…”

“Ill conceived?” Octavia ventures.

“I was gonna say stupid, but yeah, that works too.”

“We will not. We just wish to have at least a few voices defend him, even after everything.”

“Yeah, I mean, the dude ate a freaking GHOST. How cool is that?” Lyra perks up.

Oh what an insufferable B!%$#...I’ll show her cool…Drugged Sombra grumbles.

“I…” you sigh, “Alright, I guess I can’t really stop you. But please try to keep it like super secret and quiet.”

“That was the plan, till Bon Bon blabbed. I’m gonna have to steal some of her snacks from the fridge as vengeance,” Lyra smirks.

“Fine. I won’t say anything then, former member’s honor,” you swear. 

“Thank you Mr. Tennant, and sorry for dragging any un-pleasantries up for you,” Octavia apologizes.

“No problem. Just thought I’d check.” You then look to the dragon in the room.

“Crackle, don’t you think you should be going home by now? I’m sure there’s friends and family missing you.”

She shakes her head and honks, before gesturing towards the other mares in the room. The message is pretty clear. ‘These are my friends now.’

“Oh alright then. I guess I’ll be out of your manes then…Goodbye ladies.”

“Goodbye Mr. Tennant,” they all say while Crackle honks.

You then exit the door, just as soon as you hear Lyra ask, 

“So Tavi, what’s up with the flowers?”

Shutting the door, you see Vinyl Scratch with a nearly empty bottle of booze in her hoof.

“Ey, Tennant my bro, Wassup?” she slurs.

“Nothing much, just leaving,” you admit.

“Ah, dang dude,” she says looking at her bottle.

“Um…” you rub the back of your head. “Look Vinyl, if I give you something, will you please not take it the wrong way?”

“What do you mean?” she asks. You then hand her the bouquet of flowers.

“Just…getting a few mares some gifts.”

She looks from the flowers back to you, 

“You’re sending me a lot of mixed signals here BST.”

“Yeah I’m sorry about that,” you chuckle. She then holds a full bottle of whiskey to you.

“Tell ya what, if you drink this bottle in the next five minutes you’ll be just as trashed as me, and we can see what happens,” she insinuates giving you a heated glare.

Sweating nervously you say, 

“You’re drunk Vinyl.”

“Yeah I know, I’ll regret my words later, heh heh,” she says turning away and taking another swig. 

“Right, well I’ve got to be…somewhere else, like right now. By Vinyl!” you yell as you run.

“Later sexy dude!” she calls out after you giggling.

When you are out of sight you take a breath to calm yourself.

“Whelp, that’s three down and three to go.”

While you trot off to your mission, you wonder how Nightshade’s doing on hers.

POV Change: Nightshade



Kersey’s Comment



"Uh... Nightshade, are you okay?" Diamond asks 

"I-I'm fine! Why do you ask?!" you respond defensively.

"You just gobbled down an entire table of hors d'oeuvres."

"I always eat a lot,” you respond indignantly.

"But that's your fifth table!"

You really don’t want to let them know you’re stress eating, so you say, “Well, it’s good fancy food, reminds me of the stuff I got at "Eggsy's Exorbance" in Vanhoover

“Oh, you’ve been there too?” Diamond speaks up. “That place was great when Daddy took us there during a business trip.”

“Well it WAS great,” Silver adds. “That giant monster fight probably wrecked it like most of the down town.”

“Oh, you mean that fat flanked Crimson Knight? Yeah, that was…weird…” you reply.

They nod their agreements and now that you’re all satisfied with eating, you all sit around the pool side and talk about just about anything. As long as you all talk, 

it’s easier not to think about leaving. It gets to the point where they start gossiping.



Kichi’s Comment



“And rumor is that Rainbow Dash got some other Pegasus kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy,” Silver gossips.

“Oh, I heard about that from Ms. Twilight, apparently the mare was kind of a B!&$# that almost got all of them killed.”

“Really? Dang, and here I thought she was just using her influence to take out an opponent,” Diamond surmises.

“Eh, I would have thought so too, what with the Filly Fooler’s past shenanigans,” you reassure.

“Why do you keep calling her that? Isn’t she all gaga over your Dad?” asks Diamond confused.

“Eh,” you shrug, “Kind of a force of habit after three years,” you explain vaguely.

“Ooookaaaay…” Diamond and Silver trail off looking at each other, before Silver changes the subject. 

“Anyway, did you hear about Ruby Pinch’s lemonade stand?”

“Who?” you ask in confusion causing her to raise an eyebrow.

“Ruby Pinch? The reddish filly with the purplish mane in our class?”

You remember back to when you were in class, and the description sounds familiar.

“Oh wait, now I remember, isn’t she the daughter of that mare that owns the bar and who beat up Flash Sentry for stealing Waffles?” you come to a realization.

“That’s the one,” Diamond nods.

“Okay, no I haven’t heard about her stand, what happened?”

“Well apparently the lemonade and juice she was selling turned out to be bad. It would make you feel dizzy and kind of funny. If you drank too much, it would make you sick.”

“What was it, bad lemons or something?” you ask, but Silver shrugs.

“I don’t know, but it tasted pretty bad, but for some reason a lot of adults kept buying from her and she made more than what OUR allowances are.”

“Which is weird, because it smelled like mom and dad’s fancy drinks,” Diamond adds.

“Huh, well dang she’s got a good business plan. Makes me kind of wish I’d gotten to know her,” you add as a bit of sadness at wasted time hits you. Trying to ignore this you ask, 

“So, what other juicy tidbits you got?”

“Hmmm,” Diamond ponders. “Well, Ms. Derpy the mail mare has been sad for the last few months. Nopony knows why, and all we’ve heard from Dinky is a bunch of stories.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty imaginative stuff that she should probably write down, what with aliens and monsters and time travel,” Silver explains. “But she seems to be hiding behind the stories and not telling the truth. Everypony thinks she’s sad too.”

“It’s kind of sad actually,” Diamond continues. “She keeps saying that she hasn’t seen her doctor in a while, so it’s gotta be something bad.”

“Well she is always going on about how she actually has two hearts, so maybe it’s just a medical doctor…hopefully,” Silver says causing your eyes to widen.

You know for a fact why Derpy would be sad, but Dinky is a surprise for you. You knew she was Derpy’s daughter, but you didn’t know she knew about The Doctor.

And wait a minute, aren’t Time Lords the only ones with two hearts? You think in confusion. Whatever this info means, you can’t figure it out, so you decide to file it away for later and move on.

“Yeah, hopefully…So you girls seem to know all the gossip then eh?”

“Not all of it, but we hear things. It’s one thing we can’t really turn off,” Diamond chuckles sheepishly.

“Right, well is there any gossip or rumors about…the CMC?”

“Well…I don’t know, we’re kind of friends now…” Diamond says tepidly.

“It’s fine guys, I’m just curious is all,” you reassure. They reluctantly look back at you before silently nodding.

“Let’s make it easier, what do folks say about Sweetie Belle?”

“Oh what don’t they say?” Diamond responds. “Mostly about how most of the boys in class seem to fawn over her, but how she only seems to have eyes for that Button Mash guy.”

“Oh, I’ve heard about that one actually. Does he seriously not know?” you reply.

“I think playing so many games has rotted his brain a bit,” Silver jests, causing you all to giggle.

“Okay, what about Scootaloo?”

“Well the biggest one is that she’s an orphan,” Diamond starts.

“That’s not true, I’ve been to her house,” you reply.

“Yeah yeah, I know, but I’m just laying out what’s been told. They also say she can’t fly.”

“That’s…actually kind of true,” you say feeling a bit bad. “They think there’s something wrong with her wings.”

“Oh...” both rich fillies say in understanding.

“And to think, we had that one saved as an insult,” Silver says a bit in disgust. As the two fillies silently berate themselves, you cough to break the tension.

“And Applebloom?”

They both chuckle nervously and rub the back of their heads, 

“Well it’s actually pretty mean,” Diamond clarifies.

“Really? How mean?”

“Very mean…” Silver trails off piquing your curiosity.

“Let’s just say, some claim that her parents are actually…her brother and sister,” Diamond finishes with a gag.

“What? Oh! OH!” you shout at that horrible image. “That is messed up and gross!” 

“Yeah we know, it’s just something others say,” Silver explains.

“Bleh! What is wrong with ponies?!” you say trying to mentally bleach your brain. “Let’s talk about something else, anything else!”

“Yeah, good call,” Silver shudders.

“Oh, do you want to know about the gossip about you?” Diamond asks.

Rolling your eyes, you reply, 

“I already know about my own gossip, what with my heavy eating, violent tendencies, and not being able to watch my filthy bucking mouth, and that’s not even counting the stuff about my dad.”

“Yeah…that is mostly it, aside from the newest one,” Diamond nods.

“What new one?” you ask.

“Actually it’s something we wanted to know too,” Silver says.

“Okay, what is it?” you ask impatiently, wondering what others are saying about you.

“Are you and Spike dating?” they both ask curiously.

“Wh-what? N-No we’re just friends…” you stammer with a blush.

“Really? Because everypony’s noticed that you hang out with him alone a lot,” Silver points out.

“So what? You two hang out all the time.”

“Yeah, but we don’t hold hooves, or rather, claws with each other at the movie theater,” Diamond say a little jeeringly.

“Hey, the movie was kind of spooky…”

“And your Dad is always freaking out when you’re with him,” Silver giggles.

“Daddy’s psychotic towards everypony,” you whine.

“Also, you’re the only one besides Ms. Rarity that he gawks at like that.”

“That over mascaraed meat shield doesn’t deserve him! Always leading him on like that! What a Bi…” you snap causing them to smirk.

“Sh-Shut up,” you huff and look away while they giggle. 

“Oh come on Shade, we’re just having some fun. Besides, he actually is pretty cute, dragon or not,” Diamond responds.

“I’m not talking about this with you guys,” you respond hastily, “Now tell me some more gossip before I lie on the bottom of the pool and die of embarrassment.”

“I think you’d die of drowning before that occurred,” Silver brainily points out.

“Whatever,” you mutter.

After a few more giggles, you all get back to slinging rumors, and you learn a thing or two about how pony’s in this town, or at least how the gossipers think.

Though you eventually get tired of this and decide to just bring out the videogames from your inventory and hook it up to Diamond Tiara’s 72 in, Plasma screen TV.

Mareio Kart never looked so good…

POV Change: Bugze



Kersey’s Comment



ONE CLOSE MASSAGE AND A NEAR CATFIGHT LATER

"Luna, time sure flies by in this town." you say to yourself.

I concur, although time does feel like its skipping forward a bit.

"Yeah, it's like my life is some story written by a hack who has no idea how to properly use a time ski-" *pow* "Ow! Why did I do that?!" you say after punching yourself in the face for no reason.

Shrugging that off, you think about your trip to the spa, even though you’d rather not. Let’s just say Aloe tried to show how…appreciative she was for the flowers.

Yeesh that mare is a predator I tell you, and as a rule of horn, never try to go for the girls that Grandbuggy preferred. Thank goodness Lotus was there to stop her…again.

If that tart truly wanted to stop her sister, she’d get her some hormonal medicine or institutionalize her, Selena chastises.

If only we were so lucky, you think with a sigh. At least the encounter with Dash and Applejack went better.

You shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice to keep them from catfighting again. Honestly, why is there always mud when these strumpets get territorial?

I know right? It seems comically and pervertedly convenient…

Well I blame you. I told you not to present them with the bouquets at the same time. she berates.

I was trying to speed things up! You whine. Besides, it turned out Okay. Dash had to go teach Scootaloo some tricks, and I Batmaned out of there before I was left alone with Applejack.

Irrelevant. But I suppose you did deliver your gifts to your stalkers and said goodbye. Is there anyone else?

I guess I could go see Pinkie Pie, I kind of wanted to get some food for the road anyway. Also, maybe a few treats for Nightshade, I know this has got to be hard for her.

Get her some frozen milk treats. Sombra druggedly pipes in.

What is he babbling about THIS time? you mentally ask Selena in annoyance.

How in the world should I know?

The sweet frozen milk in those waffle holders.

Sweet frozen milk in waf- Wait, you mean ice cream cones?

Mmmmmm, yes, she will love them he answers.

Since when have you been concerned about our child's well being? Selena demands.

Even a drugged-up ruler of crystal-y shadows like me knows that the young overlord will feel…hollow losing her friends! I should know... he trails off.

Rolling your eyes at his crypticness, you reply,

Well I can’t exactly buy ice cream for her then go searching, by then it will only be soup, so that’s a no go on ice cream Sambadino. No, we’re getting something that lasts longer than five minutes in the sun.

With that, you head towards Sugarcube Corner.



TheRutherford’s Comment



AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER

As you enter the bakery, Pinkie looks up smiling.

"Hiya BST!"

"Hi Pinkie. Can I get a, heh, a baker’s dozen of your chocolate cupcakes and a baker’s dozen of your blueberry muffins?"

She giggles at the pun, 

"Sure thing. Somepony's a bit hungry today huh?"

Chuckling you say, "

Well you know how Nightshade and I can get. I just figured that I would try to nip that in the bud before tomorrow comes."

Pinkie gives you a frown before her eyes widen.

"Oh so it is you and Nightshade that are leaving huh?" surprise suddenly comes across your face, but thank goodness for your scarf.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Hehehe" you lie badly.

"My Pinkie Sense told me that a friend was going to leave soon. I kind of figured that it was Flash Sentry, but now that I think about it you would make more sense because we all knew Flash had to go back to work in Canterlot soon," she exposits.

Bucking Pinkie Sense, How Do You Work?!

I told you, she MUST be an eldritch abomination.

If she is, then those things have way less tentacles than Hay P. Lovecraft led on.

Sighing in defeat, you respond

"Well please don't tell anyone. It is hard enough saying goodbye without all of them finding out. I hate that I have to leave, but if I don't then I just know something bad is going to happen."

She gives you an inquisitive stare before her face brightens. "Oki Doki Loki, Don't worry about it." She starts crossing her hoof across her chest, “I Pinkie Promise I won't tell anypony.” 

You let out a breath of relief. She may be psychotic and mysterious, but even she is beholden to her own rules. She gives you a smile, before a worried look comes across her face.

“But what do you plan to do now? Just wander around and say goodbye to your friends if you randomly bump into them? You could miss somepony and that would be terrible!"

“Well I haven’t missed any yet, I already took care of my stalkers, and even Twilight. Heck, the only ones I haven’t said goodbye to are Rarity, Derpy and Flash…and he’s leaving soon,” you say as your ear wilt. 

You see her face light up with a good idea, but you shoot it down before she speaks.

“I’m trying to keep this on the down low, so no parties.” She visibly deflates at that.

“Oh, Okay…Hmmm…”Pinkie sits on her flank as she starts to hold her head

“Think, Think, Think…” suddenly you literally hear a chime as she looks back at you, I got it!” 

"What? What is it?" you ask looking for the source of the chime and not finding it.

"I know just what to get my sisters for Hearths Warming Eve!"

You facehoof at this.

“And…” she adds with a giggle, “I know a great way for you to literally say goodbye to a good chunk of your friends and get away with it.”

“How?” you ask unhoofing your face.

“Well, Flashy is going to be leaving in an hour or two, and we’re all going to be wishing him off at the train station. When we’re all saying our goodbyes, you could say them amidst everyone elses and nopony will know the difference.”

“That…might actually work,” you say in thought.

“Of course it will silly. It will be a small group too and consist of only our closest friends, and I guess I could get Derpy and your stalkers there too,” she chirps.

“Umm…just the inner circle and Derpy, three of my six stalkers will already be there thank you very much,” you say holding your hooves up.

“Oki Doki Loki,” she replies. She then gives you the baked goods you ordered.

“On the house, call it a going away present for BST…on the down low of course,” she smiles.

“Of course. So what do we do, just all meet up at the train station?”

“Yuperooni. Flash is probably spending some time hanging out with Twilight after her Animal Juggling practice,” she then gets close and whispers, “Don’t let the hater voices know,” she then leans back and resumes talking normally, “And when she walks him to the station, we’ll all be there to wish him goodbye.”

“Sounds like a plan,” you smile to which she returns. “Thank you so much Pinkie, I really do appreciate it.”

You then do something you don’t think you’ve ever done. You take the initiative and give Pinkie a big hug, surprising her before she returns it.

"No problem BST. Anything for a good friend."

You then leave the bakery in much higher spirits than you left. 

Well that was unexpected. Have you grown fond of that conundrum?

Well, when it comes right down to it, after Fluttershy, she’s my second favorite member of the Deadly 6. She doesn’t stalk me, she hasn’t revealed El Hunko as the Offender, and I guess I still feel somewhat indebted to the otherworld Pinkie. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be here.

I see, and I suppose I can see your point. Confusing and possible mindsplitting origins aside, she is more preferable to your stalkers, the meat shield, and the Sun’s annoying protégé.

Exactly. Plus, she’s given me a loophole to say bye one last time before we Batmane away. Kind of wished Flash and I could have hung out just a bit more…but chances are I’ll see him again.

Indubitably. At least you had time with him yesterday.

Barely, I had to share with the bookworm. And then we ended up talking about the dangers of taking drugs, you huff as you sit down on a bench waiting for Flash to arrive.

FLASHBACK



Kersey’s Comment



You and Flash and Twilight had gone to the Oatburger, even though they were the ones mostly talking while you sat in the middle.
Why? You were insurance for yelling at the annoying voices. As your meals arrive Flash perks up and says,

“Oh, hang on a moment, supposed to take this with food.” He then pops some of his pills. Not to be outdone, you say,

“Good idea buddy,” and pop your own.

I didn’t even say anyth…oooooohhhhhh…

Twilight just stares at you both inquisitively until you both simultaneously ask,

“What?”

“I didn’t want to seem intrusive before, but what’s with you both and the pills?”

“I need mine for…behavioral problems…” you say slyly.

“Yeah…me too,” Flash agrees.

Twilight just rolls her eyes at this.

“Honestly you two, I know you have problems with anger and…outbursts, but it’s not something that you HAVE to chemically placate. I’m sure with practice and some good old friendship, both of your quirks could be solved.”

You and Flash look at eachother then back to her.

“No I think I’d rather take the drugs.”

“Ditto,” Flash agrees causing Twilight to roll her eyes.

“Oh you boys are hopeless. Can I at least see what it is you’re taking?”

“Sorry, no can do Bookworm, it’s against my religion, the worship of Nunya,” you say putting the Elephant Pills away.

“Nunya?” she asks confused.

“As in Nunya Business,” you smirk causing Flash to chuckle and her to roll her eyes again.

After his chuckle subsides, Flash hands her his bottle. “Here ya go Twi, you can look at mine,” he says with a smile.

“Kiss Flank,” you chuckle under your breath.

Twilight looks over the bottle with confusion.

“Um…Flash? This isn’t anxiety disorder medication, these are Psycho Stimulants, specifically methamphetamine” she says worriedly.
He looks to you but you are just as confused.

“Is that bad?” he asks.

“Well it’s not good, these are highly addictive and can make a pony jumpy and irritable, and cause their emotions to get out of hand, the exact opposite of calming you down.” His eyes widen at that. “How long have you been taking these?”

“About a week or two after we thought BST was…well…,” he chuckles nervously.

“You’ve been eating these things since the fire? That was almost a year ago,” you say flabbergasted.

“Hey, I needed them. I had headaches and I thought you were gone, I didn’t know what they were. I got these from my doctor in Canterlot” he defends.

“And who exactly is that? Because this is a grossly misdiagnosed medication,” Twilight exclaims.

“Dr. Quacksalver,” he responds and you facehoof. “I just got this bottle last month.”

“Well there’s your problem, you got drugs from an id…wait a minute, last month?”

“Yeah. And I got my first order in Canterlot.”

“That…that can’t be right,” you say.

“Why not?” asks Twilight.

“Because he was working in Ponyville and then he moved to Tall Tale to work at an asylum. He was there a month ago, not Canterlot,” you ponder.

“Well I don’t know what to say, that’s who I got it from…although he did seem more calm and rational…” Flash trails off in thought.

Something about this situation feels fishy, but before you can place a hoof on it, Twilight interrupts both your thoughts.

“Regardless of whoever gave them to you, you can’t keep taking this Flash. These are more than likely the reason why you’ve been overemotional and jumpy, and why some of your latent prejudices get shouted out every so often.”

“I don’t have latent prejudices!” Flash growls.

“Uh Huh, and you weren’t shouting them out before you even had these drugs?” you reply in a smart aleck manner.

“Shaddup!” he wails.

“Flash,” Twilight says in a calming manner as she places a hoof on his shoulder, visibly relaxing him. “Please tell me you’ll stop taking these?”

He looks at her and smiles calmly,

“Oh yeah definitely, now that I know I have the wrong stuff I’ll be able to get the right medication…although this stuff did take 
away my migraines…”

“Flash,” she says warningly.

“Alright, alright, I’ll go cold turkey…man this week is gonna suck,” he moans.

“You’ll get through, I know you will,” she pats his shoulder before looking to you.

“Now, how about we take a look at-“

“Still nunya business Twilight. Besides, the drugs aren’t to blame for my excessive insanity, paranoia and saying stupid things, that’s all natural,” you say as you bite into your oatburger. 

BACK TO PRESENT

POV Change: Nightshade



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



After hours spent with your former enemies turned friends, you look out a window and realize it’s getting late and that you should probably find Daddy. You let Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon know and they walk you to the door. When you're about to leave you turn to them and say, 

"I had a fun time with you two. I really wish we did something like this sooner."

They happily agree with you. "I had a lot of fun too, it would have been boring with just us two, and I'm happy we brought you along Shade." Diamond says while Silver nods with a bright smile. 

"Maybe we can hang out again soon with the crusaders! How does tomorrow sound?" Silver asks.
That question strikes you in the chest. You've just made amends with these two and now you're about to leave without them. 

"I... I'll see."

They don't notice your sadness and nervousness. "Alright then!" Diamond starts. "If you're coming let's meet up at the Crusader Clubhouse tomorrow after school."
They're about to close the door when you speak up suddenly. 

"Hey, girls?"

"Yeah, Shade?" Silver asks.

Your back is turned away from them, hiding your tears. You try your best to hold back any sobs as you speak. 

"If I can't come tomorrow, tell Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that I love all of them, alright? Oh, and remind yourselves that too. And…and Spike as well. I care about all of you and want you all to have fun tomorrow whatever happens..."
They stand silently behind you in confusion. 

"...Um, alright, will do." Diamond says.

“No problem Nightshade,” Silver adds.

You nod and whisper, 

“Later…” as you start to walk from the mansion.

"See you later too, Nightshade!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon yell behind you, oblivious to what's really going on.

The minute you hear the door close, you sprint fast, looking for your dad. The tears are already leaking. Diamond and Silver, two more friends to leave behind.

Gotta get to the Inventory, Just get inside and stay just like Dad always made me do. That way, no one can make me cry anymore…


After fleeing through the town, you spot your dad sitting on a bench, staring off into space, as if remembering something.
Seeing his vacant stupid face, a bit of anger comes over you.

“Yeah, just flashback dad, because apparently you didn’t get hurt today,” you growl to yourself. “Whoa where did that come from?” Surprised at the anger, you decide that a part of you really doesn’t want to talk to Dad right now, so you try to sneak up and get into the Inventory before he snaps out of it.

Unfortunately.

“Dang pills intervention ruined the rest of our bro day. But still, it couldn’t have been Quack that gave them to him, it makes no sense…" he mumbles coming out of a flashback before looking to you.

“Oh hey, there you are Nightshade,” he says giving you a smile, causing you to sigh.

“Eyup, here I am…” you say unenthusiastically as you sit down next to him.

“Did you get to say your goodbyes?” he asks causing you to sigh again.

“Ya, totally. Bon Voyage and all that to all those I care for.”
He seems to pick up on your mood.

“Nightshade, look, I know this was hard for you…”

“Ya think?” you grumble causing him to falter for a second before he continues.

“But we have to leave tomorrow, before anything bad happens. My friend told me so.”

“What friend?” you growl looking him in the eye. “The one we’ve never met? The one who keeps leaving stuff for you and who doesn’t explain ANYTHING?! That friend?”

His ears droop at your outburst, but you continue. “We don’t even know who this guy is Dad, how can we trust him?”

“He hasn’t steered us wrong so far honey,” he points out.

“He hasn’t steered us right either,” you grumble.

“Look, honey…either way, you know why we have to go,” he lectures.

“Yeah I know, doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I know baby, I know,” he says patting your shoulder. “But unlike last time, we’ll write to them. You’ll still be able to keep in contact.”
You shrug off his hoof and let out a huff, 

“It’s not the same and you know it. You can’t run around and play games with a letter…”

Dad gives you a worried look then reaches into the Inventory and pulls out two boxes of baked goods from Sugar Cube Corner, they smell really really good. 

“I got these for you. I figured I’d unground you considering the circumstances and you could have as much as you want,” he says with a hopeful tone.

You look at the box, and you are tempted by the bribe…but your heart still hurts.

“No thanks, I’m not hungry,” you say pushing the boxes away, making your Dad’s eyes widen in surprise. “In fact, I’m kind of tired. I’ll just go to bed.”

Before he can say anything, you hop into the Inventory. You sluggishly walk to your bed and lie down. Only when you’re sure he’s not going to try to get you out do you let loose and cry. As you do, you feel a soft paw upon your back. You turn to see Mangle looking at you worriedly.

“Oh Mangle,” you cry as you pull her into an embrace, burying your muzzle into her fur. The robot fox strokes your mane and lies down with you.

“I…I don’t want to go…” you whimper.
You stay like that for a long while, holding onto your precious pet for any scrap of comfort. You stay like that till you mercifully fall asleep.


POV Change: Bugze

As Nightshade hops into the Inventory, you let out a stressed sigh as you stare dumbly at the baked goods.

“Dang it, I knew she’d be upset, but still, not this much.”

She has formed meaningful bonds, as the young tend to do. And with our life, she clings to whatever stability she can find. We are once again ripping that away from her.

Yeah…If only our life wasn’t so bucked, we could give her what she wants. If only…

If she is indeed heading to sleep, I shall accompany her, try to smooth things over, Selena says.

You decide to give Nightshade space as she clearly doesn’t want to talk, so you sit there with the muffins, until it’s time to see Flash off.

True to her word, Pinkie has gathered the Deadly 6 at the platform, and Derpy is there as well, even though she doesn’t personally know the guy. Also First Base who is heading back to Canterlot with his big brother.

You save one box of muffins in the Inventory, and bring the other towards the others to share.



BrownDog’s Comment



You take some time to talk to Derpy.

“Derpy, I just wanted you to know that…well, if I ever see the Doctor again, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.”
She looks conflicted at that. 

“You don’t have to go out of your way for that Bugze,”

“The heck I don’t, especially after what he’s done to you. I owe you so much, and I will call him out for it.”

“No, don’t,” she implores. “No matter how things ended I just…I just want you to let him know that I understand. That I can accept his decision, and that I miss him.” she says hollowly causing you to frown.

Even after all this, she still cares about the guy that broke her heart?

Love is a fickle thing, and often contradictory and making no sense. I came about because of that traitor’s wish and hatred for it, Selena philosophizes.

Right…but still, it’s wrong seeing her unhappy. I guess I could help with that.

You then take one of the boxes of muffins Nightshade didn’t want and hand it to Derpy who’s eyes light up at that.

“Oh wow, thank you Bugze,” she says and hugs you.

“My pleasure. Enjoy yourself and be happy,” you say patting her back.

After this exchange, you walk over to Flash who is speaking with, (who else?) Twilight.

“Now, when you get back to Canterlot, I want you to tell Shining about the prescription mix up OK?” Twilight lectures Flash.

“Twilight, Twilight, I get it,” he says with a good natured chuckle causing her to smile.

“Just checking,” she giggles.

He then looks left and right, 

“And…well, if you’re ever in town, um…”

“Yes?” Twilight asks nervously.

“Maybe you and I could…”

“Gangway before the voices shout,” you yell out, getting in-between this moment and ruining it. To make up for it, you rush up and give him a manly hug, which is like a normal hug, only manlier. It causes all of the mares to “dawww”

“I’ll see you around Flash, you take care now ya hear?”

“Yeah, you too buddy. This time, for the love of Celestia, write and keep in touch,” he says thumping your back.

“Already planned on it,” you say truthfully. Out of them all, you know Flash is the one you’ll probably see again…even if it’s on the battlefield. How long that is, you don’t know.

As Flash and First Base step onto the train and it departs, all of the Mares start waving and saying goodbye. You stand slightly in front of them, and unbeknownst to them, you take their farewells for yourself.

“Goodbye everypony,” you whisper as you wave at Flash.

After that, not much happened, Pinkie and Fluttershy being the only ones knowing you’ll be heading on gave you an extra hug, and Twilight was able to keep Rainbow and Applejack from fighting, also a threaten of a restraining order which calmed them down quickly. It was in no time at all that the little train station party was disbanded. As each of the friends depart their separate ways, you give a little smile.

“Eh, as far as last days go, it could have been worse. Still, I’m going to have to make it up to Nightshade big time…”

You then head to your shack and sleep in it one last time (if all goes according to plan)

The Next Day

You and Nightshade are walking down the road towards the outskirts of Ponyville. You’d gotten up a little later than you planned, (which was Dawn again, but you’ve been getting tired of seeing the sun rise) and you’ve hurried Nightshade along. You have to be gone today, and you’d rather not tempt fate by giving it more time.

You look to Nightshade and see that she is still pouting, keeping her head down and not even looking at you.
You sigh once again in frustration, you don’t like making your little filly upset.

Did you talk to her last night?

I tried, but she is as frustrated at me as she is with you. I spoke our reasons and uttered many apologies, but if she acknowledged them, I do not know, she says forlornly.

Ugh, we’ve only had her three years and already we’re hitting the teenaged emotions as I feared.

As you reach the edge of town, near the trees of the Everfree, you realize



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Maybe a visit with a certain Zebra might be in order. She doesn’t live in Ponyville, she’s on the way towards Appleloosa, and she’s someone that Nightshade likes.

You stop at the edge of the trees and look to Nightshade who is about 15 feet behind you.

“Honey, I know you’re mad at me,” you say as you sit down, “And I know you will be for awhile. I can’t ask you to forgive me, but I can ask that you try to let me help you.”

She silently looks up at you, not saying anything.

“We can go visit Zecora, maybe she can teach you more fighting moves for your Kendo Stick,” you say luring the bait. She still doesn’t say anything, but you can see that she’s thinking your proposition over.

“What do you say? Wanna go see our favorite shaman and learn some kickflank moves you can use on your old man?”

She nods to this, still with that sad expression, but at least she’s acknowledging you. This at least causes you to give a small smile, which you decide to show her. Being somewhat within the trees and out of sight, you decide to show a grand gesture as you take off your BST disguise and put it back into the Inventory causing her eyes to widen.

“Even though BST has officially left Ponyville, your daddy is still here honey. Always. Will you still trust him?” you say, with your arms outstretched.
She gives a small, sad, silent smile and slowly she begins to make her way towards you.

“That a girl. Look I know it’s not going to be easy, but I promise I will make this up to-”

*WHUMP*

“What the buck?!” Both you and Nightshade cry out in alarm. 
A glass like barrier has landed right in front of you, separating you from your daughter. You look up and see that it stretches into the sky and curves. Looking through the barrier, you can see it envelopes all of Ponyville.

“Daddy! What’s going on?!” Nightshade’s depression drowned out in favor of her surprise and worry.

“I…I don’t know!” you panic as you touch the glass like substance and see that it is actually magical. You give it a punch, but all that serves to do is hurt your hoof.
Nightshade looks all around her.

“It’s…It’s a dome Daddy, just like in the Crystal Empire,” she explains.
Your eyes light up.

“Or like during the Wedding…”

Oh No... Selena mutters.
You then worriedly look around.

“Daddy?”

“If this is a city shield, it means it’s supposed to keep something out, like they did for the Changelings or Sombra! This must have been what My Friend was warning about. Curse my poor timing!”
Nightshade gets a bit more nervous at that.

“Oh No, You’re on the wrong side Daddy! You’re on the side of the threat,” she exclaims.

“Yeah, I know that, hang on!” you then try to dig at the dirt around it…but it’s like the dome goes into the dirt like a sphere.

“Crud!”

“Oh no, oh no! What do we do?” she asks.
You look around in panic, looking for any sign of a threat.

“OK, here’s what’s going to happen honey. You are going to go back into town where it’s safe.”

“But Dad, I know I wanted to stay here, but not like this!” she whimpers.

“Look, focus honey. Sparkle is more than likely the only one with enough juice to pull this spell off, just like her brother did. I want you to get to her Library, it’s probably the safest place in town right now. I’ll find a way in!” you command.

“I…OK. Ok, I’ll go to the library,” she says in worry.

“Alright, now whatever this threat is, if it gets in, I want you to Pinkie Promise me you won’t try to fight it or anything, not while I’m not there.”

“But Dad-“

“Pinkie Promise!” you order.

“Alright, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she says.

“Good, now get to the library, I’ll find you there!”

“OK!” before she turns, she says, “And…I’m sorry for being upset with you and mom. Just be safe alright?”

“We will honey, we promise.”

“Now fly my precious, do as your father says and get to safety,” Selena says through your mouth.
She nods and trots off back into town.

“Dang it, if we had just waited till we got into the woods to talk then we wouldn’t be separated! Now I’m stuck outside a shield in close proximity to whatever they’re trying to keep out! Bucking Lady Luck!”

Focus Bugze, we have to find some way inside. I can sense this magic it is…incredible in strength. They obviously don’t want something strong getting in.

“Perfect!” you yell as you start skirting the edges of the dome. Even though it’s not as big as the one in Canterlot or in the Empire doesn’t mean it’s weaker. In fact, in a smaller location it’s probably that much tougher.

“Just perfect. Ugh, why couldn’t My Friend be less cryptic?”

After awhile of looking for a chink in the dome, you come across…

“Twilight?” you ask in confusion.

The purple unicorn is on a path leading towards the Everfree Forest which confuses you. She turns towards you at the sound of your voice and gasps in surprise.

“Shouldn’t you be in the middle of town keeping the bubble up? Or did you forget to stand inside it or something?” you ask.

“YOU!!!” She growls, a snarl adorning her face.

“Um, yeah? What about…me…?” you trail off as you realize you have absolutely no disguise on. You are just plainly showing off your changelingness and orange hair.

“Offender!!!” she growls again and starts stomping towards you.

“OH CELESTIA BUCKING DAMNIT!!!” you scream to the skies.

Before you can think, run, or do anything, she slams you up against the barrier with her magic.

“Is it true that this is all for you?!” she accuses.

“What?” you ask, still a bit dazed from the magic sucker punch.

“Did you know this was going to happen?” Twilight snarls.

“What? What are you talking about?” you blather in confusion.

“Do you not know?!” she yells.

“Oh forget this cryptic bullspit, Would You Kindly get blown back?!”

You then use your telekenisis, which pushes her backwards, allowing you some breathing room. Before she gets up, you rush over and put a hoof over her chest.

“Now, would you kindly stop going nuts? And before you ask again, NO. I have no idea what this dome is for, I thought YOU had set it up.”
She again glares at you, but then becomes flabbergasted.

“What? Of course I didn’t set it up. SHE did. She said it was the only way you’d come back to her. She said that it was to punish me and Ponyville for tricking her. She said this was all for YOU.”

“What did I say about being cryptic? Who? Who said this was all for me?” you ask confused as all Tartarus.

Twilight’s tired eyes look up into yours and she says a name that sets your world on fire.

“Trixie…”

...

...

...

*SNAP*

Your eyes begin to glow.

“What did you just say?” your voice cracks with barely restrained wrath.

“I-It was Trixie. She showed up, tormented my friends and other citizens, and then she beat me in a magic duel and kicked me out of town,” Twilight explains with a bit of fear in her voice.

“So…" you seethe, "She’s still in there…while you’re out here? Causing problems?”

“Yes. She’s way more powerful now. Many of her spells should be impossible.”

You look through the barrier towards the town you’d just sent your daughter to.

“Oh You’ve Got to be Bu-“

POV CHANGE: Nightshade

“-cking kidding me!” You declare as you see the one pony that you’ve held more anger towards than any other being. She is being pulled down the street by Snips and Snails, laughing maniacally the whole time. Her stupid silver hair over her stupid blue coat, and her stupid cloak held together by some stupid black and red jewelry.

“Ha ha ha!" She laughs with her stupid laugh.

"Now that your precious Sparkler is gone, there are going to be some changes around here presided over by, The Great and Powerful Trixie!!!” she commands as her eyes briefly glow red.

“Tttttrrrriiiixxxxiiiieeee…” you seethe in anger, not only for her, but because you promised not to engage the enemy while dad was outside the dome.

Stupid bucking Pinkie Promises! Oh just you wait you skank. When daddy gets in here, you are so bucking de-

“Starting with a giant statue of Trixie in all her greatness, and her bestest of best friends The Hooded Offender!”

“…Say what now?” you ask taken aback.

“It’s the least you peons can do for bambooziling Trixie into betraying him! When he comes back, he and Trixie will judge you together!” she declares as lightning strikes and she begins laughing maniacally.

As she laughs and ponies either run, or are forced to do her bidding, all you can do is stand there with your jaw hanging open as your brain tries to reboot.

“…WHAT?!”

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro Theme:



> Episode 71: Vive La Revolution
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro Theme: 


POV: Bugze



The PonySpartan’s Comment



You take your hoof off of Twilight and say, "Alright, so the one pony I hate most in this world is right behind this barrier? Well if that’s the case, I hope that Ponyville has some reaaaally good medical help because I don't think any hospital is gonna be able to fix her when I'm done with her!" You say angrily and crazily as you walk right up to the barrier.

“Wh-what are you going to do?” Twilight stutters as she stands up.

You look at her with your glowing orange and red eyes, which she steps back at, and say,

"It honestly depends on what she does." You look back at Ponyville. "For example, if she tries to hurt my baby I'LL BUCKING KI-

Bugze! Enough! I think we both know that Nightshade is capable of dealing with that whorse. Just get there and make sure she's safe first.

You breathe out and calm yourself. Twilight comes down from her recoil at your initial outburst and asks,

"You're baby? You mean... the alicorn filly?"

"If only Discord didn't erase your memories. You would remember how close the two of us are,” you mutter to yourself before looking back to her, "Yes. My Daughter, who just so happens to be on the other side of this barrier with that traitor!”

“Why is she even in the town in the first place? Why are you even here?”

“I let her go get a quick snack from Sugarcube Corner, we weren’t planning on staying here, you and your kind ensure that we’re always on the run," You lie. "And now, we’re trapped near this stupid town once again! So if you don't mind I'm going to go get my daughter and show Trixie why you don't show your face to me a second time!"

“And how are you going to do that? This barrier is teleport proof, and it’s actually a sphere that phases through the ground,” she points out.

“They way I solve every problem. FALCON PUNCH!” you yell striking your hoof against the surface. It rattles your arm and does absolutely nothing.



DWC’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment



“Falcon Punch!” you yell once again, striking the spot again.

“Falcon Punch!”

“Falcon Punch!”

“Falcon Punch!”

“You’re not even making a dent in it,” Twilight shouts.

“That’s what you think! Falcon Punch! Falcon Punch! Falcon Punch!”

“Oh come on! Just use your head for one second,” Twilight berates.

“Fine! "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!" *WHAM* "Owwww."

Even with a running start, all you accomplish is a headache.

“I didn’t mean it literally!”

Try it again! Sombra suggests a little too quickly.

Silence pest.

“Ugh! Everyling Shut Up!” you yell shaking your head. “Falcon Punch! Grah!”

After several more punches with no progress, you growl in rage at how Trixie is screwing with you again, and whisps of the Nightmare Cloak surround you, causing Twilight to back up.

“FALCON!!! PUNCH!!!” you roar, your hoof on fire as you are actually able to punch your hoof through the barrier…which immediately seals up around your hoof.

“Ack! Get it off, Get it off!” you yell in panic, your Nightmare Cloak dissipating. “This feels really weird!” You place your other three limbs on the surface of the barrier and begin pulling, none of your hooves are on the ground.

Behind you, you hear Twilight smirk and say, 

“I told you, this barrier is impregnable.”

“Quit being smug and help or I swear to Luna, I will 127 Hours this up and strangle you with my nub!” you yell.

“It is literally impossible to strangle someone without their hoof,” Twilight mutters and tries to help you.

After a few painful tugs, you are finally able to get your hoof out, with only a bit of road rash on your hoof to show for it.

“And yet another thing to hold against that blue whorse! How did she get THIS strong?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight says in bafflement. “But however she did it, whatever new powers Trixie has gained has increased ALL of her spells. I’d say they’re clear on into Alicorn range.”

Well that’s bucking great, I’ve never actually defeated one of those in a one on one fight…Actually now that I think about it, none of us have.

I would have if it weren’t for that Tree’s favorite little macguffins, Selena rants.

Yeah, and Simba peaced out and hid for a thousand years like a punk rather than face two.

That is a gross mistranslation of my actions!

Shaking your head, you look to Twilight and say, 

“I don’t care how powerful she’s gotten. She’s going down…But first we have to get past this damned bubble. You got any ideas?”

“Actually No,” she admits with a sigh. “That’s why I was heading into the Forest. Zecora usually has answers, and right now I have a lot of questions.”

You look back at the barrier and growl, 

“Well I’m all out of ideas. It’s just as good as any. Lead on,” you command her.

“And what makes you think I’m going to let you tag along?” Twilight asks.

You glare at her and say, 

“Because instead of leaving me in that wall and calling up your precious Princess, You got me out and told me your plans. I can tell losing to Trixie has hit your pride, and you take this personally. So personally that you’re willing to talk to me over the embarrassment of running to your teacher for help.”

Her face pales at this, before she gives you a glare and say.

“Try not to fall behind,” and trots into the Forest.

You give an amused grunt, before looking back over your shoulder one more time.

“Be safe in there baby, don’t do anything stupid like I would do,” you mutter before trotting off after the bookworm.

POV Change: Nightshade

Oh Sweet Celestia I’m on the edge of doing something stupid like daddy would, you think in anger.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Your glare centers your attention to Trixie and Trixie only, your eyes glowing brighter every second. The confusion at her statements only serving to fuel your anger.


You are NOT daddy’s best friend! You don’t have the right to say that!

Your horn starts to spark a bit with blue magic as you barely stop yourself from engaging Trixie in rage.

Stupid bucking promise! If I wasn’t so deathly afraid of Pinkie I’d…Grrr!!!


“Alright you little nuisances, begin to lay the foundation for the statues,” she orders Snips and Snails.

“But how do we do that?” Snips whines.

“I don’t know, you figure it out!” she says before magicking a rock pulling harness onto him and Snails.

She then does the same to other towns ponies and orders them to start working.

You witness all of this, even though your eyes have completely been overtaken with glowing light.

Snips and Snails may be stupid disgusting idiots, but not even they deserve this…much.


“Muhahahaha!!!” Trixie laughs, before she materializes some sort of relaxing chair and begins to watch the labor unfold. And she’s holding something.

Your eyebrow raises and your eyes lose some glow in favor of confusion.

Is that a teddy bear?



DWC’s Comment



“Oh, this is going to be so perfect,” Trixie declares as she holdsthe weird white and black stuffed bear with a wicked red eye, under her chin.

“He’ll hear about what I’ve done, and all the despair I’ve caused to these horrible towns ponies, and he’ll be so proud. And then I’ll finally be able to see his face. He’ll look so happy, pupupupu…” she rambles off into gibberish snuggling the teddy bear.

Your eyes fully unglow at this, and you cut the magic to your horn.

Okay, this b!%$# definitely be cray-cray. Does…does she actually think Daddy is still her friend? Because if so, how delusional can you get

Also, where in the buck are the rest of the Deadly 6 if Ms. Twilight got defeated?

You look around, but don’t really see hide nor tail of them. 

Crud, did she really beat them all? Not even Discord was able to do that…Wait a second, that’s it! I don’t have to fight at all and break my promise, I’ll just get that moron to do it!



Kichi’s Comment



If he’s as reformed as Ms. Fluttershy says he is, then this bullspit can get solved in no time.

With that in mind, you head out of town before Trixie notices you and towards Fluttershy’s cottage. Along the way, you stop by where you and your dad got separated, and he’s not there either.

“Of course, because that would be too simple,” you mutter and continue onto the cottage.

When you finally arrive, you begin banging on the door.

"Fluttershy! Ms. Fluttershy! We need help!" you shout.

"Ummm... Nopony is home. Please return after the crazy blue unicorn leaves. Thank you" comes the clearly at home voice of Fluttershy through the door.

You just groan and knock again

"Fluttershy, it's me, Nightshade. Now please open up, we need reinforcements." 

You then wait in silence for a moment, before you hear the sound of many locks and chains being opened. The door then swings open, but instead of the yellow Pegasus, you are treated to the sight of Angel Bunny, looking a bit downcast. 

"Let me guess... In her room?" you ask, and he nods his head.

"Under the bed?" he nods again before you both sigh.

“Alright thanks. Oh, and sorry things didn’t work out with you and Mangle,” his ears droop at that and he looks down, nodding sadly. “Maybe next time try not to create a cult to the girl you like,” you say patting the bunny’s head as you walk up the stairs.

As you do, you notice that a LOT of animals are taking refuge in the house, but they are staying silent as mice…which is ironic since a family of mice are currently squeaking up a storm at Harry who just rolls his eyes.

As you enter her bedroom, you look under the bed and see Fluttershy holding onto a few smaller creatures and shaking a little.

“H-Hi Nightshade,” she stammers.

“Hi Fluttershy. Look, I know you know about the crazy blue unicorn in town going all Stalliongrad on everpony, and as much as I’d like to handle the situation myself, I can’t because I made a stupid Pinkie Promise. So come on, we need some help.”

"No! It's too dangerous, I can't help! We all tried, but she’s too strong. Didn’t you see what she did to Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy shouts.

“N-No, what happened to her?” you ask.

“She removed her muzzle! Not just her mouth, but her entire muzzle! Poof! And it’s gone!” Fluttershy quivers.

“What? Her mouth AND nose are gone? Is…is she…?”

“N-No, she’s still…” she then shudders, “She just can’t speak or eat now.”

“How is Pinkie even breathing after something like that? If any other pony had that done to them, they’d be dead, no ifs ands or buts!” you declare your minds spinning in confusion.

“I-I don’t know. But as you can see, there’s nothing I can do that could help,” she shudders.

"Eeehh... As much as I’d like your help, I was thinking more, ya know, Discord? You know, god of chaos and all that. I figured since you’re all chummy with him that you could call him in and solve this whole mess. Especially now that I know about that muzzle removing spell she’s got.”

"Ohh... Umm...about that…” Fluttershy looks away in embarrassment.

“…He’s not coming is he?”

“No. He told me on our last tea party that he would be away for some months and couldn’t possibly come no matter how dire the situation was.”

"WHAT?!" you shout, rattling the house and causing her to wince.

"I'm sorry. I even tried calling out to him, but nothing happened,” she admits.

"Of course..." you groan with a facehoof.

“I’m sorry,” she apologizes again even though it’s not needed. 

“It’s fine. Okay, so Plan A is a bust, I guess I’m going to have to find someopony else to fight that whorse.”

“OH, such language,” Fluttershy declares covering a young ferret’s ears. As you roll your eyes she asks, “Um. What about your father? I’d have thought that he…well, you know...”

“Yeah, about that,” you say rubbing the back of your neck. “Dad’s on the other side of the barrier. I don’t think he knows about Trixie yet, but when he does…hoo boy are things not going to be pretty,” you say causing Fluttershy’s eyes to widen.

“Oh dear…”

“Yeah…anyway, you stay here. If you can’t call in Discord, I’ll just get my favorite dragon to call in the princesses.”

“Oh no, you shouldn’t be out there on your own, and besides we already tried tha-“

“I’ll be fine Fluttershy. Just stay here and wait for this to blow over,” you call over your shoulder, already halfway down the stairs.
After exiting, you start stealthily making your way into town to find Spike.

Oh I hope you’re Okay. I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my promise if she’s hurt you Spikey…You briefly stop at that thought. Okay, when did I start calling him that?!

Shaking your head you continue trotting.

Ugh. Just don’t be saying stuff like that aloud Nightshade. That will for sure piss Daddy off…if he isn’t already that is.

POV Change: Bugze

“GORAMNED MOTHERBUCKING-SASSAFRASH! I hate this forest!” you growl as you stomp your hooves into the ground.
Twilight hesitantly trots beside you.

“We’re almost there, just, try to stay focused alright?”

“Whatever,” you grumble still incredibly pissed off.

After stomping in silence for a short time, you notice that Twilight keeps opening her mouth as if she’s trying to say something, but keeps stopping.

“What?! Spit it out!” you grumpily command.



BrownDog’s Comment



“I…I just had some inquiries, and I didn’t know where to start,” she admits.

“Alright fine. Inquire away. Not like we’re doing anything else.”

She seems to consider her question before she looks to you and asks,

“So…Hooded Offender…couldn’t help but notice you’re not wearing your cloak…”

Rolling your eyes you say, “Really, that’s the icebreaker?” She scrunches her face up at the insult so you just roll your eyes again and explain,

“I’ve told you time and time again Sparkler, I don’t want to wear the cloak, but out of necessity, thanks in no small part of your own, I end up wearing it at the wrong times. Today I just didn’t feel like it Okay?” you grumpily huff.

She just gives you an inquisitive glare before shaking her head.

“After three years, I still don’t know anything about you. You’re so confusing.”

“What’s confusing about me? I think I’ve always been straight forward with what I want.”

“You keep saying you don’t want to be this figure, and yet you ALWAYS show up at the most random acts of madness around, and knowing you, you always end up smashing things and making it worse.”

“I don’t plan this! If you want to research something, research why Lady Luck has singled me out for torment. Also, I’d like to see you try to solve half the problems I’ve dealt with without violence,” you grunt.

“Like at the Crystal Empire?!” she throws back causing you to grit your teeth.

“If you hadn’t have been there, Spike and Cadence would have returned the heart and nopony would have been hurt. But You…many bystanders were harmed by your fight, and at the end…” she the shudders and looks away from you.

“Yeah…I know what I did,” you say guiltily. “You think that still doesn’t give me Nightmares knowing that my body contorted and morphed in a way to be able to eat a full grown stallion?”

“But why? Why and how did you do that?”

You just look forward and answer, 

“Your brother got stabbed. I thought he’d been killed. Then I just saw red. You try asking a tornado why it tears apart a home…”

She shudders, no doubt remembering how her brother bled with the spear in his gut.

“But I’m in control now. So believe me when I say, that if anyling’s getting their commeupence, I’ll be personally overseeing it.”

That stops in her tracks, causing you to look back at her.

“And is that what you’re going to do to Trixie?” she accuses. “Are you going to eat her too? Or are you just going to murder her while she’s already in custody like in Fillydelphia?”

That hits you hard. Her words trigger you, because they are true. You close your eyes and hold your head down.

“Look, I’m not going to defend what I’ve done, and I never will.” You then look to her, “I have no plans of killing that lying traitorous whorse, no matter how much I hate her. But I WILL make her know pain. Pain equal to the three years of hardship I faced because of her,” you growl, your eyes flashing, causing her to back up a bit.

“Wh-what do you mean by that?” she stammers.

“Every bullspit thing that has happened to me, including our fights and my…failures, are all because she sold me up the river!” you growl.

“You blame her for the last three years?” Twilight accuses.

“I thought she was my friend! We were supposed to just put on an act! She would “Capture” The Hooded Offender, she’d get fame and glory, and then we’d split the reward money and go! It was that simple! But no, she broke me out, just to kick me back in for more praise!” you rant.

“And then that bear showed up, I thought my daughter was killed, I lost hope and my power manifested. I finally crossed a point of no return and tried to kill you and your friends…and it’s all been downhill ever since.” 

“You can’t just blame one moment for all your hardships. There are decisions that you made, she didn’t force you,” she argues. You then turn your glare back towards the Unicorn.

“I know that. Yes, I killed Flag Burner, and Sombra, but if you want to look at the start of the path that took me there, you look to that egotistical bitch’s betrayal. My true start of darkness.”

She defiantly endures your glare and gives her own.

“I don’t care how much she’s hurt you, your little bouts of “Justice” always end in ponies getting hurt. Whatever our plan may be, I’m not just going to let you beat her to death!”

“That’s not what my plan is!” you defend.

“Oh, I know it isn’t, but with you it’s always, “Oh, I didn’t mean to lose control, I didn’t mean to kill those guys I was savagely beating. I’m a good guy I swear, why are you still hunting me? It’s not like I did anything wrong if I’m super sorry about it,” “ she says in a mocking tone before glaring at you.

“It gets old pretty fast Offender.”

You audibly grind your teeth in anger.

“Back… Off…”

“No! I won’t! There’s always another way! Violence isn’t always the answer!”

“Then why the buck has that always been your answer for me since day one!” you shout, your voice echoing through the woods.

Her eyes widen a bit, but she still stands before you defiantly.

“For all that is holy and right!
Please, Please do not on my lawn fight!” comes a rhymed cry of alarm that snaps you and Twilight out of your stare down.

You both look to Zecora who looks nervous and is holding her staff out towards you both.

“If you’ve come for me, then lower your voices and we’ll talk,
Otherwise, take a walk!” she commands.

You both let out a sigh and you unglow your eyes, but not before you say one last thing to Twilight.

“I don’t care what you think or say. Trixie’s face has an appointment with my hoof. You can have her after that.”

She doesn’t answer you, but just gives you a stern look.



Kichi’s Comment



Zecora then pushes the staff between the two of you and says,

“Really now, there is no need to be so moody,
So quit snarling and tell me what’s happened Twilight and Hoody."

“Right. Well you see Zecora a mare named Trix… Wait a minute, Hoody?” she asks taken aback.

“Yes, I said Hoody, I don’t think I stuttered, 
What has caused you to shudder?” asks the shaman.

“That’s what Fluttershy…Zecora, are you friends with him?” she asks pointing to you.

Smirking slightly, you walk up and put your arm around Zecora’s shoulders.

“Oh, what ever gave you that idea Twilight?” This causes Zecora to giggle a bit, and Twilight’s mind to do loop-de-loops.

“H-How long have…”

“I have been acquainted with him ever since that Dragon’s attack,
And since then, I have had his back,” she says giving you a hug.

“But that’s…nearly three years ago. I mean, we all knew Fluttershy was always conflicted about him, but YOU? Don’t you know the things he’s done?”

Zecora grins and says, 

“Yes I know what my friend has done, even more than your own mind,
For even against Discord’s tricks, my thoughts are not easy to unwind.”

“What? What does Discord?-“

“And beyond that, even through his triumphs and falls,
He is still welcome within my house’s walls.”

“I…but…”

“Thanks for that Z, but as fun as it is to see her blowing a fuse, we are on a time table, and we need your help.”

“Y-Yes. I’ll just…file that info for analysis later,” Twilight mutters to herself.

You both then explain the situation to your favorite Zebra.

“And now she has inexplicable power at her command, and I don’t think I can beat her,” Twilight admits.

“And I frankly don’t give a crap about that, because I actually would like to beat her in the literal sense.” Twilight shoots you a glare, but you say, 

“What, I’m just being honest.”

Before she can speak again, you look to Zecora and ask.

"So yeah, I don't suppose you have some magical voodoo artifact or potion or something that can solve all this do you?”

Zecora scrunches her muzzle up in thought before saying,

“There is not enough information given to me,
That would give you anything to achieve victory.
However, I do know that whether you wish to defeat her with magic, or cause her pain,
The one thing that could help you both, is to train.”

“Train? How long is that going to take? Because Trixie is in there right freaking now doing Luna knows what. And my daughter is in there!”

“I have loved ones in there too Zecora, and Princess Celestia will arrive any day now with the Saddle Arabian diplomats. We can’t let her lose face with a disaster like this.”

Oh buck, I forgot about Sunbutt. If Trixie is in there saying she’s doing this for me, then my life is going to get screwed even more!

By this point, what else can they really heap onto your charges?

Zecora then holds a hoof out to you both.

“Train with me, or do not,
But if you have another idea, please express your thought.

“I…will train then,” Twilight gives in.

“Fine, whatever, just so long as it leads to taking that danged bubble down. But if we’re gonna tumble and learn to fight, might as well put this damned thing on,” you say as you pull the Nobody Cloak out of your Inventory and put it on.

“There, happy to see it again Sparkle?”

She growls at this.

“Very well then,
Let us begin,” Zecora commands.


POV Change: Nightshade

"So... Are you telling me that this shield won't let you send messages to Celestia?" 

"Yeah... Sorry. It’s one of the first things we tried," Spike says twiddling his claws.

You are both sitting in the dark empty library hiding in Twilight’s room. 

After making your way downtown past Trixie’s new dictator remodeling, you entered the Treebary and found the dragon you were looking for.

After a little reunion, you found out exactly what happened between Trixie and Twilight, and aside from being used as a basketball, Spike is fine. He’s just alone in his home (Crackle is apparently elsewhere)

“Well crud, there goes my idea,” you say as you sit down next to him. 

“It was a good idea Shade, but really, until Twilight returns with help, there’s not much we can do…Unless,” he says perking up.

“My dad got trapped on the other side of the bubble,” you say before he even suggests it.

“Oh…then yeah, not much to do but hide.”

“Ugh! This sucks. You and I took down Sombra, and all we can do is sit,” you grumble.

“Nightshade, I hate to say it, but I think Trixie is more powerful than he was right now. She actually changed the ages of Snips and Snails, which is supposed to be impossible.”

“And the Pinkie mouth thing,” you think with a shudder. “But I still think that you and I would be able to stop her if we had some help…”

“Heh, we’d need an army more than anything,” Spike remarks.

*DING*

“That’s it! Spike, you’re a genius” you declare hugging him.

“I am?”

“Yes! You’re right Spike, we do need an army, or as close to one as we can muster if we want to take this hussy down.”

“But Twilight and the girls-“

“Weren’t a match, right. But we both know that there are some ponies in this town devoted to the Hooded Offender. Ponies that know for a fact this nutjob is not working for him.” His eyes light up in understanding.

“The Horde?”

“Exactly! And let’s not forget the CMC, heck let’s get Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and all the schoolhouse kids. Spike, you and I need to get them together for an emergency meeting.”

"Right. Okay. And then what?” he asks. You give a conspiratorial smile

"Simple, Spike... VIVE LA REVOLUTION!" 

Hours Later At Octavia and Vinyl's House



TheRutherford’s Comment



You and Spike manage to find your friends and several other school kids, like Dinky, Button, Rumble, Ruby Pinch, and remnants of your Dad’s colt army. You tearfully hug Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, knowing that they’re safe. Normally, you’d be glad that you get to hang out with them after the heartbreak you went through yesterday, but more pressing matters are a concern. Besides, they didn’t even know you were almost gone. All the kids agree with your idea, and you all decide visit the mare looking to restart the Horde. Octavia.

With the cover of darkness, you all stand in front of the split colored house (which reminds you of Trixie’s toy) and usher Spike forth. He lets out a sigh and knocks on the door.

“Wh-who is it?” comes a sophisticated voice.

“It’s me Octavia. Spike.”

The door opens up a crack and you see the Cello player peering out at him.

"Hey Octavia," he says nervously.

"Good evening Spike. I'm sorry but now is not a good time. I am entertaining some guests that you said you want to have nothing to do with." At that, you step forward into her view.

"That is why we came here. We need the Horde's help with Trixie."

She seems surprised at this, but she asks,

“Who’s we?”

You then usher the others to come forward into her view. Though a bit shocked, she looks from you, to Spike then to the CMC, Diamond, Silver, Button and the rest of the kids before she sighs and says,

"Very well, come in."

As you and your little foal army enter, you see several adults in the room. You see Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon, Minuette the dentist mare, Crackle the dragon and several others you don’t know by name. One however confuses you, Spike and Rumble.

“Rumble? What are you doing here bro?” asks Thunderlane.

“I’m joining a foal revolution,” Rumble replies simplistically. 

“The question is, what are you doing here? You quit a long time ago.” Spike asks.

“Heh, well, Flitter wanted to join, and since I used to be here I…Well…” 

“He caved in,” Lyra chirps.

“I caved in,” he admits as said mare snuggles his arm.

Bleh. You think.

“Anyway,” Octavia takes charge of the conversation, “It appears we’ve all gathered here to discuss the same thing, how to deal with that horrid mare who claims she carries the will of the Hooded Offender,” she says with venom in her voice.

“Yeah, we were just saying how we didn’t have the numbers, but now we have a lot of kids to help,” Bon Bon says with a roll of her eyes.

“Oi! We may be kids, but we can still kick flank,” you reply.

“I don’t doubt it kid, but you she swept the floor with the six big powerhouses in town, what do you think you’re going to do to stop her?”

You smile as you say, 

“Simple, we’re going to make Trixie’s life miserable.”

You and Spike then start explaining your plans to the adults who seem a bit conflicted, but never the less like what it is you’re saying.
As you tell them your plan to try to make Trixie's life a pain, towards the end, Vinyl Scratch walks into the room,

"Whoa! What the buck is everypony yelling about? I have a hangover the size of Tartarus and it sure as buck isn't going away with you all yelling this early in the morning!"

Startled, you all look to the haggard looking mare as everyone stops speaking. After a moment, Spike breaks the ice. 

"Actually Vinyl, it is almost Midnight. And right now we are discussing, not yelling, about how we can make Trixie's life Tartarus since she took over the town."

"Wait what? When did this happen?" she asks flabbergasted and looks out the window, “And what the buck is in the sky?!”

"This morning,” Spike starts answering. “She showed up, used some weird magic to humiliate Twilight's friends, bounced me against the ground like a kickball,” your eyes briefly glow white at that, but thankfully he doesn’t notice. He chokes up a bit on the last bit of information “A-and then she threw Twilight out of town before putting a huge magical barrier around it that is preventing me from telling Princess Celestia."

Vinyl takes all this info in with her jaw dropped before she shakes her head and says.

"Damn. Guess that’ll teach me for binge drinking if I missed that much.” She then looks at all of the kids and then back to Spike. “So you are going to do what? Prank her and just cause a headache for her until Twilight comes back or something?"

"Precisely. We’re clearly no match for her, but we can still take pot shots and annoy her. I figure we do this until she or Princess Celestia arrives.”

"Um,” you interrupt, “Why would you just wait for Twilight to fix the problem?"

"Because she and her friends always fix the problem,” Everyone else answers in a matter of fact tone.

"Huh, well okay then. But do you think you can help us Miss Vinyl?"

Vinyl looks around before she smirks.

"I can think of a noise complaint or two I can cause for her."

"I thought you had a horrid headache,” Octavia snarks.

"Don't you know Tavi? Wubs cure everything!"

“So wait, this is actually the plan? We’re just gonna go around pranking and inconveniencing her?” Thunderlane clarifies.

“Yup, but don’t get caught by her. She’s a few fries short of a happy meal if you know what I’m saying.”

“With our numbers now, we’ll definitely get to her…but there are potential allies still out there this night,” Octavia muses.
You and Spike share a glance, before looking to the rest of the kids.

“Leave that to us…”

You and the foal army then leave the home in the night.


“Alright, tell your friends, tell your parents, siblings, anyone you meet what the plan is. Tomorrow is the time to strike.”

They all nod and salute to you.

“Spike, Nightshade, are you sure this idea is going to work?” Applebloom asks.

“Yeah, it might be dangerous,” Sweetie agrees.

“She’s not above hurting kids, you’ve seen what she’s been doing to Snips and Snails,” Scootaloo adds in.

You look to them, 

“I’m not sure of anything guys, all I can say is that with numbers, dang near anything is possible.”

“And after what she did to our friends and family today, we’ve got to at least try,” Spike implores. The CMC, Diamond and Silver, and all the foals nod at this, before determination crosses their faces.

“That’s the spirit,” you smile. “Tonight we recruit. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

All the foals then begin to march with you across the besieged town as you feel a musical number coming on. You decide to get it started right as you belt out,



DWC’s Comment



Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the songs of angry kin?
It is the music of the people
Who will not be slaves again!

Some colts from the school band begin to beat their drums as adults begin to look out their windows as Spike picks up the next chorus,

When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo then begin to sing to the listening adults.


Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?

“Yeah!” shouts Bulk Biceps and several adults who join the ranks.

Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!

All of your army then begins to sing simultaneously.

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the songs of angry kin?
It is the music of the people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

The foals then start taking down Trixie Banners as you all start flying the flag of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Will you give all you can give
So that our banner may advance
Some will fall and some will live
Will you stand up and take your chance?
The blood of the martyrs
Will water the meadows of Prance!

“We’re not in Prance though,” points out Twist.

“I couldn’t think of another rhyme!” you shout back before you have Bulk tear out the door to the Ponyville Joke shop. Your trips then file into the store full of gags and props and begins to ransack it. 

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the songs of angry kin?
It is the music of the people
Who will not be slaves again!

The Ponyville Joke Shop is left completely hollowed out as you all leave into the night.

When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes

As the music number dies down, your army disperses, all armed and ready for tomorrow’s assault. You and Spike lead the CMC, Silver and Diamond back to the Library as you are the elite group and need to be rested and together when morning comes.

You look up at the moon and smile.

“Trixie isn’t going to know what hit her.”


The Next Day

It’s early in the morning as Trixie enters the town on a giant throne without wheels, dragged by Snips and Snails.

“By the way you worthless peons, did you happen to hear a musical number last night?” she asks the two colts who don’t answer as they are out of breath dragging her.

“Trixie swears she heard one. Remind Trixie to add that to the list of outlawed things in this town. Only Trixie’s beautiful voice should be allowed to sing. Now, where are my workers?! The statues aren’t going to build themselves!” she calls out into town.

You and your friends, are hiding on a nearby roof, while the rest of the towns ponies are strategically placed around the town. You then give the go ahead nod to Spike who gives you a thumbs up before blasting a bit of fire into the air.

“What in the world was that?” Trixie asks at the noise.

You just smirk at her obliviousness.

“Showtime…”


WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro Theme:




> Episode 72: Training and Tormenting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

POV Bugze: 

Before the Showtime



Kersey's Comment



"Great, now we're in a training arc; the weakest part of any fighting anime." you sarcastically comment, "Can't we just be more like One Bit and train via adventuring?"

Zecora answers this simply by whacking you in the head with her stick.

"OW!"



DWC’s Comment



Zecora twirls her staff and meets both of your eyes.

“I am tough, but I am fair,
And I will shape this pair,
I will put you through a rigorous barrage,
And to do it as fast as we can…we’ll need a montage!”

You and Twilight then look to each other and back.

“What do you mean by tha-“

MONTAGE!!!

While Twilight meditates, you are waxing Zecora’s cart sized cauldron.

“Remember. Wax on, Wax Off,
If you slack, I shall give you a boff!”

“Ugh! Why does a cauldron need to be waxed anyw- *WHACK*” the shaman answers you with a whack of her stick.

MONTAGE!!!

You are now painting the outside of her house, while Twilight still meditates.

“Up down, Up down,
Get it going you clown!”

“It’s a tree! Why does it need pai-*WHACK*”

MONTAGE!!!

“Right circle, then left circle!
Do it or I shall beat you purple!”

Twilight is still meditating, meanwhile there are paint flecks on your coat and you are now on the floor of her house with sandpaper on your hooves.

“Yes mistress Zecora, can I do anything else for you? Perhaps build you a freaking mansion?!” you growl.

*WHACK*

“AAAHHH!!!” you yell in frustration.

“That was for being a smartass,
Now do your training, and quit with the sass!”

MONTAGE!!!



Kichi’s Comment




Kersey's Comment



“Come on Zecora! How is this training?!” you whine and rub the various bumps on your head.

“My lesson choices will be followed, even if they are a pain,
Or would you rather bear the brunt of my whacking stick again?”

“Grrr,” you give in. “It’s still not fair that Twilight is doing Star Wars stuff with water and I’m just cleaning your house!”

She then lifts an eyebrow at you, causing you to sigh.

“Just go ahead and do it.”

She just nods. 

*WHACK*

MONTAGE!!!

You growl at the boring task given to you. Zecora has given you two burlap sacks, one full of rice, and the other empty. Her task? Transfer the rice from one bag to the other using only chopsticks.

“And why do we even need chopsticks?!” you glare at the two pieces of wood. “Spoons called, they said you’re retired!”

Bugze, calm thyself. It's no use getting upset.

What?! How can you say that when Nightshade is inside that dome and I'm busy playing with archaic food tools?! Shouldn't you be mad as well?

I am mad, don't you think otherwise. But you felt the power of that dome, even with the Cloak we would not be able to break it open. There's no time to act irrational.

Ugh, how can you be so calm?

The drugs you force upon the filth? I took a tiny portion for myself. Knowing how upset our daughter would inevitably become, I wanted something to calm me down and be able to think

Well why didn't you share?! Because while you're being rational and clear headed, I'm messing around with the worst import from Neighsa!

I can't afford to have you compromised my bug. Lest we allow our power to fall into the hooves or our...enforced guest.

I'm not an en-fenced goose! I'm a prisonar here!

"GRRAAGHHH! Buck Sobriety and Buck Chopsticks!" you roar outloud.

While you tirade at the obsolete eating implements, Zecora and Twilight whisper to each other.

"Not to question you or anything, but what do all these little exercises do for him?”

Zecora just sighs and shakes her head, 

“A good friend he is, but he does have a major fault for sure,
He is immensely impatient, and quick to anger.”

Twilight’s eyes light up in understanding, 

"Oh, I think I get it. You’re giving him intentional degrading and frustrating tasks to help him control his anger?"

“Eyup, as the brother of your honest friend would say..." she nods.

“Burn you outdated utensils, BURN!!!” you yell as you set the chopsticks on fire and throw the bag of rice against the wall.
Zecora’s eye twitches, 

“…Though I doubt he’ll be learning that lesson this day.”

She then walks over to you and your head proceeds to be introduced to the Whacking Stick again and again while Twilight just stares.

“…Maybe we should have asked Zecora for help in fighting you from the beginning.”

ALWAYS FADE OUT WITH A MONTAGE…

“Very good you two,
I can already see improvement through and through.”

“The bookworm didn’t even DO anything today! All she did was sit around with her eyes closed moving water!”

She huffs and looks back to you,

“My mind is already organized unlike your hectic brain! I’ll need it to defeat Trixie before YOU try anything!”

You growl, your eyes flashing as you look to her, 

“Get it through your thick bucking head Sparkle, Trixie is going down whether you like it or not!”

“Not if I stop her first!”

“Why you little- “

“ENOUGH!” the Zebra shouts causing you both to shut up and look at her.

“Dear Celestia you two give each other too much gruff.
I know enemies you may be,
But if you’re just going to squabble like children, then you can get out of my tree!”

“B-but Zecora,” Twilight starts.

“No! I want no more arguing from you two,
I want you sit at that table together and talk things through.”

“But…” you try to interject.

She just glares and points her hoof towards the table. You both give in and sit down across from each other.




ThePonySpartan’s Comment



“Now, talk it out, and settle some bad blood,
Or I swear I shall toss you two into the mud.”

She then sits there like a moderator.

You look to each other and sigh before Zecora signals Twilight to start talking.

With another sigh, she begins. 

"Okay... It's just that we don't know much about you. You're always at the most chaotic times of Equestria. Almost every single one,” she punctuates. "Aside from when Nightmare Moon returned, and recently when Discord was "reformed” you’ve always been there.”

I was there you little tramp, when you tried to kill me, Selena says in indignation.

“Nearly every single evil or chaotic encounter Equestria has had in the last three years, and you were there." She glares at you and continues. "What makes it worse is that you make the situation ten times more chaotic. You always say how you want to fight for the innocent but in the end you end up hurting them! And on top of all that you're a Changeling; A species that lies to live!"

You are about to go off on Twilight but Zecora puts a hoof up to keep you silent.

Speciest. Maybe that’s why Flash likes you so much.

"If you were what you claimed to be, then you would be a true hero,” Twilight continues. “Take that bounty hunter for example. I believe his name was the Crimson Vengeance? He had goals and fulfilled them with little to no casualty. He made Equestria a much more peaceful place to live by taking out the Crimson Knights. If you did something as close to amazing as he did, then maybe, and this is a very minor maybe, I would take a chance to trust you.”

Oh for Buck’s Sake!

“If only I could trust you, I would truly try to help you. Especially with your daughter,” she admits. “And that's another thing, I don't know where she came from, if you stole her, found her, or somehow created an alicorn weapon of some sort. But there's one thing I know for sure. Out of all the ponies you're putting in danger, SHE'S the one in the most danger."
You're about to scream even with Zecora moderating.

"But... I guess I can't blame you."

...What?

"When you're on the run from an entire nation, I guess you have to take a lot of risks. Wherever she came from, we all know you deeply care for her, even if that care ends up hurting others. I wouldn’t see you two separated…"

Twilight isn't making it clear what she's feeling. Her face holds no emotion, but she seems to be in deep thought.

"I... guess that's all I can say about you. You're confusing... and that's what makes you dangerous. We have no clue what's going on. Those orange deadly glowing eyes…or rather one orange and one red now, those tails, your power, how Discord can’t seem to find you, your goa- No,” she stops herself and looks back up. “We do know one goal you have, and that's to protect that filly, your…daughter… and you always get out of control in anger when she's threatened, hurt, or in danger..." She still shows no emotion. 

“Other than that one goal, we don’t know what makes you tick, why you still get violent and angry even when she’s not around, or why you keep getting into the thick of things when you claim you want to be left alone…” she pauses and then finishes, "That's all I have to say."

Zecora looks at you with a nod. You guess it's your turn to speak.

You sigh. 

"I guess I can see it from your side…but do you know what went through my head when you were uttering your confusions?” she shakes her head no. “It’s the same thought that’s been going through my head for so many years,” you sigh and say, “I can't believe this is how it even is between us.” 

She quirks an eyebrow in confusion at that.

“All of this, all of this hunting and fighting, all because of some dumb stuff that happened three years ago. Anyone, even you Sparkle would agree that if I were a pony then things would have been different. Maybe you would have listened to my apologies or tried to help a poor lost soul out…But no, as you pointed out, I’m a changeling…and that makes all the difference.”

She looks like she wants to say something, but holds back.

“I guess it's way too late now, with the things I’ve done since then, but I'm sorry for our past Twilight. And if Applejack, Rainbow Dash or Rarity were sitting quietly listening like you are now I would tell them the same thing. I know they wouldn’t listen and think I was lying, but I would do it anyway.” You then rub the sides of your cheeks and take a deep breath.

"This cloak I’m wearing? I know it just made everything worse. I can't blame you for how you acted towards me when I wore this thing. It made me look really suspect and I should have realized that. But then again, I didn't want anypony knowing I was a changeling, and not a very good one either. In the end, it didn’t even matter, Celestia uncovered me and I was still on the run, the only difference is I was wearing this stupid thing,” you say tugging at the coat. 

“At first, I did truly want to protect the innocent. I thought maybe if I was a super hero things might change…and they did, just not for the better. Those tails? My power? They’re one in the same. A gift that even to this day I can’t fully control, and maybe I don’t want to,” you admit.

You then look right into Twilight’s eyes, 

“And you’re right about my goal. All I've ever wanted was to live peacefully with my baby. Away from judgmental fanatical ponies where we could just live...But because I am cursed by Lady Luck, I always end up in places I don’t mean or want to be, and it just keeps screwing up that one goal. I get overprotective, I get mad, and things go downhill from there.”

It feels like you’re unloading a weight off your chest, so you take another deep breath and ask,

“Do you know why I killed Flag Burner?"

Twilight shakes her head.

"Because I lost it. He’d claimed that he’d sent Knights after my daughter. That was bad on it’s own, and I almost left it at that…but then those explosions went off. I thought…I thought that I’d failed and thousands had died. I didn’t know that the Do…that the buildings had already been evacuated. I saw red, and the next thing I knew, his blood was on my hoof, and there was hatred in your brother’s eyes.” She seems taken aback by your recollection. 

“I won't say it's not my fault, because it is, heaven help me it is…but sometimes things just happen, and those things aren’t always good." You lean back a bit and stare at the table. "Say... what would you do if Spike was taken by some evil force?"

"...I would go to the ends of Equestria to save him if I had to," she answers honestly.

You nod. 

“If you did, you would go all out to save him…just be careful not to go down the road I went.”

Twilight looks conflicted for a bit before sitting quietly.

"And with Sombra... I have no excuse for that either, none that you would understand anyway. An innocent got hurt and I lost control. You're all right, I am a monster for what I did...” 

You then look up from the table.

“But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up on my daughter just because you ponies want to put me away. Whatever comes, I won’t stop." You sigh. 

"I haven’t shown up in awhile for a reason Twilight. There's a reason I haven’t been a part of something big since The Crystal Empire. I don’t want to see innocents hurt, and I don't want my daughter to look at me as the monster that I am,” you admit which causes her eyes to soften.

“I’m trying, I’m trying so hard on working for a way for us to live in peace, away from all this, away from everyone else. That way, I won’t be a problem for anyone. And noling is going to stop me from reaching that goal...” You get up and neither Twilight or Zecora try to stop you.

"I never hated any of you. In fact, you guys are kind of like my friends... as weird as that sounds." You turn and make your way towards the front door. "Trixie on the other hoof, I hate with all my heart,” you growl. “If she is going around, claiming that taking over an entire town is all for me, then I have to stop her. My rampages began with Trixie, and they’ll end with her. Once this score is settled, I’m gone.” You then open the door.

“Wait!” Twilight calls. You pause, not looking back.

“I…I thought that you didn’t want her to see you as a monster…”

You sigh and say, “I know I did…” with that, you step outside and close the door. They don’t follow after you and you take a deep breath.

Wow, I feel so much lighter now.

You expressed feelings that have weighed heavily upon you for three years, that burden was bound to be heavy. I know I felt lighter when you and I spoke.

Yeah. Still, I wish it hadn’t been during such dire straits, when I know I’m going to be fighting.

When you know you are going to be fighting for all the “Wrong Reasons?” Sombra chuckles.

Quiet You!

No, he’s right…I am going to be fighting for all the wrong reasons. Selly…I’m going to hurt Trixie when I see her again. Please hold me back from going too far, because I don’t know if I can… you admit in trepidation.

…You’re stronger than you know Bugze. I shall intervene if necessary but…I believe you’ll be able to stop yourself from being consumed…

That makes two of us… you think as you look at the dome through the treetops.

Can you contact her via sleep? You ask.

Unfortunately no. Whatever power that dome is made of, it is blocking even my connection to her.

You clench your teeth at that. 

She is resourceful Bugze. I fret for her too, but I feel for now that she is safe.

She better be…

She is strong. I daresay the young overlord will bring this Magician to her knees, Sombra chuckles darkly.

Oh pipe down. She Pinkie Promised not to fight till I got there. She knows better than to break one of those…

POV Change: Nightshade

SHOWTIME

Loophole abuse, here I come! You think in glee as Snips and Snails pull her wheel-less carriage…



Fireheart1945’s Comment



Over a concealed mine of fireworks which blows up the carriage and sends Trixie flying forward into the street.

“WHAAAAAA!!!! OOMPH!” she yells as she hits. 

“Whoah, what was that?” Snails asks slowly.

“Who cares? Run!” Snips yells and they both take off down the street.

“Oooohhh…” Trixie groans clearly dazed.

“Looks like Cranky Doodle was right on the money when he said Snips and Snails wouldn’t set it off,” you smirk.

“Do you think it’s odd that he just randomly knows how to make specific explosives?” Spike asks.

“Nope, not when it’s convenient,” you answer truthfully. “Especially when we had to deal with the Element Inconvenience last night.”



Kichi’s Comment



Flashback.

"Are you sure you can't just use the Elements and send Trixie to the moon?" 

"I told you Darling, we need Twilight to use the Elements" comments McStabFlank.

"Really? Why not use Spike?" you ask.

They give you a weird look at that.

"Not that I have anything against Spike, but why him?" Applejack inquires.

"Yeah, why me?” he adds just as confused.

“Weren’t you the new Rainbow Dash last year when Discord made them all grey?” you ask him. This causes him and the other mares to roll their eyes.

"Yeaaah, No we’re not going to do that,” Rainbow punctuates.

“And besides, it didn’t work,” Spike adds.

“Oh right…well then what good are you guys?” you growl causing them to scrunch their noses up.

“Whatever squirt, you deal with your end, we’ll try to research more about this Alicorn Amulet,” Rainbow says pointing to the book in Spike’s claws.

“Fine, sure, waste your time,” you grumble as Applebloom comes up and whispers to you.

“Hey Nightshade, why don’t YOU fight Trixie? I mean…you are an alicorn.”

You just shake your head and whisper back, 

“I’m not exactly keen on advertising that Bloom. Also, I Pinkie Promised my dad that I wouldn’t fight.”

“Why did you do that?” she asks.

“Because I wasn’t thinking clearly. The dome freaked me out.”

“Oh…Good point. But why don’t you just ask Pinkie Pie to release you from the promise?”

“Hmmm,” you ponder as you both look to the muzzle-less mare. She just gives you a glare and holds up a piece of paper that says,

“FOREVER!!!”

Shuddering, you say to her, 

“Yeah, No.”


Back to the Present



TheRutherford’s Comment




Sharp77’s Comment



“Well we don’t need the Elements, and I don’t need to fight!” you then pull out your Junk Jet and hone in on the dazed blue mare. 
“It’s just a prank bro!” you yell as you start launching every harmless think you have on you. Tennis Balls and Whoopee Cushions.

“Gyah! Who is pelting Trixie?!” she yells. Your bombardment sets off others to throw water balloons, bad vegetables, eggs, and etc. You then bring out your next ammo.

"SHARING!!!" you yell as you launch chocolate coins.

They serve to cover the mare in chocolate splotches, so then you bring out your next ammo.

“Clean that hoe up!” you yell launching mops. Where did they come from? Pinkie had a stash of them all over Ponyville, in case of mop emergencies.

"Arg! Who dares hits Trixie with a mo-" *Another mop gets launched into her mouth, which she spits out* Seriously, that is disgust- *Another mop, another spit-take* Who honestly has that many mops? This is ridiculo- *You guessed it, another mop*"

This continues until you run out of mops.

“I’m out already?” you ask in surprise.

“You fired 20 mops at her,” Silver Spoon points out.

“Oh…right,” you say placing the Junk Jet back into your Inventory.

“Seriously, why didn’t she just make a shield around herself?”

“That does it! Trixie is now blocking your assault with her shield!”

You give a deadpan glare at Silver Spoon, 

“You just had to tempt it didn’t you?”

She chuckles nervously as you usher your group to move along the rooftops to your next positions.




BrownDog’s Comment




“What in the world is going on around here?!” Trixie declares as all the bombardments splash against her magic. “Where are all these water balloons toys and stink bombs coming from?! And who would dare use Fireworks against Trixie? Those are HER Tools!” she growls. An egg hits and she sees one of the stations of the colt army.

“If you mean to harm Trixie, she will respond in kind!” she yells sending a blast of magic towards the outpost. Luckily, the colts are able to scamper off.

“Crap! She’s getting wise!” you declare before turning to Applebloom. “Quickly, signal Mare Krypnonite into action!”

“Why do you have to call him that? It’s kind of creepy,” Applebloom shakes her head in disgust.

“Just Do It!”

“Fine,” she says with a roll of her eyes before picking up an apple and tossing it into the alley way nearest to your roof, signaling the asset.

As Trixie walks through the street, constantly stepping on hidden whoopee cushions and startling cans of fake snakes, she yells,

“The Great and Powerful Trixie has had enough of this Childish Behavior! When the Offender returns, you will be punished like the children you are! Do you hear meeeeee…..” she trails off as she rounds the corner and sees Mare Kryptonite in play.

Big Mac is in tight fitting denim overalls and is curling a wagon like it’s a dumbbell. He then puts it down and grabs a bottle of water and dumps it on his head before whipping his mane about. To top it off, he gives Trixie a wink.

“Oh…My…” Trixie stammers with a heavy blush. She’s not the only one. Your cheeks feel pink (for some reason you think it feels wrong) and you see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo blushing, while Applebloom just facehooves and scrunches her face. Shaking your head you think,

Stay focused, just keep walking towards the alleyway you strumpet…

“Ahem,” Trixie coughs and saunters towards him, her shield protection fading off. “Hello!” she says causing Mac to look to her. “What’s a fine piece of Stallion like you doing in a dump like this?”

He just shrugs and says, “Working out.”

Just a bit further…

“Well, now that Trixie knows someone of your, uh, Magnitude is around she would very much appreciate it if you absconded with her to somewhere private and…”

You all don’t hear what she’s propositioning as she enters the killzone.

“Now!” you yell.

Silver Spoon on the other rooftop then drops a most terrible weapon upon Trixie’s head. A tiny net.

“EEEEKKKK!” Trixie wails and starts shaking about. “Trixie has been bamboozled by sheer raw masculinity! Not the Tiny Net, Not the Tiny Net! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” she yells and starts blasting magic uselessly as it goes through the holes.

“Never underestimate the power of the tiny net,” you smirk.

While Big Mac runs off, Trixie flails herself onto another hidden Firework mine which blows her into a vegetable stand and knocks the net off!

“Gorramnit!” she shouts.

While she is distracted you and Sweetie send up a signal in the shape of a music note.

“Drop the bass Vinyl!”

“You All Ready For This?!” Comes a loudspeaker voice

“Wha?” Trixie sputters before a loudspeaker is shoved into her face and intense music blasts her down the street and into a pit of mud.

“Really? Why is there just a random pit of mud here?!” Trixie yells, holding her ears.

“Don’t question it!” comes a voice that suspiciously sounds like Thunderlane.

“Ugh! Trixie is sick and tired of all this! Shut off that terrible music! Trixie has never heard anything as bad as this!”

“Challenge Accepted!” comes a soundbite, followed by a record scratch.

Vinyl’s voice then comes across the loudspeakers.

“Ponyville, you best put your headphones on or you’ll regret it!”

You and your cohorts do just that, and in the nick of time, for Vinyl starts blasting…something indescribably bad.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!” Trixie yells holding her ears as the “Song” hits her ears. “It Burns!”

She then runs about, looking for the source of the music getting hit by more pranks along the way.

Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara launch wet pieces of paper at her.

“How is this a prank Dad?” she asks.

“Those coupons are expired,” he explains with a smile. 

Covered in mud, paper, and whatever else, and going nuts with the horrible music, Trixie eventually finds Vinyl’s Record Table and proceeds to blow it up, causing silence to fall across the town.



APonyReadingFanFic‘s Comment



Trixie lets out a sigh of relief, “Ahhhh…” before another source of music starts blaring from the other direction, playing something much worse than the last song.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!” she screams, running towards that source of music.

“Follow that whorse!” you yell to your troops as you continue to run along the rooftops.

You continue to watch as the strategic pranksters hit her with all they’ve got.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



When Trixie gets hit from water fired from a fire hose, you start laughing your flank off, not noticing that she accidentally shot out a beam of magic into the air…and that it was headed right towards you

“Nightshade!” you hear Spike call and notice too late that the magic is going to hit you…

“Oh Cra- *WHOOSH*”

Or rather it would have hit you if Spike hadn’t sent out his fire breath which caused the magic blast to dissipate. All you feel is the rush of wind from where the magic used to be.

"Nightshade!" Spike parkours from the other rooftops towards you. "Are you okay?"

You don’t answer his question as you too busy admiring his save. You turn to him with bright eyes and say 

"That was amazing Spike! How did you do that?"

"Uh..." he scratches the back of his head, "I figured out that my magical fire can burn magical molecules after I was helping out the crusaders with something. I kinda burped when Sweetie Belle was using her magic, and... well... it's self-explanatory."

"That's so cool! It's like a counter to magic, like how fire beats grass types in Ponymon!" you squee.

"Yeah, well... just don't tell Twilight. She'll experiment on me for months!" he chuckles.

You giggle. 

"Your secret's safe with me. Thanks for the save!" You rush up and peck him on the cheek, and turn around to focus on Trixie. You don't know why you did, but it felt like the right thing to do at the moment.

Unbeknownst to you, Spike has a shocked dazed look and is blushing furiously. You see Trixie snarl and teleport towards the other DJ table and end the horrible ear plowing noise.

"Hurry up, Spike!" You yell back at him, still oblivious to what you’ve done to him.

“Uh huh…anything for you…heh heh heh…” he says dazed as he follows you.

When you and your troops finally catch up to her, you notice that she isn’t moving at all as her eyes are glowing more fiercely red, and she is chuckling madly.



DWC’s Comment



And not only that...smiling. Not the good kind of smile, but the 'Hi I'm insane and will wear your skin as a coat' kind of smile.

“Eh heh, heh heh, ha ha ha ha!!! Oh such wonderful despair will come to this town.” She then continues laughing even as some Pegasus foals drop some mane dye on her, making half her coat black.

"Pefect…just perfect! When Hoody sees how much despair these fools have caused me, our revenge will be multiplied by thousands! Soon his rage and my despair will bring this town to it's knees! Pupupupupupu!" she laughs that weird laugh as she looks around with that mad smile at all the ponies pranking her.

Holly Balls. This nut is way more off her rocker than I thought. Like, by at least fifty feet! You think a bit chilled.

She just continues to laugh at her attackers, before some sort of switch is thrown and she shouts in rage,

"ENOUGH!"

A magic blast erupts from her horn and washes over a majority of the pranksters, lifting them up in her grasp, including most of your friends. Poor Spike was still too dazed for some reason to avoid the attack. Luckily, you and Silver Spoon were one of the few to avoid capture.

“You cretins want a show? Then let’s have a show!” Trixie declares as she carries all of the ponies towards the open area of Town Hall.

“Diamond,” Silver whimpers.

“Girls, Spikey…I mean Spike,” you mutter when Silver looks at you funnily.

“What are we going to do? Twilight’s still not here.”

“Grr, we follow them. Exposing ourselves now is stupid.”

She agrees and you two silently track the mare with half the town in her grasp.

You both catch up in time to witness Trixie roughly dropping all of the captured ponies onto the road, before in another flash of light, a stage appears behind her.

She walks upon it and glares at all the pranksters.

“So, you think it was a good idea to mock and laugh at Trixie? To humiliate and hurt her and run her out of town? Just like you did three years ago?” she all but spits in contempt.

Nopony says anything, they just glare at her.

“Oh you think you’re all so moral. What I am dishing out to you is justice for the Hooded Offender!”

“This isn’t justice!” Octavia yells. “This is a mockery of what he stand for!”

Other members of the crowd then start yelling as well.

“You’re nothing but a two bit villain!” Octavia yells once more.

Trixie’s eyes narrow, before suddenly a smirk adorns her face as her eyes glow red.

“Oh I am, am I?”

A blast of magic then sweeps across the town, freezing everyone in place.

“I’m a villain huh?” she asks. “Just like you’ve all labeled The Offender as a villain?” she then nods with a look of agreement.

“Then so be it…” she chuckles as you notice the Amulet on her cloak glowing along with her eyes.

You then hear music coming from nowhere.

“Another musical number already?” you grunt exasperated.

Once Trixie gets to the center of the crowd, she starts singing.

I'm not the damsel in distress.

She saunters to Big Mac.

I'm not your marefriend or the frightened princess.

She gives a glare to Fluttershy and the rest of the Deadly 6.

I'm not a little bird who needs your help to fly.

She then turns them black and white like her stuffed bear.

Nope... I'm the bad guy.
All these worthless heroes that you see,

She points to the Elements.

Each of them, with shaking knees, has knelt before me.
So I'm not your teammate or your partner in crime.
What am I, ladies?

The Elements and Big Mac sing in unison,

She's the bad guy.

Chuckling, Trixie turns to the rest of the frozen crowd, stopping in front of the Flower Trio

Oh, it's magic
To watch a plant

She then ages the three into old mares.

Shrivel up and die.
Oh, it's thrillin'
To be a villain.

She then sweeps her leg around at the town

I destroy their homes and then I watch them cry. 

She chuckles as her eyes grow brighter and her voice more gravelly.

'Cause I'm the bad guy!

She then lines several ponies, foal and adult alike, upon the stage

Oh, ain't it fantastic?
I see something, I BLAST it!

The ponies are struck down like bowling pins and groan

And let me tell you why.

Her eyes unglow just a tad, and her voice goes back to normal.

I've always had a weakness
For barrenness and bleakness.
I crush all your hopes and then I watch you cry.

She then starts throwing all of the pranking weapons onto each and every pony.

See, I find this business rather fun!
I don't want your assistance or your adulation!
I'll vaporize your town and bid ya bye-bye!


She then lifts them all up into the air again.

Why?
Come on, GUESS!!

"'Cause you're the bad guy?" You ask from behind her.

Or, well, mare.

She then laughs maniacally as you glare at her back.

You didn’t plan to leave your and Silver's hiding spot, but what she’s been doing to the towns folk has royally pissed you off.

As she stops laughing Trixie asks,

“By the way, who spoke just now? I didn’t give any of you permission to sing.”

She turns around,



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



And notices you glaring at her intensely.

"You mother bucking..." You whisper out in rage. This causes Trixie to smirk.

"Trixie knows how much you can't help but stare, but please not with such an angry face like that."

"You're so lucky I promised not to hurt you!" you declare causing her to raise an eyebrow.

"Hurt me?” she then chuckles and and sweeps her arm towards all of the captured towns ponies. “What could you possibly do to Trixie?"

You growl and narrow your eyes, 

"I would make you beg for forgiveness, for what you did to The Offender…What you did to me…"

She gives you an inquisitive glare.

“Who are you? Because you are either very brave or very dumb.”

“I’m Ni…I’m Twilight Sparkle’s protégé.”

This causes her eyes to widen.

“Protégé? Trixie had no idea she had one of those. But it matters not. Trixie has already beaten your teacher, so what chance would you have against the Great and Powerful Tri-“ 

"Stop using third-person, you bucking b!@#&!" you roar as your eyes glow white. Everyone in town looks shocked at your words, though some like Dj-Pon3 and all the foals and Spike look at you in agreement and awe. Trixie on the other hand looks very annoyed.

"My, my, what a dirty mouth you have...” she seethes. “You’re just as arrogant as Sparkle if you think you can beat me.”

“I would if I could, But I promised not to fight you!” you growl as you shake.

Trixie takes in your rage shuddering form and smirks.

“As if you could, but Trixie likes you moxy child. Therefore Trixie will offer you an alternative.”

“And what is that?” you growl.

“I shall defeat you in a Magic Duel, just like your pathetic teacher. That way you will know just how outclassed you are.” 

"A... a magic duel?" You ask, your eyes glowing a bit dimmer.

"A duel which tests who has better magic tricks. Of course that is moi, but a brat such as yourself needs a more direct lesson." She then drops all of the captured ponies onto the ground.

“So what say you student of Sparkle, would you like to lose gloriously to Trixie?”

You stare at her and think on what she’s said.

Well, if it’s just magic tricks it won’t exactly be a fight. It’ll be a competition…Loophole Abuse Ahoy!

You nod and say, 

“Alright, but if I win, you take down the dome and get the buck out of town.”

She smiles with that creepy as all Tartarus smile and says, 

“That won’t be happening child. When you lose, and you will, Trixie will take you to be HER protégé. That will drive Sparkler even more into despair! Pupupupupu!”

All around you, there is a hush. The recolored Deadly 6 (sans Twilight) show no emotion, the poor Flower Trio now feebly sit on the ground, and all the battered pranksters you brought into this fight look upon you with worry. You find the eyes of your six closest friends, Five Fillies and a dragon. They look upon you with worry as well, but also with smiles of encouragement.

You then stare down the crazy mare. The mare responsible for all the hardships in your life. The mare who hurt Daddy the most.

Oh it is on…

“Fine. Bring it on you bucking backstabber,” you growl in bravado.

“Good…so much despair will come from you…”Trixie smiles insanely at that as her eyes glow red, staring into your own white glowing eyes.

You’re about to enter into a competition without fighting, which is your strongest suit, against a Mare that enslaved an entire town and is off her rocker. 

Gulping you think,

I gotta pull out every trick I know…

WHAT DO YOU DO?

> Episode 73: It's Time to D-D-D-D DUEL!!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro Theme:


Staring down the supercharged OP Trixie, you try to keep your mind as focused as possible.

Okay Nightshade, according to that book Spike found, that Amulet can’t be taken off except by her, so that means I can’t just cheat and take it off. Plus it gives her almost limitless power and is making her even more nuts and…Why did I think this was a good idea again?

Shaking your head to try and focus once more you think,

Whatever, I just have to win before Dad finds out and gets pissed off.

POV Change: Bugze



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Oh Sweet Celestia, I’m so pissed off right now! You think as you continue your task for the day, staring at the dome and sitting still. Normally it wouldn’t be so bad, but being told to watch it has made it a whole lot worse.

Stupid Dome! Stupid Trixie! Stupid Town!

As you work yourself up, clenching your teeth in anger, you then take a deep breath and close your eyes. You are currently in Phase 2 of the Nightmare Cloak on purpose with your tails swirling around you. You’ve intentionally drawn it out to try something different with it.

Count to ten, just like she was always nagging about. Count to ten…

Before you can even start counting, a loud gasp comes from behind you startling you. Your eyes snap open and one of your tails launches itself towards the source of the noise.

“AAAHHHH!!!” comes the scream of Twilight as it lunges towards her. Realizing this, you are just able to keep the tail from striking her.

"Oh Dear Luna! I-I'm sorry Twilight! It was just instinct!" you apologize as you stand up and diffuse Phase 2.

"An instinct to kill?" Twilight asks in shock as she clutches her chest and takes deep breaths.

Shaking your head you yelp,

"Buck no! It’s a defensive instinct that protects me and my daughter."

"But your daughter isn't here," Twilight states flatly, her breathing back to normal.

“Don’t remind me. Look, I was working myself up imagining her in danger alright?”

As you always tend to do, Selena adds.

Twilight just gives you a questioning look, 

“Did you know your tails had formed?”

“Well yeah, I made them come out on purpose.”

“Why would you do that?” she asks flabbergasted.

You sigh at this. 

“Well, since I’m just sitting her watching that dome, I decided to try and…ya know, train myself with my tails.”

“Train yourself?” she asks.

“Yeah,” you nod, “I’ve never actually practiced with them or learned to control them.”

“YOU HAVEN’T?!!!” Twilight shouts in shock.

You shrug and say, 

“Never really had the opportunity or time.”

“So all those times, all those fights, You Didn’t Know What You Were Doing?!”

“Do you know exactly what you’re doing when you’re angry?” you shoot back.

“Well…no, but,”

“Exactly,” you interrupt. “So yeah, trying to control both of them at the same time, so that I don’t have any more incidents like the Crystal Empire.”

“Right…Right,” she stutters nervously.

Raising an eyebrow you ask, 

“So, was there a reason you were sneaking up on me?”

She seems startled at that, before she composes herself and says, 

“Yes actually. I wanted to speak to you about something.”

Rolling your eyes, you turn away from her and declare,



BrownDog’s Comment



“Look, if you’re going to say something that will get us arguing again, save it.”

“Um…actually that’s not what I was coming over here for.”

“Oh?” you say turning towards her.

“Look, before all of this is over…” she pauses, “Can you PLEASE get Crackle her to leave my home?”

Your eyes widen at that. 

“Huh?”

“Crackle, the dragon you had fly us away last year? She won’t leave my house because she thinks you’ll come back for her.”

“Oh…” you say in understanding. “Well, I don’t really know if I’ll have time to,”

“Can you at least TALK to her? I’m tired of coming home and finding my bed being slept in by her! And don’t get me started on all the snacks and juice she goes through on an almost daily basis.”

“Okay, Okay if there’s time I’ll try,” you say holding your hooves up.

“Thank you,” she grunts. “You have no idea how annoying it is having to deal with her shenanigans.”

“Already said I’d try, you don’t have to convince me anymore,” you point out.

“I…Okay then…” she says before there is a silence between you two. It’s awkward and neither of you knows how to break it as you just stand there. Finally having enough you decide to ask a question you’ve had since yesterday.



Kichi’s Comment



“Say, Bookworm? How exactly did you manage to lose against Trixie?”

An angry glint shines in her eye as she huffs and says, 

“I have no clue. I have been studying magic for nearly my entire life, and Trixie was just a show mare and boaster that used cheap tricks. Now she shows up three years later with magical skill that could put her on the level with the Princesses and even Discord.”

“Do you think it was Discord that gave her the power?” you ask almost hopefully.

To your dismay Twilight just sighs and shakes her head no.

“As much as I’d like to think that this was all him, it doesn’t fit his profile, plus Fluttershy wouldn’t like that kind of accusation against him. Besides, Discord’s not the type to not take credit for something chaotic. He’s actually searching the world for you as we speak,” she points out.

“Really?” you pretend to be surprised. “Well good luck with him finding me.”

“However that’s possible,” she just shakes her head again. “But yeah, I have no idea what’s made her more powerful. Her eyes did start glowing red as we dueled, which I thought was out of the ordinary.”

“Her eyes were glowing? Hey, that’s my thing!” you declare grouchily. “Was there anything else off about her?”

“Well…” Twilight thinks, “She wasn’t wearing her usual hat and cape when we dueled. She switched them out for a black cloak and some sort of black and silver necklace with a red jewel in the middle of it. Looked like a unicorn.”

Suddenly, you hear a sputtering of surprise within your mind.

Th-the Amulet? Sombra mutters.

What was that? You ask.

Huh? I mean, what amulet…?

Oh please, we know you know something. Do not insult our intelligence by lying as badly as my changeling.

"Hey!" you shout out loud, startling Twilight.

"What? What is it?!” she asks confused.

“Oi, Butt out Twilight, I’m having another conversation here.”

“What? With who?” she asks, but you ignore her and close your eyes, causing her to groan in frustration.

Blocking out the purple unicorn you ask,

Alright, spill the beans Sumo. What do you know?

He doesn’t speak for a moment, but then your better half demands,

Answer his questions filth!

Fine! What the protégé of the sun has described sounds like something that came from the vaults of Amore herself. The Alicorn Amulet.

The Alicorn Amulet? I have never heard of something called such, Selena muses.

You wouldn’t. It was an experiment her wizards of the Empire cooked up, utilizing the power of my people, he growls. They sought a weapon in case the Princesses were ever corrupted, but because they utilized my Umbrum brethren, the Amulet itself was the thing that would corrupt the wearer. So like a typical princess, she hid it away instead of just destroying it.

Whoa, Whoa! Slow down. Are you saying Princess Amore was the one to make this? To take down an Alicorn?

Precisely. And if I had had that power, this world would be a much different place, he grunts.

Yeesh, you think at the implication. So much for the original Princess of Love.

Indeed. I never took her for the type to be pragmatic and cautionary.

Her caution didn’t save her in the end, Sombra chuckles darkly.

Hey! Quit laughing at dark stuff. And if it was hidden away, how do you know about it?

From her notes, and because I searched for the damn thing. As you can clearly see, I didn’t find it. 

Yeah yeah, but what did you mean it was the thing that corrupted?

The wearer is said to be driven mad by the power it bestows, and become addicted to it like a drug. 

Oh great, so Trixie’s riding a power high AND it’s making her nuts…I guess that’d explain why she thinks I’d want a town overthrown and would still be her friend…you muse before shaking your head.

So what, do we just have to get that necklace off of her and the power goes away?

If you don’t wish to die, then yes. But please do fight her without removing it. It will be glorious, he snarls, before you hear him cry out in pain.

I’ve warned you time and time again not to threaten HIM! Selena yells.

It’s not a threat if it’s true, he growls.

Calm down Selly, he only wishes I would die that easily. But still, I’m going up against the power of a freaking Alicorn? How am I supposed to win that? I mean, it’s not like anyling else is nuts enough to face her with all that juice…

POV Change: Nightshade



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"You want a magic show?" you declare at the top of your lungs, breaking the stare down you two had going. You then bring your hooves down on a boulder that’s sitting near the fountain for some reason. 

"Fine! Let’s get to magicing!" Using your earth bending, you toss the large boulder up into the sky. Everyone looks up in awe as you earth bend some more to chip the boulder and create the head of your mommy with an angry face.

“TOM! NOOOOO!!!” Rarity screeches at the top of her lungs in anguish, but you ignore her. You then slam the rock of your mommy’s head right in front of Trixie, creating a sizeable crater.

"Beat that mother bucker!"

“Oh, a statue of Princess Luna angry, I’m sooo scared,” Trixie sarcastically mocks.

“That’s not Princess Luna, that’s my m…” you begin before with a blast of her magic the statue is transformed into dust and thrown to the wind.

“TTTTTOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!” Rarity bellows and begins openly weeping.

Trixie just raises an eyebrow at her before asking you,

“What’s her problem?”

“She’s a drama queen that likes toying with hearts, so your guess is as good as mine,” you declare with a shrug.

“Right…But anyway, HA! No snarling visage can beat Trixie!” she boasts.

“Oh, so angry doesn’t work for you huh?” you declare with a smirk.



Kichi’s Comment



"Fine then, I'll show you, one something that will pierce even your icy heart!”

You then contort your face in concentration as the group and Trixie look at you in anticipation. It all comes to a head when you open your eyes and say,

“Surrender and give us our town back, pretty please?” This is punctuated by the most intense puppy dog eyes you’ve ever given.

“HRK!” Trixie falters and places a hoof to her chest, as do many other adults who were caught in the crossfire.

“I’d really, really appreciate it,” you say innocently, fluttering your eyelashes.

"Gyah! Trixie will not give into your cuteness!” she struggles to say.

“Are you suuuuurreee?” you stretch out your words into sickeningly sweet crescendos. 

"Gah!! Too much cuteness!” Trixie yelps closing her eyes.

Smiling vindictively, you know she’s on the ropes, but then…



BrownDog’s Comment



“You won’t be cute for long! Behold, My Aging Magic!” she then blasts you and suddenly your body feels weird.

“AAAAHHHH!!!” you shout as all of a sudden your view shifts and you see Trixie on an even level. She has a confused look on her face.

“Odd, that was supposed to turn you into an old mare,” she mutters.

“What did you…do…to me?” you ask as you notice your voice sounds different. 

“Duuuhhh…” you look out into the crowd and see countless Stallions and a few mares gawking at you. Spike’s tongue is hanging out of his head.

“What? What is…” you then notice that your legs are longer, as is your horn. You look into the reflection of the nearest window and see that you now have your mother’s figure. The one she has now, not the original.

Oh wow, is that what I’m going to look like in a few years? Dang. I’m like one of those mares in a fashion magazine. Daddy wouldn’t want me in one though, but what do you know old man? I can do whatever I want! I’ll have stallions eating out of my hooves for my adoration, every mare will be so jealous of me and…

Your eyes widen as you realize teenaged hormones are flooding your brain and effecting how you think.

“AAAAHHHH!!!” you yell before glaring at Trixie. “Change me back, Change me back!” you yell in panic.

“Um…right. Trixie’s spell must be getting rusty,” she theorizes as she de-ages you back to your true form.

“Aaaaahhhh,” the audience groans, followed very quickly by several hoofs to the back of the heads of those who groaned.

“Don’t ever do that again!” you snarl. “I’m trying to age naturally now thank you very much!”

“Well, ahem, Still I have done something that not even you can accomplish, even if you will grow to have the figure of Princess Luna,” Trixie boasts.

“Oh really? I can’t do that?” you then look to the audience. “Does anyone have a piece of coal?”

They all look at each other in confusion.

“Really? Nopony?”

“There should be some on the train…but it’s kind of outside the dome so…” Mayor Mare says from within her bird cage.

“Ugh!” you then glare at Trixie. “Magic me some coal!”

Rolling her eyes, Trixie does just that. 

“I don’t see the point in this, how is this going to match my aging spell?”

“Easy,” you declare as you grip the piece of coal between your two hoofs. “I’m going to make something new, out of something old.

Using your earth bending, and a lot of strain, you crush the coal between your hoofs. After about a minute, you let up and start panting before holding up a small glittering diamond for all to see.

Trixie and the audience’s eyes widen at that.

“Beat that,” you say smugly.

She then points her horn at Crackle and unleashes magic, transforming her into…a different more noticeably feminine form.

“Blarg?!” Crackle cries out in confusion standing on two legs looking at her sleek new form.

“See, I can turn something ugly into something pretty as well,” Trixie smirks.

“Hey! That’s mean!” you yell before looking to Crackle. “It’s Okay Crackle, you were already beautiful just the way you were.”

“Uhhhh…honk?” she asks.

“Don’t worry Crackle, once I beat her, you’ll go back to normal.”

Crackle just shrugs as if she doesn’t care one way or the other.

“Now Trampsy! You want me to bring out the big guns? Fine!”



Kichi’s Comment



You then concentrate really really hard, for real this time.

“And what is this supposed to accomplish?” Trixie mocks.

“Check the horizon you tart!” you grunt.

Everyone looks to the horizon before they gasp for half of the moon is slowly rising above it. It takes a lot of concentration and energy, but once you’re sure they’ve all seen it, you let it go and it drops back down out of sight where it belongs.

Gasping you look at her smugly and say, 

“With apologies to Princess Luna, Beat that,” you say inbetween gasps.

Trixie just looks back to you with an amused face.



BrownDog’s Comment



“Nice illusion kid. But I can do you one better.”

“ILLUSION?!” you yell in indignation. “I moved the freaking moon! I was like Nightmare Mooning it up in here!"

“Oh really? Then care to move it again?” she deadpans.

“Hey, that took a lot out of me Okay?!” you reply.

“Sure it did. That’s your problem kid. When it comes to illusions, don’t put too much effort into making a ginormous one. Go for short and simple.”

“But it wasn’t a freaking ill-“

You are then interrupted as Trixie summons a Timberwolf right in front of you that roars in your face.

“AAAHHH!!!” you yell and instinctively try to punch it, only for your hoof to go through, and your swing to make you lose your balance and fall to the ground.

“Muhahaha! Illusion magic at it’s finest. It’s the little things that sell it. Something Sparkle forgot to mention,” Trixie gloats.

Gritting your teeth you walk up to Trixie and declare,

“Oh, you want to see illusion magic?” you then stick your face into hers and shift yourself into your changeling hybrid form with pure blue eyes and two sharp teeth.

“BOO!” you shout.

“GYAGH!” Trixie falls over backwards startled by your sudden appearance.

“Oh get over yourself. I’m still adorable,” you snark before shifting your form back to Unicorn.

“Ch-Cheap trick, but it shall do you no good little brat,” Trixie huffs as she gets back up.

“Oh sure, just like me moving the moon was a cheap trick?”

Trixie just rolls her eyes, 

“You were caught in the lie kid, move on.”

You groan in anger, even as you feel a headache coming on from what you just did.

“Hmm. Trixie can see that you are on the verge of collapse. In that case, she will take it easy on you,” she smirks.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



With a flash of red, Trixie makes two ping pong paddles appear with her magic, one light-blue, and the other dark-purple. 

She teleports the purple paddle into your hoof just as another flash of magic makes a ping pong table appear between the two of you.

“Ping Pong? Really?” you deadpan.

“Of course. Truly the skill game of the gods,” she responds her eyes unfocused as she laughs madly.

You wince at her insane laughter, before looking at the table and your paddle. You’ve never played this before, but thankfully your dad did show you a movie that taught you what the rules were.

Alright Forrest Rump, let’s see if you can save my bacon.

Trixie then summons a ball and serves it towards you.

You then use your magic to levitate the paddle up to your head and wind it back. With a quick swing of your magic, you swat back the ball, and it bounces to your right on Trixie's half of the table.

Trixie's eyes glow red for a quick second as she reacts fast and uses her paddle to strike back at the ball heading towards her left.
The ball bounces on your side of the table, heading to your far left.

You again strike the ball. Since it was on your far left, it goes straight to Trixie's far right. 

Gasping, she quickly brings her paddle to her right and swings, barely hitting it.

This back and forth continues on for twenty consecutive hits, and the ball keeps getting faster and faster with each strike.
The enraptured audience keeps moving their eyes back and forth trying to follow the ball that’s quickly becoming a blur.

“Woohoo! Go Filly Go!”

“You Can Do it Shade!” 

“Yeah! Beat Dat Hoe!”

“Honk Honk!”

The audience cheers for you, but you barely hear them as you keep your eye on the ball.

I never knew this game was so INTENSE!!!

Even with your intense focus, you do notice that Trixie is straining and sweating just as much as you are. After many more hits, the ball is going so fast that no one in the audience can keep up with it’s movements. Not even Rainbow Dash.

How you and Trixie are reacting is beyond comprehension, but you don’t let up even as you grit your teeth, pushing through the pain.
The both of you reaching your limits, Trixie suddenly yells,

"Trixie has had enough of this game!"

Her eyes glow fiercely as the magic holding her paddle intensifies, and her swing becomes just as fast or faster than the ball, and she strikes. The ball hits your side of the table at tremendous speed and bounces into the sky out of your reach.

"Ha! Trixie wins!" She declares before plopping to the ground, clearly worn out from the game.

You want more than anything to collapse yourself, but your eyes harden in determination. You have to win. For your Dad’s sake. To save Ponyville, to avenge Twilight and your friends.

“Match Point!” you shout as your eyes glow white.

You then teleport above the Ping Pong ball as it reaches it’s crescendo in the sky. Both you and the ball then begin falling towards the ground as everyone gasps.

Gripping your paddle in your hoof to the point of breaking, you wind up and cry out,

"FALCON SWING!" 

Before striking the ball with your fire encased hoof.

The ball infused with this new power, breaks the sound barrier and catches fire as it makes a beeline for Trixie’s side of the table.

She quickly gets back up, her paddle ready, but it doesn’t matter. The fire encased ball strikes her side of the table, and goes completely through it, before leaving a crater in the dirt underneath. The table catches fire while the crowd goes nuts and Trixie’s jaw drops.

You sigh as you plummet, really wishing you knew how to fly.

Luckily, Rainbow Dash catches you mid-air, and gently descends down to the ground into the mass of cheering and celebrating ponies.

“Nice catch Rainbow,” you say.

“No problem kiddo. That move was freaking AWESOME!!!”

The crowd of ponies begin hugging you and praising you, but you wave them off as you exit the crowd and glare at the still slack jawed Trixie standing in front of her burning ping pong table.

"I won! Now Get The Buck Out of Town!" you order.

Trixie looks from the table to you and back before declaring.

“No! Trixie Refuses!”

You grit your teeth in anger. "You mother bucking... keep your promise you BACK STABBING B!%$#!!!"

“The only one Trixie ever keeps promises to is The Hooded Offender! And besides, you broke and set the table on fire, which is clearly against the rules in a game of Ping Pong!”

“Oh Bullspit!”

“You destroyed the table and I didn’t have a chance to strike back, thus YOU forfeit the match, and the duel!” she declares.

Your anger rises as for the umpteenth time your eyes blaze with enough magic to blast her to the sun.

“You…Sore…LOSER!” you rage.

“No, it is you that has lost. Accept defeat student of Sparkle.”

The crowd begins to yell their objections.

"But she won fair and square!" Spike yells.

"She won! Get out!" The CMC and other foals said.

"You made those rules up!” the Elements declare (still with their duel colored coats)

“ENOUGH!!!” Trixie shouts sending out a wave of magic that shuts everyone up.

“The rules are the rules. I had the last point, and as the ball went through the table and did not bounce, it doesn’t count. I win…”

Your teeth feel like you’re grinding them to dust at this little injustice.



BrownDog’s Comment



“Now, come to me my new Apprentice, MUHAHAHAHAHA!!!” she declares with a lightning strike out of nowhere.

“Yeah, how about no.”

“What?” she asks. “But you said…”

“Buck what I said. Two can play at this game.”

You then look to Pinkie, whose eyes look at you in sadness.

“Pinkie…I’m sorry but…I can’t keep this promise.”

Her eyes widen as you glare fully at Trixie.

“I’m not going to be your apprentice Trixie. I’m going to beat you to a pulp,” you say as you start barreling towards her.

“I am not above harming children you little brat!” she declares her horn glowing.

“Neither am I!” you yell, but suddenly you feel hooves wrapping around you. Your friends, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are holding you back.

“No! Don’t do this, it doesn't have to be this way,” Fluttershy pleads.

“It’s not worth it, don’t break this promise,” Sweetie begs.

“Twilight will come soon,” Scootaloo says.

“She’ll fix everything just,” Applebloom starts before you yell.

“TWILIGHT CAN’T SOLVE EVERYTHING!!!” before launching them back off of you.

You then continue your run right towards that smug traitor.

“NIGHTSHADE! Don’t!” Spike yells.

You ignore him and continue to wind up your strike, as you do you notice Trixie’s eyes lose their malice and insanity for a moment.

“Nightshade?” she gasps.

As you are about to strike, there is a flash of light and suddenly, you and Trixie are on the other side of the town, alone.

You turn around and see her staring intently at you.

Snarling you wind up and try to strike her, but she teleports out of the way. You jump at her, and she teleports again. Three more times this happens until you yell,

“Stop Spamming Teleport and accept your beating!”

She then magics up a wall between you two that you struggle against.

“Who are you?” Trixie demands.

“What?” you shout.

“Who are you?” she repeats.

“Who do you think? The filly that’s gonna kick you’re a-“

“That dragon, he called you Nightshade…Why?” she demands.

“Because that’s my name you traitorous whorse,” you growl right in her face as you stop striking the wall. Again, a shocked look comes across it.

“N-Nightshade?” Trixie stutters. “But that’s the name he…the name of his…”

“Yeah, I’m his daughter!” you declare now that you’re out of sight and hearing from the crowd. “You may not have seen me, but I saw you!” You accuse.

“I…I…” she stammers.

“I what? Huh? I what? Spit it out!”

“I…I did see you once… at a glance,” Trixie admits, making you pause. “I was coming back from shopping, I saw him place a dark colored sleeping filly into his bags…he said your name was Nightshade,” she says her tone calming down in remembrance as she looks you over. “Y-You had wings…”

You glare at her and wordlessly shift into your Alicorn form, causing her eyes to widen more.

“The fliers said you were the reincarnation of Nightmare Moon, but he said it was lies. That you were his daughter…” Her eyes lose their red hue as she places a hoof on the barrier separating you two. She actually looks…happy. You shake your head from being lulled in and declare, 

“Well here I am fully awake whorse!”

She winces a bit at that, before her eyes flash red for a moment.

“Where? Where is he?” She asks looking around the town.

“Don’t worry, he’s coming, and Tartarus is coming with him traitor.”

“I’m Not A Traitor!” she yelps, her eyes flashing again. “That’s a lie. It’s all Sparkler’s fault! She tricked me!”

“Bullspit! You wanted fame and glory so you sold us up the river!”

“Y-You’re confused child. Once he’s here, we can explain the whole thing and we'll all be happy again!”

“Fat chance! You almost got me killed! If it weren’t for my hankering for Ice Cream, I might have actually been crushed by that giant bear because YOU sent my daddy to jail!” you screech and strike the wall.

“N-No, NO! That’s not how it happened. It just can’t be,” she declares as her eyes and the amulet around her neck glow.
She then makes her creepy bear appear and begins talking to it.

“I didn’t betray him. It wasn’t my fault!” She then puts on a different voice and moves the bear around like it’s actually talking.

“That’s right Trixie, Everypony is a liar. He’ll come back to you, and you’ll all make them pay, Pupupupupu.” 

“Yeeesss…That’s true, pupupu,” she says in her normal voice.
You back up a bit from the crazy and just shake your head.

“It doesn’t matter what you believe, or how far off your rocker you are. Daddy is still gonna get in here and kick your flank seven ways to Sunday.”

“H-He’ll have no reason to hurt me. We’re friends Nightshade,” she says with her creepy smile. 

She then suddenly winces and looks towards the east.

You look yourself, and see that there are flashes near the edges of the dome.

“Wh-what is that?” she asks.

You smirk and say, 

“That’s Daddy, come to see his dear “Friend” again,” you say sardonically with a wicked smile.

She doesn’t appear to notice your inflection as a smile adorns her face.

“Hoody…” she gasps in delight before she teleports the both of you.



POV Change: Bugze

During the Ping Pong Match

After explaining to Twilight and Zecora about your hunch about the Alicorn Amulet (You told them you studied ancient legends as a hobby which couldn’t be further from the truth) they went about going through Zecora’s tomes to see if there was any information about it.

As they did that, you sat about trying to control your anger once again, while watching the dome.

“…8…9…10…1…2…You know, this anger management counting is bullspit!” you growl.

It’s all about concentration and focus. Don’t let anything distract you.

Well that’s easier said than done. I mean, look at that flaming light above Ponyville for example, you think pointing as you see a falling object surrounded by fire.

"Wait a minute, what the buck?"

You then stand up and declare, 

“Sight Beyond Sight!” and your vision zooms in on the object.

“It looks like some sort of purple and black object speeding towards the ground…Wait…” you then see the object wind it’s arm up in mid air and see...

“NIGHTSHADE!!!” you yell as your sight unzooms. Then, before Zecora and Twilight can come out and question you, you dart into the forest towards the dome, knocking over anything in your path.



Kersey’s Comment



WE HAVE TO GET HER RIGHT NOW! Selena screams in your head.

Yes! We must protect my little overlord! Sombra duggedly blurts out.

I know that! Buck! How the heck did she get into the sky?!

That pathetic magician must have something to do with it! Rip and Tear her! Selena screeches.

I thought you were supposed to be all chill right now from the little bit of drugs you took? You think, as you Psycho Crusher through a tree that didn’t have the decency to get out of your way.

Enough blathering about details! OUR DAUGHTER IS IN DANGER!!!

Eventually, you get right up to the edge of the bubble and start wailing on it with all you’ve got!


“Just *Punch* Bucking *Punch* Break *Punch* Already!” you yell as you wail on the barrier to no effect.

“Gyagh! There is no change from last time!”

Try something else besides punching! Selena urges.

You listen to her and pull out your Boomstick and Second Law.

“Weapons, do what my fists can’t! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!” you then start striking and shooting the wall, causing flashes of light to spark when you do.

“You know what? It’s time for the big guns!” you then crank your Power Glove to Mix Up.

“Now!” you declare as both fire and electricity surge through your hand, “Would You Kindly GET THE BUCK OUT OF *FLASH* WHOA! OOMPH!” your swing hits empty air and you accidentally pitch yourself forward and onto the ground.

Looking behind you, you see that the dome has momentarily lifted, allowing you entrance. 

“Umm, did I do that?” you ask aloud.

As if to answer you, the dome falls back into place, with you on the inside.

“Right…” shaking your head you focus and declare, “Alright, enough messing around, I have to find Nightshade and Triiiiiiii….” Your words catch in your throat as you see the mare standing ten yards away with Nightshade beside her. She has a loopy grin on her face.

“Hoody! It’s you. It’s really, actually you!” she declares sounding relieved.

“…iiiiiixxxxXXXXXIIIIIEEEE!!!!” you yell.

“Yes, it’s Me. TRIXIE! You’re old Great and Powerful Friend.”

You shake uncontrollably in rage at her words, watching her have the gall to smile in your direction.

“Now that you’re back, we can finally get our payback upon this town. This horrible town that separated us, we can make them know the despair we’ve felt,” she monologues, stepping towards you, oblivious to your glowing eyes.
Nightshade looks to you and lets out a sigh.

“Finally you’re here,” she then Falcon Punches Trixie in the mouth.

“YOWCH!” Trixie cries out and holds her jaw. “Nightshade, why would you do that?” she asks.

“Because my promise was up, I agreed not to fight till Daddy showed up. Now it’s his turn,” she says backing away.

“His turn for what? He wouldn’t hurt his old fr-“

“FALCON PUNCH!!!” you roar as you sucker punch the unaware mare, and send her flying back into town.

“Didn’t see that coming did you?! HUH?!”

“Nice hit dad.”

You then turn to Nightshade and see that she is in her alicorn state.

“Before I go deal with her, What were you doing up in the sky on fire young lady?” you scold.

“I, uh… heh heh, I kind of got into a ping pong match from Tartarus against her.”

“…What?!”

“Well you see, I kind of led a resistance of foals and adults in a prank war on Trixie. We had her on the ropes, but then she just snapped and went completely bonkers, and I got mad and since I told her I wouldn’t fight her, she challenged me to a magic duel, WHICH I TOTALLY WON!!! But yeah, then someone said my name and she remembered me. Oh and by the way, totally didn’t “Fight” her, so I didn’t break your promise.”

“…Um…Wow,” you say taking all that in.

Oh merciful gods, how does this child continue to give me near heart attacks when my heart isn’t even physical? Selena gasps in relief and frustration.

“Yeah…She’s nuts dad. She actually thinks you two are still friends.”

You turn your glare back to town.

“In her dreams,” you seethe.

“Also Dad, she has something on her that’s making her more powerful, it’s called the Ali-“

“Corn amulet, yeah I already know. Ol Smokey filled me in,” you say with hard eyes.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



You then look back to her and say.

“Nopony saw you transform into an alicorn right?”

“No, just Trixie, but she already knew.”

You nod your head at this. 

“Good. Let the ponies think Nightshade and BST disappeared. After I deal with her, we’re gone.”

“Yeah…alright. I did have one more good day with Spikey and the girls, so I’m good.”

“Right. So while I’m-Wait, What? What did you just call-“

“ANYWAY!” she interrupts, “I’m actually kind of beat from that magic duel. Moving the freaking moon took a lot out of me, and I got my punch in on her.”

She then hops into the Saddlebags, before poking her head out again.

“Daddy…do what you have to, but don’t go overboard…Please?”

You sigh. 

“I’ll try honey…I’ll try.”

She then nods and closes the flap.

With her safely inside, you begin to march into town where you sent Trixie flying.

When you enter the town square, you see a crowd of ponies looking over Trixie who is in a light crater.

The ponies all seem a bit terrified, and some of them seem battered. For some reason, The rest of the Deadly 6 and Big Red are all monochromatic. You decide that info doesn’t matter for the moment as you hear someone yelp,

“She’s waking up!”

“Uuuuuggghhh, What is…Who are…” she says dizzily.

“That’s what you get for messing with Nightshade!” you hear Spike growl in satisfaction.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo tells like Bulk Biceps.

“You bit off more than you could chew with her!” Applebloom chastises.

“And she’ll do much worse if you don’t leave!” Sweetie Belle admonishes.

“B-But it wasn’t her, it was…It was…” Trixie stammers.

“PONYVILLE!!!” you roar in the RCV causing them all to turn around and gasp in shock.

“Would You Kindly get away from the gutter trash?!”

All of the citizens begin to back away from Trixie as they all watch you carefully, some with hate, and others in admiration. You hear the whispers, the hateful and fearful thinking that you’ve come to help Trixie, and the admirable and hopeful thinking that you’ve come to save them.
Fluttershy has a gleam in her eye, as do the members of your new Horde. Applejack and Rainbow look furious, Pinkie seems…sad, and Rarity looks like she’s been bawling her eyes out as she holds rock dust in her hooves for some reason.
You decide to ignore them, and train your red and orange eyes onto the confused mare sitting in the crater.


“If none of you want to get hurt, I suggest that you all get to the outskirts of town IMMEDIATELY!” you declare. “This is your only warning!”
That causes all of them, the hopeful and hateful alike to look worried.

“H-Hoody Wait!” Trixie declares as she sits up. “You can’t send them away. What about getting vengeance upon those who betrayed you?!”

You fix her with your glare and even through your anger, you say with a level voice,

“I’m about to.”

Silently, and slowly, and deliberately the Nightmare Cloak forms upon you causing the citizens to heed your warning and get away as fast as possible.

“It’s been three years Trixie. Three years of pain, and torment and suffering,” you growl as the Cloak continues to form, almost peacefully across your form.

“Three years of running and fighting…all because of you…”

The cloak then finishes forming immediately upon your Phase 3, and Trixie looks both confused and horrified.

“Three years Trixie. I’ve come to collect your due…”

“H-Hoody?” she stammers out in fear and confusion.


WHAT DO YOU DO?


Outro Theme:


> Episode 74: Ultra Despair
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There can be no true despair without hope.
-Bane

Phase Three whips about you, your tusks jut out and your eyes and chest scar burn bright. You’ve never formed directly to this phase, it’s always taken immense rage and the other phases before before. This time, your tranquil fury has skipped the middle man. 

The clouds that had been gathered above finally let loose with the water they’ve been holding. Trixie’s hair begins to plaster to her head as she looks at your monstrous form.

“H-Hoody, I don’t understand…” Trixie stammers.

She has the gall to act confused? To act like this wouldn’t happen?!!!



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



You glare at Trixie with all your hate. She's the reason you live this terrible life. It's ALL. HER! FAULT!!!
You slam your tails in front of you to propel yourself forward, towards the dazed and confused Trixie.

“Psycho Crusher!!!”

She barely has time to respond as you land a satisfying direct hit and land on your hooves. You look onwards to see Trixie in another crater that her impact made. She gets up weakly and says,

"H-Hoody please..."

You ignore her words and teleport in front of her,

“Falcon Punch!!!” you cry out as your hoof strikes her in the gut, lifting her upward. She gags and coughs up a bit of blood. While still in midair, you spin with a cry of,

“Falcon Kick!!!” and strike her into fountain, breaking it.

“Blah!” Trixie heaves as her stomach fluids empty, with a bit of blood into the water.

She looks up, hurt and confusion written on her face.

“Wh-Why?”

You don’t answer. You close your orange eye while widening your scarred red one in pure rage. You point your piercing red eye at Trixie...

"AMATERASU!!!"

Trixie gets inflamed with the black flames and screams in agony as she flails about in the fountain, her coat disintegrating. You hold your eye as the piercing pain that comes with that move causes you to falter. 

“YYYYAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!” Trixie yells, trying to scream the pain away. With your own pain subsided, you open your eyes just in time to see Trixie’s horn flash a blinding red and stop her screaming.

The black fire is gone, as is her cloak, but the amulet remains, and though her coat smokes, she doesn’t appear seriously burned. She just gasps in and out, trying to catch her breath, her eyes looking to you for answers.



Kersey’s Comment



"B-b-but this doesn't make any sense." Trixie says in disbelief, "Y-you wanted this!" She gestures towards the rain soaked town. “I did this all for you!” 

Rolling your eyes you reply sarcastically, 

"Yes Trixie, I wanted you to enslave the whole town! It makes so much sense. This would help clear my name and keep the authorities from finding me and- OF COURSE I DIDN'T WANT THIS YOU CRAZY B!%$#!!!"

With that you reach out with your tails, gripping her by the horn as you slam her face into the fountain stone, messing up her nose. While she’s still disoriented, you toss her up into the air…



Kichi’s Comment



And quickly reach into your Inventory taking out Nightshade’s Dark Canon out of her Inventory.

You aim it at her form as gravity takes a hold of her and pull the trigger, while simultaneously yelling,

"Would You Kindly... BURN BURN BURN?!!" 

The laser strike, and your torrent of flame cross streams in midair. Before they strike true, you see panic in Trixie’s eyes before they flash and a red bubble appears around her. The strike only serves to keep in her in the air a bit.

But four of your tails strike at the bubble before it can land and send it and the mare inside skidding down the street.

“Get out of that bubble!!!” you roar as you launch yourself towards her. By the time you reach her, she has gotten her footing and holds the shield more stably. 

“GRAAAGGHH!!! *Punch* Get Out *Punch* And Take *Punch* Your Punishment!!!” you yell as you wail on the bubble, the results being the same as the more giant one surrounding the town.

“Hoody, please, I don’t understand…” she cries out as your tails slam again and again upon her protection. “I just wanted you and I…” her eyes flash along with the amulet itself, as a sudden creepy smile adorns her face

“To Cause Despair…”

With that, the dome around the town pops, and the bubble around her seems to somehow get stronger, and not only that, it seems it is starting to actually strike back at your tails.



FalxofLume’s Comment



"That amulet thing is so b#$5ing unfair!!!!" you shout in frustration as you continue your relentless assault.

I can see that. Her power is immense and she is repelling our Nightmare Tails, Selena says, equally frustrated by the ineffectiveness of their attacks.

This is the power of darkness. With this…I would have won, Sombra muses.

Quit geeking out druggy! You yell back in irritation as your attacks continue to do nothing.

"Offender? Why are you so angry? I'm right here, best buddy. We can work together now" Trixie says, almost loopy the way she's ignoring the situation as a whole. That creepy as all smile is still on her face, and her eyes are more steadily glowing red. The crimson shield around her thrums from power that almost seems to come to her too easily.

This is Bullspit! I’ve fought more powerful than her and won!

Perhaps not. At least when we fought other foes, we could deal damage that we could actually see. Aside from our earlier sneak attack we are no match for her magic. This is so frustrating. Selena groans.

"GAAAAHHHH! B#$%ING B$%^ YOU!!!!!" You shout before just rushing straight at Trixie's shield, your frustration finally overwhelming your sense of reason.

But even with your full body attack, with all of your tails to help, you bounce off of Trixie's shield with nothing but a small ping.

"Owwwwwwwwww…” you groan rubbing your face and one of your tusks.

"Come one Hoody, why are you so angry with me?” Trixie asks, still looking loopy.

She then pulls out some weird looking Teddy bear that’s half white and half black, with one glowing red eye.

“The Buck?”

“Yeah Hoody, why are you trying so hard to hurt your best friend in the whole wide world after all she’s done for you?” “The Bear” asks, as she puts on a different voice for it.

“For all she’s DONE FOR ME?!!” You yell out.

She holds the bear down and looks at you with an almost hopeful smile. 

“Of course, I did all of this for you. I remember how you told me about the ponies in this town. How they hunted and hurt you. And then on that night, they tricked me into betraying you,” She explains, as if she actually believes that lie. 

“I won't ever fall for that again!” she shouts out. Her face then softens, and the glow even starts to dampen a little,

“And I'll protect you…like I should have done in the first place. I’ll be nothing but your best friend…I promise.”

The hopeful stupid grin on her face makes you light up even more.

“Friends?” you growl. “You want to be FRIENDS again?!”

Your tails then whip about you in a frenzy.

“After What You Did…After Every Bad Thing That’s Happened To Me Since That Night…YOU THINK THAT I WILL JUST BE YOUR FRIEND AGAIN?!!!”

Her eyes lose the look of hope as the red glow replaces them once again.

“Yes,” she answers with her loopy grin.



Kersey’s Comment



With a roar of rage you punch the ground in frustration with both your hooves and your tails, when suddenly a crystal juts out of the ground below Trixie and hits the showmare in the gut, winding her and making her drop the forcefield.

"How did I-" you stammer looking at your hooves.

My crystals!!! Sombra groans out in displeasure. You take those from me too?!

Smirking you think, Thanks for the crystal-bending Roomba! You then rush in and strike Trixie with a crystal covered tail, through a wall and into a two-story house before she can catch her breath.

You thieves…You filthy little thieves, he growls.

Calm your pepperonis or I'll have Selena zap you again you warn as you rush into the hole in the building.

I will do so anyway, she says matter of factly.

While Trixie is disoriented, you crouch low grabbing her horn with one of your tails to negate her magic before you hit her in the left side with a disorienting uppercut as you wrap one of your tails around your other arm and scream,

"SHADOW SHORYUKEN!"

Before sending your tail-covered hoof smashing into Trixie's midsection in a vicious rising uppercut. She spits out more blood and you feel several ribs cracking under your hoof. This is followed by midnight-colored afterimages that launches her through both stories of the building.

"Alright, time to bring back a classic!" you declare as you raise your nightmare tails in the air before smashing them to the ground with earth-shaking force, knocking down any bystanders stupid enough to be around, launching yourself high into the air.
At the height of your ascent, you see Trixie flailing in the air trying to reorient herself. You start to cast a midnight forcefield around yourself as you launch yourself at the showmare, tackling her with your forcefield at high speeds as you both descend to the ground crying out,

"METEOR IMPACT!!!"

Before both of you smash into the ruined house in an explosive shockwave that blows out the ceiling, doors, and windows. When the dust clears, you find yourself in a crater in the floor standing over the battered showmare.

Her eyes are closed, but you notice that the Amulet is still glowing bright red. Before you can think to do anything else, you hear something odd and unsettling.




DWC’s Comment



You hear…laughter. 

“Hahahahahahaha!!!”

You look around in confusion...till you realize the laughter is coming from Trixie.

“Ahahahahahahahaaaa…” she laughs through split lips as her eyes open and they are almost completely red, even the whites are being overtaken.

You look at her in confusion as you ask,

"Why are you laughing?” you ask in confusion, and a bit creeped out. She doesn’t answer you, but continues to laugh in that unsettling way.
“Stop It!” you growl, but she doesn't stop, in fact her laughter only gets worse.

"PUPUPUPUPUPUPU! Oh this wonderful feeling in me! Is this...true despair!? OH it feels so...so....so WONDERFUL!” she teleports in a flash of red and is suddenly in your face causing you to take a step back.

“Oh Hoody, I thought you were actually mad at me, but now I see the truth! You just wanted me to feel this wonderful feeling. The feeling of pure and utter despair of a best friend fighting with you!"

Your cloak actually falters a bit at just how deranged Trixie is sounding. You take another step back as she brings the bear in front of her face.

“That’s right Trixie. The Hooded Offender sure is great isn’t he?”

“Oh he is the absolute best,” she responds to her toy.

Dear Luna! What is wrong with her!?

Truly she has clearly lost her mind.

I told you, the amulet corrupts. Sombozo's comment draws your attention to Trixie's neck, where you can now see the cursed necklace is glowing now more than ever, and with it Trixie's insane ramblings seem to get even more nuts.

"This feeling of despair...you inflict onto to me so I can learn! Learn how to spread it by knowing how wonderful it feels so I can make other ponies feel it too! Oh Hoody...you really shouldn't have PUPUPUPUPU!"

Gritting your teeth you respond,

“Insane or not, you’re going down! And that stupid piece of jewelry along with you!” you reach out and grip the amulet and attempt to pry it off of her…but it’s as if it’s heavier than a mountain. You can’t pull it off.

“What the…?” you sputter as the amulet glows even more.

“Hoody…” Trixie says, almost too sweetly causing you to look into her glowing eyes with your own.



Kersey’s Comment



“You too want to know this sweet feeling don’t you? To know your own despair?” her hollow voice asks.

“He sure does Trixie. He’s already given you the sweetest gift, it’s time for you to return the favor,” “The bear” adds.

Still trying to pry off the amulet you ask, 

"What the buck are y-" 

"*Gasp* Of course! That explains everything! It will show you how great of a friend Trixie is. If it's despair you want, then it's despair the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE WILL PROVIDE!!!"

You don’t have time to react as Trixie hits you with a red spell blast from her horn that smashes you through several buildings, where you finally stop at the Quills and Sofas.

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!” you scream in pain as you hold onto your chest. It’s been awhile since you’ve felt the pain from your Orichalcum scar, and that blast was enough to make it scream as if it were brand new.

That blast. We have not been struck that hard since…

“Since the other me, I know. But even he didn’t hurt this hard,” you groan as you stand up.

Wrapping two of your tails around your scar you stand up, only to be blasted in the face by another magic shot, which causes you to crash through several couches, ruining them.

You look up and see Trixie standing on a sofa with a dramatic pose, smiling creepily.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"Oh Hoody, isn’t it glorious? We’re sharing it with each other. Our bond will strengthen our friendship…" 

“Not! Your! FRIEND!!!” you yell as you strike out at her, but she teleports out of the way and lifts you up in her telekenisis.

“Of course I am silly,” she replies nonchalantly as she throws you through a wall and out into the street.

Landing roughly, you look up in time to see her fire a magic beam at you, which you slam away with your tails.

Gyah! It’s just like hitting that dome!

But at least we can deflect it.



Kersey’s Comment



Remember how in those stories you always watch, the hero saves the finishing move for last?

Yeah, but what does that-

Do the reverse of that.

"Got it!" you say as you whip out the Power Glove and declare,

"Would you kindly buzz off!" unleashing a small swarm of hornets and wasps. While Trixie deals with the insects, you slam two Nightmare Tails into the ground and shove the third one forward to push you back. When the tails are at maximum stretch, you slingshot yourself towards Trixie as you bring a hoof back, wrap it in one of your Nightmare Tails, and declare,

"FALCON MIS-!"

“Begone Foul Insects!” Trixie shouts with an area blast, scattering the bugs. It also serves to make you skip off the rounded surface of her magic and go flying.

“Gorramit!!!” you yell as your own momentum carries you past the outskirts of town and towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“Wait! Come Back My Friend!!!” Trixie calls after you. 

After sailing over a few trees, you come to land through the roof of a small structure.

“OOMPH!” you groan as you land on a bed, breaking the frame.

As you stand up, you feel dizzy as your eyes spin.

“Okay, maybe that’s why they call it a FINISHING move. Trying to do it prematurely ends badly.”

That was just a coinici…Uh Oh…Are we…?

You look around and your eyes widen as you have the same realization.

“Oh Buck…”



ThePonySpartan’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment



“I landed through the roof of my own shack!!!” you yell in dismay.

You look back at your ruined tiny bed, and the hole in your roof.

“Of course. Of bucking course it had to be my shack!” you yell and pant.

You then look away from the damage.

“It’s Okay, It’s Okay. I’m leaving anyway. Besides, it’s nothing a few boards and duct tape can’t fix…”

*BLAST*

“OH COME ON!!!”

The left side of your shack is blasted apart revealing the still pure red eyed Trixie.

“There you are Hoody. Now’s not the time to play hide and seek,” she declares.

The shack is now leaning thanks to the obliterated wall, and your Shrine to stupid sexy Spitfire has been vaporized.

You look into her glowing eyes with your own as you reach into the Inventory, pull out Second Law and aim it at her.


"Okay. I was annoyed with you before," your eyes glow brighter with rage as you roar in the Royal Canterlot Voice, 

"BUT NOW I'M BUCKING PISSED!"

Nightmare energy flows into the Second Law as you pull the trigger making it fire a midnight-colored cyclone that sends Trixie spinning back out the hole she made and through several Apple Trees.

With smoke still trailing from the barrels, you step out of the hole yourself…just in time for you to hear the rest of the shack crumble behind you.

You stiffen at the sound, before turning your head and giving a forlorn look at your little abode, which is now just a pile of debris.

Sure it was small and dingy and didn’t have any hot water, but it was mine…

We’ve had treasured memories within that dwelling, Selena adds with a bit of sadness.

You nod your head and declare, 

“You deserved better shack. I will avenge you,” before looking back to the blue mare who comes floating out of the orchard, laughing that strange laugh of hers again.

“Pupupupu! There it is. There is the feeling of despair! Hoody, now you have felt it too,” she squees excitedly. You notice that she has a fresh batch of injuries, and splinters sticking out of her legs, but she doesn’t seem to notice.

“Did that hovel have meaning to you?” she asks.

“Yeah…Yeah it did…” you seethe before raising your air gun to her. “Add that to the list of what you’ve taken from me!!!”

You then send out another dark cyclone, but she teleports behind you. You turn around and see that she is still floating in the air.

“You want more? Oh how wonderful you are,” she says dreamily as she starts blasting at you repeatedly.

You dodge some and block others, but you’ve all but had enough of this fight. Dodging behind the remains of your house, You reach into you The Inventory and pull out Nightshade's Dark Cannon and Junk Jet, and your Boomstick. You use 3 of your tails to hold the Cannon, Junk Jet, and Second Law like stationary turrets while you carry your BoomStick is in a fourth. This allows you to move faster with all four hooves.

“Time for OverKill!” you shout as you leap out and fire a shot with Second Law.

She dodges and floats over the debris of your shack.

“Would You Kindly Buck UP?!” you yell using Bucking Bronco, which lifts the debris all around her.

With her vision momentarily impaired, you rush forth and, just as she flings the debris out of the way, you use your tail holding the Boomstick to hit her right in the Amulet.

“AAAHHHH!!!” she screams out as the magic momentarily cuts out and she is flung down into the ground.

With that you take your opening. Loading some shack debris into your Junk Jet, you rush forth as Trixie shakily gets up.

“Wh-What is…” she gasps in a daze, but you interrupt her as you slam the Boomstick right dead center of the Alicorn Amulet jewell.

“AAAAHHHH!!!!” she screams again, losing her aura. You then aim all three guns at her.

“Would You Kindly COOL IT?!!!” you yell as you pull the triggers on all of them.

Each projectile takes on a property of ice as she is hit with Debris, A Dark Cyclone, and a Laser.

She has no breath to scream in pain as she is launched upwards into the air

You then send out your shadow whip as your tails are occupied. Just like that time with Discord, Red Sharp Crystals line it. The Whip wraps around Trixie, cutting her in some places.

“GET OVER HERE!!!” you yell as you yank her back down.

She comes flying right towards you as you yell out,

"NO SHADOW BARRAGE!!!"

You kick her relentlessly, not letting up, not letting the Amulet or her magic come back online. You hear her gasp and cry out in pain, but you don’t let up. You end your volley by using all of your weapon holding tails to strike her. The hard metal of your guns gives her plenty of blunt force trauma, as your Boomstick strikes true once again. This time, she is leveled into the ground creating a sizable crater. 

Panting you look inside the hole and see her panting and coughing surrounded by crystal shards. Her lip is cut open again, and there are cuts along her sides. You notice that her left hoof appears to be broken. But most notably, there is a crack on the Alicorn Amulet Jewel.
The jewel itself is shining brightly.

Growling, you leap down into the hole just as she opens her eyes.

“H-Hoody…*Cough* Hoody…” she whimpers out. As she does, you notice the red glow enveloping her wounds, closing them and healing her as another bubble appears around her.

“OH NO YOU DON’T!!!” you roar in the RCV.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




Sharp77’s Comment



You crystal bend a spire from underneath her, but this time it is deflected as she is entirely in a bubble and not a dome.

“Hoody, that’s enough for now. We’ve given each other despair, now let’s-” she responds tiredly.

“It Will Never Be Enough!!! Will You Kindly Shock!!!” you yell sending the electrical current through the shield and into her body, causing her to spasm and yell.

I should have done this from the beginning, but I was just too pissed I forgot!

"I have no one who can support me!"

Trixie looks at you just as you send another jolt of electricity into her.

“Glluugghhh,” she groans, but still the bubble does not fall.

"I'm always on the run!"

“We can fix that,” she pipes up. “We can-*Shock* AAAHHH!!!”

"My daughter is always in danger!"

“I-I…*SHOCK* AHH!”

"Everypony hates me!"

You then lean your face to the bubble’s surface so that you can see your hatred.

"And it's ALL YOUR FAULT!!!"

You then press your glove point blank to the bubble and yell.

“Would You Kindly Mix It Up!”

You switch the glove to both fire and electricity.

“Hoody, Please. We can work together. We can fix all of this,” she pleads, her eyes only faintly glowing.

“THERE’S NO FIXING IT!!! WOULD YOU KINDLY BURN!!!”

Your electric fire travels through the bubble and envelopes her. As she screams in pain, the bubble pops as the magic is used to diffuse the fire.

"FALCON PUNCH!"

You punch her in the horn, keeping her from fighting back. You then jump atop of her, using your tails to hold her in place as you strike her face again and again, using both hooves.

“Without You! None of this would have happened! I’LL HATE YOU FOREVER!!!” you cry out with another punch, followed by a crunch.

“Almost as much! *Punch* That I Hate Myself…” you add as all your past pain hits you.

You punch her again and again and again, as the pain of the last three years is transferred to her. You hear faraway voices, some young, some dark and feminine, but they don’t come through to you, your anger is all encompassing. It could have been seconds, or a hundred years that you wailed on her, you don’t know. All you know is that when you raised your right hoof for what may have been the hundredth time, something stopped you.

A familiar soothing voice…

...Do not become the monster everyone believes you to be...

The voice is not quite said aloud, nor did it come from within your head, it came from a different channel. A channel you’ve forgotten you had…

Panting, you then bring yourself to reality and look down at the mare below you. She still breathes, which is the one good thing you can say about her. Even with all of your beatings, she still isn’t as seriously hurt as she should be, probably thanks to the amulet. But even still her face is black and blue, has cuts and is swelling. And though the amulet glows, her eyes are shut tight. You slowly back away from her.

Did…Did I almost lose it again?

You regained your senses, just as I knew you would, Selena whispers sounding relieved. You nod and catch your breath as you hear others whispering above you.

You turn your head and see that Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are looking down at you in the whole. They have mixed looks about them, mostly they look shooken up.

“Is…Is she…?” Applebloom stammers.

You sigh and reply, 

“She’ll live.”

She still seems a bit apprehensive but she gives a nod to your answer.

“I…I knew you would never have sided with her,” Scootaloo says aloud.

“I’m just glad you stopped. We didn’t know if you could hear our shouts,” Sweetie Belle shudders making you wince.

“I…I did. Thanks kids.”

Spike then looks to you and asks.

“O-Offender?”

“Yes Spike?”

“B-Before you showed up, Trixie disappeared with our friend. She’s a dark unicorn filly with-“

“Nightshade is with her father,” you respond causing their eyes to widen.

“You know her name?”

“Her father brought me here. She’s fine. They’re both safe and far away from here by now,” you tell them, which causes their ears to wilt.

“Take solace in the fact that they’re safe. Now, all four of you, Go. Go and get your sisters. Have them deal with this piece of trash. I’m done…”

They all look at each other before they back out of view and you hear them trotting away. You let out a sigh as your Nightmare Cloak fully dissipates.

You then hear coughing come from behind you, and you whirl back around. Trixie hobbily gets back on her hooves, even through all her injuries.

“You’ve- *Cough* You’ve won…Can we be friends again now?” she whimpers out.

You stare at her, not saying anything for the longest time.

“I’m done…” you sigh before you turn around and begin walking out of the crater.



FalxofLume’s Comment



"H-Hoody? Where are you going? Aren't you glad that I'm here to be a real friend again?" Trixie calls out to you in confusion.
You don’t answer as you continue walking through the strewn crystals and scorched earth.

"If-If you're still angry about me betraying you, I'm sorry! I made a mistake that I wish I could take back, but I'm making up for it right now!" Trixie pleads some more.

You don’t halt your progress as you reach the edge of the massive crater.

"Please, wait!!! Stop!!! Say something!!! Anything!!! What do you want me to do?!" She keeps pleading.

Perhaps once your heartstrings could have been tugged by her desperate tone. But as it is, you are done with her.

“Is it the Despair?! It’s a gift!...Isn’t it?!” she shouts in confusion. “I thought…WHAT DO YOU WANT?!”

You turn around at the top of the crater as you answer the mare with the desperate look in her eyes. Eyes that no longer glow red. 

“I want YOU, to leave this town and never come back. I want you to take your stupid crazy Amulet and disappear. But mostly, I want you to leave me alone, to never speak to me or my daughter ever again!”

You declaration echoes across the farmland as the wind whips smoke and dirt around the two of you. Her swollen jaw works up and down, trying to form words, before she finds her voice again.

“B-but…I want to be your friend again…” she whimpers. You just glare at her.


"Do you honestly think... that anything you say or do now... will ever make up for what I had to go through?" you ask in a voice edged with venom which causes her to flinch back.

"You Betrayed Me. You Put on that damned Amulet. You Enslaved This Town. You Put My Daughter in Danger…And You made me wear this cloak again…” 

“I…I…” she stammers as you see her eyes starting to turn red again.

"You wanted Despair Trixie, and now you have it. You made your choice. Now live with it." You then turn back and start walking towards the apple trees.

You hear hoofsteps and shifting dirt behind you as Trixie crawls out of the crater.

“But…But the despair…It was mine. Why did…How could I have…” she rattles sounding confused. “Hoody Wait!” she calls but you keep walking.

Suddenly you hear the sound of metal hitting dirt and a huge gulp of air which causes you to stop. Turning your head you see Trixie leaning on the ground as she clutches her sides, the Alicorn Amulet on the ground next to her. She keeps blinking her eyes as though understanding has flooded them.

“It’s…It’s so much clearer now…Will this make you happy?” she asks in a sad tone.

Instead of replying, you walk back towards her, as a hopeful look begins to cross her pained visage. You pick up the Alicorn Amulet and stare at the thing that’s caused your latest in a long list of headaches. You then toss it away from you and Trixie, towards the road. In the distance you can see ponies coming your way.

You glare one last time at Trixie, before you turn to leave her, but are stopped as she wraps her hooves around your foreleg.

“Wait…Please…” she whimpers.

You don’t say anything back to her, but you feel her shudder and begin to speak.



Fireheart1945’s Comment



“I…I never wanted this. I never wanted any of this to happen,” she says as she begins to sob.

“I just…I just…” she sniffles one last time before looking up to you. “I just wanted my friend back…”

You tug your leg out of her grip causing her to kneel in the dirt again.

“You lost that friend the night you stabbed him in the back,” you scold.

“DON’T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT?!” she yells out suddenly before she looks to the ground and continues sobbing.

“Don’t you think I know that I made the biggest mistake of my life that night? That I haven’t kicked myself every single day for the last 3 years? That I sold out the only friend I ever had?”

You look down on the crying mare at your hooves, listening, but saying nothing. She blubbers through her tears, 

“I…*Sniff* I know I screwed up. I knew it that very night after I saw what I turned you into.”

She then gives one more sniff and lifts her face off the ground. She still doesn’t look to you, but at the puddle of her tears.

“After that night, I lost everything. My wagon, my show, my honor…and my friend. No one would take me in, no one would show me the kindness you had. The kindness I’d thrown away. For three years, I would look in the newspaper, and I would read about the things you’ve done. All the destruction, all the mayhem, all the anger…it was all my fault,” she admits. Still you don’t say anything as you listen to her confession.

“I knew you were hurting throughout all those times. I…I wanted to help you. I wanted to make it all better, but I didn’t know how. “For what I had done to you, for what I had done to the country, I fell into despair.”

She then pulls out the black and white bear plushie.

“One day as I toiled on that accursed Rock Farm, I found this toy in one of their rooms and things became clearer. It reminded me of the Ursa Minor and Major, About how black my soul had become, and how dark yours became because of me.”

She then looks back up to you, her eyes red, but not from magic.

“But this bear is not completely taken. There is still a light side to it, just as there is still light in you and I. I knew I had not completely fallen, and neither had you because of this light side. For there can be no true despair without hope, and that’s what the light side is…hope.”

She then stares into the teddy bear’s eyes.

“Hope that I could still set things right. Hope that I could find you, Hope that we could…that we could start again. So I set out to find the Alicorn Amulet I’d heard of in legend, for then I could have the power to find you again,” she then holds the bear to her chest.

“But when I found it, that’s when everything went wrong,” she shudders and you listen intently.

“I had only wanted to do what I’d always done best. Put on a show. Similar to the mock battle we performed that day. A big bad villain that would show up in Ponyville that only the Hooded Offender could stop. I just wanted word to get around to you so that you’d come back…but the Amulet it…it…”

You finally speak up.

“It corrupted you,” you reply without emotion. 

She nods and hugs the bear tighter. 

“It made me believe things…Do things. It made me want to spread the pain I felt to others. It corrupted my plan and my emotions till I…” she sniffles again, “Till I became an even bigger monster than I already was…”

She then begins crying again, snuggling her bear to her face.

“I’m sorry…I’m so so sorry. Those ponies I hurt, that I tormented, and to you most of all for all the pain you’ve felt for the last three years…I’m so sorry. I didn’t want this…All I wanted was to apologize to you…Not to spread despair…I’m sorry.” She then breaks down in sobs.

Despite your best efforts, a bit of guilt does spike in your chest. 

She wasn’t fully in control…I know the feeling… You then shake your head from that thought. But still, all of this happened because of her decisions.

You hear distant voices, and out of the corner of your eye you see that many of the townsfolk have spotted you. You don’t have much time.

“Trixie,” you say in a tired voice causing her to stop crying and look to you. “I understand. That amulet was bad news, and you wanted to make things right.”
She sniffles and nods.

“But…it’s far too late Trixie,” you say with a shake of your head, causing her ears to droop. “Far too late to apologize, far too late to make amends, and far too late for me to forgive you.” 

You don’t say it angrily, you have no more rage for this day. Only emptiness and exhaustion.

“Y-You can’t *sniff* You can’t forgive me?” she blubbers.

“I…I don’t think I can Trixie. Too much pain has been spread because of your actions. The rage has lived in my heart for so long, I don’t think I can feel anything else for you…”

She then drops the bear at your hooves as her eyes well up again.

“Before I met you Trixie, I didn’t have much experience with trust and friendship. I had earned it with a princess, an animal caretaker, and a shaman, and it was new and exciting. It was…wonderful to have anyling that cared for me…And I thought that I had met a fourth friend to add to the mix…”

You stare into her eyes your own sad, hurt expression. 

“She found me beaten, she took me into her wagon and gave me food and shelter. She could have turned me in right then and there, but she didn’t. We traveled for three days, making plans to help the both of us...we had bonded…”

You then look down at the bear on the ground.

“But it was all a lie…she betrayed me, betrayed everything we had built. She…she broke my trust in the world.” Your voice hitches in your throat. With all of your rage burned away, you now see clearly the root cause of all your anger. Hurt and Sadness. She hurt you so much with just one single action, a hurt that none of your former bullies, or the Deadly 6 could inflict upon you. Because it was the hurt of being betrayed by a friend.

You look back into her eyes. “You were my friend Trixie. You were. But that’s all over now.”

Her lip starts to quiver, “B-b-but we can try again. We can…we can make a new wagon, we can travel again and put on a show, we can start over and do it right…”

Shaking your head you respond,

“No we can’t Trixie. Not after everything I’ve done since that night…” you flashback to the Gala, Discord, Fillydelphia, all of the Knights…and The Otherworld.

“Trixie…You ruined my life…” 

You don’t say these words in malice or anger, and that’s what makes them boom.

You know your words have hit her harder than any of your punches. She does not start bawling though, her tears silently stream down her cheeks. Only an immense look of guilt graces her face.

The distant voices behind you are much louder now. Soon they’ll reach you. Yet still, you do not move as you look upon her face.
Eventually it falls as she looks down at her dropped plushie.

You let out a sigh and are about to make your exit when she responds in a hollow tone,

“You’re right. I did ruin your life, and it is far too late to start again…” she then smudges the white part of the bear with dirt. “You, Nightshade, all of those innocent ponies…they’d all have been better off if I wasn’t around…” she then pauses before her voice takes on a different tone, 

“If I wasn’t around…”

She then looks to you with an almost enlightened look which makes you take pause.

“I know how to make this right…” 

“What do you mean?” you ask a bit unnerved.

“I know what I have to do make all of your lives happy…” she says with a smile.

She reaches down beside her hind leg and picks up a sliver of one of the crystals you bent. You look from that to her smiling face, warning bells going off in your head.

“I’ll make it all better…”

Bugze! Stop her! She’s going to-

In a flash of panic, you realize what she’s about to do.

“No Wait! Sto-“

Your warning comes a split second too late as Trixie takes the crystal by both hooves and rams it into her gut.

“NOOOOOO!!!” you yell as you run forward.

You catch her just as she’s about to fall forward, which would have driven the crystal further into her.

“Oh gods Trixie! Trixie!” you call out in panic as her blood begins to fall.

She starts shuddering and panting in pain as you lay her on her back.

“Oh No, No NO!” 

Her eyes are rolling up as she sounds like she’s choking. More on instinct, rather than thought, you grip the crystal and pull it out, which only serves to make her bleed more, soaking your hooves and coat.

“No! Don’t do this!” you yell as you place one of your hooves over her wound.

“Gotta stop the bleeding, Gotta stop it! Would You Kindly Burn?!” you shout, as you use your glove to burn and cauterize the wound. This causes her to scream anew and for her eyes to focus somewhat. The bleeding seems to stop, but she still continues to cough wetly.

“Trixie look at me. LOOK AT ME!!!” you yell.

Her eyes try to focus on your black shrouded visage, but she can’t find an anchor as her breathing gets raspy. Gripping the top of your hood, you pull it off so that she can see your eyes more clearly.

“Trixie, for the love of Luna focus on me!” This serves to do the trick as her gaze focuses and she smiles.

“You have such pretty eyes…” she mutters accompanied by a wet wheeze.

“Trixie Why? Why did you do this?!” you blare out in shock cradling her face.

“To *wheeze* To make it all better. *Wheeze* Everypony will have happier lives *Wheeze* Without me…” she replies in pain.

She then coughs up some blood, and unlike the fight, this is thicker. She continues to cough and shudders again. Still aghast, you hold her head up so she can breathe better.

“No, NO NO! This won’t make anyone’s life better or happy Trixie! Don’t you die on me! Please!” you desperately plead to her as her eyes get heavy.

“You can…Live out the rest of your days in peace now…” she struggles to say as her breathing gets shallower.

“No I can’t! Not like this! Please Trixie, I’m Sorry! I don’t want you gone! I’M SORRY!!!” you desperately apologize as tears come to your eyes.
She reaches a bloody hoof out to touch your cheek as she gives you a sad smile

“Please do not cry Hoody…It is OK *wheeze* You don’t have to *wheeze* pretend to care anymore…”

“I-I-I’m not-I’m not Pre-pre-“

“I’m sorry… I was such a monster…” She apologizes as her eyes close. She lets out a long sigh as her hoof falls from your face, and her body goes still.

“Trixie! TRIXIE!!! NOOOO!!! TRRIIXXXIIIEEE!!!”
> Episode 74.5: Changes on the Horizon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“TRRIIXXXIIIEEE!!!”  you cry out to the heavens, but she does not respond.

“Wake Up! Wake Up!” you plead as you begin to shake her, but she does not respond.

“I’m Sorry! I’M SORRY!!! I Forgive You Alright?! I forgive you, just wake up…Please…” Your apology changes nothing, she still lies limp within your hooves.

“...Nooo…Nooo…” you whimper out.

Her eyes still remained closed, and no breath escapes her. You may have hated this mare. You may have wished her immense pain and harm. You may have blamed her for every bad thing that’s happened to you. But this...You never wanted her…

And just like that, a floodgate of emotions erupts. The faces of Flag Burner, Sin and her group, all those lost in the otherworld…and Trixie… All of them dead. All of them perished, because of you.

“I…I did this…I did this…” you drone as you are overwhelmed, your voice quiet and hollow.

Bugze! You must get ahold of…tions are…ing manipu…Selena cuts in and out, but right now, you are in no position to respond.

“I did this…I drove you to this…” you admit to the limp mare in your arms.

“I…I…Medic…Medic…Medic…” you whimper out before shouting. “MMMEEEDDDIIICCC!!!”

“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!” comes the screams, because of course they would come.

You sluggishly turn around, and look to the crowd of horrified ponies. 

Through your tear filled eyes, you see the Deadly 6 standing along with a crowd of townsponies. All of them, every last one of them is horrified and aghast.

And why wouldn’t they be? All they see is an orange haired changeling with his hood down, covered in the blood of the nonmoving mare in his arms.

Each of the Deadly 6 are overcome with emotion by your state. Fluttershy is horrified and crying,

“H-Hoody…” she whimpers.

An immense look of sadness is held on Pinkie’s now restored face. She says nothing as her mane deflates. Rarity is on the verge of fainting, her mascara running down her face from both the rain and her tears. Applejack and Rainbow are both disgusted and beyond fury. They grit their teeth as furious tears well in their eyes.

“You…You Varmit…” Applejack seethes.

“You Monster…” Rainbow growls.

And Twilight…Twilight holds all of these emotions at once, added in with one more. Hurt.

“What Have You Done?” she asks in shock.

“I…” you try to explain, but you immediately close your mouth. 

Why would they ever believe me? Why wouldn’t they believe the worst? Why Wouldn’t they throw their accusations? After three years, why would they think otherwise?

Truth be told, you wouldn’t trust the Changeling before them either…

The guilt courses through you, and for the first time in a long time, you envision them as their dead otherworld dopplegangers, but you don’t look away from them. You’re done running from your mistakes.

You bring Trixie around and lay her in front of you on the ground as many of the ponies gasp and take steps back. The rain drips on her still face.

“Medic… Medic…” you plead looking directly into Twilight’s gaze. 

Twilight looks from you to Trixie and calls out to the crowd, 

“Doctor’s! Nurses! Anypony with Medical Training! Help!”

From the crowd rush nurses and doctors who get to Trixie’s side, all the while giving you nervous looks, but you do nothing but stare out at the ponies in the crowd, still resting upon your knees. You spy Zecora, holding the Alicorn Amulet, and she too is distraught. Octavia, Lyra, and other members of the horde look conflicted. And the kids…You see the CMC and others being ushered away from the sight. Spike though looks downright devastated.

“She’s Not Breathing!!!” shouts one of the doctors who starts doing CPR.

“She’s lost a lot of blood, and the puncture wound has been haphazardly burned!”

“Can you do anything?!” asks Twilight in worry.

“We’d need to be at the hospital in the ER instantly!” one of the nurses expresses in resignation.

“I can help with that…” comes a voice with power from behind you.

Suddenly in a flash of gold, the doctors, nurses and Trixie are teleported away.

The ponies in front of you gasp in shock, but you don’t need their reactions to know who’s behind you. Still, you don’t respond, you just stare over the crowd, sitting in the mud, too overcome to do anything. You just lower your head and stare at Trixie’s bear, covered in mud and specks of blood, you slowly pick it up and bring it to your chest.

“So…You’ve done it again,” comes the voice from behind you. “After so many months of silence you return…and another one of my pony’s blood is on your hooves.”

Her voice is tinged with sadness, anger, regret…and disappointment.

“I thought that with Discord we could prevent this. That we could stop another rampage…That we could save your soul…”

You still don’t respond as you cradle the bear of the mare who fell into despair because of you.

“I don’t know what happened, who that mare was, or what brought this situation on in the first place, but if that mare has perished because of your actions, whatever the reason I…” she trails off. Judging from the expressions of the crowd, it’s not a pretty sight.

“I just want to know one thing…” she Princess Celestia mutters as she circles around and puts her face in yours. Her eyes look tired, and full of misery.

“Why? Why do you do these things you do?”

You don’t answer her. You’re too hollow to do anything.

“Why? TELL ME!!!” she shouts in your face, causing your mane to whip about. Still, you do not answer her. You have nothing you could possible say. 

She continues to gaze deeply into your eyes. If you could still feel anything but guilt, you would shudder. After awhile her gaze drops and she sighs.

“You’re broken. I can see it in your gaze.” She then stands at her full height and looks down upon you.

“But broken or not, you still must pay…Will you come quietly? Have you had enough of bloodshed?”

You still don’t answer her as you let the tears flow down your cheeks. Before you know it, you are encased in a bubble of yellow light.

Why even fight it? Who else do I have to hurt before they take me down anyway?

“Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia barks out.

“Y-Yes Princess?” Twilight asks as she steps up towards her mentor.

“Distribute these to your friends.”

The princess levitates a box towards her and she opens it.

“The Elements?” she gasps in surprise.

It is in fact the Elements, the weapons that make the Deadly 6 even more deadly.

“Yes my student. I was going to leave this with you along with…” she holds a book up before placing it back into her bags, “Something else. But present circumstances call for action.”

Twilight nods, and each of the 6 take their respective Elements of Harmony as the crowd backs away.

“I deserve this…” you whisper as you hug the bear tighter.

Once each of the Element bearers have their pieces, Celestia turns back to you.

“Hooded Offender. For your crimes against Equestria and it’s citizens, I pass judgment upon thee,” she declares with her wings extended.

“I deserve this…” you bemoan. Through your grief, you feel as though you’ve forgotten something important…but you can’t quite grasp what it is.

“I sentence you to the magic of the Elements of Harmony!” she announces before looking back to you in an inquisitive glance. “And whatever happens…happens.”

“I deserve this,” you say yet again.

You look to each of the Elements who start to hold hooves.

Fluttershy, still saddened gives you a hopeful smile, “It will be OK Hoody. Your darkness will be driven away.”

Darkness being driven away? That feels like it should mean something…but it won’t matter soon, you think in resignation.

The crowd watches in shock and fascination, the Elements all begin to glow, and Celestia watches intently upon your sentence. 

For all the innocents you hurt, for all the pain and suffering you’ve brought. You know that the world will be a better place after that rainbow of death strikes you. Trixie didn’t deserve this treatment, but you do.

Closing your eyes, embracing the despair, you resign yourself to your fate and just let go.

“I deserve-“

“NNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!” your mouth yells with fear and desperation. Dark misty power explodes forth from you in a wave as the yellow bubble is burst sending out a massive shockwave. The blast knocks back several crowd ponies that scream, it kicks the Elements out of their warm up and causes Princess Celestia to step back in shock.

You watch all of this from your eyes, registering it, yet you are not the one in control. Even more so, you can’t seem to care one way or the other.

Princess Celestia, and the Elements look to you in confusion and annoyance.

“Why do you still fight?!” Princess Celestia demands angrily. “Why can’t you just acc-“

“YOU CAN’T HAVE HIM!!!” the dark feminine voice yells back with your mouth as another dark wave washes out over them.
Every single pony looks upon you with shock, but none so much as Celestia.

“That voice…”

“YOU WON’T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!!!” Selena yells, causing your eyes to blaze as hot as the sun as your cloak swirls around you.
The Elements look like they’re ready to fight again, but they are taken by surprise when Celestia begins walking towards you.

“So that’s the secret then. It’s been YOU the whole time. It’s always been you…” she then stops and glares at your glowing eyes.
“Nightmare Moon.”

Selena widens your eyes in shock momentarily, before she hardens them again. The gasp is audible throughout the crowd and even amongst the Deadly 6.

“N-Nightmare Moon?” Twilight stutters.

“It can’t be,” Rainbow gasps.

“This whole time?” Applejack blurts.

“How dreadful!” Rarity squeels.

“That actually explains a few things,” Pinkie surmises.

“Nightmare Moon?! You’re Nightmare Moon?!” Fluttershy shouts in shock and a bit of anger.

Selena looks left and right at all the ponies murmuring and muttering before she glares back at Celestia.

“Release him!” Celestia demands as her horn starts to light up. “You will not be using him as your puppet anymore!” 

She grits your teeth at the accusation. The Elements are starting to power up again, and Celestia is preparing a spell.

“You Can’t Have Him,” she whispers before yelling, “Would You Kindly Bucking Bronco!!!” Her aim of the glove sends Celestia, the Elements and several in the crowd flailing in the air, cutting off their attacks.

Before they have a chance to orientate themselves, she runs into the sea of Apple Trees. When you are out of their range, she lights up your horn and you are teleported away.

You appear again, deep in the heart of a dark forest that could only be the Everfree. Panting and gasping, Selena diffuses the Nightmare Cloak and says,

“Bugze! Bugze can you hear me?!”

You don’t answer as you continue to watch the world through your eyes.

“Bugze! Please, you must come to your senses!”

I deserve this…you mutter as the guilt still eats away at you.

“Bugze?” she asks in worry.

I…I killed Trixie…I deserve this…

“Bugze…”

You can see, you can hear, but you are not currently at the wheel of either your body or mind. You drone on and on… 

Your body sits down upon the ground and suddenly, the image of the mare in the moon is in front of you.

“Bugze, it’s me,” she says as she puts a hoof to your cheek. 

“I deserve this,” you respond.

“Can’t…can’t you understand me?”

“I deserve this.”

Her eyes well up, before she looks down and shuts her eyes tight. When she looks back at you her face is angry.

“YOU!!!” she yells behind you, but you do not turn. “You Did This To Him!” She then storms past you. You hear a blast of magic and a yell of pain from Sombra.

“You flooded him with all that suppressed guilt while he was still in shock!!! You've overwhelmed his psyche!!!” she yells as another blast of magic brings another scream.

“You Planned This DIDN’T YOU?!!!” Selena roars as she sends out a stream of magic that doesn’t let up for some time. Sombra’s pained screams echo within your mind. You hear this, but it means nothing to you.

Selena pants and all is silent for awhile till the fallen King responds.

“Of course I planned this. I’ve been waiting for a moment in which to strike. In which to put him in a position to be killed and release me! The guilt and shock at that Mare’s death was perfect!!!” Sombra answers panting himself.

“You…You…” she snarls.

“What did you expect?! You two keep me prisoner here! Almost every day you keep me drugged out of my eyes. A blithering idiot! And when I finally come from out of the haze, you put me back under! Only during this whole ordeal, you forgot to put me under again. So Yes! I took my shot!”

“You…you moron…”

“I was so close. So close. Celestia and those meddlesome mares would have gotten rid of you and...are you laughing?”
Selena isn’t so much laughing as she is chuckling darkly.

“What is so funny shadow spirit?!” he demands.

“You are a complete and utter idiot, drugs or not. Do you not realize the Elements…Oh no, no you wouldn’t realize it. We…I mean they didn’t use those on you,” she surmises and chuckles again.

“What are you blathering on about?”

“The Elements of Harmony destroy ALL darkness within their path, did you seriously not know that?”

He doesn’t answer so she continues.

“Well, it doesn’t matter whether you knew or not Filth!” she snarls. “Because of your actions, you’re finally in the same damned boat as us.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because now our death won’t release you. Because now they are always going to try to strike us with the Elements of Harmony, the one weapon that will destroy all of us, no ifs ands or buts. And do you know why?”

He doesn’t answer, so she finishes.

“Because they’re no longer hunting my changeling anymore. They’re Hunting ME!”

Hours Later

POV Change: Princess Celestia

It’s been some hours since your startling discover. Well, startling doesn’t even come to compare what it is.

Nightmare Moon, the spirit of the creature that took your beloved sister away from you for a thousand years is alive and well. She has been for the last three years causing mayhem and destruction with her newest host The Hooded Offender.

You feel as though you’ve been blind this whole time, or maybe you just didn’t want to see the signs. Maybe you didn’t want to consider the possibility that that monster was still around. And because of your blindness, your ponies have suffered for three years.

You look upon the latest to suffer. Trixie Lulamoon sits in a hospital bed, hooked up to the many wonderful machines of modern science. Thanks to your teleportation, the Doctors were able to restart her heart. After a few hours of surgery, and a blood transfusion, she lies before you, Alive, and yet Not at the same time.

“The Doctor’s say that though she’s stabilized, she may not wake,” Twilight says from beside you in worry.

You look down at your most faithful student as she continues.

“Trixie, she…she was never the best pony, and she did some horrible things but… But she didn’t deserve this. She was corrupted and delusional because of that Amulet, and The Offender I…” she falters and you put a wing upon her back to comfort her. “I should have been there to stop it. I let myself believe that he wouldn’t go too far.”

“You are not at fault Twilight. Nightmare Moon’s lies can fool even the most gifted.”

She nods at this and looks down. 

“Speaking of the Amulet, does the Shaman Zecora still possess it?”

“Yes, she said she would ensure that it never fell into the wrong hooves again,” Twilight nods.

You let out a sigh of relief, 

“Good. I do not want any more victims to it’s curse.”

Giving one last look to your fallen subject, you usher Twilight from the room and into the hallway where the rest of the Element Bearers await.

You look to them and say, 

“Trixie Lulamoon is stable. Beyond that, it is up to her own body if she will pull through.”

They look downcast at that.

“Now my little ponies, I know you’ve all gone through a great ordeal these last few days, but what I say next must be spoken.”

They perk up and listen intently.

“In light of today’s discovery, you 6 will have an even more vital role in stopping the Hooded Of- In stopping Nightmare Moon,” you correct yourself.

“Should we go out looking for her now?” asks Twilight. You shake your head.

“No, not now as we are. Your brother has a project that will be helpful to our cause, but it is still months from being finished. Also in the coming days, I hope that you all will have more…” you then look to Twilight’s side, “Firepower…” Twilight seems confused at this. 

“Firepower?” she asks.

“Yes, don’t concern yourself with the specifics for now, I shall disclose that info in due time,” you wave her off. You’ve planned so long for her ascension, and Nightmare Moon’s return or not, you will help her achieve her destiny. It will be needed now more than ever.

“You six must be the ones to take her down. It’s the only way that…that the changeling can be saved.” 

They all have differing reactions to this statement, though you notice Fluttershy has a look of relief.

“Y-you really think he can be saved?” Twilight stammers nervously.

“Would you condemn the actions of one who is being corrupted against their will? He is no different than that poor mare inside that room, or my sister” you declare.

She and the rest are enlightened through understanding.

“I…you’re right princess. We can’t condemn him for Nightmare Moon’s actions.”

“Well shoot, now ah kind of feel guilty on how much I pounded on him,” Applejack muses.

“Yeah, I mean, sure the guy’s a jerk, but if he was being controlled and all those things I did…” Rainbow Dash trails off.

“That ghastly mare! Imagine if it were one of us she were to possess,” Rarity shudders.

“I…I always did feel confused in regards to him,” Pinkie nods.

“See?! See Girls?! I told you all! I told you all from the beginning that Hoody wasn’t bad!” Fluttershy chastises the other five and they wilt their ears.

“You’re right Fluttershy. I’m so sorry we doubted you,” Twilight apologizes and hugs her friends. The rest of them join in and apologize as well.

“It’s alright girls. I’m just glad we’re all on the same page. I’ve…I’ve actually known about that Evil Witch for awhile now, but I didn't know it was HER. I don’t think Hoody even knows that he’s possessed by Nightmare Moon herself. She’s giving false names to him, claiming to be his friend,” Fluttershy relays.

You clench your teeth at that.

“Those are the same lies that were spoken to Luna before…” you shudder at the thought of that horrible night. Speaking of your sister, you realize that you’re going to have to break the bad news to her as well. 

At least she was already on her own personal quest trying to save him. I’m just glad she never ran into him alone. Nightmare Moon might have taken the chance to…

“Princess Celestia, are you alright?” asks your student at your forlorn expression.

“I’m as fine as can be my student. I’m just worrying about my sister.”

She nods before asking, 

“And what about the Alicorn Filly he claims is his daughter?”

You stiffen as you’d almost forgotten about that detail. 

“I cannot honestly say I know how she fits into this. On one hoof, I’d be tempted to go with our original explanation that she’s Nightmare Moon’s reincarnation…” you then shake your head, “But on the other hoof, the fact that she is still alive and possessing the changeling throws that idea out. That filly is an unknown factor in all of this.”

“I…I don’t think she’s evil,” Fluttershy speaks up. “If anything, she’s probably a victim of that evil mare just like Hoody.” Nodding you say,

“That may very well be the case, but until we know more, we can’t accurately say. Until that time, we will consider her like we would consider any other child.”

You then look to each of them.

“In the coming days, we shall rebuild the damage done. I want you all to try and live your daily lives. Until we have a location and a plan of action, there is nothing we can do but wait,” you then turn to Twilight. “I shall give you time to rest my student, but soon I will hand you off the second item I wished to leave with you. Until then, please watch over the Elements.”

She nods and places them back within the box.

“Now then, I will depart from you soon. Thankfully the Saddle Arabians did not see the horrors wrought this day, though I should be getting back to them soon after rudely teleporting them to Luna.”

You then turn to go back into Trixie’s room.

“Many changes are coming my little ponies. It will be our duty to let everyone know that Nightmare Moon is the true enemy, and that hopefully, Hopefully we can save the Offender and set things right…”

Twilight and her friends nod as they all look to each other and begin whispering. You let them talk as you reenter the hospital room.
You close the door and gaze back upon the comatose unicorn. 

“You were hurt because of my ignorance…forgive me…” you apologize.

“Well if that’s the impression you got about it, go ahead and feel sorry for yourself,” comes an annoying voice you are still trying to get used to.

“Discord,” you say “pleasantly.”

“Tia,” he says in the same manner as he walks up beside you.

You both look at Trixie on the bed for a beat before you say,

“We know now why you’ve been having trouble finding him. The Offender is actually the host to Nightmare Moon.”

He lets out a gasp, that doesn’t quite sound genuine, but with Discord, you could never tell.

“Oh dearie me. Who could have seen that coming?” he mocks.

“Discord, I would like to retract my previous orders. If you find the Offender again, I don’t wish you to bring him in. We have to purge the darkness from within his body, so if you do find him, please report back to me so that we may plan.”

“Oh come now Tia, you don’t think little ‘ol me can handle your sister’s goth phase?”

You give him a sneer and he chuckles and relents. 

“Alright fine, Draconequees’s honor,” he says holding up his lion paw.

He then does something you don’t expect, he puts his paw over Trixie’s closed eyes and closes his own.

“What are you-“ you begin but he holds up a shushing talon. After a few moments, you hear a ding and his eyes open.

“Ahhh, so that’s what actually happened,” he murmurs to himself.

“What do you mean? What did you just do?” you ask in alarm.

“Oh calm your wavy hair princess, I was just reviewing the last site her eyes saw,” he says with a smirk.

“And?” you ask.

He looks down at his side for some reason, towards what looks like a scratch, before he looks back up to you.

“Oh it’s just like you said Princess. It’s how you think it happened,” he answers, a little too peppy.

You can’t tell if he’s truthful or not. If he is hiding something, you don’t think it matters much. Nightmare Moon is still out there.
Letting out a sigh you say, 

“Very well Discord. You may resume your task when ready.”

“Oh, in that case I think I’ll go cheer poor Fluttershy up. She’s no doubt riding a whirlwind of emotions,” he says as he snaps his claws and disappears.

Sighing again, you look down at Trixie one more time before your own horn flashes, and you teleport back to Canterlot.

POV CHANGE: Selena

“Bugze…what has that monster done to you?” you mutter in sadness.

You are now in the corner of his subconscious where you rested after you nearly died from the Orichalcum wound. A new bed has been conjured as you place the shell shocked Bugze into the bed. His eyes still stare forward, seeing but not seeing. The one responsible you have punished severely for what he tried to do. You did not kill Sombra, Bugze and Nightshade wouldn’t like that, but you did beat him something fierce and left him to his horrible movie solitary.

“Rest here for now. I will take care of things till then,” you say as you brush a hoof through his spikey mane. He still does not respond, and there is even a projection of that dual colored bear in his hooves.

Sighing again you say,

“I will get you through this. Even if the whole world is hunting me, I will get you through this.”

And with that, you close your eyes.

Assuming Direct Control

And open his in the waking world. His body has been sitting in this location for hours, and it is nearing evening, but you had to make sure he was stabilized mentally first.

You look around your surroundings, your teleportation is a little more reliable than your changeling’s.

“This is the path…it has to be. That bunker is the only place I can go till he snaps out of it.” You then shake his head and look down upon his body. The Magician’s blood still cakes to it. With a flash of his horn, the blood is gone, but there are stains that remain. Also, his hoof still holds the dual colored bear. Even in his state, and you in control, he hasn’t dropped it. Sighing, you open the Inventory and place it inside.

Trixie’s Bear added to Inventory.

“Nightshade!” you call out to your precious daughter. She immediately sticks her head out.

“Mom?” she asks a bit surprised.

“Yes my child, I need you to come out for a moment.”

She does so and looks around her surroundings.

“Oh, in the Everfree again huh?” you nod.

“Yes. We are heading back to your Great Grandfather’s bunker until…until…” you hesitate.

“Oh, Okay. I assume dad beat Trixie right? I saw her bear get put into the Inventory.”

You wince and look away at that.

“Speaking of, where is dad? Why are you in control right now?” she asks.

Sighing in resignation, you realize it’s no good to lie to her.

“Walk with me Nightshade,” you say as you begin to walk down the path.

She trots alongside you looking curious and anxious.

You have a long walk ahead of you, and a lot of harsh explaining to do.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

> Episode 75: Reactions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:



“Mommy, is something wrong?” your daughter asks at your hesitation.
You look into her blue eyes and see hesitance.

“He’s…” sighing again, you say “I’m not going to sugarcoat it honey, your father isn’t doing too well.”
She seems taken aback, but she asks anyway,

“What happened Mommy?” You hate the sad, scared look in her eyes, and though you want her to be ignorant of the truth, it’s not what’s best.





ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"Your father, he..." and yet still you hesitate. Bugze’s haunted look and drone of guilt way heavy on your mind.
Your daughter looks at you in confusion for a bit before widening her eyes, coming to the wrong conclusions.

"N-no... he didn't... he promised..." she whimpers a bit.

“No No, that's not…” she looks back up at you at your insistence before you give her a small calming smile, "Don't worry sweetie, he didn't break his promise to you... he just unintentionally caused something terrible."

“H-he didn’t kill Trixie?” she asks sounding hopeful, which causes you to lose your smile.

“N-Not exactly…” at her confused look you continue, “What happened was nothing that he sought the situation was…” you take a breath and get right to it.
"The show mare, she... struck herself, ending her own life." 
Nightshade gasps in shock, covering her mouth.

“S-So Trixie’s…?” she trails off, not wanting to say the word, so you nod which causes her to gasp again.

"The ponies around didn't witness what truly happened, and they all believe that your father used his own hooves to end her."

"B-but… daddy didn't do it, right?" she asks again, causing your heart to ache a bit for even having to reassure the notion.
You shake your head. 

"As I said my precious, he did not break his promise to you.” 

“Why? Why would Trixie do that?”

“She thought…she thought that it would finally make your father and everypony else forgive her.”

“B-But-“

“That mare was broken Nightshade, and that Amulet she wore only served to shatter her further. She needed help and was given only our scorn. None of us expected it to happen. Least of which your father…" You look down towards your path. Nightshade hesitates before catching back up to you.

“I…I hated Trixie. I hated that she…But I didn’t want…” she stammers, and you place a hoof upon her back.

“You’re not the only one honey. She was broken, and it’s too late for anypony to try and fix her. As harsh as it may sound, we have to try and move on from the ending of her life.”
She looks down at this processing your words, you do not remove your changeling’s hoof from her back.

“So Trixie’s…Gone…and everypony thinks Dad did it?” she asks in sorrow.

“Yes, and No child,” you reply with your own sigh. She looks back up to you so you continue.

“Celestia arrived and gave the Elements to the Deadly Six. They had every intention of using them,” her eyes widen at that.

“E-Even Ms. Fluttershy?” she asks.

You grit your teeth at her name, but you keep your voice level. Both she and Bugze are acquaintances of that tart.

“Y-Yes. Even her. She foolishly believed that your father would be…purified. She held no malice for him…

Just for me, you think but don’t say. Shaking your head you continue.

“But yes, they were in the process of using the Elements upon us, until I intervened.”
She seems confused at first, but then asks,

"What did you do?" 

"I took control of your father and broke them out of their ritual…” you sigh at this next part, “But in the process, I accidentally revealed to them my identity.” 
You still feel foolish for this oversight. But you were panicked. Bugze had become wounded on a mental level, and they were about to end all of your lives. You did not want to feel that pain again, but more importantly, you did not want to be taken from him…

“After that, they sought to hit us with the Elements again, but I managed to escape, and here we are now. It’s…It’s going to be harder now Nightshade. Because now that they know, they will never stop hunting me.”

“Wh-Why?” Nightshade asks, knocking you out of your musings.

“What?” 

“I asked why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do they want to hunt you so badly? Why does it matter that they knew who you were?” 
You look at her in confusion.

“B-Because I am-Was Nightmare Moon.”

“So? I mean, I know Nightmare Night is all about you, but all the stories about you are just fairy tales, you don’t eat ponies,” she points out.

“But that isn’t all I’m known for Nightsha-"

“And yeah, I know that you and Princess Luna used to be like how you and Dad are now, but why would any of that matter?”
You sigh again.

“Honey, the truth is far more unpleasant than the reality.” She raises an eyebrow at that. You hadn’t realized she didn’t know the full extent of your past. “Yes, that Princess and I were similar to your father and I, but the difference was that we were…we were one being. Together, we sought to bring about Eternal Night and rule Equestria,” you think back in sadness.

“R-Really?” your daughter asks a bit hesitantly, and you reluctantly nod your head.

“She and I tried it a thousand years ago, and the Elements sent us into the moon where we existed between life and death till three years ago. Again, we set out to enact our plans, but were stopped by the Elements once more. That time, she and I were separated. I would have perished, had your father not found me…And now thanks to my shouts of desperation, they recognized my voice and know I’m the reason He has his monstrous power.”

She takes in this information, but not once do steps falter as she walks beside you.

"So... you were a villain? Like a legit one who was evil?"
You look at your daughter in sadness. 

"Yes my precious, I was. I'm sorry that I have never told you."

"Well... you aren't anymore, right?” she chirps causing your heart to do a loop de loop.

“I…well…” you trail off. You’ve thought of this very question off and on for some time. You still don’t know how to classify yourself, for they say even evil has loved ones. But the other night, when you confessed to Bugze your actions, when he accepted and embraced you, when you were within his arms you felt…Good.

“You've changed haven’t you? You helped Dad take down all those stupid Knights, and you saved Daddy that time when you were sick a couple months back.”
You put a hoof to the chest scar on Bugze’s body. A wound that should have killed him, but you stopped that. You stopped that for his sake, not yours.

“That makes you a good guy right?” Nightshade asks a bit more chipper.
You sigh and give a small smile, 

“You certainly have your father’s optimism.”
She gives her own smile and says, 

“You’re my mommy. I love you no matter what. I don’t care if you used to be bad, because you’re a good guy now. Just like Catmare." 

Your smile widens at that. Out of all your bug’s pieces of entertainment, you never felt more of a connection than with the fictional mare you appropriated your new name from.

You stop, and she stops as well before you wrap her up in a big hug.

“Thank you sweet one, I love you too. Mayhaps I am a good guy. The rest of the world though does not know what we do. But I tell you this my child, I may not always be nice to others, but good isn’t always nice,” you say as you snuggle her. She reciprocates in kind.

If only I had my own arms to hug you…

After that lovely little bonding moment, you two continue your walk, and you feel a little lighter.

“See, you aren’t the boogeymare mommy,” she says happily. “And since you and dad are good guys, the Elements shouldn’t work on you right?”
You stiffen a bit at the question. You honestly don’t know. But then again,

“Honey, I’ve been hit by and survived their magic twice, I do not want to make assumptions and chance a third encounter.”

“Oh…I guess that makes sense,” Nightshade muses. “Oh, and they might actually hurt Uncle Sombra…”


"Uncle WHAT?!" you reply hotly, hoping that you didn’t hear what you think you just heard.

“I, uh, I didn’t say that I said, uh…Dat Punk Sombra, heh heh…” she stammers.
You know she’s lying, but before you can call her out for it, she changes the subject.

“Oh, and Mom, one more thing I don’t get. Why didn’t dad escape? Why did you have to take control in the first place?”
Putting your head down you respond,

“Your father…the show mare ended her life in front of him. She did it because she thought it would make him happy. But it didn’t my child. Your father broke as well.”
She falters a step, 

“Daddy’s…broken?”
Nodding you explain, 

“Broken by guilt. Guilt that overtook him thanks to that fiend!” you growl.

“Fiend?” she asks.

"...Sombra," you growl his name for what he’s done to you all.
Nightshade looks shocked at this.

“What did he do?” she asks.

“He ensured that your father’s guilt overwhelmed him till he was little more than a gibbering mess…he tried to have your father killed.”
After that declaration, Nightshade looks down as she walks, and you notice a look on her face. A look of betrayal.

“That…that little…” She grits her teeth and shakes her head roughly, but you do not say anything. Sometimes ones emotions must be worked out by themselves.
After walking in silence for some time, she finally looks back up to you with a worried look and asks,





Just_another_guy’s Comment



"Mommy, can I go see daddy?"

You look into her worried eyes.
You wonder if seeing her father the way he is a good idea. The thought of her witnessing Bugze's eyes full of guilt, sorrow and regret worries you greatly. The sight of him laying there looking dead, but not dead…
You close your eyes tight before they well up, you don’t want her to see that sight.

"Sweetheart... now is not the right time for that" You say with a heavy heart. "He…he just needs rest"
This saddens Nightshade, she looks up to you and asks,

"Is it like when you needed rest?”
Bugze’s ears drop on your head, 

"You will see him when he's a little better" Nightshade gives a sad pout "but I promise he'll be okay, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye" you say as you perform the motions of the legendary Pinkie Promise.
This gets a small smile out of Nightshade, but you can tell she's still somewhat upset.

"*Sigh* Okay mom... " 
She then has a questioning look,





Kichi’s Comment



“What about the Doctor? You think he can help?”
You groan at the thought of that infernal Time Lord.

“I doubt it. That manipulative madstallion never has been straight with us.”

“Well, still, you think there’s a shot?” she asks.

“*Sigh* We have no way to contact him Nightshade. Your father no longer has the note in which to speak with him. And seeing as how he’s abandoned us and that wall eyed mare, I doubt he would come.”

“Oh, right,” she mutters. “I wonder why he’s done that though, I thought he and Ms. Derpy were, well…”

“Relationships in adults is a complicated matter Nightshade, they aren’t always as so simple.”
She nods at this as you two continue to walk.

“So, you said we’re going to Great Grandbuggy’s Bunker?”

“That is correct child. It’s the safest place we can hide while your father recovers.





Kersey’s Comment




Fireheart1945’s Comment



“But what are we gonna eat?” she asks.

“Huh?”

“All the food was spoiled and we had to throw it out last time remember?”
You think back and do remember that being an issue. You mentally kick yourself because you personally haven’t worried about food for years.

You look into the Inventory and call out,

“You! Mechanical Beast!”
Mangle sticks her head up and gives you a sneer.

“Bring forth whatever food supplies are within the Inventory now.”
The plush bot rolls her eyes before barking and entering the depths.

“Surely your father thought ahead for this situation,” you mutter to her.

When the fox comes back up, you take stock of all you have.

One box of a Baker’s Dozen Muffins
3 Cans of Soup
3 Boxes of Crackers

“That’s it?” you ask incredulously as the fox nods.

“I think he only packed enough to get us to Appleloosa,” Nightshade pipes in.

“Ugh. Well we’ll just have to make do with these supplies for now. I don’t wish to draw attention to ourselves so soon.”

“*Sigh* I miss the days when I would eat more food than an entire Hoofball team on a regular basis,” your daughter muses.


LATER

After awhile of walking, you and Nightshade eventually come back to the entrance of the bunker.

Odd, I thought we camouflaged it better when we started our Bounty Hunting journey, you ponder as the door to the ladder is not covered.

The both of you descend the ladder and close the hatch, before you use Mangle playing a voice clip of Bugze to get inside.
The Bunker is seemingly just how you left it, but you two decide to go straight to bed. The bunker isn’t going anywhere.

You lay Bugze’s body down upon the bed as Nightshade curls up next to his barrel.

“I apologize, but I won’t see you tonight honey, I need to ensure that your father rests well,” you say to her.
She gives a yawn and nods.

“OK Mommy. Tell him, that I love him, no matter what.”
You brush her mane as you smile and say,

“I shall my dear. I shall.”
You wait till she falls asleep, before you close Bugze’s eyes and enter back into the mindscape.


In The Mindscape

You travel to the recovery chamber, and find that his eyes are closed as he breathes steadily, still holding onto that bear. You give a small smile at that as you sit beside his bed and take his hoof into yours, just like he did for you for all those months.

“Rest easy my little changeling…”

As you sit by his side you push the worries of the day, and the coming days aside. You will be hunted, you will run, and you will hide. The whole world will know you are back. But until Bugze is better, you won’t worry about that. You need to be strong for him and Nightshade.

So as you stay strong for him, the rest of the world continues to turn.



POV Change: Discord


It’s been a little while since you’ve left Celestia in the Hospital, and for once you’ve actually kept your word.
You’ve gone to visit the cute little mare that against all odds convinced you of the Magic of Friendship. Well, mostly.
Fluttershy is an absolute blast to hang around with. If only her other friends gave you chance. Some days, you wonder if he’s even worth the trouble of being “Good” if she’s the only one putting in any effort. But usually, all you have to do is see her smile and laugh at your little jokes and you put those thoughts aside for another day.

Today however, she is not happy at all, and that makes you feel upset. You hate feeling upset.
What she is feeling is a mix of worry and anger over Nightmare Moon’s little slip of the tongue.

And here I thought we could string along the mystery another season, you think coyly.


Even though that cat’s now out of the bag now, you know that The Hooded Offender and Company can still cause some delicious chaos. You almost thought you’d have to cut the fun short when you heard about the Trixie mare, but it wasn’t exactly HO’s fault, so you decided it best to keep letting him roam around.

But you can worry about that later, right now you’re listening to your normally quiet friend huff up a storm over some tea.
The fact that she hasn’t noticed that the teapot is currently alive while smoking a cigar made from tea leaves and writing down notes on a clipboard shows how emotional she is.


“And then that evil witch says she’s been helping him since day one. HA! As If! She says lies like that then goes and stabs Trixie? Hmmph!” she declares with an angry sip of tea.
“She made me really doubt myself, and I actually apologized and tried to be her friend. That evil lying witch.”

“Wow Fluttershy, you sure like saying Witch don’t you?” you mutter as you read the clipboard’s notes.

“Well, I don’t normally curse, and I try not to make a habit out of it. What I’d really want to call is her is a bi-“

“HOLD THE PHONE!” you interrupt before she says something that will tarnish your image of her.
She blushes a little at that, 

“Sorry…” she then sighs and sets her tea cup down.

Oh boy, here comes the waterworks you think in dread as the tea pot opens up a miniature umbrella.
Her eyes do well up, but she doesn’t start bawling.

“Discord?” she asks cautiously.

“Yes bestie?” you reply.

“I…I feel so bad that all these years, I really didn’t help Hoody. When I found out about HER, I knew I hated her. I guess a part of me knew she was evil…”

Oh if only you knew, you think passively.


“But…But I didn’t do anything about her. Before I even knew she was Nightmare Moon, I wanted to get rid of her with the Elements, but I held off because Hoody told me that he didn’t want her gone…I knew he was being manipulated.”
She takes a breath and lets it out.

“And now look what’s happened yet again. I saw his eyes Discord. What he did to Trixie horrified and hurt him. He was going to let us save him with the Elements until SHE intervened. And now I know he’s out there, hurting and sad all because of that monster.”
Her tears start falling at that as she sniffles and your own heart breaks a little at the sad sight.

“I wish I could have saved him sooner…He’s one of my most dearest friends and I didn’t save him sooner…”

The teapot makes a note and underlines it before holding it up for your review.

Getting a “wants to be more than friends” vibe from her the note says.
You nod in agreement to the Teapot, but you keep your mouth shut.

That would be an awfully rude thing to say at this moment. Yeesh HO, Fluttershy, the hick, the skittle covered one and all the others, you’re turning into a regular ol heartbreaker.

She then surprises you as she takes your lion paw into her hooves in a begging gesture.

“Discord, I know you’ve had trouble finding him…probably because of Nightmare Moon.”

Or rather my own scheming.

She then gives you a teary eyed look and you melt a little. Literally, your tail turns to liquid.

“Please…Please. If there’s anything you can do. Some way you can find him, can you help us save him before she makes him do anything else?”
To this your ears droop as you look into that sad face.


Not fair Fluttershy, you bemoan.
It’s hard to say no to that face, and you don’t want to straight up lie to her, but you figure that as a good friend, you can give her some small truth.
Or rather a big one that not even Celestia knows.

You place your talon over her hoof, let out a breath and say,

“I’m sorry Fluttershy. Believe me when I tell you that I have absolutely no idea where he is.”

“Y-You don’t?” she whimpers.
You shake your head, because it’s actually the truth. A bout a month or so back when you met him on the road, there would have been nowhere he could have hid in the world, not that you were looking. But once Celestia called you in, it’s like there’s no sign of him, which really interests you.

“At all?” she asks.

"In all honesty Fluttershy, no matter what spell, frequency, or snapped-in device I try to use, I can't find any trace of your unlucky friend." You then snap your paw and a mini-radar room appears that just has big Green "X's" on every screen, "It's like something put a big fog over him."
She looks at the screens before shaking her head.

“How…How does she do it…?” she vents to herself.

The thing is I don’t think Crazy Lulu is behind this, you think to yourself as you look over the screens with a scowl.
So that just leaves the question of who is?

The tea kettle then writes a note and holds it up.
Plot Convenience?
Pursing your lips you snap the kettle back into being just a tea container.

Smart Flank.





BrownDog’s Comment



POV Change: Princess Luna

Your knees wobble as your sister’s words fully register. You take in deep gasping breaths as the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

“And…yy-you’re sure?” you stammer.
Celestia lets out a sad sigh,

“Yes sister…it’s HER.”
Your breathing gets more rapid as your older sister wraps you up in a hug. She cradles you as you both sit upon the floor, just like you did when you were little.

“Why…Why can’t I ever be rid of her?” you bemoan as you remember the bitter, vile hatred. The lies you believed, the deaths you almost caused, and the stasis of a dream like state you felt for a thousand years.
The tears come to your eyes as you hug your sister tightly.

“She won’t have you again Luna. She’ll never have you again…” she whispers soothingly.
For the longest time, you two do not say anything as you take comfort in each other.

“B-But Sister…she has taken another.”
You feel her nod. 

“Yes Lulu. It was as you surmised last year. There is darkness in The Hooded Offender’s heart, we just didn’t know till now how familiar that darkness was.”

It’s true, you identified with The Offender. You wanted to save him. Now with this truth revealed you realize one thing.

“It’s my fault…It’s always been my fault.”

“No Luna it- “

“From the very beginning it has been. If it weren’t for me, that changeling wouldn’t have been possessed. I brought her upon this world with my hatred and jealousy, and now more suffer because of it.”
She then holds you at arm’s length,

“Luna, listen to me. This isn’t your fault. We all thought her defeated three years ago, we had no way of knowing otherwise.”

“B-But the Offender…”

“We will save him Luna, just as we did for you. Your personal quest has become our main objective. We will stop her Luna.”
You nod as you believe your sister’s words.

“She will not go down lightly. That power she yields within the changeling is deadly.”

“I’m well aware, and even if my plans for Twilight come to fruition, I still wish for more help.”

“You speak of Shining Armor’s project?”

Nodding again, she says, “Yes sister. We still have time before they are completed, but I would rather they be ready for when we do find the Offender again. I don’t want to risk Twilight and her friend’s safety, not after everything they’ve been through.”

“So, what will we do till then?” you ask.

“We will spread the truth, and until the day we are ready, we will have to try to live our daily lives. If Twilight succeeds in the coming days, then perhaps the reverie will bring joy to the land.”

“One can only hope sister,” you reply as you lay your head on under her chin, “One can only hope…”





Kersey’s Comment



POV Change: Shining Armor
Location Classified

“A-and you’re positive of this?” you ask as your ruler stands before you with a hollow look.

“Yes Shining Armor. I’m positive.”
You sit back down in your chair and stare at your desk.

“Nightmare Moon…This whole time…”
It’s a lot to take in. For the longest time, you thought you knew who you were hunting, what his motivations and mannerisms were. With this bit of news, you realize you have no idea.

“Do not fret Captain, nopony could have foreseen this turn of events,” she reassures you.
She’s right, still it makes you wonder what else you don’t know.

“This. This changes everything.”

“In one regard yes,” Celestia agrees, “We now know who the true enemy is, and that there is an innocent that needs saving.”

“But in the other regards?” you ask.

“Even if he’s innocent, when joined with her he is still a very powerful fighter who will be a danger to many if we can’t successfully subdue him. He needs to be beaten before your sister and her friends can use the Elements of Harmony.”

You sit up in your chair at that. “So I assume that you didn’t come down here to shut down the project?”
Shaking her head, she says, 

“No Captain. If anything, I want to know if time schedule can be moved up?”

“Moved up? By how much?”

“Two to Three months time perhaps?” she asks.

“That soon?” you ask flabbergasted.

“If possible.”
You freeze at that, before looking back down at your paperwork.

“I…I don’t know Princess. There was still planned to be at least half a year of finalization. I mean, it’s feasible, but I just expected to have more time. Not to mention the fact that it would take some time to find a suitable replacement candidate, train them, make sure they were trustworthy, get them clearance and get used to the suit. All we have are myself and Flash…and well, I guess Strong Head.”

She winces at that, 

“You would still use him?”

You groan, “I don’t want to ma’am, I’d rather have someone new, but unfortunately he’s the only other one trained as much as we have, and has actually flown in the field, disastrous as that situation turned out. If you want to push the time, he’d be the only other one in a suit with us.”
She curls her lips and looks to the side at that info before looking back to you.

“Do you think Flash Sentry and yourself would be able to control him in the field?”

“Well he’s already in hot water, if he screws up and disobeys orders, he’ll be in lava.”


Meanwhile with Flash Sentry

“Soldier did I give you permission to eat that Tapioca Pudding?!” Flash yells at the top of his lungs.

“Sir No Sir!” Strong Head belts in fear.

“Then why in Celestia’s green earth are you eating my Tapioca Pudding?!”

“I’m sorry sir! I was hungry!”

“Drop down and give me pushups till you return that pudding!” Flash orders.

“Sir?” Strong asks in confusion.

“The pudding is garbage now! Return it to the earth from wence it came! Pushup till you puke!”
Whimpering the guard gets down and starts doing push ups while Flash smiles.


Back with You

“We’d be able to handle him, even if we’d rather not.”
She nods before you see her look down in sadness.

“I don’t mean to put pressure upon you Shining. In fact, I expected this week to be much more organized.”
You raise an eyebrow at that.

“Don’t worry Princess. The transport of the Crimson Knights to their new prison in the badlands will be taken care of.”
She looks up at that a bit surprised.

“Oh…yes. *Ahem*, very good.”
You know she probably meant something else, but if she’s not willing to tell, you won’t pry.

“And do not worry about the time table’s shifting on us, we understand our duty in this program. Even if that duty has changed.”

“Very well Captain,” she says with a nod. “If you think it can be done, make it so.”

“Ma’am!” you stand up and salute her.
She turns to leave, before she stops and looks back to you.

“Do you wish to tell Cadence, or shall I?” she asks with a sad expression.
Your eyes widen, before you too look down in sadness.

“I’ll tell her Princess.”
With that she nods and leaves the room as you put your face in your hooves.

Cady’s going to be devastated…





BrownDog’s Comment



POV Change: Cadence

Shining looks at you a bit guiltily.

“But…but how? How could he have been?” you trail off as your world crumbles a bit.

“We’re not sure how, but sometime between the Invasion and his reappearance in Canterlot, he was taken as the new host of Nightmare Moon.”

“I…I…” you stutter.

“Cadence, I know it’s hard to hear and…and I’m sorry that I doubted you on his integrity.”
You see that he really means it. That he feels guilty for all the times he obsessed over brining in Bugze, and the arguments you had over it.

“But…that night at the Gala, I…he didn’t even seem to know who Nightmare Moon was.”
Shining looks down at that, 

“According to what Princess Celestia has told me, he may not even be aware that it’s Nightmare Moon possessing him.”

“B-but Shiny, Bugze is still in there. He still wants to help others and do good and-“

“I know, I know,” he says with a look of shame on his face. “But what he wants and what he does are most likely being twisted.” He then lets out a sigh. “All those times Cady, he told me he wanted to help, and then he would go too far, I labeled him reckless, a nuisance…a monster…But I’ve been victim blaming this whole time.”
Awhile ago, you’d have been happy to hear him siding with you on Bugze, but now your heart feels like it’s been stamped on. You embrace your husband as he returns it with gusto.

“When the project is finished, we’re going to have to use them. They’ll be needed to ensure that Twiley and her friends can get a straight shot. I’m…I’m still going to have to hurt him. I have to hurt him in order to save him,” he despondently admits.

“Shining,” you whimper to him with mascara running down your face, “He gave me food and water, he kept me alive to make sure I could come back to you. He’s still one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Even if he’s possessed, please…please promise me you’ll bring him through this alive.”



POV Change: Vinyl Scratch

You rub your temples with both hooves. Partly because you’re annoyed, and partly because the bender you’ve been on to keep the hangover at bay is slowly wearing off.

“Man, this time, THIS time I’m quitting drinking,” you moan. 

"You’ve said that again and again Vinyl, the day you finally do, is the day I am a unicorn,” comes the terse voice of your BFF Octavia. You give an annoyed glare at her from behind your shades. 

“I will one day, just you wait. And besides, don’t get all huffy with me just because you’ve got your tail in a knot,” you huff back.
She lets out a sigh and says, 

“I’m sorry Vinyl, it’s just…I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
Her mane is a bit messy, and you know she’s been tugging on it, but you can’t say you blame her. What happened with the Offender was shocking for everypony.

“Octy, come on, you can’t keep stressing about this. Sure none of us saw this coming,” you comfort.

“I know. To think that we never knew that about him,” she sighs.

“Well sure, but even still, I’d still take him to the sack,” you admit.
Octavia just gives you a confused look,

“What?”

“Well, I’ll be honest, even before he put his hood down, I never thought that I’d be attracted to a freaking Changeling,” you admit. “And with it off, he’s still kind of exotic, what with that orange hair and everything.”
She rolls her eyes and declares, 

“I wasn’t talking about him being revealed as a Changeling Vinyl.”

“You weren’t?” you ask confused.
Still flabbergasted, she says, 

“No. I think that that part doesn’t matter so much as he is possessed by Nightmare Moon!”
Your eyes widen at this as you chuckle nervously, 

“Oh…right…I guess I kind of forgot about that part.”

“How could you possibly forget something that big?” she asks, aggravating your head again.

“OK, maybe I really should cut back on the booze,” you declare rubbing your temples again.
Letting out a frustrated groan, she turns away from you.

“I still don’t know what to feel Vinyl. I feel like I’ve been sucker punched. Like everything I’ve believed is wrong…” she mutters sadly.
Sighing once again, you pat her on the back.

“I suppose…I suppose I never thought about his actions in Fillydelphia as real, until I saw Trixie…” she tampers of as she shudders, but still you let her vent.
“Did he mean ANYTHING with his actions? Or were those just the workings of the Boogeymare?”
Your head pounds, you are annoyed, and you hate seeing your friend hurt.

“Look, Octy. I know you put this guy up on a pedestal, but more often than not, you get disappointed when you learn more about them.”

“But…but he saved me…he saved us from Discord, he’s stopped other evils in this world…Why would Nightmare Moon make him do those things?” 
Shrugging you say, 

“I don’t know. And even if we could ask the guy, who knows if we’d get a straight answer.”
She sighs again and looks down at her hooves. 

“I just…I just don’t know how to act anymore. The Horde was based on following an example for good…”

“Then keep following that path,” you encourage.

“Huh?” she looks up.

“Keep following the good path. You started your little fan club to help spread the message of helping others and fighting evil. Just because your mascot let you down, doesn’t mean you should abandon what you believe in.”
She looks at you a bit surprised.
“Hey, all I’m saying is that you believe in those ideals, and they’re still good ones.”

“…Vinyl Scratch, you are absolutely full of wisdom sometimes,” she declares with a small.

“Yeah, well, I’m drunk so…” you shrug.
She giggles at that, which makes you smirk, before she looks away again. 

“Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps my friends and I can still do good…even if I still feel heartbroken…”





ThePonySpartan’s Comment



POV Change: Spike

You sit in the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse with Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Scootaloo and their two rich friends. You're sitting beside Apple Bloom with your arms crossed in deep thought as the others talk over things. Well, everyone except Applebloom who looks deep in thought as well.

"It makes so much sense now! I always knew The Offender wasn't bad." Scootaloo chirps.

"Yeah! There always seemed something off about him. He sounded like a nice guy that didn’t like evil. Spike told us all about the times he appeared at the horde meetings, right Spike?” Sweetie Belle adds.
You don’t answer because you aren’t paying much attention. Your mind is a cluster-buck at the moment.
First and foremost, the revelation that The Offender was hosting Nightmare Moon, the mare that nearly took over Equestria and tried to kill Twilight and the girls.

He was always such a nice guy every time I met him, so I always felt confused when he would rampage. This makes more sense now. I can’t believe someone so good got corrupted. I bet I could help him somehow with my new magic cancelling fire and-

“Spike?” Sweetie Belle shakes your shoulder trying to get your attention.

“Huh? Yeah?! What?” you stammer as you are brought out of your thoughts.

“I was trying to ask you about those Horde meetings that the Offender actually attended,” she repeats.

"Oh, right, what do you want to know?"

"Um. How did the Offender act towards you? You always told us he was-"

“Yeah, yeah, Right,” you start cutting her off and looking to Diamond and Silver. “Well, he was always authoritative and tough, and he wanted the best for eveypony. Every time he showed up, I’d look up to him. He always…he always treated me like an adult and taught me the importance of family. Also, he saved me, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Rarity from dragons. I owe him a lot.”
The two rich fillies take in your information with awe.

“Wow…” Diamond says.

“You sure do idolize him huh?” Silver asks.

“Of course I do. He’s a hero. I can't stop believing in him just because he's been possessed.”

"I owe him an apology..." Apple Bloom pipes up causing you all to look to her.

"Whoa, that's the first thing you said today Apple Bloom," Scootaloo says with a grin.

“Yeah, and what do you mean by that?” asks Diamond.

"Well... three years ago when all of this started, I met him and helped him out. I liked him. But then when…well, when Trixie’s first show came,” you all wince at her name, “He hit my big sis with some magic and hurt her, so I got real mad at him for the longest time and gave him a cold shoulder.” 

“Oh, is that why you always looked upset when I talked about him?” asks Scootaloo?
She nods and says, 

“Yeah. I never knew if it was an accident or not, and I guess I never really cared…But now I realize the things he did in the past were all because of that blasted Nightmare Moon!” She stands up at this and declares, "I want to save him, as my apology for doubting him."
To this, Sweetie and Scootaloo stand up and say at the same time, 

"Yeah! I wanna save him as a horde member!" They both look at each other, giggle and say, "Jinx!"
You stand up as well. 

"I want to save him as a friend. And to pay him back for all the good things he's done for me."
Diamond and Silver look at you four and stutter,

“Uuhhh, We want to help too, but we don’t really have any personal experience with him,” Silver Spoon explains.

“Oh,” Applebloom says as she Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle start thinking.

“Umm, OH!” Sweetie yelps, “Help him for saving Nigtshade the other day.”

“Oh yeah, he did tells us that he got her back to Mr. Tennant,” Applebloom thinks aloud.

“I guess that works, We’ll help him for saving Nightshade…Where is she by the way?” asks Diamond Tiara.

“Or her dad for that matter?” adds Silver.

You look down at that as you are reminded of the other big thing weighing on your mind.


“Actually, we have no idea,” Scootaloo explains.

“There shack got destroyed when the Offender was fighting…Her,” Sweetie trails off.

“The Offender told us that she and her dad were safe and already long gone…”

“Do you think he was telling the truth?” asks Diamond.

“Yeah, how do we know it wasn’t Nightmare Moon lying?” Silver adds in.

“He wasn’t lying. He was calming down. I know it was the Changeling Hero and not that monster,” you say with conviction.
They all look to you.

“I already looked all over for her because I wanted to…” you trail off as you rub your cheek before shaking your head, “I think…I think that Nightshade and Mr. Tennant just took the opportunity to leave. She always told me that they weren’t going to stay in Ponyville forever. I just wish…I just wish she’d have said goodbye.”
They all wilt their ears at that.

“Oh…” Applebloom says.
You then look back up and say, 

“She told me that when they did leave again that she would write so we just have to wait I guess.” You then smile again and say, “But she always was a fan of the Offender, so I’m sure she’s still devoted to him, Nightmare Moon or not.”
They all agree with you, before Applebloom speaks up again.

“Spike’s right. Nightshade wouldn’t let a thing like Nightmare Moon stop her from trying to help somepony. And I know we’ll see her again.” You feel a lot better knowing someone else thinks so too. “I declare that from this day on, the Cutie Mark Crusaders will believe that the Hooded Offender can be saved,” she says as she puts her hoof out.

“Heck Ya!” Scootaloo declares putting her hoof on top of Appleblooms.

“Count me in!” Sweetie squeeks, and places her hoof onto the pile.

“We’re in,” Silver and Diamond add their hooves.
Smiling, you say nothing as you place your claw over theirs.
As you do, the CMC declare,

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS HORDE MEMBERS YAY!!!”

You all then break the hoof pile, a new purpose driving you all.
Twilight and the others may be atoning for the last three years, but you, you will do what you always have done. Believe in the Hero that is the Hooded Offender, and believe that he would be saved. 





TheRutherford’s Comment



POV Change: Doctor Stable

You are checking up on your newest patient, 1 Trixie Lulamoon. She looks like she's been through the ringer, but considering all the Hooded Offender, or rather Nightmare Moon did to her, you were expecting much worse. Still, she is lucky to even still be breathing having been clinically dead for nearly 5 minutes.

Most of the damage was superficial scratches and bruising that seem to have been healed, possibly by that magic amulet. One of her hooves had been broken, and four of her ribs had been cracked, but the major injury was the near fatal stab wound.
You look over the file again, even though by this point you have it memorized.

The weapon used was a jagged piece of crystal which opened up her intestines and caused several other internal injuries. Due to the angle of the wound, one of her lungs had been collapsed. There was also external burning around the wound which will form into a nasty scar, a vain attempt at cauterization, though it did stop Ms. Lulamoon from completely bleeding out

Still it it’s a miracle that after her heart stopped that Princess Celestia was there to get her to the ER in time.
Looking from the paperwork to the patient you let out a sigh.

She’s been through a traumatic experience. When she wakes again, she may need psychiatric help.

Almost as if responding to your thoughts, you here a quick intake of breath as your patient’s head starts moving along the pillow.
Eyes widening, you call out into the hallway.

“Nurse Redheart! Come Quickly. The patient is responsive!”
You hear the nurse acknowledge you as you turn back to Trixie.
You see her eyes slowly blink, but not open all the way.

“Hooo…Hooo…” she gasps out trying to say something.

"It's ok ma’am. You are in Ponyville Hospital. You were hurt very badly but you are safe now."
You say to her. Her head weakly tilts to look up at you.

“What…Why…?” she breathes out weakly.
You hear the sound of Nurse Redheart enter the room.

“Ms. Lulamoon, I am Dr. Stable. Do not try to strain yourself too much, you’ve survived a very traumatic ordeal.”

“S-Survi…?” she says as her eyes droop further.

“Yes ma’am. Let me be the first to tell you that we are relieved to know you can still reach consciousness,” you say in relief.
Then suddenly she does something you don’t expect, her eyes begin to well up with tears as she slowly turns her head away from you.

“Ms. Lulamoon, I know that what you’ve just been through has been tough, but you are in good hooves. We will-“

“Please…just let me die…” she whimpers shocking you and the nurse.

“Ma’am, your injuries are severe yes, but you will live and make a full reco-"

“I don’t…deserve it…just let me die...”
Again you are shocked for words.

She…she doesn’t think she deserves to live?
She slowly whimpers inter pillow, before you turn to Nurse Redheart and say,

“Give her a sedative and something for the pain, immediately.”
She nods, just as shocked as you, and administers the medicine into Trixie’s IV. Soon her crying stops as her breathing becomes more regular as she slumbers once more.

“This is…this is disconcerting,” you mutter as you look at your patient.

“I don’t think that word conveys what this is enough,” Nurse Redheart says with her ears against her head. She then looks you in the eye. “Doctor, is she exhibiting suicidal tendencies?”
You close your eyes and take a deep breath.

“She’s been through intense mental and physical trauma. It’s not unknown for mental instabilities to occur after traumatic events.” You then open your eyes and give Redheart a sad look. “This poor mare, after all that was done to save her, she feels she doesn’t deserve it…”
Redheart looks down with a frown.

“What is the procedure for this doctor?”
Letting out another sigh you explain, 

“We will continue to give her medical attention, until she is completely healed, but precautions must be made to ensure that she does not attempt self harm. Limb straps, magic canceling horn rings, anything that will help.”
You then look at your clipboard.

“We will take care of her physical body as best we can, but after that…she’s going to need mental help. Something we cannot provide here.”
Nurse Redheart nods with your assessment. 

“It just doesn’t seem fair Stable. After all this mare has been through.”

“Life isn’t fair Redheart. But hopefully the monster responsible will pay for this dearly.”

You then make notes upon your document. 

“I’ll have to update Princess Celestia on this disturbing development. Hopefully she can pull some strings for one of the higher end wards in Canterlot.”



The Next Day

POV Change: Nightshade

You stand ready in front of a black expanse of nothing.
Yesterday was intense. You led a revolution, kissed Spike on the cheek, kicked Trixie’s butt, and then you let Daddy handle the rest. But then Mommy dropped a bombshell on you.

Trixie killed herself out of guilt. This makes you feel guilty yourself since the last thing you ever did to her was sock her in the face and tell her how much you hated her. 

Maybe I could have done things differently, I know she was nuts at the time, but I was just so angry at her…It’s too late now though, you think in resignation.

That bombshell was one thing, but you also learned that now Mommy is the number one target because the stupid world thinks she’s evil. Add into that, Daddy is…broken and sick. Whatever that means in Adult Speak, you know from Mom’s tone that it’s not good.

And the one responsible for putting Daddy in this position, for kicking him while he’s down is someone you thought you were making progress with. Someone you thought was coming around to being your friend.

While Mommy is watching over Daddy, You’ve invaded the mindscape. Normally she’d be able to keep you out, but her worry has given you access.
Lighting up your horn, A cage materializes out of the darkness.

Encircled with what seems to be hundreds of chains, with burn marks and damage upon his body is King Sombra.
You hear the sound of some awful movie being played and with a spark of your horn, it shuts off.

He opens his eyes as he lets out a breath and looks to you. You stare back at him in a face full of hurt, anger and sadness.
After a moment, he looks down and to the side away from you. His face seems…sullen. He lets out a sigh as he says,

“I had wondered how long it would take before you came to speak to me…just get it over with.”
You don’t yell, you don’t scream, you don’t lose control. You just ask him, the hurt evident in your voice.

“Why? Why did you try to have Daddy and Mommy killed?”
He closes his eyes and takes another deep breath, as his face becomes more apprehensive.


WHAT DO YOU DO?


Outro:

> Episode 76: Getting Answers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:





MasterofShadows’ Comment




Kersey’s Comment



Sombra continues to look to the side with his eyes closed, not facing or answering you. He breathes in and out.

Is he trying to fall asleep on me? You think in anger before you grit your teeth.

“I asked you a question!” you growl.
He sighs again and puts on his authoritative voice.

“Just because you ask a question doesn’t mean I have to answer you little filly. I think the answer should be obvious why I did what I-“
You shut up his little monologue by hitting your hoof into the ground and causing a rock pillar to come up from underneath him and strike him in the nards.

“OOF!!!” he groans, but as he’s still wrapped in chains, he does not fall over.

“I’m not in the mood for this Sombra!”

“*Cough* *Cough* Why do you even ask? No answer I give will change how you fe-“

You cut him off once again as you use the mindscape to conjure up dozens of Junk Jets which start pelting him with mops.

“Aaarrrgghh,” he groans as the mops hit his body. Still he doesn’t say anything. He just continues to be pelted as you feel tears sting your eyes.

“ANSWER ME!!!” you roar, your voice echoing throughout the mindscape.



Fireheart1945’s Comment



From deeper within the mindscape, your mother rears her head up from your father’s bedside.

“What? She got in? Oh no no no,” she stammers as she sits up. “Rest easy Bugze, I have to go for now.” 

She then leaves the sanctum and travels through the mindscape till she comes across you pelting Sombra with mops.

“Oh you reckless little-"

“Just tell me why?!” you scream causing your mom to falter as she stops moving forward, keeping an eye on the situation.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"I-I trusted you! I shared some of my secrets that I didn't even tell mommy or daddy! And yet you still did what you did while not giving any bucks!” you yell in all of your frustration as you let all the junk jets fall to the ground. You breathe in and out heavily as the tears fall down your cheeks. He opens his eyes and stares at you, but you look down. 

“I just don't get you bad guys… how you can just live on knowing what bad things you've done?"



LordSegal’s Comment




Falx_of_Lume’s Comment




AllenNoir’s Comment



"Because it has always been them or me…” he answers softly causing you to skip a breath. You look up and see him staring at the floor with a furrowed brow. “Any time I’ve tried to believe otherwise, I was stabbed in the back... often literally…"

You stare at his slumped form, but still he does not meet your gaze.

“B-But we haven’t-“ you try to argue, but he cuts you off.

“Understand this from my perspective child. While I do enjoy your visits, at the end of the day I'm still in a cage trapped inside another being's head with no way out. I have been drugged for a good seventy percent of my stay, had three different powers stolen from me, and been both yelled at and insulted and tortured. When I finally saw my chance, I took it even though I knew you'd hate me for it." 
He says it so callously, and yet you can hear a tinge of regret in his voice.

He lets out a soft, miserable chuckle. 

"Now I find that my brashness has bucked up my chances of escape even more.” He then looks you straight in the eye. “Know that, though for not the reasons you'd prefer, I do regret my actions."

It’s not the answer you were looking for, and it’s not even really an apology.

You scowl at this, 

“You knew I would hate you if you succeeded but you went through with it anyway? You said you enjoyed my visits, I thought you were finally seeing me as a friend…”


“I..I…” he mutters before tapering off. His voice then becomes hollow again. “Yes I knew you would hate me, but I had to choose between freedom and…your company. And I never asked for your company. I never asked to have you in my life, to remind me of what was lost so long ago. I didn’t expect to have something so close to what was broken…” He then huffs and shakes his head losing that faraway look “It doesn’t matter. Love, Trust, Friendship, they all get broken in the end.” 

You furrow your brow and shake your head in frustration. 

"What do you mean?" You ask.

He turns his head and looks away from you. "...Nothing." He growls sullenly.

You rear up and slam them into the bars of his cage. 

"NO! ENOUGH OF THAT BUCKING STUPID EMO STUFF YOU KEEP DOING!!!" You shout angrily at him. He jerks back in his chains in surprise from your sudden rage.

"Every time we ask you about something that comes close to learning about why you're doing the things you do, you answer in a way that makes us think there's more to you. That something's bothering you that I can help you with if you just tell me!” you then slam the bars again.

“But then you just turn your head and say it's nothing, or we wouldn't understand, or that you don't want to bucking talk about it! And now that everything's come to a head you're turning away and saying it's nothing again!”

You press your face through and opening in the bars.

“Well guess what? I'm not taking it this time. Friends tell each other their problems so that they can help each other carry the weight of them. So just tell me already so I can help you!!!" You order him, turquoise eyes boring right into his wide crimson ones.
He stares back at you, mouth slightly open. 

"...After everything I’ve done…You still consider me your friend?" He asks.

"Of course I do! I forgive you Sombra!" You retort, spit flying from your mouth.

"...Why?" he asks, the confusion evident upon his face.

"BECAUSE I... because..." Your shout tapers off. You slouch down in sadness. "Because I realized that I don't want you to end up like Trixie." 

You admit.

"And why would I end up like her?" Sombra asks, not getting the connection between them at all.

"She betrayed our trust, and for that we hated her. We just stayed angry at her for so long we couldn’t even think to feel anything else.” You then take a breath and admit, “But she felt bad about what she’d done. She wanted to make things right and apologize…but we didn't forgive her. And because of that, she killed herself...” The guilt eats away at you as you look at the hoof you struck her with. You close your eyes then face Sombra again.

“And if I stay mad at you, if I don’t even have a chance to forgive you, I might end up hurting you to the point where you do that to yourself too." 

Sombra just looks at you strangely, almost the same way Mommy and Daddy look at you at times. Come to think of it, it's the look adults give little colts and fillies that says "Yeeeeeahhh-no. That's not how things work silly child."

"Yeaahhhh-no. I'm afraid that's not quite how things work Nightshade," Sombra mimics your thoughts.

"Then tell me how it's supposed to work. You said that you kept getting stabbed in the back. Tell me the full story so I can learn how it works. Tell me more about her! Tell me the truth about Hope," You respond with a frown.
Sombra stares into your eyes for a few moments again, before giving a long-suffering sigh.

"...Very well." He answers. You perk your ears up at attention.

"If you want to know the truth, about why it’s all futile, then I will oblige. Don’t blame me if you don’t like what you hear.” 



Kersey’s Comment




LordSegal's Comment



He then begins to tell you a tale. A very sad tale, about a Unicorn colt found in the snow. A colt who was sent to an orphanage, who was bullied and tormented for his speech problems, a colt who was an outsider in a world of crystal ponies.And about the filly who was the only light in his life.

Radiant Hope was an oddball herself, but she held a gentle and caring nature. They became friends, they grew up together, and as they grew his feelings towards her changed.

“But it was never meant to be…” he bemoans. 

He tells about how every year he would fall deathly ill during the Crystal Fair, how Hope would never leave his side because she wanted them to go together. How each year it became worse and worse. The last year it occurred, Hope kept him from fading away, and in turn her destiny as a princess was set.

“She would go away. She would leave me behind. I would have no one again. And then that damnable heart showed me the truth…”

The heart reflected what he truly was. An Umbrum. A dark crystal spirit sent to infiltrate the empire and set the rest of his kind free.

“I never had a choice in destiny, everything I wanted didn’t matter. And Amore knew. She knew what I was from the beginning and never told me. She let me suffer every year because of her own machinations,” he growls. “So I shattered her and spread her shards across the land…”

It’s gruesome to hear, but a part of you has to wonder if the original Princess of Love didn’t bring it upon herself.

“And Hope…she couldn’t accept what I was. She would not be my queen. She fled from me, not caring what we once were. I let her go for what sympathy I still had left, and that led to her bringing the Sun and the Moon princesses upon me…And you know what happened next.”

And you do know. When he cursed the Empire between time and space, she was left behind where she no doubt lived the rest of her life as the only Crystal Pony. That was 1,000 years ago.

“That’s…that’s so sad…” you sniffle. You can see a look of hurt in his eyes, but he still speaks.

“So there. You know the truth now. The only mare I ever loved, my only friend, showed me the truth. The Umbrum and Ponies could not coexist. They are the antithesis of one another. Amore tricked me into your pony ways, and I fell for it.”

He looks down, and you see some moisture in his eyes. “When our true natures are revealed, something as pure and beautiful as Hope could never love the beasts within the darkness.”

“B-But you did love her. She loved you too!” you point out.

“And we were fools to think so,” he says begrudgingly. “I am not a pony, so please stop trying to make me act as one.”

“But-“

“I don’t want to feel that hurt ever again Nightshade. You were awakening those feelings again, and those always lead to destruction.” He then sighs. “Please, just hate me child. Just hate me like your kind is supposed to do. It will make things easier in the long run.”

With a sniffle, you place your hoof upon one of the cage bars and say, “No, I won’t give up on you.”

“Then you’re a fool…” he groans and closes his eyes. “You can return me to the depths now Shadow Spirit, I am done…”

Suddenly the cage lights up and starts dissolving into the ground with him inside. You whip your head around and stammer,

“M-Mommy?!”

You see your mom give you a tiny frown before she sighs and lights up her horn.

In The Waking World

You sit up from bed as Mom in Dad’s body sits up and looks to you.

“How much did you hear?” you ask.

“I was there since the mops,” she replies.

“A-Are you mad at me?”

She closes dad’s eyes and shakes his head.

“No Nightshade I’m not mad at you. But next time let me know when you wish to do an interrogation."

You nod at this before you look down in thought.

“I don’t want to give up on him Mom. I know he wants me to hate him, but I don’t want to.”

She sighs and wraps an arm around you.

“Sometimes your heart is too big for your own good precious.”

“I know. But still…I feel so terrible for him. He and Hope never got to go to the Fair, they never got to get married and be happy. He never got to make more friends…”

“He may not be one you can help Honey. Whether you can forgive him is secondary to whether you can trust him.”

You don’t say anything to that as you just process all the info you’ve been given.

“I know you’re confused Sweetheart, but for now let the sleeping dog lie in his kennel like he wants. Worry about him after your father has recovered.”

You wilt your ears at that.

“OK Mommy…is he doing any better?”

She closes her eyes and doesn’t say anything, which is answer enough.

“We have time. For now, let’s get you something to eat, and then you can watch some films in the Projector Room.”

You decide to listen to your mom and your stomach as you both leave the bed and explore the bunker once more.

After breakfast, you search the pantry just in case, and there are a few cans left that weren’t totally obliterated. At most, you think you and Mom could stay here for a week.

Until Daddy is better, and we have a gameplan, I’ll leave you alone Sombra. I swear I won’t let you end up like Trixie. I’ve had enough of death.

With this in mind, you set up the projector room since your mom is technologically impaired and you try to forget about the outside world.



TheRutherford’s Comment



POV Change: Shining Armor
Location: Classified

"Are you sure about this Sir?” Flash asks apprehensively. “I mean, at this point what is it going to change?”

"I want to see their reactions. Nutjobs and idiots they may be, but I have to know if they even knew. The question is Flash, are YOU sure you should be here?” you ask the stallion with the sweat on his brow and red eyes.

“I’m fine sir. Going cold turkey never felt so good,” he lies and you shake your head. 

“I still can’t believe you’ve been taking the wrong prescription for so long.”

“Yeah…but at least tormenting Strong Head helps.”

You sigh at that, knowing that you’ll have to use that idiot in the future.

You then look to the commanding officer of the complex.

“Sergeant.”

"Yes Sir!" the guard says with a salute.

“I need to speak to the prisoners. I take it no news of the outside world comes to them?”

“Not of this magnitude sir, this is Super Max conditions after all. Though some of the more aggravated guards have let slip that a new prison complex is awaiting them.”

You scowl at this.

“That’s more than I wished them to know. But I guess it matters not, they’ll be transported soon enough.”

“Precisely my thoughts sir. I gotta say, these guys are annoying to the extreme, their transfer can’t come soon enough.”

You raise an eyebrow at that as Flash speaks up.

“Are you saying all of your highly qualified guards can’t handle a bunch of locked up weirdoes?”

The Sergeant sighs and says, 

“Believe me sir, there’s only so much even a trained mind can take.”

Even as he says this, you hear singing coming from behind the room you’ve been walking to.

“Oh Gods, they’re doing it again…” the Sergeant groans.

Opening the door, you are hit full blast by loud singing, and you notice the guards wearing headphones.

Yar har, fiddle di dee,
Being a pirate is all right with me,
Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free,
You are a pirate!

The Knights sing while clapping their various appendages. 

Yo Ho, ahoy and avast,
Being a pirate is really badass!
Hang the black flag at the end of the mast!
You are a pirate!

You are a pirate! - Yay!

You look to the nearest guard with headphones on, tap him then ask.

“How long have they been singing?”

“All morning sir…All morning,” the red eyed guard bemoans.

As they begin their chorus again, you prepare a voice amplifying spell.

Yar har, fiddle di dee,
Being a pirate is all right with me!
Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free,
You are a –


“SILENCE!!!” your voice roars within the corridor, immediately stopping the music.

“That’s enough singing! You are not clever, you are not funny and You are not pirates!”

You then step into the middle of the corridor where they can all see you from their cell door windows. You can see all of their surprised faces, whether they be equine, changeling, canine, or draconian.

“Wow, paging Captain Buzkill,” Brown Dog says.

“Actually, that’d be Prince Buzkill now,” adds Snap Drake.

“But he’s still a captain right? What does that make him?” asks Kichi.

“A princely captain?” guesses Solarkness.

“A Captice?” Rutherford chuckles.

“A self righteous blowhard?” asks Changer.

“A filthy disgusting meatbag?” Grey Rebl guesses.

“Come on Silver, get in on this!” the Brown Dog encourages.

“Well, how about a-“

“SHUT UP!!!” you yell as you send out a pacification wave that silences all of their idiocy.

Sweet Celestia, who’s idea was it to have their cells close together? Gonna have to make a note of that for the next complex.
You then speak aloud to the criminals.	

“Now, if you would all be quiet and orderly, I wish to do what I came here for.”

They are all silent for a beat, before you hear a clearing throat, and look to see the Wyvern.

"Very well then, where are our manners?” he asks in a polite manner. He gives a toothy smile as he continues. “You have to excuse us, It’s not every day that we get a visit from royalty. What is the occasion you Highness?"

From the way he speaks to you, you can't be quite sure if he’s being sincere or sarcastic, You’d like to lean towards sarcastic given their actions mere moments ago, but with how your preconceived  notions of Bugze's action, it’s hard for you to be confident in your assessments. 

You then nod and say to the room, 

“Very well. I have come to you all this day because I have some questions I’d like to ask you.”

“Again with the interrogations?” whines Kichi from another cell.

“Yeah pal, we thought we made it perfectly clear, we ain’t talking to anypony,” snarks Solarkness.

“And yet you were all willing to speak to the Bounty Hunter that brought you all in,” you counter.

“I wouldn’t exactly say willing,” Kichi grumbles.

“Exactly, the only reason I spoke to him was to sell out Kersey’s fat flank,” Solarkness chuckles.

“And we sold out Grey and Erised because it was funny,” Snap Drake adds.

“You miserable pieces of-“ Grey growls.

“Oi! Watch your filthy bucking mouth, there’s nobility present!” Brown Dog chastises.

“The point is Captain, Prince, whatever, is that we talked to that Bounty Hunter for our own reasons. That didn’t mean we had to talk to you, after your treatment of us,” Solarkness scolds.

“And by this point sir, our organization is all but dead, so what more could you possibly gleam from us?” Rutherford finishes.

You clench your teeth and declare, 

“I’m not here to ask about that, your judgment from the princesses has already been passed. No, I’ve come here today because I wish to ask you about something else.”

That gets their attention.

“Something else?” asks Kichi. “Like what?”

You then take out a recording crystal and ask,

“I’d like to ask all of you some questions about The Hooded Offender.”

Silence, sweet silence reigns within the prison.

“Well? Will you answer me or not?”

The wyvern speaks up again in a businesslike manner. 

“I’d like the record to show that all of the Knights are giving their best behavior and fully cooperating.”

“What do you think this is?” you ask incredulously

“Evidence for our trials? I am fully qualified to act as a lawyer in all proceedings.”

You just shake your head and say, 

“Your sentence is already being carried out, this isn’t really official, it’s more personal.”

“Oh…well still, I will proceed as if it is,” Rutherford says authoritatively.

“I won’t!” Brown Dog shouts.

“Yeah, buck politeness! I want more love!” Kichi yells.

Rutherford just sighs and shakes his head at the others outbursts.

"Right…Anyway, I am going to ask you a few questions in regards to the Hooded Offender. Choose to answer if you wish,” you begin as you let the crystal float above you.

“Now, let’s start off with a simple one. Are you aware of what his charges are?”

Rutherford then clears his throat again and gives his “Lawyer Voice.”

“If I may, can you please remind of us the charges? The last any of us know for sure was his actions in the Crystal Empire. As I recall he had quite a few charges against him, but I do not know any new ones he may have amassed.”

You roll your eyes at his overly polite speech.

"As of this time, his charges are as follows: Vandalism, Arson,” Brown Dog and Snap Drake Cheer at this, “Foalnapping,”

“Bet he’s Kichi’s best friend then,” Grey Rebl snarks.

“Shut up!” Kichi yells. Rolling your eyes, you continue, “Assault, Assault of Royal Guards, Two Accounts of Assault of Royalty, Destruction of Public Property, Destruction of Personal Property, Destruction of Government Property,”

“He sure hates that property doesn’t he?” mumbles Solarkness.

“…Conspiracy Against the Crowns, Attempted Coup D'état, resisting arrest, aiding Discord in his initial escape to help plummet the world into chaos…."

You then anguish at the last two charges, “One Account of Attempted Murder And Two Accounts of Murder One…”

You let out a breath, having been present for two of those actions.

Then Grey Rebl jeers, 

“What do you have that thing memorized?”

Scowling, you answer simply, 

“Yes.”

Grey just shrugs and says, 

“And folks say I’m obsessive.”

The Wyvern in the restraining mask then asks, 

“We only knew of two of the murder charges. The first being Flag Burner, and the second being the Shadow King, Sombra.”

“Who totally had it coming!” Solarkness calls out.

“Quite so. But that aside, who was the attempted murder victim? Someone recent?” he pushes.

Scowling, you say, 

“Yes. A showmare.”

“Hmmm,” the lawyer lizard hums, “History shows that The Offender has only taken or attempted to take the lives of those that truly deserved it, thus I’m guessing this Mare was evil?” 

You look him in the eye with your teeth clenched to which he blinks and takes a step back.

“The mare in question was corrupted by an ancient evil artifact. So no, she’s not evil, and she sure as tartarus didn’t deserve it,” you growl.

You then turn to the rest of the Knights. “Is that how you all weigh a life? Do you agree that if you think somepony is bad, then they deserve to be killed?”

They all stay silent for a moment, before Changer speaks up.

“It depends on what that being has done, and who is the one to end that life.”

You grimace at that simple answer as some of the others begin to agree with the assessment.

“So you do agree with this practice then. Good to know,” you say aloud in disgust.

You then turn to look at the nearest Changeling, who happens to be Kichi.

“Now for the second Question. Were you all aware that The Hooded Offender, the very existence for your group, was a changeling?”

They all start making noises at that.

“Wait, seriously?” asks Kichi.

“Since When?” asks Silver.

“What a twist!” Brown Dog and Snap Drake say together.

“He’s really that squishy?” asks Grey.

“That’s…interesting…” Changer muses.

You then say aloud,

“I’m going to put that down as no then.”

“Well it’s not like we’ve ever met the guy!” Solarkness adds.

“Yeah. If I had, I would have been able to smell it on him,” Rutherford adds, his lawyer voice abandoned in favor of shock.

“I mean, How?! Regular changelings can’t reach those kinds of power levels,” Kichi sputters flabbergasted. 

You then mentally sigh at this.

If they didn’t know that fact about him, it stands to reason they wouldn’t know about Nightmare Moon. But I have to be sure.

“That actually brings me to my last question. I’m sure you’re all aware of the Hooded Offender’s incredible power?”

“Heck ya, the guy beat up an Ursa Major,” Brown Dog cheers.

“Not to mention the entire Gala, before holding up the entire roof” Solarkness adds.

“And your sister and her friends constantly get whipped by him,” Grey Rebl smirks, causing you to grit your teeth.

“Alright, yes, I can see you’re aware. Now, do any of you know the source of his power? The power that even your associate here,” you point to Kichi, “says is impossible to obtain for a normal changeling?”

“Apart from a Changeling Queen hopped up on Love right? Considering one did manage to defeat the Sun Princess under those circumstances." Kichi adds.

"Yes, apart from a Changeling Queen "Hopped up on Love,"” you growl remembering that whorse that brainwashed you, “No regular Changeling should be that powerful. Do you know how he is that strong?"

They all then start humming in thought, and some of them throw out strange and crackpot theories such as drugs, demon contracts, and orbital wobble. Looking at each of their faces as they talk about it, you realize one thing.

They have absolutely no idea.

“Alright, I’ve heard enough, it’s clear to me that none of you know.”

“Do you even know?” asks Changer.

“Yes we do.” Before any of them can ask the follow up, you cut them off. “I know what gives him that monstrous power. The power that he uses to commit these crimes that you all so methodically agree with. I know, and yet you lot, the ones who ran an organization started because of him, don’t.”

“Well then Captain, would you care to enlighten us?” asks Rutherford.

You glare at each and every one of these insane terrorists.

“The Hooded Offender is simply a Changeling who had the misfortune to be possessed by Nightmare Moon.”

You look around to see not only the Knights in a state of shock, but most of the guards assigned here with the exception of the higher ranking ones.

“Whoa…” Snap Drake breathes out.

“I mean…” Kichi sputters.

“This whole time…” Solarkness muses.

“Really? Nightmare Moon is inside him?” asks Rutherford.

You glare back and say, 

“Yes. You’ve all been following the ideals of an ancient monster. And unlike that show mare, you did so willingly.”

You turn off the recording crystal, handing it to Flash Sentry, who puts it in a case. As you two begin to leave, you hear:

"Before you leave your Highness, Can we ask a favor?"

“What?” you ask curiously.

“Can we get some better food in here? Some of us can’t stand your vegetarian schlock,” Rutherford says, losing his nice guy persona.

“Yeah! I need some meat besides fish!” Solarkness growls.

“I want some pure unfiltered love!” Kichi joins in.

“Some booze would be nice!” Brown Dog calls out.

“How about some outdoors time? We’ve been stuck in these cells for months!” Silver yells.

"And Cleaner Floors!" Grey Rebl blares.

“All of your requests are being taken into account,” you say with a roll of your eyes as you turn to leave again.

“And a picture of your sister and wife wearing thongs covered in mud!” one of them says.

Your eyes light up with fury as you turn around and yell,

“WHO THE BUCK SAID THAT?!!!”

“It was definitely Kersey!” says Candy, the female changeling who’s been quiet up till this point.

“Yeah, definitely the lardo!” Snap Drake chuckles.

You look in on the obese pony in a hospital bed who clearly DID NOT speak and just shake your head in annoyance as you storm out amidst their laughing.

As you close the door behind you and take a breath, you hear one of them speak aloud as the laughing stops.

“Now hang on, for realsies guys. If we’ve been following the rule of some Dark Goddess, does that technically make us Cultists?”

Silence reigns before another speaks up, 

“Well Buck, I never thought of it like that.”

"Whoop Di Do, it doesn't really change anything with us being in here."

"Yeah! Let's keep singing!!!"

They then start up on their pirate song again.

Shaking your head you look to the guard in charge.


“Do not worry Sergeant. The armored train will arrive on schedule and take them and all 300 of their subordinates out of your mane. Stay strong till that day,” you comfort with a salute.

“Yes sir! Will Do Sir!”

You then leave this Celestia Forsaken place to continue your new training program.

1 Week Later

POV Change: Selena

It’s been a week since that fateful day. The day where you were ousted and Despair rang true. In that week, you and Nightshade have stayed in the Bunker, not daring to step foot into the outside world. In that time, there hasn’t really been any change in Bugze. He’s still shell shocked from his overwhelmed psyche, and though you’ve been by his side nightly, he hasn’t broken through yet.

You and Nightshade will have to leave within the next day if you wish for her to still be fed, and you’d rather your Bug came back to you in that time.

It may be desperate, but you think it’s time to bring Nightshade to see him.

“Are you sure mommy?” she asks as you lie down for the night.

“Yes my sweet child. I will be there as well. Hopefully together we can bring your father back from the depths of despair.”

Closing your eyes, you both soon sleep and meet up in the Mindscape where you lead her to Bugze’s bedside.

His eyes are open, which unnerves your daughter for a moment, but then you call out.

“Bugze. I’ve brought Nightshade to see you…”

He doesn’t visibly react, but then your daughter steps forward.

“Daddy? It’s me. Are you there?” she asks as she touches one of his hooves.

You walk to the opposite side of the bed and place your own hoof over his other one.

“Do you have nothing to say to our child?” you whisper in his ear. This time you notice that his ear twitches.

“Daddy? Please, will you talk to me? I miss you…” Nightshade whimpers as she gets right in front of his eyes before hugging him. “Please come back…”

For the longest time, nothing happens, but then you both hear a wheeze of breath which causes both of your eyes to lighten.

“Nnnn…Nnn…” you look to his eyes, but they still remain unseeing. “Nightshade?” he wheezes out.

“Yes Daddy, It’s me!” she says happily as she pulls back, but she frowns when she still sees his unfocused eyes.

"Niii..." he breathes again.

"It's her Bugze. We're both here. You're safe," you comfort.

“Nightshade…” he says sadly.

“Yes Daddy?” she asks.

“I…I broke my promise to you…”

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:

> Episode 77: Semi-Awakenings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:





Fireheart1945’s Comment




“N-No you didn’t Daddy,” Nightshade responds as Bugze’s face still looks impassive.

“Trixie’s Dead Nightshade. I caused that. I broke my promise…just like I always do. I should be the one who’s”

“Bugze!” you interrupt his thoughts. “That’s not true. Sombra overloaded your mind with guilt. You were locked into shock. These thoughts aren’t your own.”
His eyes blink, and shift downwards.

“But they are…they are my thoughts. That guilt is all mine. I make everything worse, and folks either get hurt or die around me.”
Nightshade looks unnerved as she looks to you and back to Bugze.

“But Daddy, you’re still the good guy.”

“No I’m not,” he then looks at you, really looks at you. “She apologized. She wanted forgiveness for her wrongs, she wanted to make things right…and I shot her down.” He begins to tear up at this as you stare at him agape. “I forgave you Selena, for the truths you confessed to me. I forgave you without a second thought…”

“Truth’s?” Nightshade asks curiously, but you look at her and shake your head. You do not want to have THAT conversation at this point in time.
Bugze then looks back down to his bear.

“I forgave you, I forgave the Elements, By Tartarus, I even forgave Princess Luna…But Why? Why didn’t I forgive her?”

“I…” you start, but you can’t really answer him. You know not the answer.
He then looks to Nightshade again. 

“It’s all my fault that Trixie’s dead…I murdered her…” he declares as his tears become thicker.
You look at the scene in trepidation.

He’s talking, but his anguish still remains.
Nightshade puts her hoof on his shoulder and starts patting it.




MasterofShadow’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment




“Daddy, don’t cry. Please?” her words don’t stop his tears. She bites her lip, before a look of concentration comes across her features.  “Look, if it were really your fault, wouldn’t Pinkie Pie have already hunted you down and baked you into bug shaped, moon flavored cupcakes?”
You give Nightshade a disturbed look as Bugze shudders a bit.

“Where in the world did that come from young lady? He did not Pinkie Promise anything about…her” you ask, not daring to say the showmare’s name.

“No, but Daddy Pinkie Promised that he wouldn’t lose control and kill again a long time ago right? So since the Pink menace hasn’t gotten him yet, it must mean it wasn’t his fault,” she rationalizes.
Technically what she says is true, but that’s not how Bugze feels.

“It is my fault. I drove her to that point. Even if I didn’t physically stab her, it’s because of me that she did it. I snuffed out what little hope she had…” he bemoans as he hugs the bear tighter.

“But Dad…” Nightshade starts with a sad look.

“If Pinkie can’t understand that…then she’s an idiot. Just existing hurts everyling around me.”

“That’s not true Bugze. Mine and Nightshade’s life are much brighter thanks to-"

“Don’t lie to me, I’ve only brought heartache to you two,” he blurts before he takes a shuddering breath and continues.





GreyRebl’s Comment




“Nothings changed.” It is a hoarse and empty reply, the tone reserved for one who has cried for hours on end. You and Nightshade wait with baited breath as Bugze struggles to put everything to words.

“I still can’t keep a promise, Nightshade. I can’t.” With eyes shut tight, he whimpers on. “Wherever I go, death just follows. Flag, maybe even those changelings from my own hive...and now...Trixie.” 
You notice that he caught his tongue. Still within the pits of despair, he knows not to speak of the Otherworld to her. He presses forward with his thoughts,

“I promised way back when to protect. I promised to Luna that I’d do better. To not kill again. To not hurt those around me. I promised. I promised, promised, promised but I break them every time!”


“Bugze,” you softly intervene, putting a hoof on top of his. “But you’ve changed. You’re doing better. You-”

“Nothing's changed!” he suddenly shouts, startling the both of you as he tears his hoof away. “No matter how much I try to set things right, I make things worse. I can have all the power in the world, but still be stupid enough to dig someone else’ pit.”

“You know that isn't true. Don't blame yourself for your outrageous fortune!” you declare, upset at just how upset he is.

His eyes dull once more. “...but can I keep blaming everything I do on Lady Luck? Some responsible changeling I am.” His shoulders slump as he says weakly, “Do you know what’s worst of all?” You and Nightshade don’t answer him.

“I’m still angry,” he declares, though there isn’t an ounce of rage in his voice. “Despite Trixie being dead now, I blame her for what I feel. Even now, I wonder if I can forgive her,” He lowers head in shame. “I’m a monster. Waiting for another victim to put the blame for his troubles. Just like-” he chokes.
You wince at this. You know who he’s speaking of.

Just like The Nightmare, with rage without end, down to the very last life. But no. He will never become that. As long as you live, Bugze will never become that. 

“Bugze,I will still be here with you despite what you feel,”  you admit to him, for despite everything, you know where your Loyalty lies.

“No matter which way the Winds of Change blows, the fire just keeps on burning brighter, burning away whatever good there is. The world is better off if I’m put out,” he declares, making Nightshade gasp.


“Bugze!” you reprimand for saying that in front of Nightshade.

He rears back, curling up like a child and turning away. Like the child all those years ago hounded by bullies. 

“No wait, I-I didn’t mean…” You immediately shut your mouth as your own guilt comes to the forefront. The silence weighs on you all, painfully suffocating whatever positivity there is left. The dreamscape’s air is dry and bare. It is like a prison. Nightshade looks unsure on how to act. Seeing Bugze like this has really gotten to her.
Softly, this time, you soothingly call his name, 

“Bugze. You’re not a monster.” 
Determined, you reach for his hoof once more.
He flinches. And that hurts you more than when you were struck by the Elements of Harmony.

“N-no. Don’t. I don't deserve-” The changeling pathetically tries to pull away, but you hold firm.

“Monsters don’t feel guilt, and you’re not one, Bugze. You can never possi-you will not be one!” you say in determination.
“Monsters don’t try to work endlessly to become a better person and make things right. You suffered too much, too much cruelty to-to be anything but. You taught me that…”

His eyes do flicker in recognition, and you hope he remembers your talk.


“I…I did…But I’m-“

“Monsters don't bring joy to others. You’re such a funny bug, you know that? You’re always brighten my day when you make me Laugh” you admit, and despite yourself, you chuckle. “When we first met, I would never have entertained the notion of laughing with you, but you changed that.”
He still does not look back to you, so you continue with your speech.

“You brought down the Crimson Knights. You brought safety and security to those around you. You changed Aqua’s life and-” you stop, breathing as you draw yourself closer, a wing bringing a wash of softness over your changeling. “And you’ve changed mine and Nightshade’s life for the better. Tell me I do not speak the truth?” He doesn’t answer you, because how could he? Everything you just said was the Honest truth.

“In the end, you always strive to improve, because you can feel that guilt. You feel Bugze, That’s what matters through the good and the bad. You feel. How can someone who brought so much good be a monster?” You look into his hollow eyes with warmth, hope, and Kindness. 
Bugze’s eyes widen and he looks back at you, a hint of that Hope returned. At first, you think you got through to him, but then he recites words. Words that he said to Trixie during her final moments. 

“But It’s Far Too Late To Be Forgiven,” he recalls softly in horror. Tears, bitter and cold, immediately rolls down his face, so seemingly unending that he might cry blood.

“No, no. No. Bugze, please.” Your eyes turn watery as well, threatening to spill as you pull his head into his chest as he sobs. “It isn't your fault. You still have so many chances I’m willing to give.” And you’ll Generously do so again and again if it means bringing him from the depths of despair.

“I won’t let you fall. I promise,” you whisper to him.



POV Change: Nightshade

You watch as Daddy cries into Mommy’s chest. She strokes his hair and holds him as he does so. You can’t help but feel helpless in the whole situation.
Mommy brought you here to get him out of his funk, and though he started talking, he still feels down.

He feels like a monster, just like Sombra does…you think in melancholy.

It’s been a week, Only a week that your mom has tried to help him recover from his trauma. You’ve only had this day to help.
Tomorrow, you all must move on, with or without his will intact. 
Letting out a sigh, you think

Just how much more can we take? What can fix this? A miracle? Knowing Lady Luck, to hope for one is moot.

But...maybe there already is.

In the end, it’s ironic. That your mother, the Spirit of Nightmares, is expressing more Harmony to this ‘monster’ than the actual Bearers themselves. That’s Magical in and of itself. And maybe. Just maybe...that’s miracle enough.
And so, creasing your forehead into a determined expression, you decide to seize that miracle as well. 

You put your arms around Daddy’s back as you snuggle him with your snout.

“We love you daddy. We’ll never let you go…”

And that’s how the three of you stay. Hours in the real world, perhaps a millennia in the mindscape. Your little family embraces, trying to mend it’s broken member.



ELSEWHERE: Within The Week of Recovery

After hours, the Crimson Knights speak to one another as they discuss recent events. Changer sits in his cell in his own personal thoughts.





ThePonySpartan’s Comment



It all makes sense now. Where his magnificent powers come from. After all, a normal Changeling shouldn't come close to being as powerful as an alicorn. Then again, there's me since I have more than one level in the equation genetic wise, but even with my magic I’m still not on his scale.

He then looks up in thought.

But now there's more questions. Why does the Offender seem to have two personalities unlike Luna? And how did Nightmare Moon get to The Offender in the first place? What is their end goal? There's something missing here, something important. The Offender doesn't seem evil to me, just out of control. And that's the confusing part.


“What do you think Spartan?” comes the voice of the Wyvern, knocking Changer out of his thoughts. He grits his teeth at the nickname and responds,

“What?”

“What were you sleeping or something? I asked what do you think of my theory?”

Oh right, his grand conspiracy theory, Changer thinks with a roll of the eyes.

“You’re nuts,” Changer snarks.





TheRutherford’s Comment



“Yeah, gotta agree with the half breed, you sound like you need tin foil on your head,” Solarkness adds.

“I mean it is kind of strange when you think about it, but I still stand by what I said. I think my respect for the Offender has gone up,” the Wyvern responds.

“Oh of course, because when I hear we’ve been following a dark goddess, my first reaction is also that her meat puppet is a respectable guy,” Grey Rebl rolls his eyes.

“What happened Ruth? You get some Kool Aid the rest of us didn’t?” Snap Drake jokes.

“Now hear me out guys. All we know is that this guy gets his power from Nightmare Moon right? But power or not, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re going to fail.”

“Case in point, all of us,” Silver nods.

“Exactly. Now think about this. This Changeling…still weird to say that outloud,” 

“Speciest,” Kichi jokes.

“Oh shove it. But anyway, The Offender, he gets this power right? But he himself must be a skilled fighter, because if you haven’t noticed, there’s no eternal night. I think that must mean he’s been using Nightmare Moon’s power for himself, and that would take a lot of control. He probably knows he’s got a monster, but keeps her under lock and key.”

“Yeah, or she’s being a manipulative mare and making him think he’s in control, just like every female ever,” Brown Dog chuckles.

“EXCUSE ME?” Candy declares in outrage.

“Speaking from personal experience lady, no offense,” he chuckles again.

“Your opinion of females aside, I’d like to think my idea holds some merit,” Rutherford pipes up.

“Well it’s a moot point, because there’s no way we can know for sure. And either way, we’d still be worshiping the ideals of a dark goddess, which doesn’t look good on our resumes,” Solarkness groans.

They all then get quiet again as they mull things over. Eventually, Kichi speaks up again.





Kichi’s Comment




“Say, you guys remember that Dark Offender comic book?”

“The one that none of us could figure out who was writing? Asks Snap Drake.

“I’m a huge fan of it,” Brown Dog barks.

"Yes, that one,” the changeling responds. 

“What about it?” asks Solarkness.


“Well, aren’t you guys curious? I mean, it did give some interesting info, and we couldn’t find the writer, and not even the publishers knew anything. For all we know the Offender was writing it himself.”

They are all silent as this thought permeates the air.


“OK, Is this how I sound with my theories? Because if so, I apologize guys,” Rutherford says as everyone starts laughing.

“Oh bite me,” Kichi mumbles.

As everyone laughs at the changeling’s expense, one of their members stirs for the first time in months.





GreyRebl’s Comment




Dark, damp and dirty. That’s the first impression Erised has when he murmurs into consciousness. Noise, ceaseless chatter and laughter bursts to and fro as he groggily opens his burning eyes, throat coarse as a rock and lips dry as dust.

“Ugh…”
By his groaning, the noise directly beside him lightens slightly, as though a person left a conversation. Ears flickering to life, he lifts his head to see where his is. Except he can’t. Scanning his own blood, he realizes how close to death he is even with the medical equipment around him supporting his vitals.
His groaning turns into a subdued growl as memories from what happened at the Asylum seeps into his mind like cold air on bare skin. 

“Of course,” he speaks aloud as he gives up moving, and simply lie on his bed. 
“Erised the Ink Moth: One of the most fearsome changelings of his hive with a terrifying ability now weak and helpless to the mercies of others,” He groans with a scowl. “I’m supposed to be dead...pathetic.”

“Yep. You sure are a sorry sight,” says a voice, “and it makes me feel unclean.”
Erised’s eyes narrow imperceptibly. 

“You.”

“Me,” Grey replies from only a cell away. “You know, when you followed my advice and offed yourself, I was kinda happy. I had hoped you’d stay dead.”
At this point, the cells of the Crimson Knights turns silent, and only Grey Rebl and Erised are talking now.
With a throaty huff, Erised rolls his eyes. 

“I hear that you aren’t beaten enough to stop you from being as insufferable as always.” He then smirks arrogantly. “Perhaps I should’ve pushed your body more. Maybe then you would be properly put down.”

“And I see you still think you’re in the position to be threatening,” Grey growls back.

“And that somehow makes a rabid dog, like you, higher in authority than me?”

“This again?” Grey snorts. “With the organization disbanded, and the facility turned over to the authorities, it’s not like I will keep taking your bullspit, you slimy buck.”
At that, Erised’s eyes widen, his glowing red irises faintly visible in the dark. 

“Disbanded?” Then, his eyelids suddenly feel heavy. “So it’s really over…”

“...yeah,” Grey replies after a pause, “and so my dream of cleaning the world of filth shall remain a dream. Now I’m surrounded by floors that I can’t clean myself. Bucking great.”

“Hmm.” A pause comes between them, but the changeling resumes his streak on the foul-mouthed Earth pony. “Still useless without me, I see,” Erised says in amusement
Snickers resound amongst the others.

“Grrr! Up your’s too flankhole! Why don’t you just go back to sleep?”
At this, the withered changeling just chuckles and mutters, 

“Too easy.” However, his voice darkens once again. “Although I must ask; how come you recovered before me? I know for sure that the Bounty Hunter dealt enough damage to mangle your body into a coma.”
Grey sneers from within his cell. 

“Tch. I guess I have your meddling to thank. Your ink blood kept me from bleeding out too much. After you dumped a stupid amount on me, I had to use the facility’s plasmids and vigors to endure it. I recovered well enough. But there was still ample traces left, so I had to deal with the agonizing aches and spasms for months. The royal guard didn’t bother to help. So yeah, buck you, I still don’t owe you anything.”

Before the Ink Moth can respond to this, a chuckle interrupts their conversation.

“Don’t be such a tsundere, Grey. Crazy, bloodthirsty, and obsessive...you guys are just meant for each other!” Brown Dog, in all his goofy glory, sounded with all the grace of a unicycle getting in between a motorcycle race.

“What the…?” Erised starts.

“Motherbucking what gave you the weird idea?!” Grey sputters taken aback.
To Grey’s bitter annoyance, others joins along the teasing.

Snickering, Solarkness says, 

“Gotta give you SOMETHING that makes you special…besides being a massive clean freak, of course.”

“And being a boring Earth pony,” Kichi interjects.

Rutherford then adds, “And the silly braces.”
The final line triggers the almighty janitor. 

“Leave the braces out of this; I like my teeth orderly and straight!” he explodes.

“See? Obsessive,” Kichi says adamantly.
Grey isn’t alone in his irritation, though.

“Ugh,” Erised groans, feeling a migraine worthy enough to shatter steel. “And here I thought I could continue to ignore your existences.”
Brown Dog laughs at his misfortune. 

“Aww! It’s not like we can interrupt your sweet reunion. When’s the wedding?”

“Gorram it, Dog! Go off yourself!” Grey seethingly glares at him.

"That's a very poor choice of words Grey," Brown Dog howls in laughter as all the others do to.

Taking a moment to think, Grey Rebl realizes the innuendo and groans.

“Oh come on,“ Snape Drake interjects gingerly, “Erised will feel neglected if you give my buddy that much attention.”

Erised hisses, “Don’t involve me in this!” However, he is aptly ignored as the conversation continues. He sighs throatedly. “I’m surrounded by fools and ignoramuses,” he concludes.
To this, Changer just shrugs and declares, 

“Meh. You get used to it. Could be worse, actually. Even though Grey Rebl might want to kill them, we all just start a song together and he’ll let it go and join in. Worked on me.”
The edgy changeling blinks, bewildered by the image of the foul-mouthed earth pony singing like a child. 

“Songs? Together? You can’t be serious,” he replies, disgusted. Although, something is nagging at him. Why does that voice sound familiar?

“Hey,” Changer speaks tersely, “Whether you like it or not, we are stuck with each other, bored and crazy.”
The Ink Moth rolls his eyes. 

“Insanity and boredom…what I’d do for some blood. Mine and someone else’s” He sneers, cold and murderous despite his sorry state, his eyes sharply glowing red. “But who are you? I don’t recall trash being able to speak at the same level as a General.” He growls trying to to make it clear: the unworthy should stay out of his way and never bother him.
There is an expected pause, but to Erised’s surprise, the voice doesn’t cave 

“Ah, yes. This is our first time speaking ever since THAT day… It’s me. Changer.”

“Who? I don’t recall anyone by that name,” Erised says aloud deep in thought.

“Oh for Celestia’s…You know…Spartan?”
Erised’s eyes lose their murderous glow and widen. 

“Spartan? Is that really you?!”

He sighs and grumbles, 

“Yes, even if nopony remembers my gorramned name…”

“You were dead…” Erised’s eyes narrow again.

“Was. But I’m back.”

“Heck ya he is,” Brown Dog interrupts. “At first it was out of blind Anime-Ninjaesque levels of blind rage.”
Rolling his eyes he responds, 

“Thank you Brown…But yes, now I am here just because.”

“...You changed. You’re not as naive, cowardly and pathetic as you once were.”

“Hey, any guy that can chug Jack Spaniels is anything but a coward,” Snap Drake pipes in.

“He’s still a filthy traitor though!” Kichi groans.

“Oh just let it go, we’ve all stabbed one another in the back at this point,” Solarkness chides.

“Speak for yourself Wolfy,” Grey grumbles.

*Grrrrrowl*

"Could somepony change Kersey's bucking feed bag! His stomach hasn't shut up for hours!" yells out Silver.

"That or just unplug him altogether! That would be nice!" Candy laughs.
Several murmurs of agreements meet that statement.


“Right…” Erised drones as he tries to get back on topic. “But anyway, Revenge was it?”

“Anime-Ninjaesque!” Brown Dog shouts, but Erised ignores him.

“I see. I can certainly guess how and why. Hatred certainly made you strong.” He sounds proud of him.
Changer huffs at this. 

“Didn't we all change? You and Grey are a bit saner now. Still got issues, though.”
Erised chuckles darkly, a dry smile creeping up his worn face. 

“Do you think so? Must be the blood loss.”

“Yeah...Ever since the Crimson Vengeance put all of us into this jail, it’s a twisted sense of friendship. Then again, this is the first in a very long time we gathered like this. Just like old times, in fact,” Rutherford muses.

“Mmmh,” Erised hums in thought, listening in on at the...oddly familiar scene; This banter, this ceaseless tomfoolery, and all the other undisciplined acts he despises. “Yes...interesting. Just like during the formation of this ‘fanclub’”

“Oh, yeah. By the way, we are cultists now,” Brown Dog laughs.

“...what?”
And so the, jail of the former Crimson Knight Generals is alive with insanity once more.

Meanwhile, Kersey’s heart monitor continues to beep, muted by the activity all around.
Everything is changing, for better and for worse.



Back to the Bunker: The Morning After Bringing Nightshade In.

POV Change: Selena



You rouse Nightshade from her slumber early in the morning

“Uh? What is it mom? Why are we up so early?” she asks.

“It’s time for us to move on honey. We only have a day’s worth of rations left.”

“Oh alright. Where are we heading?” she asks.

“Where we originally intended, your father's favorite town.”
Her eyebrows raise at that, 

“We’re going back to Appleloosa? Already?”
You nod your head. 

“Yes, perhaps the familiarity and nostalgia of the town and it’s citizens will help with his mental stability.”
She smiles at that. 

“Alright, let me get my bags,” she says as she hops off the bed. As you watch her assemble her gear you let out a small smile yourself.

Did you hear that Bugze? We’re finally going home.
Only silence greets you.

Doesn’t that make you excited? You keep pushing.
Again he doesn’t speak, but you hear a sigh, which is progress.

We’ll see all your old friends like Braeburn and the Buffalo chieftain’s daughter. 

That… he starts causing you to perk up. That sounds…alright…
You smile. It’s not much in the way of enthusiasm, but it’s a far cry better than what he was. For all that time you and Nightshade held him in the mindscape, you know he’s hit a milestone. But he still has a ways to go.

It will be more than nice Bugze. It will be wonderful. I guarantee you will-

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* 
You are interrupted from your thoughts from the sudden loud knocks coming from the bunker door. Both you and Nightshade freeze in place at the unexpected sound.

“Was…Was that-“ Nightshade begins before she is interrupted by yet another trio of loud knocks.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Who could possibly know we’re here? You think in worry before you turn to your equally confused daughter.

“Stay close to me Nightshade,” you command your daughter who nods.
The both of you then cautiously walk to Grandbuggy’s monitoring room. 

“Um…How do you turn on these light projection units again honey?” you ask. Even if you’ve been in the modern era for three years, the technology still baffles you.

“You press the button that says power,” she responds like it’s obvious.
Rolling your eyes, you cautiously press said button as all of the security monitors Bugze’s grandfather set up come to life. Both of your eyes quickly find the feed for the front door, and you gasp in shock while Nightshade gasps in surprise.




AllenNoir’s Comment





“Is that a changeling? What’s a changeling doing here?” Nightshade asks.

“That isn’t just any Changeling Nightshade, that’s-“

“Sin…” Bugze’s interrupts your explanation with his own shocked voice.
Nightshade whips back and looks to the both of you at hearing Bugze’s voice.

Bugze? You ask.

She’s…She’s not dead…Bugze gasps in surprise and what you think is gratitude.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* the pounding on the door comes again.


“Who’s Sin?” Nightshade asks.
You expect Bugze to speak, but he doesn’t verbally, so you answer. 

“She is the leader of the Changelings that kidnapped you last year.”
She frowns at this as she looks back to the monitors.

“What’s she doing here? How did she find us?” she asks, but you have no answers to give.

She’s alive…but what about the others? Bugze asks.

You steel your eyes at this. On one hoof, this was someone that led to one of Bugze’s darkest moments, but on the other hoof, he’s speaking and reacting again. Even if it’s just confirmation that the Changeling Five from last year aren’t all dead, her appearance has helped him greatly. 

Perhaps…


*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

“What do we do mom?”
You let out a sigh.

“We open the door, then we see what happens from there,” you answer plainly.
Nightshade seems unsure of this, and you can’t blame her.

“Nightshade, I want you to get into the inventory, just in case.”
She looks from the monitor and back to you.

“Yeah, alright. But call me if you need help,” she responds as she leaps into the bags.
You then proceed to the bunker door.

Bugze…Do you wish to be back in control? 

I…I don’t know Selly, his use of your nickname makes you smirk, What if she’s hear for vengeance, what if she wants to hurt me…I wouldn’t blame her, he slips again into melancholy.

No, don’t fall back down, you order. How about this. You speak through your mouth, and I shall control the rest for you?

I…I don’t…


*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Not giving Bugze time to back down, you reach out his foreleg and open the door.



POV Change: Bugze (Still a Spectator in your own body)

On the other side is the Changeling Female with the Alias of Cinnamon Sugar, or Sin for short. One of your former bullies within the hive, you haven’t seen her since the day…since the day you left her and the others to die in that cave…
And as you think that you notice the scar of three claw marks running down the left side of her cheek, where she tries to hide it with her mane.

I…I shouldn’t have done that…She could have died. I’m a bad Bu-

But she’s not dead Bugze, Selena encourages. She’s right here.

And she’s right. Though guilt still eats away at you, there is some comfort that she’s alive, which is more than you can say for Trixie…But the thing is, Sin looks determined and business like, as if you never left her to die in the first place.

“Hello 9001,” she responds coolly. “Or am I speaking with Nightmare Moon right now?”
Your mouth does not move to answer, so you know that Selena is waiting, hoping that you’ll speak.

“Although I suppose it doesn’t matter. I’ve still come here to ask you to help us regardless,” she says plainly.
You want to apologize, you want to ask about the others, you want her to know that you forgive her for the past, and hope that she can forgive you. Just like you should have done for Trixie.

“H-Help?” you sputter from your mouth while Selena controls the rest of you.
She nods at this.

“Yes. The others and I have found where they’ve been keeping the Queen and the Hive. We need your help to free them.”
If Selena didn’t drop your jaw in shock, you would have.

“May I come in?” she asks.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 78: Sins of the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:






ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment




AllenNoir’s Comment




POV Change: Selena

With your jaw still dropped, Sin walks into the bunker, and heads straight to the living room before finally taking a seat waiting for you to do the same so you can have your talk. You move his body since his strained mind is barely responding.


Bugze? you ask cautiously, feeling your changeling still unsteady and in shock, Are you alright? This is quite the development.

...she's alive... you hear him whisper. All this time I thought I'd left them to die, and now she's here. And my Hive... they actually found the others... and they need me.

You can hear Relief and astoundment in his tone, but they're both smothered by a wet blanket of guilt. Meanwhile you are more than a little reluctant at hearing this information. Bugze just went through a terrible ordeal which he still has not come close to recovering from, and you yourself have become a target for all the forces at Celestia's call. You should be looking out for yourselves, taking time to mend your wounds and lay low, not going out of your way to aid others! Especially Sin and company.

You make these thoughts known to your changeling, hoping to turn him away before he potentially hurts himself further.

I already left them to their fate once Selena. And now it isn't just them, he tells you.

You mentally frown and shake your head. The guilt from before coupled with his actions only a week prior are driving his conscious now. You've been with him long enough to know how the other changelings tormented him, and how they had the gall to continue doing so even after foal-napping your precious daughter. 
Perhaps what Bugze did to them was far too harsh, but in your opinion, hardly unwarranted. Everything logical in your mind says none of this has anything to do with you, and that these jerks should be simply left to their fate... But you know how much Bugze is hurting, and how in his state, doing this is sure to make him worse.
So, with the stairs leading down in both directions, you relent. 


Very well. We shall hear what she has to say. But Bugze, for all of us, please don't commit to anything out of guilt.

So, sitting your bug down across from Sin and keeping a wary eye, you mentally push yourself back a bit, so that your changeling can speak a little easier.

She gives you an expectant look, but Bugze hesitates as a million thoughts and emotions go through his mind and he closes his eyes.



POV Change: Bugze




GreyRebl’s Comment





You don't want to face her, not after what you did. But you have to otherwise you'll regret it and add to the ever growing pile. Regret, regret, regret... You take a deep breath.

Agony. That is what it feels like as you force yourself to open your eyes, each inch going by like an eternity. How long ago was it, since that day? A day when you thought being vindictive was justifiable? Another day that you regret your actions of...

It's just like with Trixie.

When you finally completely open your eyes. There is no pretense, no false disguise, nowhere to hide. It’s just the two of you sitting down across from each other. Neither one of you seems ready to start the conversation.
Within her mirror-like eyes, you can see what she sees. You: weak and with eyes of a deeper shade of blue, a far cry from what you were like the last time you both met.
Never before have you felt so naked.

As you stare at her, trying as hard as you can to find your voice. She closes her own eyes and sighs.





BrownDog’s Comment




LordSegal’s Comment




“Look, I know I’m probably the last changeling you want to see at the moment, but time is of the essence. We need-"

“I’m sorry,” you blurt out through your mouth causing Sin’s eyes to widen. “I’m so so sorry for what I did to you…to the others…”
She is clearly surprised by the sadness in your voice, and appears to be fumbling for words.

“I was so angry. I have a problem. I’m a monster who can’t stop trying to let others die for my rage. I’m so so-“

“Look, it’s…it’s fine,” she says in a tone that clearly isn’t fine.

“But you were pleading for help, and I didn’t give it and…”

“IT’S FINE!!!” she declares with grit teeth, before turning away and breathing deeply.

“We didn’t die, not for lack of trying. It’s fine…”

“We? So you mean that the others are also…?
She nods and you breathe out a sigh of relief.


They all lived…I didn’t kill them.
You look back at her and see that she is trying to bring her emotions under control.

"How did you escape?" you ask. The last you saw of them, Garble and his buddies were descending on them.
She pauses at that. 

"I didn't. The dragon that caught me, he..." You see her barely manage to suppress a full-body shiver as she rubs at the left side of her face.

"What do you-?“ 

“Mongo and Biff got all of us out. It wasn’t pretty…we each bear our own scars. Some worse than others” she trails off in thought.
You look back to her cheek and see that the claw marks snake around to the back of her head, and down her back, causing you to wince.
Being left beaten and defenseless by dragons, you’re glad that all they have is scars. But still.


“H-How bad?” you ask nervously.
She sighs and says, 

“Biff and I are the lucky ones, we only received some scars… but Tannen lost an ear, Vicky lost a wing and can’t fly anymore, and Mongo…” she winces before continuing. “His throat was slashed, and he can no longer speak.” 
Selena herself brings your hoof up to your mouth at the image, and you would have done the same.

“But like I said. It’s fine,” she says shaking her head. “We’re alive, we found what we were looking for, and we’re still are able to carry out our duties.”

That’s not fine. That’s not fine at all, you think in guilt.
Alive is one thing, but they’ve all been maimed thanks to your rage. Every scar that they have, is because of your actions.

Just like Trixie…Oh gods I should have saved her, I had the ability to…
You start to fade out a bit.

Stay with me Bugze! Mayhaps you can still save this one. She came for help after all Selena encourages.

Help…Yeah…sure… you say as you try to keep your thoughts from overwhelming you.

“Wh-where are they now? Are they outside?” you ask nervously.

“They are off in their ordered positions far from here. I figured how last time…” she rubs her cheek, “Well, I figured that perhaps if it was just me things would go smoother 9001”

You don’t even correct her for using your drone number, you’ve been more like that Changeling Cog Wheel than you’ve been Bugze lately.

“And like I said, we need your help to break the Hive out.”

That statement again makes you weary. They came to you asking for the same thing last year, and you turned them down…




GreyRebl’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment





"Why?" With a hoarse throat, you ask.

"Hm?" Sin goes rigid, as if ambushed.

"Why did you come to me again?" You pause, but with surge of will, you elaborate, "You, you know my answer from back then, back on that day. What makes you think it’s changed?" Your voice cracks at the end.
You yourself don’t know if it has changed or not as you still try to grasp at your rational side through the guilt.
Still a bit surprised she ponders your question.


“Surely there are others though. I even ran into some in the Crimson Knights” you interject.
A look of bemusement comes across her face.


“Yeah…Them,” she says in disgust. “Let’s just say we don’t want or need the help of a fanatical old bug who hates his own kind, or an idiot with delusions of grandeur.”
You know she’s talking about Erised and Kichi. Add into the fact that they’re locked up, you can understand her limited options.

“In the grand scheme of things, you were the only option.”

“Even still, why come to me? How did you even find me?”

"Why come to you, huh?" Sin looks to the side, pondering deeply. The few cautious glances towards you answers everything, yet nothing at all. Then, she sighs, but you notice her stiff breathing. "It feels like it’s been so long since that day. It feels almost like a dream. I try to forget, too..."


...But that won’t heal the scars. You glance away.

She seems to hold guilt as well, Selena advises.
Sighing again she continues to speak,

"And to how I found you. Well, there was new information that we’d gathered after…after that night. We’d learned about this Bunker’s location, as well as other secret locations.”
Surprised, you ask, 

“Where did you get that info?”
She ignores this inquiry and continues on, 

“And then we heard about that uproar a week ago…”
A cold strike of pain hits your heart and you begin to retreat a bit, but Selena ensures you don’t fall.

“And I was ord…I decided to find you,” she says, though her hesitance and change of grammar doesn’t escape you. As if she’s left something out. Before either you or Selena can dwell on this, she continues.
“Deep down, I knew your answer would be the same: Flat rejection,” she declares with a slump of her shoulders. “Of course, how can it be anything else? Not after what...home did to you." She closes her eyes, opening then again after a deep breath. Her eyes are downcast now. 

"Although, I didn't expect to be apologized to." This time her hooves go still, her entire being rigid and calm. She's business once more. But by these actions you know she is anything but. "It wasn't what I wanted."
You freeze up. Meeting her eyes suddenly feels like a taboo.
However, she continues. 

"Even though you apologized, not once did you say you forgave me." Chuckling dryly, she says, "What can I expect? To you, we must be monsters."
She then looks you in the eye.





ThePonySpartan’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment





“But monsters or not, we’re still your fellow changelings. We’re family, and family helps one another.”
You don’t say anything to that.

The only family I ever had in the hive is dead. Mom and Dad…Grandbuggy…

"9001, if you come and help us we can help you as well,” she offers.

"Help me Lieutenant?" You ask in wonder. "How?"

“Actually, it’s Shell Marshal now,” she corrects.

She was promoted? By who? You wonder.


"And we can help you if you save the Queen and the Hive I'm sure they would definitely try to get Nightmare Moon out of you. The Queen is pretty powerful. Once she’s gathered enough love she would be powerful enough. We could-"

"Sin, Nightmare Moon's not evil. She's not the problem," you interrupt her immediately.
She tilts her head at you like you were crazy. 

"What?!"

"Her name is Selena, and she's changed. She's... my best and closest friend in the world, much more than anyone at the Hive. If anyone's my family, it's her and my daughter," you declare.
As consumed with guilt as you’ve been, you’ve never really thought about the consequences in regards to Selena. Sin has rectified that.
The Changeling mare gives you an odd look before you declare,

"It doesn't matter if you don't believe me. You won't believe us anyways, so there's no point in trying to convince you. Just know that she and I are closer than you think, along with our daughter, I have no plans of getting rid of either of them."
Sin seems to think deeply about your words about your true family before she shakes her head and says dully, 

"She's manipulating you 9001. Come with me and we'll help you if you help us. Then the Queen can ensure that you live happily with your daughter.”
Both you and Selena give an incredulous look before she continues.

“Even if Nightmare Moon is possessing you, The Hive wouldn’t care. You’d be a hero, you’d be praised, accepted.”

“That never happened before,” you reply unsurely.

“You have a better chance with us than with the ponies. They’ll never accept you, not after what’s happened. But we NEED you. The prison is impenetrable, and with you on our side, we have a better chance of succeeding.”

“Yeah, but I doubt Chrysalis would ever try to keep me around. With my powers she’d see me as a threat, and sooner try to kill me than help me,” you reply in dejection.
She seems a bit unnerved that you used the Queen’s name so informally, but she shakes her head.





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment




Roker12’s Comment






"9001, we’re on a time table here. The hive has been locked away for more than three years now; the majority of our species are confined to castle with no access to the outside world. They are barely above being starved for love…” she then takes a breath. “I wouldn't have come to you if there were anyling else that could pull this off,” she punctuates by slamming her hoof for emphasis before giving you a pleading look. “We’re going to bust them out, with or without you. We have to.”

“The five of you? All by yourselves?” you ask.
She looks to the side, 

“Not exactly…” she trails off, before looking back to you, “But regardless this is our Hive and Queen we’re talking about. We can’t just do nothing.”

“Not exactly?” you ask.
She groans and says, 

“While the majority of Hive is locked away after their failed incursion into Ponyville, there are still many like us who have been separated. We have a plan to regroup, but with you joining us, it’d go more smoothly.”

“How?” you ask.

“Because while I may now be Shell Marshall, you are still a Dominant Alpha now. Your power and leadership would ensure victory.”

She wants me to lead? You think. 

"Look... I know we were mean to you in the past, like... really mean." Sin tells you, "But we really need you now. Because like I said, we're going in with or without you. And we'd rather go in with you."

But I can’t lead. I can’t be trusted with other’s lives. I can’t…


"You've made your case." Selena speaks through your mouth startling Sin who’s eyes widen. "We require time to consider this."
Selena then keeps a tight hold of your body and mouth as the two of you move into the kitchen while the flabbergasted Sin just watches with a dropped jaw.

Bugze-

We have to help them, you say firmly.
You wait for some kind of argument from Selena, any kind of fighting response. But instead, all you get is a sigh. 

I know. But I don't like this. Putting yourself in harm’s way to save innocents is one thing, but these changelings, your old hive... you heard what she wants to do. What will you do if when they are released they try to invade Equestria again? What will you do if this attempt fails and we are captured, taken to the the Elements and they- She trails off before continuing.
I don't want to see you or Nightshade hurt because of this.

I know, You think, knowing you're on the losing side now matter what you choose to do. But like Sin said... we can't do nothing.





AllenNoir’s Comment





Selena groans at this.
Alright then. If that is your decision, I will support it.
Selena, I just don’t want anyling else to get hurt because of me, you admit. But I won’t follow them to the tee.

What do you mean?

I want to free the changelings, but that doesn’t mean I have to free Chrysalis. The rest of the Hive, they might have a chance to live peacefully if they were separated from her.

How do you plan to accomplish this? She asks.

I don’t know yet. Maybe if I learn more of their plan...Look, I need to help them, not just for what I've done, but even still I won't be a pawn. A pawn can easily be used to hurt someone. Can you take us back to her?
With another sigh she relents and takes you back into the living room. You see that her eyes faintly glow green until you sit down again.

“So it is true. You are the host of Nightmare Moon…” she says in awe.

“It’s Selena, and yes of course it’s true. We’ve made our decision.”
She perks up at this.




GreyRebl’s Comment





“I’ll do it,” you declare.
Sin is shocked. Her expectations are now blown to pieces, and in its place is hope. Tiny, muted, it is still something. However, wariness overtakes her first. Stiffly, she asks seriously, 

"Why? Why change your mind?"

"W-well..." For the umpteenth time in the meeting, you look away, hot with embarrassment. You're not sure how to express your reason. Even so, your mouth moves anyway. What came out is an echo, an abridged recital of something you haven't heard in a very long time. 

"I'm just like you, and you're just like me."
I art thou, and thou art I.


Even after his erasure, your Shadow from another universe is there to give you a video game reference to recall. It doesn't sound as bad as it used to be.
With a slight glow, you speak, 

"If there are changelings like you and me, I want to know for myself if the Hive is worth saving anymore." You then smile slightly. "Things change all the time. Right?"

"...right." For the very first time, Sin genuinely smiles. “This is fantastic. With you onboard, there’s no way we can fail and…”

“But…” you say causing her to pause, “If I’m going to do this, we have to ensure that nopony is hurt.”
Her eyes seem conflicted at this.

“B-But they are the ones who are imprisoning our kind. They’re the enemy.”





ThePonySpartan’s Comment




"I understand that you want me to help. But I'm not going to do it for the wrong reasons. I don't care if you think it’s a betrayal, but I want every one to live in peace."
She seems surprised at this, 

"9001 they're our food! We're the predators here it's how life works!"

"Then how did I survive? Because I haven’t eaten any love since the invasion."

"I... that's not the point. They are our enemies, we can’t afford to go easy on them."

"I don't...I can't hurt anyone else. I'm not going to help unless you promise to not hurt any pony,” you declare with confidence. You don’t realize that you’ve moved up further into your body, which makes Selena smile.

“That’s not a promise I can keep 90-“

“My name is Bugze, and I can’t help if you can’t promise that. I'm sorry Sin.” 
She seems very very flabbergasted by your resolve. 

"Then how do you expect us to survive?! We’d all starve to death.”

"No you won't. Form peace between the ponies and you'll be able to survive."

"Oh yeah, like that's turned great for you," she declares with a bit of heat.
That hurts because she’s right, you have screwed up any chance you have of having peace among them.

"My faults are my own. My decisions have led me to this point and I accept that. I’m a monster…” you then say in determination, “But you all can change that, you all can try to give peace and harmony a chance. You can learn from my mistakes." 

She appears conflicted by what you’re saying.


“B-but. The Queen would never…”

“I know, I doubt she would. But there is another way. A way that doesn’t involve her.”


With all of these declarations, you don’t even realize that you’ve more or less taken back your body. You take her hoof in both of yours surprising her.


“You don’t need Chrysalis. None of us do.”
She is startled by what you’ve said, as she slowly takes her hoof out of yours.

“How? How can you say that?” she asks incredulously.

“Because it’s true. I may seek your forgiveness, I may wish to resolve our problems, but Chrysalis has never done anything for me. I will help you and the others, but not her.”

She then looks at you as her eyes faintly glow green.

“But…weren’t you two friends once?” she asks confused.

“What? I don’t…” you start before foggy images flash within your head. Phantom feelings of happiness and joy, followed by hurt and loss.

Bugze? Selena asks in concern.

“That’s why she sent me to you in the first place,” Sin says in confusion.

“What? What are you talking about?” you ask.
She looks at you and declares. 

“I told you we found the Queen. We were able to speak with her in secret many months ago, but we couldn’t free her on her own. That’s why she entrusted us to enact her plans.”

“You’ve spoken with her?” you ask in surprise. “But…why would she say she and I were…?”

“After last week, she immediately ordered me to find you because you two used to be close. I wanted to speak with you anyway, so she chose me to-”

“She did? But how did…” you then notice the faint glow of her eyes, causing your own to widen. “She’s linked herself to you hasn’t she?”

“Yes, and it’s an honor," she declares in determination. "How else do you think I attained the rank of Shell Marshall?”

What does that mean?


She’s directly linked to Chrysalis. She can communicate with her even while in prison, you answer in dread.

Sin then sighs and says, 

“Look, given our history, I can understand your hesitance, but…” he eyes then flash brighter for a moment causing her to stop midsentence.

“Yes Ma’am,” she says aloud as her eyes roll over with green and she takes out a smooth black stone with a hole in it and place it over her horn
She then channels magic into it, before a circular image appears in-between you and her.

Slowly but surely, a blurry image begins to sharpen taking your breath away.

Bugze…is that?

You nod. She looks paler, thinner and her mane is ragged, but she still holds an air of power about her that you wouldn’t mistake her for anyling else. Her identity is solidified more when she uses your real name.

“Hello @#$%&…It’s been awhile hasn’t it?”





Darkinfinity666’s Comment: YAY CHRYSALIS!!!!






“Shell Marshall Sin says that you still have misgivings. Perhaps I can change your mind?”

Your former Queen’s image is being projected to you from her prison. Her eyes hold expectancy, arrogance, and even a bit of nostalgia.


WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outro:


> Episode 79: The Queen and I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:






DWC’s Comment




BarakaObama’s Comment




"Holy sweet mother of the moon you got OLD!" you shout aloud in surprise as your instincts kick in before you even realize it. One minute you’re sitting down, the next your standing up with the Boomstick out and your Power-glove at the ready. Chrysalis raises an eyebrow at this as she says,

"I’m not old, I’m malnourished @%#!!, why the sudden hostility?"
You stare at the image of the weak looking Queen and declare,

"Why? The last time I saw you, you blasted me with magic! Not to mention the fact that I've denounced you as my queen, so you showing up is kinda worrying"
Chrysalis winces at that before saying,

"Ah yes...I was hoping you’d forgotten about that,” she says biting her lip. “As for denouncing me as your queen, well I guess that's understandable, all things considered I hear you’re following a new royalty…"
Your eyes widen at that, but your guard does not falter.

“I don’t “follow” her, I don’t follow anyling. She doesn’t make me do anything, unlike you…”
She winces at that before hardening her eyes. 

“If you think so.”

“I know so,” you declare.

Well said, Selena punctuates and you can hear the smile in her voice.
Chrysalis hardens her eyes again before shaking her head, 

“It matters not in the long run I suppose. I just want to know why you refuse the Shell Marshall’s offer in order to protect the ponies?”

So she heard all of that. Our entire conversation. Her link with Sin is strong, you think in worry.

Why does that trouble you so? Asks Selena.

That’s a lot of power for an ordinary changeling to have upon their mind, you think with a weary glance to Sin.

“Well? What is your answer? Why won’t you help us? Battle between our kinds is always inevitable,” Chrysalis continues.

“Because…because I don’t want to hurt them anymore. There doesn’t need to be anyone innocent hurt,” you reply.

“INNOCENT?!” she snarls, but you don’t waver.





Fireheart1945’s Comment



“My condition, all our kind’s condition is because of these so called Innocents!”

“It’s because you attacked them. Twice. I’m not going to hurt them for trying to protect-“

“Oh come off it @#$% You know as well as I do you don’t actually believe that. Can you not see the state we’re in?!”
The view changes and you see the inside of some sort of old castle, but there are Changelings everywhere hibernating within their pods, or looking skinny causing you to wince.

“We are given the barest minimum of love. There isn’t much positive emotions within this place, and your oh so Innocent guards are oppressive. We live, but we are weak. We have no strength to riot, to fight, or to escape, just like The Princesses Want!”
She then re-centers the image on herself.

“We cannot take this life. We MUST escape. That’s why I want you to help,” she declares.

That could have been my fate. If I had landed with the rest of the Hive, I could have ended up there.

But you didn’t. You didn’t do this to them Bugze.

No. But she did.

“I don’t care what they’ve done to you. I won’t stoop down to their, or your levels. I can’t help if anyone gets hurt.”

“But we ARE being hurt. This “life” is an unjust torture!”





SnapDrakeGame’s Comment




"Unjust? The invasion would've killed hundreds, maybe thousands if it succeeded. We would have caused so much suffering-"

"Suffering?” she interrupts. “We've been suffering since the dawn of recorded time! We've always skulked beneath the surface like worms, poking up to feed, fleeing when our stones are overturned! You and I sought to change that remember? To live in the open?” she asks to your confusion.

“What? What are you talking about?” you ask causing her to give you an incredulous look before shaking her head.

“I could've brought about a dawn of prosperity for our people, to get out of the shadow my mother and ancestors hid in. I could've won. I was this close!" She lets out a few angry breaths as her rant comes to an end.


"Is that what you'll do when you escape? Try again?" you ask as you see the passion for her plans still burns bright.

"Of course."
You look down at this before you declare, 

“Then I can’t help you. If letting you go means others get hurt then-“

"Not right away, imbecile!” she declares desperately. “We'll go back into hiding, lick our wounds, muster our forces like we’ve done for centuries. The ponies will enjoy their brief reprieve and then we will strike and have our vengeance. We will succeed this time. It'll make a better world for me, you and our people. Why can't you understand that?"

"I understand it perfectly," you say staring into her eyes. “But I can’t support those terms.”

"Why?"

"How many thousands of ponies will suffer?"

"And which are you?" Chrysalis shoots back. "Changeling? Or pony?"
You pause. You consider. You don't conclude.
Chrysalis takes your silence in frustration.

“Our species' cannot coexist in peace $#@% there will always be suffering. But we can end ours!”

“That’s not true. There’s always another way. You don’t have to fight anymore. No one else on either side needs to suffer,” you say as you look at Sin’s scarred face…and think about Trixie.

Queen Chrysalis just looks at you in confusion, so you continue.


“If you want my help, we have to do this another way. It’s my price. Sin told me you wanted me specifically, and for whatever reason that is you’ll have to follow my demands.”
You think she’s about to argue some more until a strange look comes across her face.

“For whatever reason?” she asks as if you don’t know.

“Yes, she said you thought we were…” a blurred image flashes in your mind. “Friends?”
At this, an unmistakable look of hurt crosses your former Queen’s face.





BrownDog’s Comment




ThePonySpartan’s Comment




“D-does our past mean nothing to you?”
More fuzzy images flash within your mind confusing you.

Playing hide and seek, video games, and causing mischief with…someling… 
You grit your teeth as you try to remember.

There is a block upon these memories, but her words are stirring them, Selena explains to you.

The hurt look in your Queen’s face deepens.

“I suppose I understand your reasoning. For what I did…” but then she takes a breath and frowns, “But if not for our past, then how about I’ve called upon you for the favor you owe me?”
That causes to focus on the present as you respond,

“Favor I owe you? What do I owe you?” 

“Your very life %$#!” she answers immediately.

“That’s not my name anymore. It’s Bugze. And I don’t owe you my life. You’re the one who exiled my Grandbuggy.”
You’ll never forget that day. The public trial, the humiliation he suffered, and his form disappearing on the horizon.
She scowls at that.


“Your Grandfather was a fool and a nuisance. I took mercy on him with his banishment. More than my mother gave for your…” she trails off at this as she bites her tongue.

Past heartache hits you regardless though as a personal memory becomes more clear.

Your mom and dad hugging you goodbye, Grandbuggy with tears in his eyes holding your squirming young self, two gravestones in the rain...

You breathe rapidly at these memories as you remember the months of sadness…

Bugze, stay with me, Selena encourages. But it’s just like opening up a fresh wound, the old pain still hurts…but then you remember a glimmer of hope. A young changeling female with green hair smiling at you…

Wait… You think in confusion as you look back upon her. The smile is nowhere upon her present face.

Was that really her?
As you have these flashbacks, Chrysalis talks again.


“So yes, I did not kill the old fool for your sake.”

She may not have killed him, but she sealed his death anyway…


“It didn’t really matter. He went through with his plan to launch himself to the moon after you exiled him,” you mutter as you remember his last letter to you, and seeing the rocket launching in the distance.
She seems shocked and very confused by your statement, but she continues on.

“Regardless, it was not by my hoof.”

“I don’t owe you just because you didn’t personally kill him. Because of your actions, my life has been pretty hard” you declare.
She tries to speak up again, but you cut her off.


"You and the hive aren’t the only ones to suffer. I've suffered too. Ever since the invasion ponies only see me, see all of us as lying manipulative evil bugs! All because you decided to invade. It's because of you my life; all of our lives are such a pain!"

"It's because of me you even have your life," Chrysalis states flatly.
You pause at that. 


“What do you mean by that?”
She gives you a wary look before she explains, 

“Do you actually think you survived my blast after I discovered your treachery in feeding that miserable wretch?”

“What are you talking about? Of course I did…” you trail off as something at the back of your mind triggers.
She gives you a pointed look, but her eyes do look somewhat regretful. 

“My blast stopped your heart. You died that day in front of Cadenza’s cell. I killed you “Bugze””

All goes silent within the bunker as her words echo upon the walls.

“…Huh?” you say in absolute confusion, “You killed me? But that can’t be right. I’m still right here!”

“Yes, because of me,” she says pointedly. “I did not mean for your death, and for our bond in the past, I decided to fix my mistake. I daresay that your possession by Nightmare Moon is because of me as well.”

“WHAT?” you and Selena vocalize.

“Haven’t you ever wondered why you no longer feast on love? Or why you can so casually shrug off the Hive Mind? It’s because your heart is no longer fully changeling anymore.”
You feel so utterly confused by what she says.

“What did you do to me?” you ask as you try to remember that day in front of Cadence's cell more clearly.

“Canterlot was full of ancient trinkets that one can obtain when one looks like a princess. I obtained one such powerful item and fused it to your damaged heart. That artifact is now half of what keeps you alive.”

“My heart condition…” you say as you think back to your diagnosis by Quacksalver. “My midnight colored blood,” you used to have normal green blood in the past, but in the last three it’s been dark blue.

“Wh-What artifact did you use on me?”

“The Nightmare Jewell.”

You hear Selena gasp in shock at this.

What? What is it?

It is a power source that I…that she and I created a thousand years ago. It was meant to be used as a weapon in our battle against Celestia, but we never got around to…*GASP* That’s how I was able to sense you that day within my armor. Why I was able to jump into you so easily as weak as I was. I knew something within you felt familiar! Selena deduces in clarity.

Your jaw drops at this declaration and Chrysalis notices.

“Aw, so dawning comes upon you,” she muses as you look back up at her. 





TheRutherford’s Comment




“So…I was dead?”

“Yes,” she says with a glint of regret.

“And you…what, mixed this amulet thing with my heart?”

“Yes. Though you’d been dead for several minutes, the Jewell brought you back.
You touch your chest, near where your scar lies.

“And that midnight colored symbol on my chest?”

“Symbol? There was no symbol upon you when you were resurrected. Not even so much as a scar.”

That symbol must have come about when you and I joined. When my own power re-energized me in order to…do what I did, Selena ponders.


“So you see, you owe your life and power to me. Pay me back for the life I have given you,” Chrysalis demands.

You don’t answer her because you are in the midst of thought





BrownDog’s Comment





If what she says is true, I died…That must be the reason why my memories of the past are so foggy. My brain was off for Luna knows how long.

Depending on how long you were deceased, your brain could in fact have suffered some damage…She Killed You… Selena growls as the realization truly hits her.

You then shake your head at this.


“I don’t think that’s how it works Chryssy!” her lips curls at this nickname. “I wouldn’t have needed to come back to life if you hadn’t killed me in the first place!”

“I didn’t mean to!” she growls defending herself. “I didn’t know how truly powerful Armor’s love was. I was angry with you yes, but I didn’t want that. No matter how we left it at that dance, I didn’t want you to die!”

And with those words, many, many memories of the past are triggered.


The blurred playmate of your larvaehood sharpens. It was that smiling filly. It was her.


You did have a friend before Cadence all those years ago…


A friend that didn’t make fun of you, that didn’t judge you for your hair. She kept some of the bullies away from you in the beginning. The princess of the Hive was your friend…or so you thought.

Other fractured memories of when you were older come into play. Ones of her laughing at you, of cancelled hang out times, of her hanging with the bullies. And the dance…the mare…it was her...

*SNAP*

Tears leak out as all these buried memories of Changeling 9001 surface for air, just like you did apparently.


She? She was the whorse who did that to you?!!! Selena shouts within your mind as your eyes glow thanks to both of your anger.

“You betrayed and abandoned and humiliated me, all for your own gain!” you yell causing Chrysalis to wince.

“I remember pieces now. You were my friend. We…we did everything together! And you threw it all away!!!” you shout.
She closes her eyes and nods, 

“Yes…Yes I did..."

"Wh-Why? Why did you do that to me?"

She opens her eyes and gives you a poignant answer.

"Because a Queen can’t associate with her lessers…What we had was a sign of weakness. You had to be left behind.”

Anger wells up in your heart, the heart she broke both figuratively and literally. Her betrayal brought you so much pain, you can’t believe you’ve forgotten this hate. Trixie wasn’t the first one to…Trixie…

Your rage hits a roadblock and comes to a halt.


It’s just like with Trixie…I was betrayed by a friend, and I held onto my hatred. She called out for help, but I didn’t. And then she…

The rage is replaced by the sadness and guilt you’ve felt for so long. You look upon Chrysalis. Your former queen, and your former best friend. She is weak, and desperate and calling for help.

Bugze, you can’t just compare these two events. This tramp is not like Tr-Not like her! For goodness sake, she KILLED you.

Yeah…but she also brought me back…

Bug-

Holding onto my hate is what always gets me in trouble. I do…I do hate her, but I can’t let that make my decisions for me.


Neither can you let guilt.

You think on Trixie’s bear. Half hope and half despair. 

There might still be a shimmer of that smiling filly within her

Even if there is, it is buried under her actions Bugze.


I know…but I can’t just say no.
You take a breath and put a stern look upon your face.

“You’re right. A mixed breed has no business associating with the Queen," she squints at that but you continue, "But you weren’t the Queen then. You were still the Princess. You let your mom get to you after all that time.”

“What I did was to ensure my strength over the Hive…even if I do hold personal regrets” she responds as she looks to the side.

“And it worked at the cost of something great. Look where that’s gotten you,” you say coldly.


There is silence between you two that seems to last forever.
But then she speaks once again.


“So, is this where we leave things? You will leave us all to be buried with my past mistakes?”

“No. You’ve done too much to me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t work with you.”
She looks excited momentarily but you squash that,

“But I’m not following your orders, and I don’t owe you a life you already took. The Changeling I was before, Private 9001 is dead, you killed him. You’re dealing with Bugze, and Bugze can’t trust you. Especially not with your “I did it for the good of the hive” bullspit.”





DWC’s Comment



You then point to Sin who has sweat on her brow and is panting.

"Take her for example. YOU LINKED WITH HER!!!” you chastise.
Chrysalis eyes widen at your outburst before she says,

"I don't see what that has to do with trus-"

"You don't know how dangerous a link is, that's why!"
Chrysalis gives you a confused look before she says,

"I was aware that you skipped most of your classes, so please enlighten me what is so dangerous of linking with another?"
You just glare at her as you say,

"For you, nothing. You can sit in your little jail cell and not feel a thing. But for Sin...it's a massive strain on her body and magic! If you put yourself into command for too long...or she uses too much of your power she'll-"

"She would expire and become yet another martyr for our cause," says authoritatively.

“And it would be an honor!” Sin responds.





TheRutherford’s Comment





"That is bullspit and you know it! Noling should die for something so benign as trying to recruit a monster like me! I already said that I would be willing to help so long as none of the guards end up killed or hurt. I am willing to still agree but I have a few conditions,” you declare with authority.

Chrysalis gives you an inquisitive look before looking back at Sin. Letting out a sigh she turns back and says,


"Very well. While I normally wouldn't compromise, you have shown how stubborn you can be…and for you I am willing to make an exception. Let's hear it."


"OK. Condition 1: None of the ponies guarding you can be hurt, killed, or taken to act as a food source. This one is non-negotiable,"
You see your former Queen/Friend look away as she thinks before she turns and sighs.

"I will agree, so long as my changelings are allowed to protect themselves. If you agree then we won’t hurt the guards at this prison…"

"Fine, but only at the lowest possible level of protection. If they can avoid a fight, then make sure they do so. Changelings, at least those better than me, are known for their stealth. Have them use it to sneak by.”


“A prison break isn’t really going to be a sneaky affair,” she grumbles.


“Now Condition 2: You will owe me one favor in the future. Now before you ask, I'll explain. Even as you put it, you saved my life, but I have had to endure things that no living being should ever have to endure. As of right now, there is no reason that I need to help you. I am choosing to. Which means you will owe ME.”


"It will depend on the favor, I will not willingly allow my subjects to be taken again nor will I willingly get captured again," she says with a raised eyebrow.

"I would not ask you to do either, so I take that as a yes?"

"Yes I can agree to give you a hoof in the future, so long as you keep your word."

“Agreed, and for the last condition. Condition Three: You and I are going to have a real talk after all this is done, face to face, peacefully and you are going to answer some questions. I have a lot of lost and vague memories thanks to you killing me. I remember a friendship, and I remember you betraying me, but I have no context.” 

She looks down at that, 

“I did not know you suffered from memory loss.”

Don’t you look down you whorse. You’re the one who did this to him, Selena growls from within your mind.

“Yeah, well we can talk about that peacefully when this is over, and I emphasize peacefully because my daughter will be with me and I am sure you have heard what I have done in the name of protecting her."
You see Chrysalis shudder at that before her eyes take on a sudden hard glint and she clenches her jaw.




Kersey’s Comment




ThePonySpartan’s Comment





“Aaahh, yes…You’re …”Daughter”” she says as if she’s trying to hold back a shout. “The Shell Marshall did mention something about that.”

You raise an eyebrow at that.
She seems mad all of a sudden.

“Your mother’s rules have always made it hard for mixed breeds and their families. That’s why she killed my mom and dad, and that’s why my life was such a hell,” you point out, causing her to scowl. “So if you harm her, this whole thing is done.”

She gives you another scowl.

“So you did lay with another…Pray tell, who is the mother?” she asks as her eye twitches.

“The mare who made the jewel that’s my new heart,” you say with a thump of your chest.
With another twitching eye Chrysalis answers, 

“I See…Well…she is part changeling is she not? I wouldn't dare harm one of my own!" 
You can tell that she’s putting on an air with that answer, but she is also restraining herself from saying something.
Filing that info you say,




TheRutherford’s Comment





"Good, now would you kindly lessen the strain of the link on Sin here please? I don't want her to die. I'm sure you have already thought of a plan or two on the attack and told her them. She can tell me and you can talk to her without sapping at her life force."
She gives you a glare before she declares,

“Shell Marshall!”

“Ma’am!”

“You may turn off the projection. I will still be able to see and hear through you. Tell…tell him the plan.”

“Yes Ma’am,” Sin says as she starts lessening her magic.
Chrysalis then looks at you and gives a small smile


“Even if you don't believe it, I am very glad to see you again @#$%&.”

You really don’t have a response to that, while Selena snarls. The projection is then cut off and Sin begins to pant.

I don't like this. They are already after me, once they see you there, we will likely have to deal with Celestia, Luna, and the Elements. It could start a new war if they think we've joined their hive.

You sigh at this, I don’t like it much either, but I can't leave them there to die, I would never be able to forgive myself anymore than I do now.

Even her? She asks with a bit of venom.

I…I don’t know yet. I don’t want to drive her to despair like I did to…

Selena sighs and says, Just be careful.

I always try, it never seems to work, you joke.

She chuckles at that then says, 

Well look on the plus side, you’re standing on your own feet.

You look down and see that you are fully in control of your body.

When did that happen?

When you were standing up to that Succubus.

Huh…Just be on standbye in case I fall.

I always do.
You then look to Sin as she stops panting.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes,” she says while rubbing her head. “And I’m glad you’ve finally seen reason. Can’t believe the Queen went along with your demands.”

“Yeah, well she didn’t really have a choice. So, what’s the plan?”




Fireheart1945’s Comment




She walks up to a table and lays out a sketched map.

“The prison is situated here, to the North of the Badlands, near the border of the Everfree. It’s an old Castle that the Hive took refuge in after the Invasion, but thanks to The Elements of Harmony, it became their prison.”

“What kind of magical defenses are we talking?”

“Too many. The castle itself was already home to Non-Euclidian Geometry on the inside, and the outside has only been fortified tenfold by the Princesses and The Elements. An elite unit of the strongest unicorns in the Royal Guard are the wardens. Noling goes in or out, and all food is distributed through one door.”

“Hmmm,” you ponder as you look over the plans. “So I’m guessing just running up and punching the door won’t do it?”
She shakes her head.

“No, we already tried that actually. And even with Mongo’s increased strength, we weren’t able to put a dent in it.”

“Increased strength?” you ask curiously.

“Yes. We’ve all gained a little something since you last saw us thanks to our side projects…” she wavers off.
You raise an eyebrow at that, but she continues.

“So yes, we need more force in order to break that door down.”
You look at the plans again.

“I think that if I had enough time to wail on the door it would bust, but with the guards around, and the time needed to get the weak out, reinforcements could arrive,” you say warily.

“That’s right, but luckily you won’t be alone in your endeavor.”

You give her an incredulous look. “I don’t think me and five other changelings are going to be able to get that door down.”

“No, but 300 might,” she says with a smirk.
Your eyes widen at that.

“Th-three hundred? You found that many of us?”

She nods and explains, “Yes. After we found the Queen all those months ago, we learned of the safe houses and fall back points around Equestria, and so we utilized our Sabotage missions much more effectively.”


“Sabotage?”

“Oh yes. We’ve been quite the nuisances to the ponies, and they have no idea it was us.”
You scowl at that, but she acknowledges, “No we didn’t kill anypony. Killing your food is counterproductive, but we have thrown their government into turmoil.”

“What have you done?” you ask curiously.

“Well we’ve caused noble affair scandals, tainted the water supplies around several cities to cause more “love making” we even had some Species Riots.”
You feel appalled by how nonchalantly she says what they’ve done before a thought comes to you.

“Wait a minute, are you guys the reason why Flash Sentry got Methamphetamine’s instead of his normal drugs?”

She chuckles at that, “Oh yes. That was the Queen’s idea actually, a way to get back at Sparkle, but that doesn’t even compare to our greatest accomplishment, we crashed the stock market.”

You recall reading about that happening, but something doesn’t add up.


“How…How could you all have been doing these things across Equestria and not get caught?”

“Because the Ponies didn’t see Changelings doing these deeds, they saw another organization…” she insinuates.

“Huh? What organization? And wait a minute, you guys didn’t crash the market, that was The Crimson…Knights...” you trail off as understanding hits you like a ton of bricks.





ShadowDuskX’s Comment: I'm sick and tired of the unanswered questions. We need to know what we're dealing with,





You look to Sin.

“No…” you say incredulously.
She smirks and says, 

“Yes actually. Did you really think that such an organization could even function under the guidance of drunken idiots, beasts with delusions of grandeur, traitorous changelings and other weirdos?”
Your jaw drops as the implications hit you.

“Oh they had a structure at first, but once we became involved, they all fell apart. Their trust in one another tainted, they spread themselves thin and we took over. The fools all thought they were in control of their own destinies, and we let them have their delusions, but it has been us pulling their strings.”

“You…You Hydra’d them? Like from Captain Equestria: The Northern Soldier?” you ask aloud.


She chuckles, “That’s one way to put it. Let’s just say that the Crimson Knights haven’t actually been a thing for months. Nearly all of their members have been our Hive Mates. Some of them even revealed their true forms to throw off Kichi and Erised. The fools have been unbound for so long they didn’t even realize what their followers were.”

I didn’t even realize what they were. I put away more than a few of their followers.

“Only the foolish “Generals” and a few of their closer subordinates are all that remains of “The Crimson Knights.”

“So, you were using them to commit your Sabotage?”

She nods like she’s proud and continues, 

“Yes, and with their resources, we were able to strengthen ourselves. Those plasmids did a wonder on myself and the other four. Of course we couldn’t let the populace have the true power we gained. But we had more than enough to free our kind.”


Holy…So this whole time I wasn’t taking down the Knights, I was taking down the Hive?

As if reading your mind, Sin growls, 

“Of course, our plan to use these idiots to break out the Hive hit a roadblock when the puppets got their strings cut by an overzealous Bounty Hunter.”
You chuckle nervously at that and rub the back of your neck, but she doesn’t notice.

“Seriously, months of planning broken by some guy in a mask...But we are adaptable. We had a few plants in Armor’s Super Max prison, and so we came up with a new plan. The ponies about had a heart attack when three hundred “Knights” turned themselves in.”

You remember reading about that too. You thought it was just because they were disheartened by what the Crimson Vengeance had done.


“Alright…You mind getting back to that plan because I’m confused. How is them turning themselves in beneficial to us? How did they not figure out they had only changelings?”

“Because of our plants the truth wasn’t revealed, and their prison capacity was overtaxed so they had need to build a new one. With our sway, we had it built into the badlands.”


If they are transferring those prisoners, then the ponies are quite literally moving their enemy for them, Selena figures out.

“Oh, so that way it’s easier to hide and move three hundred troops without anyone noticing.”

“Right under their noses,” Sin agrees.

“Alright, I get that, but how does them being transferred to another prison translate to me leading them to break this one?” you say as you point to the sketch.

“That’s the beauty of it Bugze. Biff, Tannen, Mongo and Vicky are in location to cause a successful breakout of the prison transfer train. There are only 50 guards, 30 of which are our plants, because the train is lined with anti magic,” she then raises her hoof and a bit of electricity sparkles in it. “But we have some tricks up our sleeve.

You take a step back at that.

“Oh calm down, I have control over it. I got Electricity, Biff and Tannen got Fire and Ice respectfully, Vicky got Telekenisis, and Mongo, well, Mongo took a cocktail of different ones that’s given him Brutish Strength.”

Oh great, other Plasmid users. And they don’t even have gloves, you think in dread.

But at least they only have one apiece Selena points out.
With this thought you ask,


“So, you’re going to break all of the changelings out of this train and then we lead them to the Prison?”

“Yes. You and I will command them and together we’ll free our kind. But first they’ll need to gather their strength for an assault.”
Something begins to bug you about that.

“What do you mean gather their strength?”
She raises an eyebrow at you.

“We’ll need as much love as we can gather, not only to break out our kind, but to give the weaker ones enough love to escape.”

“And where are you going to get that love? Those twenty guards and the Knights?” you ask.

“No, those idiots won’t nearly be enough, but they will be a part of it. No, we will get it from this town,” she says as she points to a point on the map. This town is right next to the rail road, and is the closest settlement to our Imprisoned Brethren. The train will be stopped here and our troops will be able to assimilate love, and a dome will be placed over it so no one can escape.”
Your eyes widen in shock as you declare,

“But you guys promised not to hurt anypony!”

“We’re not going to hurt them, but we need to feed. Besides, we only promised not to hurt the guards at the prison!” she points out.

“You can’t do that!” you shout as you advance towards her and she lifts her hoof off of the town on the map.

“But we have to! We’ll fail otherwise,” she replies in desperation as her eyes flash green.

“Then you’ll fail. I won’t let you take over A...” you voice trails off as you read the name of the town and your eyes widen in panic.

Oh Tartarus No! Selena shouts in shock.


“I’m sorry Bugze, but it’s the only way. Appleloosa needs to be assimilated.”

You round on her, 

“NO! Not Appleloosa! Please! Call this off! Call this whole thing off!”

Sin gives you a bit of a conflicted look before her eyes harden and she declares.

“That’s impossible.”

“Why?!” you shout as your mind flashes back to the Otherworld Appleloosa and the guilt that comes with it.

“Because the plan went into action 20 Minutes Ago...”

Your voice trembles as her words impact you.

"Oh Luna...No..."



20 Minutes Ago


POV CHANGE: THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS


You were all shackled in your own Train Car near the front of the train. Thanks to all of your expert eavesdropping and annoyance of the guards, you knew you were all being transferred at some point, but none of you expected it to be today.

As you all sat with your magic cancelling bonds, you were all suddenly lurched forward as the train’s emergency brakes were hit.

No one was hurt, though Erised almost was crushed by the still comatose Kersey.

Confusion was prevalent, but it increased as you all heard the sounds of fighting and screaming, followed by the train rocking back and forth and the buzz of many many insect wings.

“Dome! There’s a dome around the town!” you hear the shouts of someone outside.

“Get the Sheriff, Get Anypo-AAAAHHHH!!!”


“What the hay is going on?” asks Solarkness.

“Is someone breaking us out?” asks Snap Drake.

“Who would break us out?” asks Grey Rebl.

“My mate for one thing, though I don’t think they’re capable of this,” says Rutherford.

“Maybe it’s our adoring fans,” jokes Brown Dog.

“No that can’t be it. Those wing beats…” Kichi trails off.

“They’re changeling wings,” Changer speaks up.

“Changelings?” asks Candy.

“Has the Hive come to break us out?” asks Silver Strange.

Erised just glowers his eyes, 

“I doubt it.”


“Very astute of you unbound traitor,” Comes the voice of the three guards in the room with you.
When you all look to them, they all alight with green flame and appear before you in their true forms.

“We’re not freeing you pathetic puppets and traitors, we’re assimilating you like the rest,” they say in unison with creepy smiles.


“Puppets?” asks Solarkness.

The three changelings then gleefully tell you all how you and your organization were nothing more than tools, and how you were the leaders of nothing. And now you’re all going to be of use to the Hive one more time, as batteries.

“Well…Huh…,” you all say in unison.


You’ve Found Out You’ve Been Patsies, Three Hundred Changelings Are Loose Capturing Citizens In Whatever Town You’re In, And There’s A Dome Keeping You All In.


YOU HAVE ONLY 20 MINUTES.


WHAT DO YOU ALL DO?


Outro:


> Episode 80: The Crimson Knights vs The Hive Wave 1 (Season Finale Part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Intro:





BrownDog’s Comment




TheRutherford’s Comment




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment




ThePonySpartan’s Comment



After the three Changelings mock and claim how you all are going to be food for them,

Rutherford speaks up and asks,

“So what you’re saying is that you’ve all been bucking with us since the beginning? Was none of it real? Was Flag Burner a changeling too?" 

"No, he was just an Earth Pony," the changeling guard responds.

"Although he did have the drive and rage to make a good officer," another comments.

"He was indeed the original founder of your little club by himself, but unlike you idiots, he had sharp and ruthless senses. We probably couldn’t have pulled this off if he were still alive.” 

"Quite so, but after his fall at the hooves of the Hooded Offender, we were free to flood your pitiful little fan club with more “followers.”

"Especially when we got the order from the Queen herself through her... promoted super-officers."

“Of course that B!%$# did,” Erised growls, causing the other three to hiss. While they do, Rutherford continues asking questions.

"So, you Hydra'd our group, so that you could manipulate us to cause some trouble for the Equestrian government, organized a prison transfer so you could get all of us here and closer to your hive, and trapped every living thing in this train and adjacent town so you can assimilate us into your hive to bolster your forces?"

"Correct."

Rutherford turns to Solarkness and whispers

"Hey Sol, is our little project ready?"

"For you and Rebl yes," answers the Timberwolf.

"That will have to do…" he mutters while the Changelings continue to speak.

“You’re all pathetic you know that? We all let you play your little games, but at some point you have to wonder why any of you would be allowed such freedom. You all did work rather nicely together in the beginning though, so that’s why we had you all separated.”

“Separated? But we didn’t separate until after the Zeppelin Crash,” Snap Drake points out.

“Yeah, the one we thought Spartan died in,” Kichi adds.

“Exactly,” the Changelings say with a toothy smile.

Changer suddenly perks up at that,

“Did you all have something to do with that crash?”

They smugly smile and say,

“But of course little emo git You all were a little too chummy, we felt a little accident would make you all separate, and it did. It made you run off to your little sorcery with hatred in your heart.”

He growls at that, as do many of the other knights.

“So…you’re the reason we all thought our friend was dead?” Brown Dog asks with heat in his voice.

“Oh what does it matter? You’re all going to be assimilated either way, and there’s nothing you can do with those magic inhibiting shackles on.”

Rutherford then nods to Solar and Grey Rebl.

“Yeah, well here’s the thing,” Rutherford starts to say, but is interrupted by a metallic,

SNAP

The Brown Dog, snaps his wrist bonds and ensnares one of the changelings by the throat to the surprise of everyone.

“Some of us rely on brute strength FlankHole!” he growls with his teeth showing as he punches the Changeling right in the face, knocking him out.

Before the Changelings have a chance to recover from their surprised stupor, the shackles on Grey Rebl and Rutherford’s wrists are removed and they rush forth and get ahold of the other two.

Rutherford, since he can’t bite or slice yet with his mask and gloves, slams his changeling into the roof and ground multiple times, while growling,

“Noling Bucks with one of our own!”

Grey Rebl delights in breaking his Changeling’s wings,

“And I just hate your filthy face!” he yells before back kicking him in the jaw.

The three of them then turn to the rest of the surprised Knights.

There is a moment of silence, before Changer asks the million dollar question.

"Okay, What just happened?"

Rutherford then speaks up, 

"A modified version of the escape plan Sol and I have been working on since the bounty hunter beat us."

As Rutherford says this, the Knights look to see that Grey and Rutherford’s wrist shackles have bits of wood in the key holes. 

"Sure he couldn’t use magic, but all he needed was a few bits of wood to whittle into the right shape. Haven't any of you wondered why Solarkness was barely moving the entire ride?”

They then look to the Timberwolf who says,

“I only had time for the two though, and I don’t think now’s a good time to be making more.”

“Only two? Then how’d Brown Dog get out?” asks Snap Drake.

“I don’t know, he wasn’t even a part of the plan. How long could you have broken those shackles?” asks Solarkness to the Diamond Dog.

“I don’t know, I was just kind of hanging out. Didn’t know I could till those bugs starting mouthing off and pissed me off. You heard what they said about Spartan.” Brown Dog growls.

"While I'm happy that you care, you remind me that I was weak back then. Instead, let's remind ourselves to obliterate the hive!" Changer yells in anger and determination.

“Yeah, no spit. But seriously, why did you getting pissed make a difference?” asks Grey.

“Dude, you ever seen my freaking forearms? Diamond Dogs can dig through compacted earth and rock no problem. Just because I’m a lazy, alcoholic drug fiend doesn’t mean I can’t lift,” he declares as he bites Rutherford’s restraining mask off making the Wyvern happily rotate his jaw. Rutherford then proceeds to bite his soft gloves, freeing his claws.

“Well, nice improvisation I suppose,” Rutherford declares.

“Stupid bucking Changelings…no offense guys,” Brown says looking to Kichi, Candy, Silver and Erised.

“Eh, some taken,” Candy responds.

“Hey Brown, you gonna be Okay?” asks Snap Drake as he sees the angry glare behind his shades.

“I will be after I get a few dozen drinks in me, but that will have to wait. Right now, we gotta get through this bullspit!”

Brown Dog, Rutherford, and Solarkness then break the chains on the others, but the inhibitors still remain.

“Okay, since most of us are still shackled and we don’t have time to make new ones, we need to keys, or some tools to get them off so our magic friends can let loose. Rutherford, Grey, Solarkness and I are brute strength, so we’ll cover you until we can get them off you. Finding tools and keys is priority, but also we need a steady supply of wood so that Solarkness can go all out. Kichi, Candy and Silver, put something on to distinguish yourselves from the other changelings. Erised is pale enough to distinguish, but he’s still weak, so someone wheel him and cover him. I say we find a building or enclosure that we can defend after we can all fight. I’m personally heading to whatever taverns that might be in this town. If we stick together, we might survive this.”

They all look at Brown Dog in confusion after this rapid fire plan exposition.

“What?” he asks obliviously.

“Since when were you the guy that gives orders and gives a buck?” asks Kichi in surprise.

"Yeah, did Tartarus freeze over?" asks Solarkness.

“Hey, I'm at a very emotional crossroads here, so I’m just as confused as you guys. But some jaggoffs told me they nearly killed my friend and played us like fiddles all this time. I ain’t no one’s Bitch!” he answers which doesn’t even remotely explain anything, but they shrug at this not really having any other ideas.

As they all start readying themselves for the plan, Brown Dog notices Erised wriggling around on his bed.

"Yo Ink-Moth, you alright over there, edgelord?"

"How dare they?" Erised says through clenched fangs, "No one puppeteers the puppet master! I swear I'm going to end them slowly, that arrogant Queen and her whole wretched hive! I'm going to make their brains dribble out their eye-holes like snot!"

"Not that that doesn't sound really... you. But you're still weak as a wet noodle and strapped to a gurney," The diamond dog points out. 
Erised lets out a strained sigh. 

"You're right... Hey you," he calls over to Candy, "you're my legs now, Sugarlips."

"Excuse me?!" Candy says, looking indignant, "What did you just call-“

"You heard me, now get pushing. There's vermin to be crushed."

She gives an indignant look to the older changeling as she walks up to him and slaps him in the face.

“Ah! Why you insolent little-”

“Learn some manners you cantankerous old buck. I’ll push you, but you could have asked nicely!” she declares as she gets behind his head.

“Note to self, don’t piss off female changelings,” Snap Drake chuckles.

“Alright, so if that’s taken care of. What do we do now? How do we even get off this train car? They open from the outside?” asks the Wyvern to the Diamond Dog.

“And what about tubby?” Grey Rebl adds pointing to Kersey on his bed. “His bed got damaged in the emergency stop.

“I will answer both of your questions. He’s our main weapon,” Brown Dog says as he goes to his bed side and unshackles him.

“Main weapon?” asks Silver.

On the outside of the car, a few Changelings hear grunts of effort. Curious, they go to unlock the door, when all of a sudden they are all blasted back as the doors slam open into them as Kersey’s unconscious body is thrown through the door.
Inside, Brown Dog and Rutherford are panting after having thrown Kersey.

“You guys could have helped,” Rutherford complains.

“Tartarus no, I ain’t touching his dirty flesh,” Grey gags as the rest of them shudder.

“Alright, let’s find a guard with keys and then let’s take the hurt to these Buckers,” Changer declares.

“That’s the spirit Spartan!” Brown and Snap Drake cheer.

“It’s no-You know what, buck it, I don't care. Let’s just kick some flank!”

They all then rush out…only to immediately take in the scenario of the giant dome around the town, how they’re in the middle of the desert, and a bunch of Ponies wearing cowboy hats are running around.

“This severely limits my wood intake,” Solarkness growls.

“There’s Apple Trees in the distance,” Kichi points out.

“Yes, but are there any guards with keys from the train around?” asks Erised.

They all then spot some guards running with some civilians in town.

“That way! Roll Tubby and keep behind him for safety!” Grey shouts as they all (except for he himself) start rolling Kersey while taking cover behind him.





Fireheart1945’s Comment



In town, there are a few guards from the train shouting orders as they try to defend the town ponies.

“Protect the Citizens!” shouts one of the unicorns.

“But sir, what about the priso-“

“These ARE our prisoners! We brought them here! Keep fighting!” the Guard leader declares.

He then sends out a blast that knocks a Changeling off of a mare and she runs off.

“Sir, there’s way too many. What are we going to…” the guard is cut off as he hears…singing.

Both the guards, and some changelings look to the source and pause in confusion by what they see.



Kersey’s Comment



Brown Dog and Snap Drake standing atop Kersey’s unconscious body, rolling him like a barrel as they run down any changeling in their way while the other knights huddle behind them.

"Rollin, rollin, rollin.
Snobby fatflank rolling!" 
"He's so big and fatty." Snap Drake adds.
"YOU'LLLL DIIIIEEE." they both finish.

As the little group of guards regain their wits, they blast their still confused changelings.

“Sir, were those our-”

“Yes, those are our other prisoners. And right now, they got a handle on things. Follow that barrel race!”

As the knights continue to roll themselves through the mayhem, Erised declares,

“This is bucking stupid.”

“Yeah, but it’s working surprisingly enough,” Rutherford answers as he side punches a Changeling that tries to divebomb him.

“But why are we singing and drawing attention to ourselves?” asks Solarkness.

“Because it will keep them off the innocent town ponies,” Changer declares.

“Do they really need our help? Some of them seem fine,” points out Silver.



DWC’s Comment



You all see that several of the towns ponies, and even a group of Buffalo are fighting off the Changelings…With Pies. The pies don’t exactly…hurt the changelings, but they slow them down enough for anyone not armed to make a run for it.

“Pies? Seriously? Where’s the boiling oil or corrosive acid?!” shouts Grey Rebl.

While the citizens…momentarily defend themselves, the Knights continue to make their journey, looking for a defendable position.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



As the changelings continue to attack, the heavy hitters mostly swat them away, but then one sneaky Changeling tries to pounce on Candy from the back as she pushes Erised’s bed.

Before the blow lands, Changer’s right hoof and blocks the punch before punching the Changeling away.

“Heh, I thought we weren’t your “Friends” Erised insinuates.

"I may be brutal, but even I don't harm innocent mares when I don't need to." 

“Didn’t you tell us that you tormented the Element of Kindness and some kids for like no reason?” points out Snap Drake. Changer freezes as he completely forgot about that innocent.

“Okay fine, but at least I didn’t sucker punch them!” he shouts back.

"Well, regardless, thanks for the save" Candy thanks while blushing.

"For both of our sake's forget about it and keep rolling the Moth."

"Oh don’t get all flustered over that traitor!" Kichi yells noticing Candy as he fends off another changeling.

“What?” asks Candy in surprise.

At this, Silver Strange gives Changer a dirty look for some reason.

“Spartan, stop trying to cause romantic drama, there’ll be time for that later!” Brown Dog shouts over his shoulder causing said pony to just roll his eyes.

“Um, guys, I think we picked up hitchhikers,” says Solarkness.

Looking back, they all see that several panicked towns ponies, and even a few Buffalo are trotting along with the group, trying to hide behind Kersey’s rolling path clearer.

“Hey it’s a free country,” Snap Drake chuckles.

Eventually, the group does come across what they seek.





SnapDrakeGames’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment




ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Rutherford glances around, and points to a mid-sized building, a wooden tavern with saloon-style doors. 

"That might work as a defendable position," he suggests. Brown Dog nods, and they roll Kersey towards it.

The knights with their tag alongs burst through the door and find that the interior is already crawling with Changelings, but then again, everywhere in this city is crawling with Changelings.

These ones go out pretty quickly, as Brown and Snap Drake roll Kersey into a cluster of them, knocking them back like bowling pins. Solarkness and Grey both leap forwards and make short work of the rest, before they are thrown out the bar.

"Alright," Brown Dog speaks up. "Resources, people, let's gather them and get ready for a siege. Rutherford, help me push Kersey so we can block off the door. Sol, these tables are all wood. You can use that right? Grey, this is a tavern, they're bound to have some heavy duty cleaning equipment. You folks help my buddies board up the windows,”

As the Knights and citizens listen to the commands of the Diamond Dog, Snap Drake just stares at his friend in awe.

Here's my pal, loafer extraordinaire and number one drinking buddy, taking charge of the situation like a total boss…he thinks. 

He'd never have imagined Brown Dog to be even capable of something like this, but watching it unfold before his eyes, he can't help but be impressed.

Where does that leave me though? Brown’s at an emotional crossroads. If we get out of this will he be a more moral person and everything? Will I just be left behind?

“Silver!” Brown speaks up. “Get me and Snap a bottle of something good! I ain’t had a drop in months!” The changeling then does as he’s commanded and Snap Drake smiles.

Okay, that’s a relief.

The relief is short lived as several other changelings begin trying to get in through the windows, attempting to break what few barricades have been set up.

"It's like Nazi Zomponies in here!" Kichi comments punching one changeling in the horn when he tries to get in.

"Except it's round one bucking hundred!" Changer yells, remembering his free time playing Call of Duty with Kichi when they were once friends.

"Candy, Kichi, Silver, can you make some of that slime stuff to block off the windows?" Rutherford asks.

"We could, but I don't think it could do much, it’s more like glue or jelly than something solid,” Kichi explains.

“Well use it to reinforce the boards we’re all nailing up,” Solarkness adds.

The trio nods and goes about doing that as the rescued citizens help board up the windows as they smack any changeling that tries to get in.
After awhile, all the windows and the doorway get boarded up.

"That won't hold forever," Brown Dog notes. "There are other ways in. The chimney, maybe a back door somewhere. We block those and they'll probably just start breaking through the walls."

"Maybe, then, this wasn't the best place to hole up," Rutherford says. "Though I don't know where else we could go..."

"Ooh!" Snap Drake pipes up, spotting an opportunity for personal growth. "What about, like, a well? We could hide at the bottom of a well. And since the entrance is so narrow, we could bottleneck the Changelings.

Rutherford looks at Brown Dog. Brown Dog looks at Rutherford. 

"No," Rutherford says, "that's a bad idea."

"It's not bad,"  Brown Dog says, "It's just..."

"It's a bad idea."

"Yeah."

Snap Drake slumps into a remaining booth, disappointed. Brown Dog continues,

"We're doing pretty alright here. If we double down, hopefully we'll be totally fine and this whole thing will blow over."

"This is hardly an adequate place to hold a stand, especially when more than half of us are still handicapped" Rutherford argues. "We need to find a more practical way to defend it."

"I dunno," Silver Strange interjects, "it seems pretty nice. Lots of wine, real wood stove, probably a pantry full of real nice food somewhere."

"...Real wood stove..." Snap mutters. He gets a crazy idea.

"Bottles!" He leaps behind the bar and finds the recycling bin full of empty liquor bottles. He grabs a few and lays them on the table. 

"Fuel!" he turns again towards the wood stove and grabs the bucket of lighter fluid lying next to it. He makes for the liquor bottles and starts filling them up with fuel. 

"Uh, uh, tablecloths!" He leaps over the bar again and starts tearing tablecloths into thin strips, Brown Dog and Rutherford smirk, finally catching onto his train of thought.

"And now, they all come together," Snap grins as he soaks a tablecloth strip in fuel, sticks it in a bottle, and plunges the cork in. 

"Someone give me a light? No, wait, matches by the stove!" He snags a few matches and strikes them against the counter top. He lights the tablecloth of one bottle, turns towards the front door, and lobs the bottle over the fat pony blocking the entrance.

"Molotov Cocktail!" Snap cheers as the bottle bursts against the ground outside and a ball of fire bursts into the air, scattering Changelings buzzing around too closely, some who’s heads get set ablaze.

“Alright. When all else fails, set things ablaze with cleansing fire, it’s the best kind of medicine” Grey Rebl smirks.

“Somepony say medicine?” comes a drunken idiotic voice as both Erised and Grey do a double take, “Hi everypony, Crazy dream we’re having right now huh?”

“How in Tartarus did you get here?” asks Erised from his gurney to the Drunken Dr. Quacksalver who comes out of the bathroom.

“I have no clue dream bug. My last job exploded with craziitus, and I decided I needed another drink.”

“That was months ago!”

“Nah, that can’t be dream janitor. Though the whole dream world appears to be suffering from Aggressivus-Buggus. This one has it worst of all. Let’s get a closer look at you.” He then drunkenly stumbles towards Erised with a broken bottle.

"Grey, get this Quack off me!" Erised calls.

"I ain't your puppet, you deal with him!" Grey responds as he whacks a pair of changelings attempting to come in through the window across their faces with a broom, 

"UNCLEAN!"

“Don’t worry dream bug pony, I will only- “whatever he was only is cut off as Candy bashes him over the head with an empty bottle, knocking him out.

Erised looks to Candy who taps her hoof.

“You’re welcome.”

“I don’t need to thank you. You saved your superior.”

She just rolls her eyes and rolls Quacksalver and places him next to Kersey.

With the door even more reinforced, they go about fending off attackers.

“Keep holding on, we’re doing great,” cheers Snap Drake.

“We still need to get these magic inhibitors off though,” Silver pipes up.

“If I had my books I’d be able to help more,” Changer adds.



GreyRebl’s Comment



Hearing this, Grey Rebl goes up to one of the guards from the train and slams him into the floor, shocking several ponies.


“Start talking: Where’s the keys to the anti-magic restraints?!” Grey yells at the guard, pinning him down, a foreleg to his throat.

“Like I’ll tell you criminal scu---hrmf!” The grey-brown pony just chokes him hard.

Growling threateningly, he says, 

“You’re surrounded, you’re entire force is in shambles, and you’re in no position to have the luxury to waste our time. Now where’s the bucking keys?!”

When he loosens the hold, the guard breathes out heavily, 

“W-why should we release you?”

“Because you will need our help if you want to live through this mess,” Erised says coldly from the side. “Either you stand against us AND the changelings, or we stay out of your way. Take your pick.”

“But you’re a changeling too!” the guard blurts out.

Suddenly, the snapping of wood and a snarl sounds from the entrance. Immediately after that, Kichi cries, 

“DOES IT LOOK LIKE WE ARE WITH THESE GUYS?!” before cracking a block wood into the intruding changeling’s face.

Slowly, Grey tightens his hold around the guard’s throat. 

“We don’t have all day…”

“Grrff!” The guards grunts, quickly scanning the spacious tavern and then those who are amazingly defending against the invasion like practiced veterans of war, and what few civilians that are taking refuge. He makes his decision. 

“Only if you help the citizens get to safety in this tavern. The one with the key will follow.” Even when threatened, this particular guard still has the wits to think about the citizens first.

Grey narrows his eyes at him before looking towards his fellow inmates. The reactions are mixed, but it is made very clear what they’ll have to do next.

“Might as well,” Brown Dog shrugs, “We need all the help we can get anyways. We’re all stuck together in this dome anyways until this is over.”

The silver-brown unicorn turns back to the guard, pausing for a moment before letting him go, who greedily gasps for breath. He then trots away, grabbing a nearby broom before saying, 

“Keep barricading and consider it done.” With a sigh, he idly mutters, “Great. More babysitting.”

He then shouts over Kersey’s body.

“Attention MeatBags! If you don’t want to die, then get the buck inside this Tavern NOW!!!”

And surprisingly, this is effective. Several townsfolk start rushing off the streets and towards the tavern. Grey Rebl, Brown Dog, Solarkness and Rutherford stand guard out front as the citizens bring with them uninvited guests.

Grey does a flying leap kick and knocks a changeling into the dirt, as Rutherford whips his tail and sends two into a trough, while a more bulky Solarkness body slams two, and Brown Dog throws one into the Tavern Overhang.

“Get in, Hurry!” they usher the fleeing towns folk. With the majority of them inside, they leap over Kersey’s body and seal up the entrance again.

The guard looks to the Knights and mutters,

“Thank you,” as he starts organizing the increased civilian presence in the bar.

Now with more numbers, defending the windows, the Knights have a moment to breathe and collect their thoughts as a group.



“Alright, so all we have to do is wait for the key guy to come right?” asks Candy.

“It’s all we got. But I’d be ten times more effective with MY mop,” Grey bemoans.

“And my books,” Changer grumbles.

“Not to mention our sick cloaks,” Snap Drake adds.

“Yeah, but even then, we’re better than we were like ten minutes ago. What are we looking at long term Erised?” Rutherford asks.

“A swarm tactic, just like back in the Wedding Invasion,” Erised sneers, recalling the plan the Hive came up with previously, “but only at a smaller scale. Sabotaging the inside, and then overwhelming it in its weakness: That’s nothing new, but it works. I believe the dome is operated on the outside. No escape.”

All the former Crimson Knights frown.

“So we have no choice but to last against all those changelings out there, huh?” Kichi grumbles, “Judging by their plan, they’re desperate for love. They won’t go down without risking their lives.”

“Yeah…” Candy winces in thought, “To fight while starved…” 

"What I don't get is how do they think they’re going to get away with this?” Kichi continues, "Sooner or later the Alicorn Princess will show up with the Elements right?” 

“And who’s going to tell them? This is a remote location. By the time anyone else comes along, this town will be assimilated and impersonated by the Hive.”

Silver winces at that. 

“I knew I left the Hive for the better, but to fight my own like this?” Quickly, he says, “I’m trained to fight, not figure out who the enemy is. Even then, I can’t shake this feeling.”

Erised snorts from his bed. 

“It’s simple: we are enemies now. The Hive gives no mercy to deserters even if you feel too ill to fight back. It doesn’t matter if we are of the same species. That’s how the Hive is.”

“Erised is right, guys,” Rutherford pipes in, “It doesn’t matter what race we are now. Pony, changeling, dragon or timberwolf---we are all in the same page.”

“And so here we are, a band of misfits of mixed races, “ Grey Rebl dryly says, “but it’s not like there’s any choice.”

“But it’s because we ARE a band of misfits of mixed races that we DO have a choice.”

Everyone looks at the speaker, Brown Dog.

“...Brown Dog?” Changer asks quizzically.

Cheerfully, the diamond dog goes on. 

“Ever since that incident with Spartan, we went our separate ways and things changed. But now that we know all of that was orchestrated by wannabe Hydra Agents, then that means everything that we’ve been doing for the Crimson Knights was all a lie. Fun for someone else, and not our own. But look at us now! We’re all together, exactly what they didn’t want! So you guys know what this means?”

They all look at each other, eyeing for understanding.

“We have a battle royal?” Grey Rebl guesses. Judging by the amused look he receives, he’s close.

“No, that’s just a benefit,” the diamond dog laughs, “What it means is that, at this moment, the choice is really ours. No strings attached. So I say buck their plans for us to Tartarus! We are sticking together whether they like it or not, and we will have OUR fun.” He puts a paw in front him. “So, who wants in?”

Nobody fails to see the social que. It is something cheesy, something that teams do in hoof ball to inspire morale. Once they put a hoof or claw in, though, it means they will recognize that they are...more than just acquaintances who just so happen to be in the same club. They’ll be a party in a bizarre adventure.

“Heck yeah, man! I’m in!” Snap Drake, of course, enthusiastically put his vote in, looking at everyone else excitedly, expecting an answer as well.

Spartan does so as well, but with less excitement compared to Snap. 

“Don’t misunderstand. I still have issues with you guys, but someone has to watch out for Snap and Brown.”

“Aww, we love ya too, man,” Snap says tearfully.

“Shut up.” Changer looks away.

Smirking, Solar and Rutherford look at each other.

“Can you believe these guys?” Solar says.

Rutherford just shrugs, smiling as well. Obviously, it is a mocking gesture, yet they both put their respective paw and claw in. 

"I guess everyone has to have a hobby."

"Yeah? And look at what making a movie for fun did!"

A reluctant chitin hoof joins in as well. 

“Crazy,” Kichi shakes his head, muttering, “This is crazy. The odds are against us and I can’t believe I’m placing my life on you guys. Gosh, I really am desperate.”

Silver and Candy at once put their hooves in unison. Throughout the months with their cells adjacent to each other, they’ve been relatively close.

“I might not have known you guys in the past, but you guys aren’t all that bad. Crazy, but not bad,” Silver simply says, “Sure, I’ll take my chances. Just no funny business, alright?”

“Mhmm.” Candy just smiles bashfully and nods affirmatively. “If it means I have a place to belong.”

Grey just stood for a moment, glaring a hole into the floor as if in deep thought before softening his expression. He begins to trot toward the circle but Erised called him.

“Grey.”

“What?” he tersely says, temper flaring.

“...get me closer so that I can reach in.” Erised then utters a near incomprehensible, “please.”

Grey blinks, and then he shrugs uncaring. 

“Fine. Just this once, alright?” He pulls the bed near the circle.

Now Erised and Grey’s hooves are in, the former’s weakly hanging over the edge.

“Hmmph. So this is what it feels to be driven into a corner,” Erised grumbles broodingly.

Grey instantly retorts, 

“Suck it up and deal with it you pansy.”

“Well, I guess that just leaves Kersey,” Solar says, eyeing said pony in front of the door.

“Eh, he’s in with us by default anyways,” Brown Dog declares as he picks up a limp hoof and places it in the pile, “Besides, there’s no way in Tartarus we’re not including the whole gang.”

At that, Kersey subconsciously shudders from where he lays comatose.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"Ready?" Brown Dog whispered to Snap, looking eager.

"I've waited so long for this!" Snap whispered back.

"Three... two... one..."

"WE ARE THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS! DON'T TAKE US LIGHTLY!"

They all declare in unison, the strength of their words echoing within the tavern and inspiring the guards and citizens inside.



Kersey’s Comment



After the huddle is broken, the guard from before walks up to them.

“I heard you all earlier talking about equipment. Well, when the invasion first started, some of my crew took a wagon with your confiscated belongings away from the train. We didn’t know it was the changelings escaping and not you.”

Changer raises an eyebrow at that.

“And where did they head with it?”

“I don’t know. We lost contact,” the guard admits, "They were heading from the station towards,”

“Oh there it is,” Snap Drake declares while looking through a crack in the door with two whiskey bottles acting as binoculars.

Surprised, the rest of the group begin to peak out and see that down the road at a distance, is a group of changelings sliming up some guards, with a wagon full of random stuff beside them.

"Along with about 3 squads of changelings!" Solark observes.

"We're gonna need a distraction to get past them! Something big!" Snap Drake says.

"Something cinematic!" Rutherford says 

"Something graceful!" Brown Dog adds in.

"Something stupid." Changer snarks.

*Multi-DING*

"Spartan, can you spare a few seconds?!” asks Brown Dog.

“If it means getting my books back, then yes. What do you have in mind?”

“I’ll explain on the way,” he declares before looking to Snap Drake. “Snap, you’re coming too. We’ll be back in no time with our gear, maybe we’ll see the key guy on the way, who knows.”

The three of them then peel back the barrier and step over Kersey silently as they all begin to make their way up the road.

Once the three are out of sight, more ponies rush up and beg to be let in. As if that’s the cue, the buzzing of changeling wings seems to become louder. 





GreyRebl’s Comment



“Gorrammit!” Erised curses, eyes scrunching at the implications. “They are noticing that ponies are gathering here. They will combine forces and come in droves at this rate!”

“Ugh!” Grey groans, as he leaps over Kersey and defends the ponies entering as he mercilessly jabs a worn broom into the throat of an invader, before slamming a chair in front him, kicking it to launch it towards an incoming group. The satisfying sound of snapping wood couldn’t ease his indignation. “And now we’re down three guys. Was the one with the keys part of that newest group?

“No, but hopefully the others will come back with our stuff soon!” Candy says, eyeing through an open window when, suddenly, a changeling reaches through it and snarls. She yelps causing Silver to rage and punt the bugger out.

“Well I hope they’re stupid plan works!” Kichi cries out from the other end of the tavern, defending against the windows along with a few other brave townspeople. “I still can’t believe we are working with these ponies!”

“Coming through! Coming through!” a voice from outside suddenly yells. “I’ve got wounded!”

Frowning, Grey lightens his assault to let the approaching through. 

“Erised,” he calls.

“On it,” Erised nods tersely.

Another royal guard, but one who has a more empowering appearance than the rest and brimming with charisma, stumbles in hurriedly with an unconscious pony in a cowboy hat and wild west vest beholding a shining, starry badge. They both collapse within safety, exhausted from what is likely a dead sprint.

The charismatic guard gives out a relieved sigh. 

“Thanks. It’s good to find a safe haven in this mess...” He stops dead cold when he looks up, Erised’s hoof to his forehead as they both stare at one another. Then, the coldness washes away and the guard lets out a gasp.

“Good. Not a changeling in disguise. Would’ve been problematic,” the pale changeling muses.

The charismatic guard grits his jaw, wearily looking at him. 

“And what if I was?”

“Oh, I would’ve forced you to stop breathing with what little mind magic I have. But since I can’t at the moment,” he gestures towards his anti-magic restraints, “I would’ve left your fate to him over there.”

Following what Erised is looking at, the charismatic guard is gifted the sight of a Grey breaking the leg of changeling with a cringing snap. He then proceeds to gag the poor thing with the cleaning end of his broom, pauses, and then wipes away the resulting spittle with changeling's wings. The guard gulps.

“Well? Do you have the keys to unlock these restraints?” Erised pointedly asks. “We are being overrun. We need all the firepower we can get.”
The charismatic guards opens his mouth to retort, but he notices his fellow guards gesturing him to answer honestly.

“They’re here to help us. They can be trusted. For now,” the choked guard from early says.

Before the guard can ponder anymore, a yell sounds out from one the volunteers at the far side of the tavern. 

“A lot more comin’ in! The bigguns!”

Running out of patience, Grey blares, 

“Keys: do you have it or not?!”

Clicking his tongue, the guard nods. With a slight of telekinesis, he tosses them to the other unicorn.

“Quick!” Kichi suddenly shouts, “Get Silver first! Trust me!”

Grimacing, Grey rushes towards Silver and swiftly unlocks his restraints, just in time for a Mongo-sized changeling to burst through the back entrance, the defenders flinching at the brute force.

Happily, Silver steps forward towards the danger. 

“Yo! You all came in just in time...” A blue flame suddenly bursts from his flashing killer eye. “...for a bad time.” With deft wave of a hoof, forces unknown quaked. Like water, the furniture moved. Like static, the hairs of everyone present moved. And like a whirlwind, the big changelings are flung back towards where they came from, smashing into the smaller ones behind them.

At this, sudden display of raw power, Erised chuckles darkly. 


“The Hive never has been one about high quality and nurturing talents. Serves them right for trying to toss us away.” Then, he frowns, eyeing the sweat running through Silver’s brow, obviously exhausted from the magical exertion and being low on love. “But we still need to be conservative about this.”

The others then begin to uncuff themselves as their magic returns to them.



Kichi’s Comment



“Yeah, no crap we need to conserve!” Kichi speaks up. “It seems like these guys got more love in the joint than we di-“

In the middle of his rant, a changeling bursts their upper torso through some boards and grabs him from behind and tries to drag him out.

"Give up deserter! Unlike you, we are fed properly!” it hisses.

“OH COME ON! Can we talk about this?!” Kichi shouts.

"You will be assimilated" is all the response he gets.

“Well, I tried,” he declares as he elbows the Changeling in the nose and drags him into the bar, while others start replacing the boards.
Kichi then places his hoof on the changeling’s chest.

“Don’t take this personally, but you’re right. I’m bucking hungry!”

He then places his horn against the other changeling’s and it glows.

"What are you doing? No! Stop!" he shouts as his voice tapers off, before he passes out.

“Ah, that hit the spot,” Kichi declares as his magic glows brighter and he starts gooping up more windows.

"Did you just do what I think you did?" asks Candy in shock.

"Eyup, and no I don’t feel guilty,” Kichi answers with a smile.

"Care for an explanation for those aren’t changeling?" asks Rutherford as he finally is able to blast a Changeling with water.

"He just sucked the love out of that Changeling through his horn,” Silver says, his blue eye flashing.

“What? He was going to do the same thing to me. It was either him or me, and I was starving,” Kichi defends.

“Are you justifying cannibalism?” asks Solarkness.

“No…Yes? Maybe? Look, the point is, I will not apologize for it,” the now not starving changeling decrees as he turns away from the group.

“Oh all of you quit your whining. Taboo or not, you’ve given me a tin soldier,” Erised says jovially as Rutherford takes off his shackles.



TheMechanic’s Comment




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment



Erised takes in a deep, satisfied breath as he feels his magic literally surging through his veins. Not enough blood to make even one clone, but he's notorious for being able to work with what's on hoof. 

"Solar, bring me Kichi’s meal would you kindly?" he asks with a chilling calmness.

The Timberwolf looks unsure, but decides not to question it as he picks the drained changeling up and brings him to the pale one. 

“Good boy,” he patronizes before he suddenly lunges for the neck of the Changeling and bites down.

Beads of green blood seep out, of the wound. Erised then bites his own hoof, drawing out his Ink Blood as he drips some drops into the injured Changeling.

Slowly, the blood coming from its neck turns a sickly, viscous black. Thick tendrils of Erised's blood start surging through the drone, converting its own changeling blood to Erised's ink, giving him full control over him.

The Changeling’s eyes snap open and he looks up in panic.

"Resist and the pain shall grow worse. Now spread my blight. All shall drown in my darkness!"

With spastic movements flinging black splotches everywhere, the drone towards where another Changeling attempts to get in through the Chimney and bites it, causing it to cry out in pain.

To the shock of all the citizens and guards, the screaming Changeling then stops and becomes an automaton like the other.

"That's new," Grey comments, nearly stepping in the black substance left behind. "And messy."

"Actually it's an older method: slow suffering and betrayal, specially cooked up for members of my own kind." Erised says almost wistfully, before wincing. “Though it seems I can only control a limited number as weak as I am,” he groans as he makes his way behind the shelter of the bar counter. "Now do your jobs and cover me, I need to concentrate."

All friendly changelings present share a shiver among themselves before turning back to the fight.

Behind the bar, Erised then concentrates on the two Thralls.

“Defend this bar with your lives,” he mutters within their minds, and they obey.

With two more “allies” added to the fight, and magic restored, the Knights and towns folks and guards have a new step, but they still feel a bit short handed.

“Ugh, where are Brown, Snap and Spartan already?” groans Rutherford as he sends another jet of water through a crack in a window, where it sparkles in the sunglight.





Kersey’s Comment



Down the Road, the group of Changelings continue to cocoon up and drain the energy from the captured guards. A mongo-sized Changeling then gets curious and begins to lift the tarp on the wagon they were pulling, when all of a sudden.

"PUT ME DOWN YOU IDIOT!"

The changelings turn and see... a diamond dog carrying a unicorn  over his head running straight at them. As the changelings prepare to engage the new interlopers, suddenly the diamond dog gracefully leaps in the air while holding the unicorn by his leg as pretty lighting (caused by Rutherford’s jet stream down the street) shines on him. 

Changeling and cocooned guard alike can only stare at this spectacle in confusion as the Diamond Dog gracefully lands on the big changeling's head and strikes a dramatic pose while still holding the unicorn by his leg... Then the changelings around them aim and charge up their magic.

“And for my next impression. Jesse Ponens,” he shouts before jumping over the Changelings and running down the street.

While the changelings are distracted, Snap Drake jumps into the cart causing it to start rolling towards the tavern. 

"I got it! Back to the tavern!" Snap Drake declares as he rides the kart like a skateboard.

"Little busy!" Brown Dog yells while being chased by changelings.

"WHY THE BUCK DO I KEEP HANGING OUT WITH YOU MORONS!?" Changer yells.

“Because you love us!” Brown Dog shouts as he throws Changer onto the out of control cart before jumping onto it himself, with all the changelings chasing after them.



GreyRebl’s Comment



Inside the Tavern, the Knights and allies all become aware of one deafening noise. Silence.

Then, a voice breaks that sweet sound, 

”Hey guys! Open up! Clear the doorway!”

Silver, with his superior telekinesis, moves aside Kersey’s big bod and the Quack doctor out to reveal the members of the expedition barreling down the street towards them in an out of control wagon.

“Hit the deck!” he yells as everyone dives out of the way. The cart goes right through the door, before crashing into the bar.

“Quit trying to smash my safety zone!” Erised shouts.

As Silver and Rutherford place Kersey and Quacksalver and all the other pieces of debris back in front of the door. Brown Dog, Snap Drake and Changer all sit up.

“Alright, we got our stuff back. Who wants prizes?!” Brown Dog declares.

“We got our cloaks back!” Snap cheers. While the others cheer and begin to swarm over the wreckage to get their stuff, Kichi huffs.

“You’re late to the party! We got keys just time to NOT get overwhelm-OW! Buck off!” Kichi flinches away from the splintered wood when another changeling is lucky enough to break through. The invader in turn receives the full might of several applebucking farmers. As he watches the ponies pummel his own kind, he mutters, “I know they’re high up in my Pyramid of Respect, but I’m starting to think I should put them down a level lower.”

“You think that NOW after they readily admitted to tossing us away?” Spartan snarks, as he starts looking through the equipment in the broken cart.

“...Good point,” Kichi concedes.

“There you are! Can I get the keys?” Spartan inquires, holding up his spellbooks. “I’m tired of carrying things by hoof.”

“Here,” Grey tosses the item of interest over to Spartan. “Now gimme my mop. I know it’s there.”

“Yeah, sure,” Spartan inclines, tossing the mop while catching the keys simultaneously, “but what makes a mop of all things be confiscated?’”

“I clean up a lot of blood with it. Erised’s sometimes.”

“...figures.”

Grey doesn’t here the snark, because he is cataloging his resources. Specifically, stuff that consists of cleaning supplies. 

Airspray, a bottle of hoof soap, dishwashing soap, some towels, several brooms and mops, and finally his own personal mop gathered as “evidence” by the guard. But not just any mop.

Grey stares at the polished wood of his sturdy mop, admiring its shine as he sees his own reflection on it. Caressing a hoof over the cleaning utility, he mutters, 

“My most faithful companion. You’ve returned,” and then he jabs the handle through a window gap knocking into 3 snarling changelings, a psychotic grin on his face.

“Now that I have my mop, I can clean this entire town ALL BUCKING DAY!” Everyone can hear his mad laughter and the rhythmic thwacks of his mop with great clarity. They all shy away from his damage zone. Never before has janitor work look so sinister.

“Ugh.” Erised face hoofs with a look that says ‘this shit again?’” “He has relapsed.”

“Relapsing has such a negative stigma,” Brown Dog points out as he takes a shot of Jack Spaniels.

After everyone gathers their cloaks/weapons, the Crimson Knights are now for the first time in a long time fully prepped and ready as a unit. But this time, they don’t have anything to hide. All of their hoods are down.

“Alright everyone, let’s get buck wild!” Brown Dog declares triumphantly, straightening his shades. 

“Hit the music.”





ThePonySpartan’s Comment



As if that’s the cue, many changelings come in a wave at the bar, attacking all entrances and the Knights get to work.

Changer blasts some away from his nearest window with cutting winds by using his yellow enchanted book.

"Ah, that’s much better. I am noling’s pawn!" He yells at them.

“Woohoo! Magic Books for the win!” Snap Drake cheers as he throws a molotov out a window.

"Way to go, Spartan…you filthy traitor,” Kichi whispers as he blasts a changeling in the face.

"Yeah, very impressive." Erised adds as he shoots out an ice projectile.

"Hmph!" Changer glares. “Just because I stopped going after you doesn't mean I like you."

"Great to know." Solar says sarcastically as he claws one of the Changeling’s trying to get over Kersey.

"Whatever. If there’s betrayal afoot, I will show no mercy.”

“The return of the Revenge Fetish, With a Vengeance!” Brown Dog chuckles as he uppercuts a changeling trying to get in through the back.
The guards help at the windows and entrances as well, while the towns folk who aren’t fighting are being guarded by the two Buffalo that were taken in.



GreyRebl’s Comment



“Hey, Snap!” Grey trots over to Snap while still facing the front, levitating a can of air spray. “Can I borrow a light?”

With a knowing grin, Snap nods and levitates over the flame of a molotov cocktail. In the direction of one of the windows that’s been breached. Grey sprays and the contents bursts into flame. The duo waves it side to side to spread the cleansing fire. Now that that ground outside that window is burning, the changelings are discouraged from taking that route.

“Y’know, I thought you’d be an aquamaniac or something,” Snap comments.

“If it cleans the mess away, I’ll use whatever method it takes.”

“Ah. Gotcha.”

Suddenly, a crash occurs on the other side of the establishment, the ponies screaming to get away from a dead charge of three changelings of hulking size who carren down the stairs.

“Crud! Upper levels breached!” Kichi yells. 

“Mess in the East aisle!” Solar roars, rushing to meet them head on.

Grey returns the call. 

“On it!”

Using his abnormal speed, Grey is able sprint parallel along with the timberwolf. In fact, taking advantage of it, he rushes ahead with splintered brooms and mops in his telekinetic grip and flings them at the attackers. They didn’t even flinch and ignore them as though they are twigs. Solar follows the trail of broken cleaning utilities, assimilating them into his body. However, they are only distractions for Grey’s real mop as he swiftly goes to the side and slams the lead changeling in the leg with unexpected strength. Giving no time, he smoothly does the same to the second, and then the third!

With them unbalanced and with his strengthened maw, Solar lifts the first over himself as he passes it along and slams it into the second and swings it again into the third. He ends the motion by mightily flinging it back up the stairs.

The other two downed, Grey quickly closes in so that the almighty mop shall be their end. Thwack! Solar grabs the second and throws yet again. Thwack! The same things happens once more! The timberwolf and pony stare at their handy work. The three unconscious changelings are then kicked out of the upstairs window they came in from.

“Wooo! Go team!” Snap appears right between and gestures for a brohoof from each of his front hooves. The two look across him and towards each other, roll their eyes, and then return the gesture with a smile.

Behind the bar, the charismatic guard asks Erised. 

“Is there a doctor here per chance? This stallion needs medical attention,” the charismatic guard says, looking worryingly at the unconscious Sheriff by his side.

Quacksalver momentarily hops upon hearing the word ‘doctor,’ 


“Somepony call a-,” but he is shut down as one of Erised’s proxies punch him out. 

“I suppose I can do something,” Erised quickly says opening his eyes. “Let’s make this quick. What’s the issue---Is that apple pie I smell?”

Taking a whiff towards the Sheriff, there is indeed apple pie.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Explain.”

“While throwing pie at the enemy changelings, one of our own accidently shot a piece at the good Sheriff. He tripped and bumped his head.”
A brow twitches. 

“I see.” With a touch on the Sheriff’s forehead, he uses his mind-control with as little ink as possible to forcibly awake the mustached stallion, whose eyes suddenly shoot wide open like an energy drink junkie. He then bounces to all fours instantly, spazzing like a cartoon.

“Wooooweeee!” the Sheriff hollers, “Ah feelin’ so alive Ah feel like can tussle with ‘em buffalo a thousands times over!”

“Actually, that is all fake,” Erised interrupts, “I only stimulated the emotion to make you inclined to go out and fight.”

Suddenly, the Sheriff is right up in his face, 

“So you the boy who healed me?”

Growling, Erised says, 

“Don’t call me a ‘boy,’ you---urk!” before he is suddenly pulled into a hearty hug!

“Thank you, sonny! Ah appreciate the pick-me-up!” Letting go, the Sheriff then turns and goes straight into the fray, meshing with the chaos as he shouts, “Howdy-ho!”

Rather than putting up a response, Erised wheezes for breath, nursing his chest due to his injuries. 

“Thanks? When is the last time that was said to me?”

“With your attitude, probably never,” Candy calls out as she punches a Changeling in the nose.

As the Knights continue to defend their turf, from outside comes a loud cry of.

“In the name of the Masked Stallion, feel our Vengeance!!!” in several voices that sound the same.

“Say, do changelings tend to disguise as the same pony in en masse?” Brown Dog suddenly asks.

“To confuse the enemy during swarms, yes,” Erised answers. “Why?”

“Might explain all the pink all the way over there.”

“...what?” The pale changeling closes eyes to reconnect to his personal hivemind, using the senses of his puppets to see what’s up. Indeed, there are dozens of pink mares of the same exact face, facing the invasion head on. “That is just…”



Kersey’s Comment




Falx_of_Lume’s Comment




AllenNoir’s Comment



"Pinkies! Form of: PARTY CANNON!" the lead Pinkie with a black spot on her side declares causing the other Pinkie clones to cartwheel together into the shape of a cannon and start blasting Pinkies at the changelings, providing covering fir-er Pinkies for other civilians to try to get away.

Erised behind the bar drops his jaw.

“What in the actual Buck?”

“Oh, what is this ah hear?!” The Sheriff suddenly enters the conversation, snapping him out of his battle of pie and chitin. In fact, his face is filled with genuine concern. And hope. “Could it be the Pink Sisters? Ah thought the changelings has about had them all!”

Eyes still scrunched, Erised mutters, 

“No it seems they’re holding them back all well and good. In fact, they’re all defying the laws of reality by-?” His eyes snaps open. “Everyone away from the front! Pink mare incoming!”

Suddenly, a pink cannon ball breaks through one of the barricades with so much force those near the place of impact flew! A collection of beaten changelings (including one of his proxies), wood, and dust alike bursts into the tavern. The destruction might’ve gone further if Grey hadn’t valiantly caught the pink ball of calamity with his face.

Violently tumbling across the tavern and crashing into and breaking the bar section into splinters, the pink mass finally stops with a grey-brown mass under it.

“WHY THE BUCK IS THERE SO MUCH PINK?!” Grey shouts, muffled by a poofy mane.

A few of the Changelings wearily begin to stand before Brown Dog and Snap Drake pick them up with their arms and telekenisis alike and throw them out into the road.

“Alright, I’m convinced, we need those mares,” Brown Dog declares as he calls out.

“OI! Pink ladies! Get over here and help us!”

The lead Pinkie looks to the tavern, and she orders the others to bound towards it.

By the time they get to the bar though, all but six of them have been captured by the Changelings.

With the six identical pink mares’ help, the hole in the wall is barricaded.

“Thanks for the shelter, many of my sisters didn’t make it,” the leader says.

“No problem. We got seven out of dozen, I think we broke even,” Snap Drake encourages.

“I have 34 other sisters,” she responds sadly as she looks down.

“Oh…dang…” Brown Dog mutters.

“By the way, have you seen Nines? We accidentally misfired her?”

“Yeah, she’s behind the bar,” Solarkness points out. “Now do you mind telling us why you all look like the Element of Laughter?





GreyRebl’s Comment



While the lead Pinkie briefly gives her tale, the misfired “Nines” is being looked over by Erised.

“Tell me mister, will I die?”

A sigh escapes the pale changeling one of frustration and painful resignation. 

“No. It is literally just a scrape,” Erised deadpans, “I’m surprised the crash didn’t do much worse. Honestly, if only Rutherford was capable of actual healing rather than energy rejuvenation, I wouldn’t be doing this.”

The pale killer changeling stares bemused at the pink mare before him. She is a total flower, eyes filled with sky-like innocence and a cheerfully poofy mane, acting as blissfully ignorant as child. And, with baby-faced worry, she thinks she’s dying over a small scrape on her foreleg. Unbelievable.

“But why does it hurt? Things don’t hurt unless it is really, really bad!”

“Oh for the love of, were you born yesterday?!” he growls

“About a month ago, actually,” she says with a straight face.

With an even straighter face, Erised simply says, 

“Nevermind.” He has no patience to deal with stupid. He taps her head and then her expression lightens.

“Oooh! The hurt is gone!” she says giddily, like a kid witnessing magic.

“Just made your mind ignore the injury. Now-No hugs!” Erised hastily says when the mare gets too close with a familiar sense of happiness in her eyes.

“Awww,” the pink mare whines sadly, “But how else I’m going to thank you?”

Erised’s eyes widen, his jaw dropping slightly. 

"That...that is the second time…!" He shakes his head, getting the thought out. 

“Just scram already! I’m busy, and I’d rather not waste ink shutting you up permanently,” he grumbles, irritated. “In fact? Grey! Get this mare away from me!”

Still bitter about being a cushion for her fall, Grey growls, 

“Buck off! Unless she has grade-A cleaning supplies as a peace offering, I won’t do jack spit for her!” To emphasize his point, he slams a soapy towel onto a head peeking through a window, it’s owner screaming bloody murder as the detergent seeps into its buggy eyes.

“Oh, is that all?” The pink mare says simply. With a swipe of her hoof, cleaning supplies of notoriously popular brands magically appears by his hooves. Well, actually, she just pulls a plank out of the floor and pulls the stuff out from underneath.
This gives Grey pause and his jaw drops. What he is seeing are miracles. Clorox wipes, All-Purpose cleaners, and Tide detergent. Especially Tide detergent. Legends say that their cleaning ability can even turn the Tide of battle!

“I do cleaning work around the tavern. I keep emergency supplies hidden all around. Pretty cool, huh? Oh, and you can have these, too.” She then slips a stack of coupons along the pile. Tide Laundry detergent, 80% off. “Appaloosan policy,” she boasts cheerfully.

Grey just gapes at the coupons and the wonders of the household cleaning world. It’s the sweetest bucking deal in the world to him! With a finality of the fates, he looks up and stare deep into the abyss of the mare’s eyes.

“I love you.”

“Dude! That’s cheating on Erised!” a voice sounds.

“Shut the buck up, Snap!”

As Brown Dog watches all of this whilst smashing a few skulls, he hums in thought. He looks at Kichi, Silver, Spartan, and Candy. They are looking tired, exhausted even judging by the wilting of the eyes. He then looks back at Erised and Grey with the pink mare, to her 6 other sisters, and then back at his allied changelings.

An idea comes to him, but before he can voice it, everyone inside the tavern notices that there is a distinct lack of changeling wings and hissing. The windows stop being attacked entirely. Looking through the window, Kichi says, 

“It looks like they’ve stopped. They’re keeping their distance.”

The others notice that a group of changelings are surrounding the tavern from the air and ground, but none of them are moving.

“So what, did we beat them?” asks an optimistic Sheriff.

“No. They’ve no doubt realized we’re a hassle and are regrouping,” Erised says sullenly.

They all look to him.

“Regrouping?” asks Solarkness.

He nods and says, “Just listen. There’s much less screaming and buzzing of wings outside." Kichi, Candy and Silver all grit their teeth in worry at that.

“What’s that mean then Erised?” asks Rutherford.

“It means they bulk of them have gone on to easier pickings. They’re gathering their love from everypony that isn’t tucked away in this bar.”

“Oh crud,” Snap Drake moans.

“Well hey, if they’re catching their second wind, we can do the same,” Brown Dog says as he looks to the Pinkies.

“Backward town hicks, give us your pies and other apples, and if any of you can cook, start making some grub for us in the kitchen, we need the strength. Native Buffaloneans, keep reinforcing Kersey and make sure he’s not too injured, fat can only protect so much, and Clones of the most Attractive Element of Harmony, give Erised, Silver, Candy and Kichi as much affection as you can muster,” he orders.

The Pinkie’s salute and get to hugging the Changeling Knights, as some of the sullen towns ponies start to make fresh food.

“No wait I don’t- Hrk!” Erised cries out as Nines hugs him. “Damn it Dog…”

“Seriously, where’s all this leadership coming from?” Solarkness asks the Diamond Dog.

“I don’t know really. It confuses and scares me truthfully. Months of sobriety have corrupted me,” Brown Dog shudders as he takes another shot of whiskey.

“Well don’t fall off the wagon yet, we still have to get through this, no matter how long we’ve held them off,” Rutherford advises.

“Yeah…speaking of how long has it been?” asks Changer, and one of the Pinkies answers.

“Oh, it’s been 20 Minutes since all those bug pony things came shooting out of the train.”

Everyone’s eyes pale at that.

“20 Minutes?! That’s it?!” shouts Snap.

“Uh-huh, I know because it was almost second breakfast time,” another Pinkie declares.

The Knights then collectively shudder.

“Wave 2 is definitely going to be a B!#$%,” Kichi mutters.

While the bar is left alone for now, The rest of the town is assimilated and the love harvested from the captured ponies, a Changeling Grunt trots up to four scarred Changelings as they direct other grunts.

“How goes the Eastern Sector?” asks the Female.

“For the most part taken ma’am, but there have been some…complications.”

The big one silently raises an eyebrow at that.

“What do you mean Private?” asks the female with the yellow mane again.

“There is a gathering of civilians barricading themselves inside the tavern. And…and they have repealed our initial attacks. That’s why we’ve come to gather enough love energy.

“Are your numbers so weak?”

“Are your numbers so incompetent?”

“That you can’t break down a simple tavern?” the two near identical changelings say together.

“No sirs. It’s just…they are being led by the Crimson Knight leaders. They’re working together.”

The four Officer Changelings then all share a glance.

“Very well Private, you and your forces gather your strength,” the yellow haired female orders.

“Ma’am!” the private salutes and buzzes off.

“Well, that is some troubling news,” Vicky says aloud.

“Should we call for the Shell Marshall?” asks Biff.

“Shall we call for Sin?” asks Tannen.

Vicky looks from them to Mongo who just scowls.

“I don’t know. This was supposed to be simple while she goes to recruit…” she trails off as her frown deepens and Mongo clenches his jaw.

“To recruit 9001.”

“To recruit Bugze.”

“To recruit The Hooded Offender,” they say in unison.

Vicky sighs at that. 

“Yes, Him,” Vicky declares with venom.

“Why does the Queen even think we need that traitorous little…” she stops ranting as Mongo puts a hoof on her wingless back.

Biff then speaks up, 

“It as the Queen demands.”

“Yeah, I know. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Tannen then speaks up. 

“We’re more than capable of handling the situation, though we should give her a sit rep.”

“Yeah alright,” Vicky gives in. “I’ll let her know we’ve captured the town, and are in the process of mop up duty.”

Biff and Tannen nod at this. 

“Very well. We shall gather the forces when they’ve gotten their strength up.”

“And Biff and I will ensure the puppets and their quarry are taken down.”

“You two carry on with the rest of the town.”

Mongo and Vicky nod as Biff and Tannen buzz their wings and fly off.

Vicky then looks to Mongo, as they both nod and touch their horns together, creating a bright green light.

POV CHANGE: Bugze

You take Sin by the Shoulder’s and Shake her, 

“No, this can’t be it! There still might be time to stop this!” you yell. She resolutely looks you in the eye.

“No there’s not. I’ve already received word, the town is all but assimilated.”

You think back on all your friends. Of Braeburn, Little Strongheart, and many many more. All of them in green pods being fed upon.

SNAP

“THE DEAL’S OFF!” you yell as you push her hard, causing her to hit the sofa, before yelling.

“Would you Kindly Freeze?!” freezing her to the seat.

“I’m not going to let this stand!”

“But this was necessary! We needed the power to-“

“Quit with your excuses! You kept this from me because you knew I wouldn’t agree to it! Well Buck your technicalities!” you yell at her. You then start stomping towards the Bunker Door.

“Where are you going?!” Sin calls out in shock.

“Appleloosa! I don’t care if I have to run the whole way there, I am going to undo what you’ve done!” 

“NOOO!!!” she yells as all of a sudden you are pelted by ice that explodes off of her.

You turn around and see Electricity pulsing up her arms.

“You can’t throw this away! We can still work this out! It’s just a tool to,”

“THOSE WERE MY FRIENDS IN THAT TOWN!!!” you yell as your eyes glow causing Sin to recoil.

“I may be wanted, I may be a monster, but Appleloosa was always a safe place for me, and you’ve bucked it up!” you yell as wisps of your cloak start to form. “So now I’m going to buck up your plans!”

Sin’s eyes are full of panic, until they glow green, and her voice comes out with an echo.


“I can’t allow that…please…will you not reconsider?” comes her combined voice with Chrysalis.

You just glare back at her. 

She then lets out a sigh.

“So be it…”

Sin then shocks you in the horn, causing you to cry out.

“AAAHHH!!!” before she runs up to you and slaps a black stone disk to your chest, and suddenly, you feel drained and weak.

BUGZE! Selena yells out in panic.

“Hrk,” you declare as your heart gives a weird thump and you fall backward onto the ground, your cloak dissipating.

You stare confusedly up at the ceiling on your back as Sin walks into your view with her glowing green eyes, a look of disappointment on her face.

“What did you do to me?” you ask as you try to take the disk off of you.

“It’s my insurance. I wasn’t taking any chances when facing you again, not after last time,” Sin admits. “That right there is a piece of the old throne, maybe the last actual magical piece until the Queen can build a new one.”

Your eyes widen at that. The throne was a powerful deterrent that would cancel out all magic besides changeling magic for miles to come. With the invasion and imprisonment of the Queen, it would have fallen into dust. Well, save for this piece you guess.

Bugze, all channels to my power have been blocked! We can’t access the cloak.

Frowning, you immediately try to pry the stone off of you, but it won’t budge.

Sin/Chrysalis just sighs and shakes her head.

“Only I can take it off. It is bound to me, and through the Queen’s blood.”

“Take it off Sin! Please! You don’t have to do this!”

“Yes I do! I told you, I will do anything to save our kind. And…” she hesitates a moment, “And we can’t have you interfering if you won’t help.”

“I was going to help! I was!” you yell, tugging uselessly at the disk. “But you two lied to me, even if it was by omission. I’ll still help, I swear it, just please, let Appleloosa go.”

“It’s too late for that. It’s already done. We can’t go back now,” she says in determination.

Gritting your teeth, you yell, 

“Would you kindl-“

She shocks your horn again midsentence causing you to spasm. She then rapidly goops your limbs and lower half to the floor.

“Ew, Ew Ew!” you gag as you try and fail to move your limbs. You then glare at Sin. “Let me out! I won’t let you get away with this!”

“Please! Just help us! We need only this town’s love to succeed,” she pleads.

“At the cost of their health, magic and freedom!” you growl.

Sin gives you yet another weary look.

“Why? Why can’t you do what is necessary to save our kind?” both Chrysalis and Sin ask.

“Because I’ve been doing what’s “necessary” for so long, the justifications become less and less convincing…” you say in melancholy.

Sin closes her eyes for a moment and breathes, before saying, 

“Yes Ma’am.”

When she opens them again, they are their normal blue.

“I…I wish you would have seen the light. I’m going now. The Queen has decreed your fate,” she says as lightning crackles up her arms. You begin to panic and start squirming, but she then turns around and shoots out her lightening towards the Bunker door, as she welds it shut. When she is done, she looks back to you with a weary look.


“You aren’t going to stop us, but that doesn’t mean you must die. We will carry out our plan while you will be trapped here powerless. With you, our success would have been guaranteed,” she bemoans. She then walks up to your trapped form and looks you right in the eye. 

“If we succeed…If we are able to lead our forces and rescue them, then perhaps the Queen will come back for you…”

“But what if you fail? Are you going to just leave me here? I can’t teleport on Changeling Magic and I’m trapped!”

She clenches her eyes and turns away from you.

“You’ll…You’ll have a better chance than what we had in that cave…” she trails off before looking back to you.

“Sin, please…” you beg.

“I forgive you,” she declares as her hoof collides with your face, and all goes black.

Later

“Daddy? Daddy can you hear me?” Nightshade’s voice comes from a mile away as you feel like you’re floating.

“Mommy? Are you there? Anyling?”

You had best wake up, I don’t know how much time has passed, comes the voice of Selena.

Selly? What’s going on? You ask to the black surroundings.

You were punched out by that Changeling after she placed that stone upon you. I still can’t manifest our power.

Oh right. Sin was linked with Chrysalis, I was going to help them but then…

Your eyes shoot open in the outside world as you sit up in bed.

“Appleloosa!!!” you declare in panic.

“Oh thank Goodness you’re awake!” Nightshade yells as she hugs you around your chest.

“Yes I’m awake. Now hurry Nightshade, we have to get to Ap…What the?” you declare as you look at your surroundings. You are not in your bunker, you’re in....

“The TARDIS?” you yelp as you look around. You are in the same bed you were in nearly one year ago after your injury from the Otherworld.

“Yeah Dad. We got picked up after that Changeling lady left. I couldn’t get out of the Inventory because it was gooped up, and you were passed out,” Nightshade explains hugging you tighter. “And I couldn’t reach mom either.”

You look back down at your chest and see the Stone Disk still stuck there.

“She’s fine honey, I’m just glad you’re safe.” You say as you hug her. After awhile you scowl and say, 

“Now, where’s the Doctor?! I have to give that bum a piece of my mind. We don’t hear from him in Months, he dumps Derpy, and he decides to show up NOW?!”

“Well actually,” Nightshade starts, but you cut her off.

“Well he’d better get us to Appleloosa, and if he so much as says he can’t I’ll-“

“The Doctor didn’t pick us up Daddy,” Nightshade interrupts causing you to do a double take.

“Say what now?”

“Yeah, someling else did, and there’s all these other ponies on board too. There’s this Stallion named Jack, some mare that looks like a re-colored Cousin Cadence without wings, and Ms. Aqua,” she explains.

Your eyes widen.

“Aqua’s here?” you ask in surprise.

The Water Bender? Selena asks in her own surprise.

“Mmhmm,” she nods. “They all cut that green stuff off of you and brought you in here, but none of them could get that rock off of your chest.”

You look around but see no signs of them.

“They’re in the other room, going over plans or something. But the Jack guy told me it was OK to watch over you.”

“Jack? As in Captain Jack? Torchwood is here?” you ask flabbergasted.

She nods and you run your hoof through your hair.

“OK, wow. Well I’ll geek later. Maybe with their help we can get to Appleloosa on time. Where’s the Doctor?”

To this, Nightshade shrugs.

“I don’t know Dad. He’s not here,” she says with a shrug.

“What? What happened to him?”

A new voice then interrupts the two of you.

“What happened? I kicked his secret keeping thousand year old arse out the door and jacked this beautiful blue box months ago.”

Or rather, an old voice. A voice that you would know anywhere. It shocks you to be hearing it again.

“Although I guess technically by the time we pick him up, it will only have been minutes for him, but who’s counting am I right?” the voice punctuates with a chuckle.

You slowly turn your head to the speaker and your breath is taken from your lungs.

Impossible…You said he…Selena trails off.


“I always told you boyo, hanging around with Prissy Chryssy was never going to work out for you. Though it’s not too late to fix things.”

“Who is he Daddy? He’s the one who drove the TARDIS to rescue you, and he told me you knew him,” Nightshade asks.

And you do know him. You know him very well. The wrinkled cheeks, the unlit cigar in his teeth, and the ever present bowler hat sit upon the Changeling who raised you.

“G-Gr-Grandbuggy?” you gasp out as your whole body suddenly feels lighter than air and Nightshade’s jaw drops.

The old bug gives you a toothy grin.

“That’s right boyo. In the chitin.”

“I-I-I…” you try to speak, but words escape you.

He holds up his hoof.

“Now $#%^&, I know you have a million questions, and I’ll answer them. We literally have all the time in the world to help your town. But before all of that, I just have to say one thing aloud I’ve been holding onto for months.”

He then takes a deep breath, before his hooves come up to his cheeks and he squees.

“Oh My Gosh, My Great Granddaughter is so adorable and kickflank. Great job on nailing the Mare in the Moon before I could boy! I’m so proud of you!!!”

The old bug who you thought died years ago continues to gush to you two as you try to get your wits about you.

OK, Grandbuggy is alive and well, we’re in the stolen TARDIS with Torchwood on our way to pick up The Doctor, I’m still powerless, and it sounds like we’re going to save Appleloosa.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Special Outro:


> Episode 81: Grandbuggy & Friends (Season Finale Part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:


You stare slack jawed at the older Changeling as he continues to gush. He then picks up the confused Nightshade and holds her at arm’s length.

“Daww, you have the same confused expression of my little girl, your grandma,” he coos.

“Umm…Thanks?” Nightshade ventures, still a bit stumped on how to react.

You don’t fare much better. A whirlwind of emotions flood your brain to the point of near shut down, which at this point is becoming second nature to you.

“Oh my boy, you best be feeding this one well…Boy?” Grandbuggy looks over to you with your lack of answer.

Nightshade turns her own head and sees your expression.



DWC’s Comment



"Uh...I think you broke my Daddy," she replies as she squirrels out of the older changelings grip and walks up to you.

"Nonsense!” Grandbuggy dismisses as he looks you over. “He looks perfectly fine, his legs are all intact, his wings are still there, still has them badass scars, he is shaking uncontrollably and has a blank look on hi-oh…"

“Daddy? Are you still there?” asks Nightshade, but you don’t acknowledge her, you just stare at Grandbuggy intensely.

Bugze, you’re overwhelming yourself, perhaps bring yourself back to consciousness? Selena tries to coax, but still you can’t help but be flooded.

After a few moments of your catatonic state, Grandbuggy facehooves and mutters.

"Damnit Jack, I told you sending me out first would be a bad idea. But noooooo...we needed the emotional family reconnection. Pfft. Like that weirdo’s ever had a meaningful connection."

“You mean that stallion in the other room?” asks Nightshade.

“Ayuh. Word of warning, don’t take dating advice from that guy,” Grandbuggy says with a roll of his eyes.

He then puts his face close to yours and claps his hooves trying to get a response from you.

"Welp, only one way to fix this," he says as he takes a deep breath and suddenly shouts while pointing behind you,

"LOOK IT'S SAPPHIRE SHORES IN A TANK TOP!"

If it’s even possible, your face becomes even more blank as your memories of your former celebrity crush are brought back up.

Grandbuggy quirks an eyebrow at you.

"Huh...that usually works,” he mutters.

“He doesn’t like her anymore. Apparently she was a manipulative whorse who loves publicity too much,” Nightshade explains.

“Heh, now he gets that? I tried to tell him crushing on celebrities never ends well in the past. Guess he’s the learn from experience type.”

While they have their back and forth, Selena again tries to kick you to your senses.

Bugze. You’re stronger than this. Don’t let this perverted old Bug shut you down. Don’t go clamming up again after all the progress we’ve ma-

But it’s HIM Selly! It’s really him. It’s been so so LONG since I’ve heard him speak. Since I’ve seen him. I…I…



Kersey’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment



“Hmmm,” Grandbuggy scratches under his bowler hat. “Maybe I should-“

And suddenly, the most appropriate response to seeing your Grandbuggy after years comes about.

‘FALCON PUNCH!!!” you roar as your hoof shoots out, striking the old bug in the gut and knocking the wind out of him. Nightshade’s eyes widen in shock as the older changeling crumples to the floor gasping for breath as his cigar falls out of his mouth.


"THAT'S FOR LEAVING ME!!" you yell with tears in your eyes.

He gasps and holds his gut while on his knees, but after a few breaths, he looks up at you and gives you a very wide smile of understanding.


“Alright son. I had that one coming,” he responds as he begins to get back up.

“Nightshade,” you speak up, causing your confused daughter to give a jump. “Would you kindly give me and the old bug the room for a bit?”

She stares at you then Grandbuggy and back before nodding.

“Alright Dad, just don’t go punching crazy again. I mean, the guy did help us,” she says as she exits the room, closing the door behind her.

Silence falls between you two as he shuffles nervously and picks up his cigar.

“Guess my lessons got through to you eventually, that was a helluva punch kid.”

"I... I..." you start to tense up, but before you can throw any more punches, he rushes forward, quicker than what his age would have you believe possible and ensnares you in a hug.

"I know boyo, I missed you too,” he says into your ear.

And like that, the dam finally breaks and you let out tears, happy and grief stricken alike flow from you as you embrace him.



BrownDog’s Comment



“You stupid old bug…”you cry into his shoulder.

“There there now, Grandbuggy’s here for you,” he soothingly says as he rubs your mane, just like he did when you were little. “I ain’t going nowhere.” You tense a bit at that though.

“But you did. You were gone for years…I thought you were dead,” you bawl as he tightens the hug.

“I know boy, and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…”

You cry into his shoulder for so long, but surprisingly, it does help. Just like it did in the past.

“But I’m right here now. I’m back, for good this time.”

You take comfort in these words and a smile graces your face.

After awhile of hugging, you get your breathing back under control. Noticing this, he pulls back and looks you in the face.

“Better?”

You sniffle and say, 

“Yeah, Yeah I’m better.”

“Good. I’d prefer not to have more snot on my shoulder,” he chuckles and lets you go.

“And besides, can’t be giving too many hugs around this place, Jack would never let me hear the end of it, or that Water Bending babe for that matter.”

The smirk on his face looks the same as it did all those years ago. There is so much you want to ask him, so many things to catch up on. But first and foremost come the two biggest questions you have.



Roker12’s Comment



“Where have you been all this time? How are you alive?”

He grins at that as the Cigar curls up in his lip.

“I can answer both of those at the same time. I take it you got my note in the bunker?” 

“Y-Yes,” you respond. “You said you were launching yourself to the moon. But even if I never found the note, I saw the rockets blast off in the distance.” You recall that day vividly. Running through drills for the Army, made to do extra laps till after dark. You saw the rocket light up the sky in the distance.

“Yeah…about that. I made the rocket alright, launched myself successfully as well…but I didn’t make it to the moon. The Doc saw to that, and I’ve been with him since,” Grandbuggy shakes his head in frustration.

“Seriously, I go through all that trouble of building a space faring vessel on this technologically inclined world to fulfill the last item on my bucket list, and then he shows up in his Blue Box to rain on my parade.”

“The Doctor pulled you out of the rocket?” you ask. 

“Ya. Dang thing is probably orbiting us right now as an expensive piece of space trash,” he spits in frustration.

He then closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“But it’s alright I guess. Plans change. And I guess the last item on my bucket list can be deleted because you beat me to the punch you dog you,” he gives you a smirk and bops your elbow causing you to blush.

“That’s not quite…the situation is…” you stammer trying to explain to your elder with a blush.

Why are you flustered? What is he insinuating Bugze? Why did he even launch himself to the moon in the first place?

He told me that before died, he was going to try and bang the mare in the moon to settle an old bet.

…What?! She screeches in shock.

Yeah…And that’s why I thought he was dead. Aside from launching into space, I figured he’d only do it if he was dying…

Not hearing your interior conversation, Grandbuggy picks up with yours.

“Oh it’s not the situation eh? I’ve seen all them mare’s giving ya the googly eyes, don’t try to deny it,” he laughs as he claps your shoulder. “I’m proud of ya, I guess being a heart throb is genetic after all. Though I guess it WOULD only take a freaking Goddess to carry your almighty child.” he insinuates with a wink causing you to blush harder.

…I don’t think I like him all that much, Selena deadpans.

“So come on boy, give me some details. I lost that chance forever, so you gotta give me a clear picture,” he all but begs.



Just_another_guy’s Comment



Bugze, kick that pervert in his family jewels for me please? Selena says plainly.

Huh? Why? You ask.

For his perverted and callous insinuations. Even had this fool made it to the moon, he would never have “Nailed” me, she growls.

"Was she wearing that sexy armor of hers? How long till you found out you had a bundle of joy from your fun?" Grandbuggy continues to pester.

The black stone is preventing me from doing so myself, so would you kindly KICK HIM IN THE NARDS?

Shrugging you look to Grandbuggy as continues ranting.

"At least tell me how you settled the height issue betwe- *WHAM*- AHHHH MA' D!&K!!!" he shouts as he holds his favorite body parts and crumples to the ground again.

Thank you kindly, Selena says in gratitude.

"...why~?" Grandbuggy whines in a high pitched voice staring at your scowl.

"That's courtesy of Selena you old perv" you respond as you hear a satisfied 'hum' from in your head.

“Who?” he grunts as he stands back up, hunched over.

“The Mare in the Moon,” you declare. “She doesn’t appreciate your small talk.”

His eyes widen at that.

“You telling me she can always hear what you hear?” he asks and you nod as your eyes flash a little.

“Oh, way to leave out that tidbit Doc,” he mutters to himself.

“So yeah, keep a civil tongue about her, I won’t have you besmirching her good name,” you scold.

“Oh lord, she’s got you whipped good @#$%&.”

Your eyes involuntarily flash as Selena grunts.

“Alright alright, didn’t mean any offense Ms. Sel-Moon. In fact, you should take it as a compliment.”

Your eyes just flash again and he sighs.

“Yeesh, everyling’s so uptight these days,” he groans as he unhobbles himself. “But easy on the punches, I may not have used them lately, but I ain’t dead yet,” he mutters.

“Yet?” you ask in worry.

“No no, I ain’t dying. It’s just an expression.”

“Oh…but your bucket list. The rocket…” you point out.

He lets out a sigh at this.



BrownDog’s Comment



“Look boy, I’m sorry if you thought I was dead. I guess I can’t blame ya for thinking so. But I had no intention of dying when I went blasted off. Besides fulfilling my bucket list I had…other reasons for the launch, but I intended to come back. I even thought I’d left you with a Guardian Angel, but I guess each Regeneration makes him more of a secret keeping arse.” He the shakes his head again, “But look, because of the Doc that situation was only months ago for me, even if it’s been years for you.”

“If it’s only been months?” you ask in shock.

No wonder he doesn’t look all that older.

“Why didn’t you come back then?” you ask.

“Because that bastard kept going on and on about the dangers of interfering with fixed points in time that came about because of my absence and blah blah blah,” he explains with a roll of his eyes. “No matter how many times his face changes, the techno speak is always jibber jabber. But he’s usually right.”



Roker12’s Comment



“But you still kicked him out and stole the TARDIS?”

He smirks and says, 

“Tartarus yes. The Doc plucks me off my rocket, takes me years into the future, and tells me that I have to show up to help on the day of the Apploosan Invasion.”

He then rolls his eyes. “Not even a “Hey Quick Fix, how’s life been treating you?” or anything just, “Come with me if you want to help your Grandbug."

“And let me guess, he didn’t tell you anything else did he?” you deadpan.

“Been hanging out with him eh?” he chuckles. “Yeah, typical of him, but no, unlike all his other companions, I don’t put up with that bullspit. He owes me more than that, so I got my answers…” he trails off with a frown.

“And?” you ask curiously.

“Well, he then gave me a rundown on your life since I’ve been gone and well…I guess I kind of snapped over hearing how hard you’ve had it…”

You look down and think of all the hardships you’ve been through since Grandbuggy’s banishment.

“Yeah…It’s been tough…”

He sighs and says, 

“Lady Luck cursed us my boy. I’m sorry that she’s had her eye set on you.”

You nod at that, still looking down, so he continues.

“But yeah, I shut the door on him after he walked out, which if we time it right will be five minutes after we just got you out of the bunker,” he says as he checks his pocket watch.”

“So, you stole the TARDIS, but how did you know where to find me?”

“Well, I didn’t get specific dates or anything when he was telling me your life story, but I did know when you would be returning to Ponyville. It’s kind of hard to miss a group cute pink mare clones bouncing everywhere.”

You look up at that in shock. 

“You were there?”

“I’ve been checking up on you and my Great Granddaughter while you’ve been in Ponyville, watching and learning,” he smiles. 

You gasp at this confession as some mysterious fall into place.

“Was…was that you who pulled me out of the river?” He chuckles at that. 

“You bet yer keister. Don’t try to make a habit of going over waterfalls, you nearly gave me a heart attack. And that wasn’t the only time I helped you out.”

You think back on your latest stint in Ponyville.

“You were the one who gave me all the desserts during the reunion weren’t ya?”

“That’s right,” he then flashes green and appears as an Apple Mare, “My name’s Candy Apple, nice to meetcha,” he puts on a different voice.

“I knew I’d met that mare twice in a row,” you say in understanding.

He then changes back.

“That was pretty epic with the bats flying around,” he then lets out a wistful sigh. “Glad to see Smithy happy with all her relatives.”

You then ask pointedly, 

“You mean MY Grandmother?”

He seems surprised at this, before he snarls.

“Oh damnit. Did the Doc let that secret out?”

“No, actually she did, though she doesn’t know I’m her grandson,” you reply.

He sighs and says, “Good. I’d hate for her to find out so harshly,” he then looks to you and says, “And for Pete’s sake, if you knew what you were to them, why were you getting all close with her Granddaughter? Yer cousins ya know?”

“I know! But I can’t explain that to her and she won’t leave me alone!” you moan as the weight of this confirmed theory hits you.

Holy Crap, I AM related to the Apples…



Kichi’s Comment



“But that’s another thing. Why didn’t you ever tell me the truth? Heck, why didn’t you let Granny Smith know? I know the old Changeling Half Breed Laws, but you never were one for following rules. She still seems broken up over you leaving,” you accuse.

He lets out a sigh.

“Look, it’s not as simple as you make it out @#$%&”

“Bugze,” you say.

“What?” he asks confused.

“My name. It’s Bugze now. I haven’t been @#$%& since the Canterlot Invasion.”

“Bugze? Seriously?” he asks incredulously. “What was wrong with your old name?”

“Nothing it’s just…that name belongs to someone I’m not anymore. I’ve changed since then Grandbuggy.”

Raising an eyebrow he says, “Alright then. If that’s what you want “Bugze” he says as he rolls his eyes. “But anyway, like I was saying, the situation with your Grandmother isn’t as simple as you think.”

“Then what happened?” you ask.

“That would take a LONG time to explain, but I’ll give you some cliff notes. She and I met as companions with the Doctor, we went on many adventures. We fell in love, were going to get married and start a family…and then disaster struck, and we all had to go our separate ways…” he says with a sad sigh.

“What disaster?” you ask.

“Let’s just say I pissed off the wrong crowd, and at the Doctor’s insistence, memories had to be forgotten, and love and family had to be dropped.”

“You’re not gonna give me any more than that?” you ask indignantly.

“Sorry kid, but that story can wait for another time. We may have all the time in the world, but at the same time, I want your head to be in the game for what’s to come, and I don’t want to go telling you sad tales.”

“Sad tales? Grandbuggy, the last three years of my life have been made up of sad tales broken up by spans of false peace…” you bemoan.

He winces at that and looks down.

“Yeah…I know boy. I thought the Doc would keep you out of the thick of it…don’t know why I would have ever thought that after all you’ve been through.”

“Yeah…but why didn’t you?” you ask suddenly as a powerful thought comes to mind.

He tenses at that, so you know he knows what you’re talking about.

“Could…could you have stopped me a week ago?” you ask in hesitation.

He sighs and shakes his head.



BrownDog’s Comment



“I didn’t know it was coming any more than you did,” he says as he puts his hoof back on your shoulder. 

“So…you couldn’t have stopped…Trixie?” you ask as your heart quickens pace.

He looks to the side and says, 

“No. I wasn’t under the dome, but I felt your pain and tried to ease your anger with our familial Hive Mind... but I heard the outcome, and that sealed the moment. I…I know it must have been hard for you…”

You look down as the guilt crawls back up.

Bugze, we’ve been over this. You’re not a mo-

“But she’ll get better. There’s always another chance to make things right,” Grandbuggy adds confusing both you and Selena.

“What?” you ask in shock. “What do you mean there’s another chance to make things right? Trixie’s dead, I killed her.”

He looks confused at this before his eyes widen.

“Now wait just a moment, did you think this whole time that she…” your shocked face answers him.

“N-No son, that mare survived. She’s up being tended for in the Hospital as we speak.”

His words shatter a boundary, a pressure that’s been on your shoulders for the past week has been lifted. Not all the way, but there is now room to breathe.

“She…she’s alive?” you ask in hope as more tears come to your eyes and you hear Selena sigh in relief.

“Oh boy,” Grandbuggy says as he hugs you again.

After another emotional moment, you regain a bit of your composure.

“I never remember you being this emotionally damaged before. Take comfort in the fact that she’s alive son.”

“I just…I’ve had a collection of guilt these last three years. I’ve done some horrible things Grandbuggy. When I thought Trixie died they all came at me and…”

He lets out a sigh at this and breaks the hug.

“Boy, know that what I say next, I say for the good of your mind. You gotta nut up and cut it with all this emotional baggage.”

“Wh-What?” you ask in shock.



Kersey’s Comment



“I don’t say it to be mean, but it’s what you gotta do. We all do horrible things in life son, there’s things I’ve done that still give me nightmares…but the point is that you have to face all of that crap head on and tell it, “I won’t be ruled by you.”

You look down and mutter,

“Grandbuggy, the stuff I’ve done, you can’t possibly-“

“I know what you’ve done. Tartarus, I kicked the Doctor out of his precious Box after hearing what you’re life’s become kid. The whole Nightmare monster version of you…that was the final straw for me kid.”

“You…You know about the otherworld?” you ask hesitantly.

“Yeah…I know what you went through boy. I know the hardships you faced, and the ones you still face. I know you still fear that one day you’ll become that monster.”

He then looks you straight in the eye in determination.

“But that bullspit ain’t ever gonna happen. And do you wanna know why boy?”

“I-I-I-“ you sputter.

“It’s because you made a choice. You and that smoking hot goddess in your head. You both made a choice to not become that. And that’s what it all comes down to, your choices.”

“Every living thing on this planet is defined by their choices son, and only the individual can ultimately choose. That nutjob in Fillydelphia chose to be an evil murderous flankhole, your little friend Sin chose to side with Chryssy over you, and ultimately, Trixie chose to…do what she did,” he says wincing before declaring to you, “And you chose not to be a monster.”

You scowl at him and say, “That’s easy for you to say. Yeah Trixie made a choice, but I drove her to that. It’s easy to say she made a choice, but she wasn’t all there, and I didn’t help! I made THAT choice Grandbuggy, and I think that makes me a monster in any book. Just because she didn’t die, doesn’t make that fact any less true.”

“Of course it doesn’t boy, but you’re also missing another point. You’re choosing to let this guilt control you. Wallowing in your guilt doesn’t help you, nor those around you. It’s just as bad as losing yourself to your anger. The only difference is who gets hurt, and right now you’re hurting yourself son.”

You look down at this.

“I’m not saying don’t feel guilty, but don’t let it consume you. Treat it like your anger. It’s another motivator that becomes toxic when overwhelmed. You have to find a balance between the two of them, without being blinded by either. You’re no good rampaging, but neither are you good as a catatonic zombie.”

You grit your teeth as you take some breaths.

“And how do I do that Grandbuggy? How do I find this middle ground?”

“That’s up to you boy, but the first step is simple. You have to choose to walk that path. So nut up already and choose to take a hold of your life again.”

You think on his words and all you’ve done. 

It…it can’t be that simple. Noling can do this alone.

But you’re not alone Bugze. You’ve never been alone, Selena encourages. You have me, You have Nightshade, and you now have your Grandfather again. You don’t have to walk alone.

You think of her and Nightshade as they held your jabbering psyche this past week. How they’ve been with you through thick and thin. They chose to stick with you, and you chose them. Maybe the choice isn’t simple, but it could be easier with them all at your side.

You let out a breath at her words and turn to your Grandbuggy. 

“Y-You’re right Grandbuggy. I…I choose my own path. One not ruled by my anger or my guilt, but not without them either.”

He smiles at that.

“There’s my grandson showing that spirit,” he claps your shoulder.

You clap his shoulder back and announce



BrownDog’s Comment



“I…I still feel guilt for the bad things I’ve done. Especially Trixie. Even if she didn’t die, I drove her to the point where she tried to kill herself. That’s on me…and it always will be. And you’re right. There is still time. It’s not too late for me to make things right with her. With her still alive, I still have a chance to save her…”

You then let out a sigh and add, “But I can’t forget that guilt, or the lesson’s it’s taught. My actions, my words, and even my inactions have consequences. I choose to use these tools on my path… And I still don’t want anyling else to die…”

The old bug smirks again at this statement. 

“Alright boyo. And I’ll be here to help…if you’ll have me,” Grandbuggy asks.

You give your own smile back.

“I will have you Old Bug. I don’t care if you were gone for years, just so long as you’re here now,” you say in determination.

“Damn straight son. I’ll help you walk your noble superhero path. In fact, I might have something that can help with that,” he says cheekily.
Raising an eyebrow you ask,

“What do you mean?”




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment



“Well, I found something interesting in your bags when I picked you up. Besides my great granddaughter I mean!" Grandbuggy says with a hearty laugh before pulling out the item in question: Jetstream Sam's High-frequency Blade. "Best poker prize ever! I also see it hasn't been unlocked yet. Ya haven't just been bashin' ponies on the head with the sheath, have ya?"

You rub your hoof into the floor innocently. 

"Maybe once..?"

Grandbuggy laughs again and tussles your mane. 

"Ha-HA! You're my grandson alright! How's about I finally take the trainin' wheels off fer ya?"

"Wait, you mean like... actually unlock it?" you ask, to which your Grandbuggy nods excitedly. 

You feel strangely conflicted. You couldn't help geeking out when you first picked up that iconic blade, but a lot has happened since then. You realize that, like the rest of the gear you obtained from the bunker, that sword is no mere replica. High-frequency blades can cut through nearly anything... or anyone.

"Grandbuggy, thanks... but no thanks. Like I said, I’m choosing not to take lives anymore, and having a weapon like that isn't going to help. I think it's best for a weapon that can only kill to remain in its scabbard, even if it is incredibly kick flank," you explain, but for some reason your Grandbuggy's cheeky smirk is just getting wider and wider.

"Blade lock verification: Rurouni." he says into a tiny speaker near the blade's handle. He then effortlessly draws the bright crimson blade and casually tosses it to you.

You fumble trying to catch it without cutting yourself, but when you do manage, you find something odd about the sword. 

"The buck? The blade is on the wrong side."

Grandbuggy gives another hearty laugh. 

"Clever isn't it? It’s design is for those who put more into defensive fighting, and what’s more, it can be a Changeling’s best friend. If you thrum your wings during a swing, the vibrations travel through the sword giving the blunt edge a higher impact.” He then tosses you the sheath with the trigger. “That sheath can fire the blade to your awaiting hoof at high speeds, and is sure to wreck whatever your target is. And the best part is, unless you really try, that sharp edge isn’t going to be used at all. Just like my little pep talk earlier, you have to choose to use that side.”

You then look at the blade in a new light.

“So, unless I choose to swing this the wrong way, I won’t be killing with this?”

“Exactly. And with your vibrations, you should be able to cut through enemy weapons without cutting through the enemy themselves.”

A slight shudder comes to you as you remember the Nightmare using a similar method for the Infinite Mass Punch…but he chose that…

You test it out by lightly vibrating your wings, and the red blade does appear to shine brighter.

You sheathe the blade and say,

“Thanks Grandbuggy. I’ll only use it for the most desperate of scenarios.”

“I bet. Though even them Changelings in Appleloosa shouldn’t have anything too big to handle.”

Your eyes widen at that.

“Oh Crap! That’s right! We have to go right…”

He bonks you on the head. 

“Time Machine kid.”

“Oh…right,” you chuckle embarrassed.

“But you’re right, we should start getting our head in the game a bit. And #@$...Bugze. After this is all done, you and I can talk to our heart’s content. I’ll…I’ll let you know about a lot of stuff from the past.”

“Yeah, alright Grandbuggy. I do still have some foggy memories from the past thanks to being…well, Dead and all.” He grimaces at that but nods.

“Now, how about we go talk to the rest of our merry band of misfits?” he is about to head out the door before he turns his head and asks.

“By the way, can the other one in your head hear what we’re saying all the time?”

Your eyes widen at this.

“You know about him too?”

“The Doc told me damn near everything. So much for being a vegetarian huh?” he jabs. “But from what I can tell that crystal fanatic can be kind of a pain. So…is he an issue?”

“I…no. I actually haven’t heard from him in awhile.”

He still sits within his cage silently. He asks for nothing and seems to prefer the distance since last week, Selena chimes in.

So he’s what? Sulking?

I have no clue, nor do I have any passing interest in finding out after what he did to you, she responds matter of factly.

To this you speak aloud.

“So I guess he’s not an issue for now. It’s nothing me and Selena can’t handle.”

“Well alright then. Let’s meet the team.”

Grandbuggy then leads you through the door where Nightshade exited and you enter the TARDIS center.

No matter how many times you see it, you always geek out a little inside. As you geek out, Grandbuggy walks further into the room towards the group of gathered ponies in the room

You then look around the room and see a few individuals. Nightshade is talking to an overly handsome Earth Pony stallion who could only be Jack, and a dark pink mare. A bit of fear does get the fear of you, but before you can linger on her, you are interrupted by a familiar joyful voice.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



"CV, you're awake!" Aqua runs up to you in concern and relief. You and Selena both smile at the sight of your old bounty hunting partner.

"Just got up minutes ago." You tell her as you give her a hug. “And it’s Bugze remember?”

“Right right,” she chuckles as she breaks away. “Sorry, it’s just good to see you, I forgot.”

You smile and see that she is wearing a dark coat with a lit torch insignia.

"So how have you been? How's your new job?"

"It's... interesting." She says while rubbing the back of her head. “When Celestia talked about a job, I thought I’d be in the guard or something, not in a separate organization. But I guess she owes the boss a few favors,” she says looking over at the Captain as he lifts his chin and gives you a lid eyed smile. Before you can focus too much on that, Aqua gives you a stern look 

"So, Nightmare Moon, huh?" She asks with a raised brow.

You look at her nervously.

“Don’t worry, we don’t report to the Princesses. She can ask for help, but ultimately it’s the Captain who decides what we do,” she reassures. “But really this whole time we were hunting together you didn’t feel like mentioning who was in your head?”

You let out a sigh. 

“Sorry but you saw how the rest of the world reacted to our secret, don’t take it personally. And she’s not Nightmare Moon anymore, Her name's Selena. She’s her own pony and isn’t the Boogey mare you think she is. And before you ask, Yes, she’s where I get most of my power from." 

Aqua takes that info in, and also the stern look you’re giving back to her as you correct her assumptions.

"So you two are that close to each other if you’re coming up with different names,” she postulates before shrugging, “Well I guess after all these years with her inside your head I can't doubt that.”

“Yeah…and look, if you’re wondering if she was the one to hurt you in the past, no that was all me.”

I’d say it was more 50/50 if you want to put a label on it, Selena points out.

Hey, I’m trying to defend you here, you shoot back.

Aqua gives you a deadpan look.

“Gee, thanks for bringing that up,” she rolls her eyes. “But the Captain and Quick Fix already explained some stuff to me, but I just wanted to hear it from your mouth to be sure.”

Raising and eyebrow you ask.

“They explained some stuff to you? Like what?”

“Mostly the fact that she’s, well…NOT evil anymore and stuff.”

“Well she’s not. You couldn’t take their word on it?”

“Eh, I always like to hear it out of the horse’s mouth, or Changeling in this instance,” she smirks.

“Well I stand by what I say. She can’t speak directly to you because of…” you look at the disk and frown, “Reasons. But if you want a second opinion, she’s over there,” you point.

"Second... oh yeah, Nightshade of course,” she says in understanding before frowning again. “By the way, she said Ni-Selena’s her mom, how does that even work?”

Holding up your hoof you respond,

“Don't ask. It's a long and... yeah, long story." You were about to say unsettling but you didn't want Nightshade or Aqua to hear that.

“Well what’s wronog with a long story now and again?” comes a husky stallion’s voice that makes you and Aqua jitter. “I mean, we got wine and everything, I’m sure we could have a listen.”

You both look to the side and see the overly handsome stallion smiling coyly at you both.

Now you don’t swing that way at all, but this guy…you can admit is handsome…So handsome. The actor that portrayed him in the show? Cannot even hold a candle to this guy’s strong jaw.

No Bad Bug! Don’t get lost in his handsomeness! You shriek in your mind, causing Selena to roll her eyes.

While you try not stare at the epitome of handsome, Aqua rolls her own eyes and says,

“You heard Quick Fix boss, we can all shoot the spit later, basic introductions come first.”

“Yeah, well Fix is getting more grumpy in his old age. Bugze hear is a breath of fresh air. He’s like the spitting image of Quick’s younger self…except with better hair,” he says with a flick of your mane.

Blushing a little, you step back nervously.



DWC’s Comment



"Hello, I’m Captain Jack Harkness, but you can call me anything you want,” he flirts.

You just look at him for a second before saying,

"Stop that. Stop that right now. I’m flattered, but We are not playing this game, I’m only into Mares," you say putting your hoof down.

Jack frowns slightly before saying,

"Ah don't be such a spoilsport bud, I enjoy mares too, ain’t that right Aqua?” he says looking at the Blue Unicorn with a grin.

“Jack!...” Aqua whines as a blush crosses her face.

Chuckling, he then looks back at you,

You look at Aqua and back at him.

“Seriously? You two?”

She facehooves. 

“Don’t judge me, there’s hardly any mare or stallion alive or dead that hasn’t been with him at one point or another,” she mutters.

“And they don’t regret it either,” he smirks with a trolling grin. “Besides..."

He suddenly leans in and says,

“Changelings are fair game too…”

Before you can say anything back to this Jack suddenly goes stiff (NOT LIKE THAT!) as there is a wet *THUNK* and he falls to the floor with a hatchet imbedded into his skull.

"WHAT I TELL YA ABOUT HITTING ON MY GRANDBUG?! HE'S OFF LIMITS!" Grandbuggy yells at the murdered stallion.



Kersey’s Comment



"That's your granddad alright CV." Aqua snarks, not even fazed that the Captain is dead.

“Thanks Grandbuggy, I don’t think I had it in me to do something like that this soon,” you say in relief.

"GREAT-GRANDBUGGY! WHAT THE BUCK?!" Nightshade exclaims in horror as you look over seeing her holding her face in fright.

“Calm down Nighshade, it will be alright,” you explain matter of factly.

“Alright?! He just killed that guy!” she shrieks, confused by your laid back attitude.

"Wait for it." Everypony in the TARDIS says deadpan simultaneously.

She looks around the room as if everyone’s gone insane.

“Wait for what? Why are you all so calm and-“

*GASP* The stallion on the floor spasms as he comes back to life and sits up.

“And there it is. So cool to see it in person,” you geek out a little.

Jack then indignantly pulls the hatchet out of the back of his head and hands it back to Grandbuggy.

"I guess some things never change huh Quick Fix?" Jack comments in annoyance while wiping the blood off his head.

“Enope,” Grandbuggy responds as he cleans the blood off of his hatchet.

"Wha- but- he..." Nightshade stammers in confusion at the whole scene.

"It’s a  long story honey, but basically he can't die. You’ll find out why when you get to the Bad Wolf plot point in the serials" you explain to Nightshade.

“I…So you really can’t die?” she asks flabbergasted as she looks to Jack who smiles.

“Not for lack of trying kid. Believe me, I’ve had worse.”

She still seems a bit confused, so Grandbuggy claps her on the back and says,

"Yeah, so feel free to bash him on the head if he gets too annoying."

“Yeah…I don’t think I want to do that,” she responds as she sees the wound on Jack’s head closing rapidly.

Suddenly there comes a giggle and your mind gets put back on high alert.

“Give it awhile little filly, you may just change your mind.”

The voice comes from the mare you only briefly glimpsed before.

Her body is a darker shade of Pink that what you remember, her wings are either gone, or well hidden under her jacket, and her Mane is now just a solid blonde. The burn and claw scars are all but faded, but you know exactly who she is, it’s all in her voice and those eyes…



BrownDog’s Comment




ReaderRead’s Comment




GreyRebl’s Comment




Those eyes look towards you, and the face they belong to is smiling happily, but panic still rushes through you. Those eyes still belong to the mare that pierced you with an Orichalcum sword. She nearly killed you. She nearly killed Selena.

You hear heavy panicked breathing in your head, and you realize that Selena is just as nerve racked as you are.

Before you fall into a full pledged panic attack though, Jack grips you by the arm and looks into your eyes seriously, no hint of flirting or anything on his face. Only determination. Grandbuggy and Aqua seem to understand why he’s doing so and don’t intervene.


“I know what you went through, and I know it’s hard seeing her again, but she’s alright,” he reassures and you can’t help but believe him. “She doesn’t remember the otherworld, The Doctor saw to that before he dropped her in my care. She is Cadance to a point, but she is also her own pony now.”

You look over and see her chuckling with Nightshade about something.

“What do you mean by that?” you ask.

“She has all her own memories from when she was a child, right up into the point where she ascended. But everything after that, being adopted by Celestia, meeting and falling in love with Shining Armor, and the massacre of her world have been expunged.”

You then see her starting looking at your little group curiously.

“She is a good friend, and a great agent, and I promise you she won’t try to harm you or your friends in your noggin. She goes by Mia now, so play it cool,” he emphasizes before turning around. 

“Aqua, why don’t you introduce your old partner to your new partner?”

Aqua looks up at that and nods as she looks over to the former princess and calls out

“Oi! Mia!” she then gestures towards you. Mia’s eyes widens, and visibly shakes her head. An audible sigh comes out of the waterbender. 

“Mia, don’t you have something to say?”

“Aqua, please,” she says nervously as she twists her foot causing you to raise an eyebrow.

Aqua then looks to you rolls her eyes, then grabs your hoof and starts dragging you over to the Otherworld Cadence, and you nervously follow her lead.

The both of you then stop in front of the mare and she turns her eyes towards you. Even with Jack’s words, it’s still hard to face them.

“Come on, just talk to the guy” Aqua urges, “It’s not like you’ll have much of chance later. You’ve been antsy about it since the mission detail.” 

Then, she gives a glance at you and smirks. “Besides, I’d like my partners to get along.”

Partners, huh? Even after getting a new job, she still counts her trust on you beyond it. At that, you smile back. You then look towards Mia, who composes herself before you.

Her eyes meet yours directly, and the memories came streaming forth. Tears, fire, explosions, pain, falling and darkness; You barely clench your jaw in time to prevent a gasp.  Nervously, you smile.

“H-hello,” you lamely say. “You wanted something?”

“No, I just wished to meet you, Bugze,” Mia says, smiling lightly.

“Oh! Uh, you did?” you sputter, not expecting her to sound so pleasantly happy to meet you. “Might I ask why?”

Although you ask, you fear the answer. Even after everything that happened, you still haven’t come to terms with your near-death experience. The blade, Selena’s sacrifice...you were too focused on finding the Crimson Knights. After what the alternative Cadence did to you and what your alternative did to her, the feeling in your gut churls at the thought. In all that time, you’ve been trying to convince yourself that you aren’t that monster,that you can do better.

That you Choose to walk a different path.

Contrary to her shaded coloring, she beams, princess-like. It seems that losing her memories doesn’t detract from who she was subconsciously. 

“I just wanted to meet the guy who Aqua knew is all,” she says, almost as though she found an old friend.

You gulp. 

“Yeah. That’s me. My name is Bugze,” you nervously hold out your hoof.

“Mia,” she replies as she touches yours, and just like you have a reaction, a look comes across her face, one of confusion.

“You, uh…You alright?” you ask.

“It’s strange. I feel like that maybe in a past life, you and I knew each other…” she then shakes her head. “Sorry, I get weird ideas sometime. It’s a pleasure to meet you Bugze. And you too Nightmare Moon”

You remember. But she doesn’t. That fact is clear as day, Selena mutters within your mind.

"Uh... yeah, it's nice to meet you too, Cad- MIA!” you correct loudly making her wince. “I mean... Yeah…By the way, it’s not Nightmare Moon her name is Selena..."

Cadance stares at you, tilting her head to the side. 

"Really? Huh. Well, that is a pretty name. Rolls off the tongue better than Nightmare Moon,” she giggles and you chuckle nervously with her, though you do ease up a bit. 

“You doing good?” you suddenly say. When she gives you a confused look, you clarify, “In Torchwood I mean?”

She nods. “Oh Yes. Life in Torchwood leaves much to be desired, but where else are you going to battle Extra Terrestrial monsters? I wish for nothing more. Why?”

“No reason. Kinda wondered what living in a super secret organization is like,” you doggedly excuse.

“It’s actually a lot easier than you think,” Aqua chimes in startling you since you’d forgotten she was there.

“Well for some folks it’s easier,” Mia says sarcastically. “You just had a good teacher.”

“Teacher is one word for it, Stalker is more appropriate.”

“Hey!” Mia responds indignantly. You don’t know why, but this back and forth between them is actually easing your fear more.

“Stalker?” you ask curiously.

“She helped me out adjusting to my new position when I was first brought in,” Aqua explains, ”but then she wouldn’t leave me alone, even during down time.” Then, she smiles, slyly. “Almost as though she was bored.”

“Now see here, Aqua, I wasn’t that bad!” Mia whines.

“Ha!” Aqua rolls her eyes with a laugh. “When we first met, you pinned me down on the ground and asked what my preferences for a lover were!”

Captain Jack pipes in, 

“She got my technique down perfectly, too! I’ve never been so proud.” Like a doting mentor, he pats the now pinker than normal alicorn on the back. “Shame she only does it to hook up members of Torchwood,” he says wiggling his eyebrows at Aqua who just rolls her eyes and blushes.

“I-I,” Mia looks away, a wing over her face in shame. “Is it wrong to ship my friends?”

And with that display you actually smile and chuckle. There are shades of your friend within this mare, and yet she is someone knew as well. Someone with her own quirks.

“It’s not weird, I swear,” Mia bemoans.

Aqua shows mercy by concluding her tale. 

“I could argue otherwise, but in essence, I didn’t answer everything for her, because that would be telling. And because of that she never let up.”

“Well if you’d just given me something I wouldn’t have been so pushy,” Mia grumbles.

“I gave you other stories about my life, so I’d say we’re even,” Aqua chuckles. “But yeah, because I started talking about our adventures, she kind of took an interest in who you were C…Bugze.”

“Not everything I hope?” you ask.

“Well I did leave out your little back room shenanigans with Sapphire Shores,” Aqua teases causing you to shudder.

“Say what now?” Mia asks coming out from her wing in interest.

“Nothing Happened! Aqua’s being Aqua,” you grumble.

At like that, you are at ease with the one who nearly killed us, Selena mutters impressed.

Me? What about you?

I am always on alert, but I don’t sense any killer intent from her. So for the time being I shall treat her as an ally.

“A-anyways, I hope it wouldn’t burden you if we can get to know each other?“ Mia asks with a goofy smile.

You nod, blinking dumbly. To see her so happy after the literal end of her world… Maybe things aren’t so bad after all? But even so, you don’t know where you stand. After Trixie and after Sin, you want closure. Proper closure. Trixie you still have a chance for, and Sin…You don’t know how you’re going to resolve that now. But for the time being, you can get a proper conclusion.

Aqua, the only friend you’ve been able to get right with; Mia, the amnesiac alicorn princess who has a new and content life in Torchwood; and, finally, your Grandbuggy, who is alive and well and has become your emotional pillar once more. They are happy, and you feel that you could belong.

You smile.

“Actually, yeah. I also want to talk.” You look towards Grandbuggy. “If that isn’t too much trouble.”

The implication behind the old bug’s grin isn’t lost to you. He likely has different thoughts in mind.

“By all means. Do so.”

To that, you can’t help but smile nostalgically while mentally facehoofing in embarrassment. You’re not sure if you can get back to the rhythm of Grandbuggy’s antics quickly enough before physically doing the deed.

“Grandbuggy, it’s not going to be something weird!”

“Eh, I’ll just let you catch up with your friends for now,” he says, blatantly ignoring what you are saying. “Meanwhile, I’ll have a proper chat with my great granddaughter,” he responds as he motions for Nightshade to follow him, which she does. “If your Missus allows it, just nail your ladies first and then we’ll talk business.”

“Grandbuggy!” you roar, annoyed.

That perverted old…Selena seethes.

The bold old bug just laughs it off and chuckles with Nightshade in tow, who has a look of wonder and puzzlement as she stares her at supposed great grandfather.

Aqua just shakes her head.

“I swear, I thought Jack was a playboy, but your Granddad is on a whole other level.”

“He only limits himself to one gender though, I enjoy all there is to offer,” Jack says as he puts his hooves on both yours and Aqua’s shoulders.

As one both you and her elbow him in the kidney’s causing him to drop.

“Yeah, but we can do that and more to you without consequence. The old guy’s got limits,” Aqua snarks.

“Yeah, and seriously, quit with the flirting,” you chide.

Mia chuckles then glances between Aqua and you. 

"Are you two an item?" she suddenly blurts causing you both to facehoof.

"Mia," Aqua says tersely, "You are really bad at this small talk thing."

"Sorry," she squeaks.

At this, you chuckle.

Selena lets out a sigh.

What is it?

She got a second chance to start over, and yet we still struggle…

You mentally frown and say,

We’ll get our shot too. But one problem at a time. Once our meet and greet is done, we’ll solve the Invasion problem and then from there…who knows.
POV Change: Nightshade



BrownDog’s Comment



While you hear Daddy talking with the mare that looks like Cadence, and Ms. Aqua, and that creepy yet handsome stallion, you look up at the Old Changeling who smells faintly of tobacco.

Since his declaration as your relative, you have yet to have a one on one, and from what you’ve seen with his interactions, he’s just as eccentric as the stories Daddy has told.

They even look the same. If daddy were bald, and was a lot older, you think you’d be staring at the same face. This gives you a little comfort as you speak with him.

“So, you’re my Great Grandbuggy huh?” You mentally facehoof at the basic question, but you’re nervous.

“That’s right,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “But you can call me Grandbuggy if you want, or Quick Fix, Grand Dad, Grampy. Whatever suits ya.”

“Alright. You…you can call me Nightshade…or Shade if you  want” you say as you reach a hoof out nervously.

“Oh to heck with that handshake Nightshade,” he declares as she scoops you up into a bone breaking hug. Litterally, you think some of your ribs crack.

Oh, so this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end, you think as you remember the many times you’ve hugged Daddy, your friends, and even Cerberus.

But two can play at this game!

You then quickly turn the table by returning the hug tenfold, and you hear his back pop.

“Oof, watch the old bones,” the old Changeling croaks as he sets you down.

“Hate to break it to you Grampy, but my hugs come with the territory of being my family,” you respond smugly.

“Heh. Quite the sasser ain’tcha? I like it,” he chuckles before tussling your mane.

“That’s one way to put it. Some say I have a filthy bucking mouth.”

“Oh I don’t doubt it,” he laughs again, not even saying anything about your language. “By the way, how goes that throat punching technique I taught ya?”

You look at him in confusion for a moment before realization hits you.

“That was you?” you ask in wonder remembering the old stallion at the dessert table weeks ago.

“Yup. Unlike your dad, I can change like it’s noling’s business.” To emphasize this point, he changes into the old stallion.

“I…I saw you around Ponyville a couple of times, and even at the Apple Family Reunion.”

“Ayuh. I couldn’t come out and speak to ya freely at that time, but I’d like to think I got the gist of what makes you so adorable and kickflank.”

You love his compliments.

I like this guy.



ReaderRead’s Comment



"...so... what do you do for fun in the TARDIS?" you ask trying to get to know the guy better.

Grandbuggy chuckles to himself. 

"Go on adventures, watch movies from the future, eat food-" He lets out an 'oof' as you tackle him to the ground, muzzle pressed against his.

"HAVE THEY RELEASED THE NEXT DIE HARD YET?!" You shout in excitement. "AND WHAT FOOD DO YOU HAVE? I'M STARVING!"

Grandbuggy blinks in confusion. 

"...I, uh... well, yeah, they have released the next one, but spoiler alert, it kind of sucks.”

“Aw Man!” you pout. He then smiles and says.

“As for food, we have pretty much everything you could imagine."

“Really? Like all you can eat?”

“All that I can eat? I doubt it,” he challenges causing you to scowl your eyes mischievously.

“Oh you wanna bet?”

He chuckles and gives his own mischievous look and says, 

“Kid, I’ve seen your appetite, you can’t teach that, that’s genetic. And I’ve had more years experience in eating.”

You smile at his words.

Oh My Gosh. This guy really is family…I never knew how much I wanted a Great Grandbug till just now!

He then takes you to the Kitchen for a snack, but warns that an eating competition should come later. Soon, you all have to be ready for a fight.

POV Change: Bugze



AllenNoir’s Comment



While Grandbuggy takes Nightshade to the kitchen, you look to the others in your group.

“Okay, I’m sure that with introductions over, we can talk a bit more about what we’re going to have to do.”

Jack nods and says,

“You’re right. Quick Fix gave us the run down. First we get the Doctor, and then we can enact the plan."

“Has he really been stuck in the future for like a few minutes?”

“That’s what Fix said. Never knew someone who could ever pull one over on the Doc aside from him,” Jack explains.

“Well shoot, now I feel kind of bad for thinking he abandoned me and Derpy.”

Jack raises his eyebrow at that.

“Abandoned Derpy? What do you mean? What happened to Ditzy?”

“She thinks the Doctor abandoned her or broke up with her, or whatever it is that they are and it ended,” you explain.

“I ship them!” Mia exclaims.

“Of course you do,” Aqua rolls her eyes.

Jack rubs the back of his head nervously.

“Well that certainly is gonna be an awkward reunion then.”

“Oh, I hope we can bring them back together and explain the situation,” Mia worries.

“The Doctor’s got all the time in the world to worry about that. Now, let’s focus on Appleloosa. What exactly do we have to bring to the table against them?” you ask.

Jack looks at you.

“Are you kidding? You got us, and the Doctor.”

“And your Grandbuggy,” Aqua adds.

“Eyup, and Quick Fix.”

“That’s it?” you mutter in disbelief.

“What more do you need?” asks Mia. “I’m gifted with love magic which should help against changelings, Aqua is a great water bender and skilled fighter, Jack can’t die, and The Doctor and your Grandfather are…themselves.”

“And not to mention, YOU will be there,” Aqua points out.

“I…Okay, that sounds good in principal, but let’s not forget that this is basically an army of trained Changelings. Not even the Deadly 6 were able to take them down…in fact, why don’t we just get them and the Princesses and the Royal Guard?”

They give you a look as if asking, What are you Stupid?

“What are you stupid?” asks Grandbuggy as he walks back in with Nightshade, both with melted chocolate ice cream on their muzzles.



Kersey’s Comment



"No I’m just being practical. Surely we could use some more help right?”

Everyone in the TARDIS simultaneously say,

“Bad Idea.”

"WHAT?!" you and Nightshade yell.

"We got a bucking army attacking Appleloosa! We need all the firepower we can bucking get!" you add.

"The Princesses and the Elements are kind of having their own event going on right now and it’s a,”

“Don’t you dare say Fixed Point in Time!” you snarl back.

“…A Fixed Point in Time,” Jack Finishes.

You facehoof and growl.

“Oh come on, the Doctor’s not even here, how can you know that? Maybe we can unfix it since my old home is being INVADED!!!” you shout.

“Sorry Bugze, but this really is one of those moments. Plus, the Elements are more or less out of commission for the next couple of days…you’ll know why eventually,” Jack explains while Mia and Aqua look confused.

You are about to retort when Grandbuggy interrupts.

"Boy, just think about it! You're the most Wanted fugitive in Equestria and that was BEFORE it made the front page that you got Marey Moon living in your head. They'll blast you on sight before ya could get one syllable out!"

You groan at that, because deep down, you know he’s right. But still…

“Alright, I get that. But isn’t there others we can bring along? What about Bon Bon? Isn’t she one of your Agents?”

“Agent Sweetie Drops is semi retired, and is currently keeping tabs on the…situation that the Elements are going through. She can’t come,” Jack explains.

“Well crud. What about Discord? The guy likes making me suffer, maybe he’ll show up with all the chaos going on?”

Grandbuggy rolls his eyes, “That Turd ain’t getting involved. Also, I boosted the effect of the filter on ya, so that he can’t sense ya. As for the Changelings…I think Chryssy’s goons have their own way of keeping off his radar.”

You grit your teeth at that.

“Well, aren’t we gonna have any allies? Because 300 versus 6 doesn’t sound fair.”

“Actually, if all goes well, we MAY have 10 more potential allies,” Jack explains and Aqua sighs.

“This is the part of the plan I hate,” she grumbles.

You look at her in confusion.

“What? What is it?”

She sighs and says, 

“The Crimson Knight Leaders are at the center of this invasion fighting against the Hive. Jack wants to attempt to recruit them.”

They can’t be serious, Selena deadpans.

Your eyes widen at this and you look back.

“Seriously? After all the trouble she and I went through to put these guys away? Some of them are downright nuts and evil!”

“Yeah, not to mention they won’t exactly be too happy to see me,” Aqua adds.

Jack just raises his hooves,

“Look, I know it’s a gamble, but look at it like this. They’re all dangerous in their own way, but right now they’ve found out they’ve been patsies for over a year and are fighting for their lives. When we gathered you from the bunker, it had been twenty minutes into the invasion, and against expectations, they fought together as one and even took civilians under their shelter.”

“But that won’t last long,” Mia adds. “With all the Hive and the Super Charged Officers attacking, they won’t succeed and will be captured. And when that happens, there will be no one left in Appleloosa that we can work with.”

“B-But…I spent practically all year…” you babble.

Grandbuggy then speaks up. 

“Right now boy, they’re as close as you’re gonna get to reinforcements. And as demented or idiotic as they may be, they may still yet follow the Hooded Offender.”

Oh really? Even after the news of my bond with you? Selena inquires.

“Oh yeah, Good point. You think they’d still listen since I’m supposed to be Mind Jacked by the Boogey Mare?”

“That’s what I said,” Aqua rolls her eyes.

“Look it’s not a perfect plan, but the desperate and the downtrodden make for interesting bed fellows. We have to at least try," Jack implores.

“I…They really have the last of the civilians under their care?” you ask in hesitation.

“That’s right. If we can recruit them, or even just a few we may yet be able to free the captured towns ponies and put a stop to their plans.”

“I…Aw Crap!” you shout. “This plan sucks…but what else are we gonna do?”

“Exactly,” Jack smirks. He then opens up a map of Appleloosa.

“Whether we recruit them or not, our plan will be to find the largest gathering of the captured, and free the prisoners. There’s only so many large structures where they could be stored, so we’ll have to find it. If we can rescue them and get them into the TARDIS, then the Changeling’s won’t be able to keep recharging themselves.”

“Kay…and what about the dome?”

“The dome keeps all but Changeling’s inside, but the last thing we want to do is to take it down. No, we will need to, as the Doc always puts it, Reverse the Polarity of the Neutron flow and turn it into a true dome. That way, no one, Changeling, Pony or anything in between can get out. We can’t have any escapees.”

“I’m sick and tired of domes this year,” you grumble remembering the Crystal Empire and Trixie.

“Alright. And then? How do we take out the three hundred?”

“We fight as many as we can, but our real targets are the Five Officers, Sin, Mongo, Vicky, Biff, and Tannen,” to these names Grandbuggy just grunts, but Jack continues. “We hope that by taking down their Five Officers, they will relent…but that may prove difficult since they’ve been upgraded and you’ve been…” he points at the disk on your chest. 

“Oh, right…” you mutter in annoyance.



Roker12’s Comment




Fireheart1945’s Comment



“Can anyone get this dang thing off my chest? Now that you’ve pointed it out?” you growl in annoyance.

Grandbuggy shakes his head.

“Sorry boy, but none of us can. We tried everything when we first brought you on board. Even a sledgehammer.”

“Really? Even with all this TARDIS stuff you can’t get it off?”

“It’s Magic Bugze, and a strong one at that. Only the one who placed it on you can take it off,” Mia explains.

“Sin…Maybe there’s a way to still get through to her…”

“Not with Chryssy riding her mind kid. You’ll have to figure out some way to get her to take it off.”

You let out a sigh at this.

“So basically, our plan is to go into this clusterbuck, recruit a bunch of nutjobs for our cause, reinforce an enemy dome, somehow beat down 5 Super Charged Changelings, not to mention avoiding their three hundred cronies, and rescue the towns ponies, all while I’m basically handicapped and the only one who can fix that is one of the enemy?”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself Boy,” Grandbuggy grins.

You let out a groan and mutter,

“Again, this plan sucks…But what the hay. If we don’t stop it this early, then Appleloosa will be lost.”

They all nod at this and you all stand up.

“We know what we have to do, but when it comes down to it, we’re winging a lot of this. But if we pull this off, we will have saved this town and put an end to the Changeling’s plans.”

With that said, you all walk towards the center console where all the Doctor’s switches and levers and doodads are.

“Next stop, we get the Doc, fill him in, then rush sally forth into the gates of Tartarus” Grandbuggy chuckles.



ErisedtheinkMoth’s Comment



This is it. You've got a team, you've got a plan, and you're all geared up and ready to save Appleoosa. But as you stand about to throw the switch that will take you to the Doctor... something stirs to the forefront of your mind.

It's a memory of another time, another place, full of darkness and death. Amid the countless bodies lays one in particular that makes you clench your eyes shut as the pain of seeing it returns, a little filly's corpse: Nightshade's.

"Hold it!" you shout, bringing everyone else's heroic bravado to a screeching halt. 

"There’s one more facet about the plan. Nightshade, you need to stay in the TARDIS, sweetie."

The parallels are too convenient: Appleoosa, a big fight, and you right in the middle of it. It's not enough to just keep her tucked away in your Inventory this time, you need to keep Nightshade as far away from the fighting as possible, where she'll be safe, so there's no chance in Tartarus what happened in that world could possibly happen in this one.

"But Daaaaaad." Nightshade drones in that indignant way you're becoming all too accustomed to.

"No buts, honey. It's going to be way too dangerous down there for you to-"

"When are you going to stop treating me like a little filly!" she stomps. "I've handled myself just fine in all the other fights I've been in! Heck, I made a dragon my personal nemesis for buck's sake!"

"But you might get- ...hurt." you argue.

"I'm tough." she shoots back.

"But what if-"

"I can take care of myself!"

The two of you argue back and forth like this for some time, until finally Nightshade can't take it anymore. 

"What aren't you telling me Daddy?!" and the room goes silent.

Bugze

"Jack, you said we have all the time in the world, right?" you ask.

"All the time in every possible world, to be exact." he tells you.

You nod. "Then would all of you kindly give us a minute? I... I need to tell Nightshade a story."

Grandbuggy perks up at that.

“You sure you want to do that boyo?” he asks nervously. You nod and say,

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Your group of family, friends and allies throw questioning looks to each other as you and Nightshade walk away.

"Well," Aqua shrugs, "I guess we'll play a round of Mare-io Kart, till they get back.”

"Dibs on Bowser!" Grandbuggy shouts.

While you leave all your new allies in the control room, you walk your daughter into the recovery room you woke up in.

"So what is this all about, Daddy?" Nightshade asks as the two of you sit opposite one another.

You take a deep breath. 

Bugze…are you sure now is the time?

I knew I was going to have to tell her about what happened in the otherworld someday, and no I haven’t prepared for this moment…but she needs to understand. I have to make her understand why she can’t go.

I…I understand. Just start from the beginning…she hesitantly agrees.

"Nightshade, this all started when I started last year when I kept seeing this message 'The Nightmare Comes'..."

And so, over what feels like days and weeks, but what could only have been minutes, you tell Nightshade about how the Nightmare came to be. There's no room for paraphrasing, or leaving out gory details, just pure, visceral truth. 

At first Nightshade is in a state of shock, but soon enough her face pales over as she continues to listen. There are questions, more than you thought there would be, but you answer as best you can. In the process of the story, you can't avoid revealing the true identity of 'Mia', and why you're so jumpy around her.

With the last moments of the Nightmare falling to eternal sleep with the Luna Plushie in it's arms, Cadence stabbing you with the orichalcum sword, Selena's desperate attempt to save you by sacrificing her own power, and the tragic fate of the other world that could never be undone, you finally finish the story that, if written out would have probably taken thirteen whole chapters to tell.

"And that's what happened." you tell Nightshade. "That's why I have this scar, and why Mommy was sick for so long. And that's why I'm begging you to stay behind."

"Daddy, I..." Nightshade begins, but shakes her head. "But you're not the Nightmare! You're different! You wouldn't destroy the whole world just because you lost me! Would you?" she asks unsurely.

"I don't know Nightshade." you answer, unsure yourself. "But what I do know is that I love you, Nightshade, your mother loves you too. You're our little filly. I don't know what would happen if we lost you. But I'm afraid." You think back on the horrors you witnessed in the alt-world, terrified that it might be you that commits those atrocities this time. "I don't ever want to be so angry every again, and I never want to take another life. Please Nightshade, I'm begging you... stay here where it's safe, where you can't d- where you won't..."

Your breath hitches, and Nightshade scoots over to hug you, and you hug her back like she might slip away at any moment. Maybe you have been overprotective of her, stupidly overprotective at times, but she's your daughter. What kind of parent wants to see their child killed? What kind of parent could bare that?

You need to save Appleoosa, the one place that truly accepted you, and the one place you feel you can call home. But you've got all the time in the world. Ten more minutes can't hurt.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



After holding onto her, she finally speaks up.

“Daddy?”

“Yes honey?”

“I…I understand why you don’t want me to go. After all that horrible stuff…but I want you to know one thing,” she says in determination.
You look at her raising an eyebrow.

"I’m not weak. I'm stronger now." Nightshade also states with pride. "In that other world, I didn't have...” she hesitates, “the opportunity to meet, fight, and train with other ponies and creatures. I fought Discord King Sombra and zombies, trained with mommy, Zecora and some of the Deadly Six and Spike, and even won a magic duel against Trixie who had the power of an alicorn!" You're about to question the Deadly Six and Spike training her but she cuts you off by saying, 

"But even so, no matter how strong I’ve gotten... I never got to see for myself what happened in the other world... I don't know what it felt like to witness something like that."

You reach forward and hug her again. 

"I'm so glad you understand, sweetie. You're a very smart filly for having such a stupid careless father."

She punches you in the gut right there. Hard.

“Oof!” you grunt as the air is knocked out of you.

"Don't say that! You're not careless or stupid!" She says with a tear in both of her eyes. 

"I will stay behind, I will stay safe…But Daddy, I want you to know, if I ever see you in trouble somehow, I'm coming straight to save you, and noling or pony will stop me."

You look at her determination and sees she means it.

“Honey, I’ll be safe, I promise. Just so long as you’re safe, I’ll be fine,” you tell her.

She nods at this, before sniffling and wiping her tears.

“I’ll stay and help out in anyway I can from in here. But right now, let’s go get the Doctor and finally prove that you and Mommy are heroes and NOT BUCKING MONSTERS!!!”

And with that declaration, you and Nightshade walk back into the control room, kicking everyone off their Video Game.

“You say what you needed to say?” asks Grandbuggy.

You both nod and he smiles.

“Good.” He then flips the switch and the TARDIS begins humming.

Almost immediately the humming stops.

“That was a short trip,” Mia exponds, just as the door is kicked open and in struts a very upset Doctor.

“QUICK FIX!!!” he roars.

Now you know better than to earn the fury of a Time Lord, but Grandbuggy…He just chuckles and smiles before saying,

“Get in Loser, We’re Going to do Heroics.”

POV CHANGE: THE CRIMSON KNIGHTS (The Next 20 Minutes)

You all sit within your little fortress, gathering your strength as the enemy begins to power up.

Eventually, you all notice more and more Changeling’s gathering on the roads and on the surrounding buildings. You have no idea what their numbers are, but there are a heck of a lot more of them than your group. And now they’re all powered up to the brim with love.

Two scarred Changelings walk before the Tavern ahead of their troops. One is missing an ear.

They then begin to speak in unison, their voices booming.

“Crimson Knights. There has been too much violence. Too much pain. It is not what we seek. All we seek is love. You have fought well, but you cannot win, But we have an honorable compromise. Just walk away. Give us the town ponies, buffalo, the clones, and the building, and you shall go free. Just walk away and we'll give you a safe passageway into the wastelands. Just walk away and there will be an end to the violence. We await your decision.”

They then stop speaking and both fly up and on the roof of the building across the way, the other changeling’s awaiting their call.

They then whisper to each other, so none of you can hear them.

“If they don’t give up, our troops should be able to handle it brother.”

“Indeed, though if thing’s get too out of hand, we can lend aid.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to use Mongo,” they both nod in agreement.

The majority of the Invading Force now are poised to attack, along with two Super Charged and Plasmid Wielding Officers.

You Only Have 20 Minutes To Hold Out

WHAT DO YOU ALL DO?

Outro:

> Episode 82: Second Wave (Season Finale Part 3)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:



Moments Before The Announcement




TheRutherFord’s Comment



While the Pinkie Clones glomp their respective changelings, everyone else feasts on whatever food they can and tries to catch their second wind.
Rutherford the Wyvern scarfs down an apple pie while Solarkness eats one as well and sighs.

“Makes me wish for a Venison steak right about now,” the Timberwolf mutters.

“Yeah,” Rutherford agrees. “This whole situation makes me wish for a lot of things. Being free, not being wanted, seeing my mate again…”
Solarkness just shakes his head and with another bite, swallows his pie.

“There ain’t no place that’s gonna be safe, even if we somehow get out of this mess.”

“You can’t have that kind of attitude Sol. Heck, today is full of surprises. There was a jail break, we found out we were leaders of nothing and most of all, Brown Dog can actually be pretty competent.” They then look over to said Diamond Dog who is chugging a bottle of Apple Cider like there’s no tomorrow.
“…When he wants to be…But even still, you have to believe that we can still get out of this, and that when we do, our future isn’t hopeless.”

The Timberwolf looks over to the broken furniture, and bits of repaired wall covered in slime.


“Seems a bit hopeless to me.”

“Well not to me. I am going to make it out of this. And when I do, I’m going back to my clan and mate away from xenophobic ponies. You’re welcome to join me.”
The Timberwolf thinks about it and chuckles.

“Well, IF we get out of this, what’s so special about this place?”

“It’s a fertile farmland located between the sea and a large forest full of wild game, as far from Equestria and it’s ponies as you can get.”

“Oh gee, thanks,” Snap Drake replies next to him in mock hurt.

“You know what I mean,” the wyvern waves his claw.

“Yeah, I just like busting your chops. But yeah, away from anywhere in Equestria sounds good, heck I’d take the frozen north if it meant we get out of this.”

“You’re welcome to come along, all of you in fact…I promise you that my friends.”

“What’s being promised?” asks Changer as he comes up to the table.

“Dragon Boy is offering us a place to crash if we can survive all of Erised’s grandkids,” Brown Dog says as he walks up with a half empty bottle and belches.

“They’re no spawn of mine!” the Ink Moth replies indignantly.

“So wait, do you really mean you got a spot?” asks Kichi as he joins the table.

“Is everyone just listening in on my conversation?” asks Rutherford.

“Only the important ones, everyling else is making food or getting love, and I don’t think these Pinkie’s care what we say," Brown Dog explains.

“Too busy giving love, no time to listen,” responds the Pinkie hugging him for emphasis.
Kichi himself has his own Pinkie snuggling his back as he puts his hoof to his mouth in thought.





Kichi’s Comment



After thinking about it for some seconds, he says in a seriously dry manner,

"I will join too.”

“Yeah, alright, you’re more than welcome, just so long as you don’t kidnap any more ki-“ Rutherford is cut off.

“Because even if we get out of this, Celestia would still probably try to catch us. Hopefully if we’re out of the country they can’t put us back in jail.”

“Well we’d certainly make it harder for them,” Solarkness adds.

“Well…there any booze and females where you’re from?” Brown Dog asks.

“Um…of course?” he responds as if it’s obvious.

“K, Kool. I’m in.”

“It’s pointless to make plans as of now. We haven’t won anything yet,” Erised crossly points out.

“Oh let them have their false hope Grandpa! It’s better than being…whatever the tartarus your condition is,” Grey Rebl snarks with a roll of his eyes.
As the Knights have their little moments, with every one regaining their strength, they then suddenly hear the announcement.



Back To Present



ErisedtheinkMoth’s Comment




Just_another_guy’s Comment




"Crimson Knights, we await your answer!" Biff and Tannen say in unison as they watch them both fly up and perch on the nearest building.
The Knights just look at one another in awkward silence.
Raising an eyebrow at that display, Kichi points out 

"For all you non changelings" Kichi points at the Duo "That's not normal"

"Yeah well, what is normal now a days?" Changer says looking outside at the horde of changelings and then at the group of possible lunatics defending from said horde in a half beaten bar!

"...Good point..." Kichi replies.


“Well normal or not, The Shining Twins outside mean business, Knight Bros, meeting time.” Brown Dog announces.
Heeding the call of their surprisingly impressive impromptu leader, the Knights all huddle together, leaving the other refugees in their own group.

"Alright gang, looks like they'll back off until they get an answer from us. And unlike Lord Humongous, they didn’t give us a time limit. "

"Good. We should use this time to take stock of our situation, and come up with a plan." Erised joins in, with Nines still hanging onto him. 

“Sorry Pinks, Knights only,” Grey explains as he pries her off the pale changeling.

“Awww, but I wanted to hear the super secret plans,” she whines as she sullenly walks back to the other group.

“Wow harsh Grey. This love triangle between you her and Erised is getting brutal,” Rutherford chuckles smugly.

“Oh Go Buck Yourself!” Grey growls giving a braces filled snarl.
While everyone snickers Brown Dog raises his paws.

“Alright, we’ll be sure to put that one in the book, but yeah, Inky’s right, we gotta plan some stuff out.”

"Your semi competence is still unnerving. But yes, first of all, we need to know how many of them we still face. I have these two enthralled,” he says pointing to his two minions. “But that’s not much. How many did you all manage to kill?"
Everyone balks at the pale changeling.

"Uh zero. We don't do that whole... killing thing." Snap tells him, with the others nodding in agreement.

"Yeah. We might be criminals fighting for our lives, but we're not murderers." Brown Dog shakes his head at Erised, "Seriously, tone it down a notch or twelve."

"What? But that’s asinine! We were all apart of this organization after what Flag Burner did!”

“Well actually, we all kind of got bumped up to General because we were the only high ranking members of the fan club left after he beefed it,” Kichi points out.

“And not to mention that was only because these bugs wanted stool pigeons,” Solarkness adds.

“But…You three,” Erised points to Silver, Snap and Brown, “You tried to kill that movie director a few months back.”

They all cross their arms at that.

“That jagoff ruined Transformares and Ninja Turtles, what we tried to do wouldn’t have been considered murder in any definition of the word,” Silver responds indignantly.


“And besides, we kind of screwed that up,” Snap Drake adds.

“Not like we were actually trying,” Brown Dog sums up.


“I…Even you Grey?!" Erised says, grasping for some sort of morbid kinship.

"Don't drag me into your filth, you old roach." The janitor spits, "I beat the cleanliness into them until they were too weak to stand... and it was cathartic as Tartarus."

"You..." Erised clenches his teeth in frustration. "You idiots are bucking worthless! Do you hear me?! Worthless!"

"What's the big deal? So we didn't kill any of them. We still kicked their flanks! They're not gonna be getting up anytime soon. And those freaky twins outside know it" Snap points out, as evidence by all the destroyed furniture and windows around them and the ultimatum given.

"Sooner than you might think." Erised says in a low growl. "During raids, changelings often employ a tactic known as 'Infinite Legions'. When the first wave is exhausted, the second moves in to draw the enemy's attention while the first drags their injured to safety. By feeding on captured ponies, they can recover in time to relieve the second wave... and the assault continues until the enemy crumbles.”

“Well yeah, we know that, but we can do the same with our stores, love in ponies doesn’t last forever” Kichi points out.

"No, but neither will we! This is why we needed to finish them. Because now," Erised jabs a hoof at the force massing across the road, "we still have about 300 enemy combatants to deal with! Worthless... worthless... worthless..."
With that, Erised walks away muttering 'Worthless' over and over, his two ink-puppets angrily mimicking his movements.

“That guy’s got some real problems,” Candy mutters.

“Oh really? The crotchety old fart who openly admits that he wants to drive his own kind into extinction has problems?” snarks Grey.

“Yeah seriously. I may not like the Queen, but that doesn’t mean I want all the Changeling’s to die out,” Kichi mumbles.

“Well regardless of what he thinks, he does make some good points. How the heck are we going to win in this situation?” Rutherford speaks up.

“Well one thing’s for sure, we can’t go accepting their offer. I’d sooner trust Kersey to keep watch on my cookies than hope that they keep their word,” Brown Dog says causing the others to nod.

“You’re right on that account. But what should we do? Stay here? We must be doing something right if they’re even ATTEMPTING to negotiate,” Solarkness muses.




Kichi’s Comment




“Well noling likes their food to fight back, I think they might just be doing this for convenience,” Kichi shakes his head. “They don’t want to risk killing their food, so they’re trying to avoid armed conflict as much as possible.”

“Well then we’ve thrown a wrench into their little plans then haven’t we?” chuckles Snap Drake.

“Yeah, but maybe we should think outside the box…” Kichi then looks to Brown Dog.

"You are the one with more experience in tunneling right?”
Brown Dog folds his arms. 

“That’s a stereotype that just so happens to be true, yes.”

“Well, Do you think you could make a tunnel for us to flee or at least one we can fight in?”

“Fight in a tunnel? That doesn’t sound very smart,” says Rutherford.

“Why? We could bottleneck them in there and then their numbers won’t mean anything.”

“Yeah, first of all, I’m one Dog,” Brown Dog points out, “Making a tunnel that big and that structurally sound for all of us to fight in by myself would take, oh…a couple of days.”

“Oh…” Kichi says as his ears go down.

“I mean, I could try to make a tunnel, but it’d be small, and we’d all probably be buried alive for our efforts.”

"Well shoot,” Kichi spits. “There goes that idea, because now that they have the rest of the town, we might not fare so well.”

“You really think so? I mean, all things considered our little band of rejects were able to hold them off, which is more than we can say for the Elements,” Grey asks.

“Even still, the Elements got their kicks in before being overwhelmed, but this will be different than Canterlot,” Kichi points out.

“How different?” asks Silver Strange.

“The Invasion at Canterlot was rushed because the Queen didn’t think she would be discovered. When she was, the majority of the force was still swarming the entire city. But this invasion actually has field officers like those two creepy guys out front, and in only twenty minutes they’ve practically taken the town.”

“Alright, so we can all agree that this was actually a better invasion force than the one at Canterlot. Somebody deserves a promotion,” Solarkness snarks.

“But we should worry about those two out front, and any more like them. Officers tend to have more power behind them. They call these kinds of Officers the Queen’s Chosen.”
Silver and Candy perk up at this.

“You really think they could be Chosen?” asks Candy.

“I wouldn’t put it past them. Heck, those two out front could be as powerful as the Crimson Vengeance for all we know.”

Several of the Knights shudder at that name.

“Oh yeah. You know, it’s weird but I kind of wish that guy was here to buck up their lives as well,” Rutherford muses.

“Well too bad, that…individual isn’t here, and nor will he come,” Erised grumbles as he walks back to the group.

“Had enough moping because we’re all not on the genocide train?” snarks Grey.

“Go die in a fire,” he growls.

“Oh dude, not cool!” Brown Dog chides while cupping Changers ears, causing said pony to roll his eyes.





ErisedTheInkMoth’s Comment





"Whatever!” The Ink Moth growls. “The larvae is right, if the field officers are Chosen, then we won’t be able to hold this place indefinitely, and that’s not even including the Legion tactics.”

“Well it’s not like we have many other choices,” Rutherford points out.

“True, but even still, a change in scenery might be beneficial. This place is barely holding together." Erised says motioning to the many times repaired windows with spare timber and changeling slime, and the massive hole boarded up with an open fire burning just outside.

"There's a problem however. Even fighting to our fullest extent, we can't possibly get EVERYONE to a new location and these ponies won't stand a chance."
Grey Rebl smirks at this. 

"Well well, look who's got a heart of gold after all."

"Shut up Grey. If we really are going to fight our way out of this, we need to deprive our enemy of every resource we can. I'd sooner drink the life out of everypony here before I gave those vermin a single drop." Erised says with straight-faced conviction. Nothing about his tone says he's joking. "It would be a quick and merciful death compared to what you'd get from the Chrysalis Hive, and your bodies would aid us greatly as my puppets,” he says matter of factly to the town ponies causing them to grimace.

Before that plan, or offence to that plan can take place though, one pony bravely presents an alternative.


"N-now, there's no need to do that! T-there's a basement in this saloon!" he stutters. By his waistcoat and bowtie, the lanky stallion seems to be the owner. "We could hide down there; it's big enough to fit all of us, I think... I hope."

“Well why didn’t you say so in the first place?!” Erised chides.

“Yeah, in the future you ponies better have full disclosure so our psychopathic friends don’t try to eat you,” Brown Dog announces before Candy slaps Erised upside the head.

“And quit threatening the ponies we’re trying to save. It’s counter-intuitive!”

“Oh you  little- *Smack* Ow! Quit hitting me!” Erised growls.

“Right, so I do like the plan of the ponies hiding in the basement. Once this place is breached though, we should try to find another refuge, and hopefully their attention will be drawn to us and not them,” Rutherford motions.

“Yeah alright,” Brown Dog agrees before looking to the Town Folk. “Attention ponies, buffalo, etc. Non combatants are to follow the owner and hide in the basement. To those that can fight, don’t be a weenie!”
And with that, several of the younger and weaker ponies start going down into the basement.


"They're not going to overlook a huge group of ponies simply disappearing." Erised points out, as he then turns to his ink-puppets. 

"Deceive."
On his command, inky black tendrils ripple over his thralls as they transform into a duo of earth ponies in stetsons.

"Two diversions are better than one." Erised explains, looking over his transformed thralls. "Hopefully seeing some 'ponies' fleeing will draw them away."

"Hey! They're not the only changelings we've got here!" Kichi jumps forward and transforms as well. "I'll lead them away too, and then when they think they have me. BAM! I turn right around and give them a spanking they won't forget!"

"I guess I''ll help too." Silver says as he too takes a disguise. "I hope they're ready to have a bad time." he grins, his ponified eyes glowing bright blue.

"Y-yeah. I'll help too." Candy apprehensively dons her pony form.

"Count us in as well." the charismatic guard and his squad step up, along with the two buffalo. "Tis our duty to protect and serve Equestria and its people. To that end, let us stand together!"

"That's the spirit, bucko! Be the most distracting piece of meat you can be!" Solar gives him an encouraging slap on the back.

"How'd you know my name was Bucko?" the charismatic guard asks, bewildered.

"Save the heroic silliness." Erised growls. "When the spit finally hits the fan, we’ll break into three groups, head in separate directions, and try not to die too fast."

“Alright, and where are you going to run?” asks Grey.

“I can’t run, so I’ll stick with the ponies in the basement,” he responds.
The rest of the knights go silent at that.

“I’m not going to do anything to them,” he defends.

“Uh Huh,” Brown Dog replies not believing. “Yo Nines, you seem attached. Make sure the old buck doesn’t do anything creepy down there.”

“You got it Dog person who is the color Brown,” she salutes before latching onto Erised again.

“By the gods that’s adorable,” Brown squees before looking to Zappy. “What about you and your other sisters? You gonna fight, flee or stay?”

She scrunches her face in thought before declaring, “A little of all three I guess. Whatever helps those ponies.”

“Good to hear,” Snap Drake nods. “So we have a pink distraction, a guard distraction, and an us distraction. Three’s better than none, even if they’re not big and flashy.”

To that sentence, Changer suddenly puts a hoof to his chin.

“Hmmm,” he ponders.

“What are you hmming about?” asks Silver.

“Just a thought…” he then walks over to Kersey, and using a bit of broken glass, makes a cut on his arm, drawing a bit of blood.

“Well that’s quite a morbid thought,” Silver gags seeing the thickness of the blood.

“No not that, it…ugh whatever. Ink Moth,” Changer addresses the glomped Erised.

“What?”

“Can you identify anything within this blood using your powers?”

“That’s blood? That looks like Spaghetti sauce,” gags Candy.
Erised ignores this and analyzes the sample on the glass.

“Hmmm. It’s the fat one’s blood alright, though there are some…irregularities to it. Some foreign substance that pumps along with it…”
Both Brown Dog and Snap Drake raise an eyebrow at that.

“That stuff is still in him?” asks the pony.

“Apparently. As much as I despsise him, it could be an option,” Changer says.
Brown Dog shudders and says, 

“Let’s call that option of last resort…”

“What are you three going on about?” asks a curious Erised.

“Something incredibly stupid, but besides that let’s summarize. We have a plan for the worst, we fight back as long as we can, but when it all goes down, we split up and hopefully confuse them, giving the ones in the basement a chance. That sound about right?” Brown Dog summarizes.

“Sounds about right,” says Solarkness.

“Luckily we won’t have to worry about that till we give our response back,” Rutherford sighs in contentedness.

“OI! CHANGELING’S!!!” comes a shout, causing all the knights and the remaining fighters to look over in shock at Kichi yelling out the entrance over Kersey.





Kichi’s Comment





"You say that you want love?! You sure that is what your Queen wants? Your Queen wants only revenge, and she’ll use any and everyling as a chess piece to win her game!”

"We do this for our Queen, and for the rest of our kind unbound,” Biff responds.

“We do this for the good of all our people unlinked one,” Tannen adds.

“We do this for the Hive deserter,” they respond in unison.

Oblvious to the rest of the Knights waving their hands and mouthing “NO!” Kichi shoots back.


“Really? You do this for a Hive under her rule? She’s the one who screwed up the invasion by doing a terrible job of disguising herself! Her own hubris brought this down upon us. And seriously, what is taking one town going to do? They’ll notice eventually, and then there won’t be anymore love.”

“This town is but a stepping stone to-“ Biff tries to explain, but Kichi keeps going.

“You can’t win against them, their two Princesses can move the sun and moon, they got the Elements of Harmony, not to mention plenty of other nations who are allies and would attack. There’s no love in that, so this whole plan is stupid! Just give up!”
The two Changeling brothers just look at Kichi silently before they both ask.


“Is that your answer then?”

“Yeah! The Queen definitely doesn’t really want love, but wa-“

“Very well then,” sighs Biff.

“We tried brother,” sighs Tannen.
They both then take deep breaths and yell.


“Hive! Take The Tavern and ALL Inside!!!”

And with that, hundreds of wing buzzes begin to sound off as Kichi looks out dumbfounded.

“Uuuhhh…”
Solarkness hits him over the head with a wooden claw.


“You Idiot! What the Buck Were You Thinking?!”

“I was, uh, trying to see if they would see reason for not starting a war?” he lamely admits.

“They’ve already been fighting a war these last three years!” Erised chides.
Then the overbearing sound of wings starts to descend upon the Tavern.

“Thanks Kichi! There goes our stalling time! Everyone, get ready!” Brown Dog orders.

“…Oops?” he nervously sputters.

You all feel the building shudder as many, many legs strike it, but as you all man the windows, debris starts falling from the ceiling.





GreyRebl’s Comment




Erised suddenly curses with a sneer. 

“Kuh! They’re wizening up and breaking through the roof!” he warns as he tries to hobble his way to the basement and away from the fight, but he fails as the ceiling begins to suddenly snap and creak until---
Crash! Crash! Crash!
Changelings came crashing in hissing and snarling. The gang rush up to take them, but several are blasted back by fully charged Changeling magic.

“Guh! They’ve upgraded,” Solarkness growls holding a burn spot on his wooden chest.
As more stream in, Silver places interlocking bones over the breach, but it continues to get hammered.
The guards and town pony fighters then try to rush the invaders, but in the confusion, many of the Changelings disguise themselves, causing the guards to not know who to hit.
Three of them are pelted by the impostors, and two of them are sent flying out through a window, breaking it and allowing more to pour in.

“Crap!” Snap Drake yells as he begins breaking bottles over as many heads as he can hit.
Then, amongst the remaining Pinkies, they start taking their form. Which proves to be their downfall.
Grey Rebl uses his mop to get the interlopers.

“This one smells too buggy!” Thwack!

“This one doesn’t smell like apples!” Thwack!


“This one’s armor is too dull!” Thwack!


“This one is too old!”
His latest victim suddenly shouts, 

“Of course I’m old! It’s ME you idiot!”

“I’LL CLEAN YOU ALL THE SAME!” And he pins Erised to the ground with his mop who groans angrily.

While Grey madly wails on who he thinks are Changeling enemies, Solarkness and Brown Dog come up with a plan. Using their keen sense of smell, they begin to take out the disguised changelings more efficiently, while Candy and Silver plug the hole with slime which keeps getting punched out. Several of the window defenses begin cracking under the might of changeling magic.

And Silver’s Bone plug is starting to fade.




ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Changer looks up at the roof breach and groans.

“They keep coming!” he then takes out his red book and looks at the spine. 

"Only at 90%,” he then hears another breach and a scream as one of the Pinkie clones is dragged outside.

“Oh well, it'll have to do. Silver! Take down your barrier!" he yells as he throws the book up into the air.

“What? Are you…crazy?” Silver trails off as he sees the flames erupting from the book. At the last second, he lowers the barrier, allowing the book to unleash it’s payload through the hole. A dragon made entirely of fire.
As it flies up, it causes many of the Changeling’s to falter, giving Silver a chance to put back up the barrier.

“Well…that happened,” Solarkness mutters.

“Since when did you have that? It might have come in handy to know we had a fire dragon construct,” Rutherford points out.

“He’s not fully charged. He MIGHT last 7 minutes if we’re lucky, but hopefully he’ll incapacitate some Changelings for us and make our job easier.”

You all then hear multiple changeling magic blasts aimed upwards towards the dragon.

Biff and Tannen look up at the fire dragon as it attacks some of their troops.

““Hmm. It appears as though they have a magic fire dragon.”

“And there’s still one real one of ice inside.”

“It wouldn’t do to have chaotic flames spread and kill our food,” Biff muses.

“It wouldn’t do to have chaotic flames spread and kill our Hive Mates,” Tannen agrees.
They then fly up from their perch as both raise their arms in unison.

“Magic is overrated anyway,” they say in unison as their eyes glow green, and from Biff’s arm shoots a large beam of frost and ice, while from Tannen’s shoots a beam of concentrated green flame.

The being made of concentrated magic is struck as it begins to dissipate before the might of the Twin’s plasmid attack.

The dragon dissolves as his flames go out, causing wet ash to fall to the ground.

The Knights inside have their jaws dropped at this display.


“Oh Son of a B!$#%!!!” Grey yells. “That’s exactly the kind of plasmid power we were HOPING to make.”

“I believe that we did make that Grey,” Erised says grumpily as he pushes himself up from his mop. “But I think they took the real stuff for themselves…”

“But…My…Why is my dragon always getting one shotted?” Changer growls.

“Because Plasmids aren’t restricted by magic,” Grey growls.

“Well if that’s the case, why aren’t those two busting down the door themselves?” asks Solarkness.

“They’re using fire and ice, they probably don’t want to risk killing the ponies inside. You can’t eat love from the dead,” Kichi points out.

“Oh well that’s just bloody great. Those two outside can eat through magic. What the buck are we supposed to do now?” asks Snap Drake.

The attack then commences as more boards are ripped away, and Silver’s magic shields are battered.
One even manages to get his torso through the front door and attempts to drag Kersey off.

“OI! That’s our Fat Flank! Hooves off!” Brown Dog yells socking the changeling in the nose and trying to haul Kersey back.

“Well it looks like we’re going to have to implement the distraction thing now,” Snap Drake says worriedly.

“As if we’re going to last long out there either. We’re all doomed,” Erised says grumpily. 

“Well what else are we going to do? It’s not like anyone’s coming to save us!” Brown Dog grunts.

As he says that, a whirring groaning sound permeates the air causing all the knight’s ears to stand up on end.


In the hole in the doorway, a big blue box appears, effectively plugging up the hole.

All of the Knights stare in awe at the newly appeared box, some of them recognizing it from the show it’s from.
Biff and Tannen notice it from outside and stiffen in alarm.

“What is that brother?”

“I don’t know brother.”

“Some new threat?” they muse together.
To prove them right, a pinkish spherical barrier goes outward from the point of the box, pushing back the changeling troops and surrounding the building.

Biff and Tannen’s eyes widen.

“This does not bode well,” Biff says.

“This does not bode well indeed,” Tannen mimics.
They then both look at each other.

“We need to tell Vicky and Mongo.”


Inside the building, the Knights take in the fact that a new more powerful barrier is around the wrecked tavern, and the changeling assault has been halted for the moment.

The door of the blue box is then opened and all the Knights see a Dark Pink Mare with a blonde mane and her horn lit up walk out, followed by a handsome stallion, and then…

They can’t believe it, they really can’t believe it. Many look at him in awe, Others in disbelief, and still a few of them look like they’re about to shout like fan fillies.

Because he’s here to save them. After all this time. The Hooded Offender has returned.



POV CHANGE: Bugze

You stand before the Crimson Knights, each and everyone you took in as the Crimson Vengeance. They look a bit haggard, and the room around them is broken up. They all stare at you in a mix of emotions as you stand between Jack and Mia, the latter of whom has put up a powerful bubble around the building. The others wait inside, waiting for your “Dramatic Entrance” to end.

“So…What’d I Miss?” you ask cheekily.


WHAT DO YOU DO?


Outro:

> Episode 83: Oh Offender, My Offender (Season Finale Part 4)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:


Heh, score one for me in the cheeky opening, you think as you look at each of the Knights, none of whom expected you.

Well you best think of something equally good to follow up with, can’t be leading slack jawed idiots…or rather more than usual slack jawed idiots.

You nod as you take in said idiots. After only 40 minutes, they look like they’ve gone to war. Each one of them is wearing a dark cloak that mimics yours. These individuals thought they were carrying out Flag Burner’s twisted legacy, even if it was guided by the Changelings. None of them are clean…but then again, neither are you.

Grandbuggy’s right. They’re all I got...well, more or less.

Also within the room are a single Buffalo, two haggard looking guards, and Six…Pinkie Pies?

Your eyes widen, before a small smile crosses your shrouded lips.

At least some of them made it out…although now they’re in this mess because of my recommendation…

You could not have known.

You nod in agreement as you then clear your voice and say.

“Not gonna answer huh? Well I guess that’s understandable, what with finding out you’ve been jerked around by the Changelings for the last year. Though I gotta say, you all seemed to have fared longer than the average pony during an invasion.”

You then look out the window and see more changeling’s gathering.

“But that isn’t going to last long…So, why don’t we skip our introductions? I know who each of you are, and you sure as buck better know who I am,” you roll your hoof. “This is Special Agent Mia who is giving us some precious talking and planning time, and Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood. We’ve got other crew inside the TARDIS, and yes, it is THE TARDIS,  and we’re here to make this situation less bucked than it was. Any questions?”

They all look to each other, none of them saying a thing before they look back to you and the Diamond Dog who just gave up to you a month or so back raises his paw.

“What are you in bucking kindergarten? Speak,” you command.

He lowers his paw at your remark and asks,



BrownDog’s Comment



“Yeah, alright, big fan and everything. I just got to ask, aren’t you supposed to be all mind controlled by Nightmare Moon, or was Shining Armor just bucking with us?”

You grit your teeth at that.

Oh nice Shiney, way to let my deranged terrorist cell fan club know that.

I doubt there’s anywhere in Equestria that doesn’t know by now.

“Y-Yes. The Diamond Dog has a point,” speaks up one of the haggard guards from the back. “We’ve been issued orders to- “

“Let me stop you right there captain obvious,” you interrupt the guard. “And why don’t you and your buddy there go watch over the civvies? This is a private chat.”

“B-but, we…” he stutters.

“It would seem best to do as he says charismatic guard,” Erised says in monotone.

The guard reluctantly nods and he and the one remaining guard go down in to the basement to the others.

You let out a sigh and say with a hint of aggression. “Good, now that they’re out of the way, I’ll answer you. No, dear Shiney wasn’t bucking with you. She IS in my head…” some of them seem kind of nervous, others seem vindicated by what they hear, but you continue. 
“But let me make one thing perfectly clear. She isn’t controlling me, she isn’t responsible for my actions, and She ISN’T evil. You idiots got that?”

They all kind of look skeptical and confused by that, and Rutherford speaks up.

“Are you sure? Or are you just saying that because she’s making you?”

Facehooving, you declare a bit huffily. 

“NO!”

“But I mean, come on, isn’t this the same crazy goddess that was gonna plunge the world into entire night and eats children?” asks Kichi.

Selena scoffs at that and you echo her scoff audibly.

“No, she’s not like that anymore. And she never ate children, Nightmare Night is kind of slanderous it turns out. And you’re one to talk Foal Napper.”

“I’m a victim of circumstance!” he responds hotly, but everyone ignores him.

“And, you’re positive that Nightmare Moon isn’t going to make you black out the sun?” asks Solarkness.

“Motherbucker, the fact that I’ve been running around for three years and the Sun is still shining should be your first clue!” you huff. “She’s changed! Her name is Selena, and quite frankly she’s the one person on this whole danged planet that I trust the most.”

Flatterer, Selena chuckles causing you to smirk.

“So yeah, I’m me as I’ve always been. And quite frankly, who would you rather fight with? Me, or the Changelings who played you for fools for a year?”

“…Hold that thought Boss,” Brown Dog says before he gets the Knights into a huddle, which doesn’t help since you can still hear everything they say. 

“What do you think guys?”

“Well at this point, do we really have a choice?” asks Solarkness.

“We’re already considered cultists and terrorists, not like they can charge us anymore,” Snap Drake points out.

“Well it’s not like I was ever a great fan of the guy. I only joined the club because you guys were letting in anyling, and you had resources. I mean, it’s because of him we even got thrown in jail,” Kichi counters.

“Well it’s not like anyone made you join, anyone of us could have left at anytime and we didn’t” Rutherford counters this counter.

“Does it really matter in the long run? Heck, I’d accept the dang Elements if it meant we could survive this,” Candy huffs.

“Yeah, I’m with Candy, I say it doesn’t matter,” Silver adds.

“Well some of us have standards for trust kid,” Grey says as he sticks his head out of the huddle.

“Hey!” he says to you.

“What?” you ask.



GreyRebl’s Comment



“I just want to know just one thing.”

You narrow your eyes at him. 

“And what is that?”

“Are you really the Hooded Offender or are you just a puppet?”

You grit your teeth at the question since you’ve technically already answered it. There’s little need for context. The Hooded Offender is a being of great chaotic and destructive power, and wherever he goes, fire and turmoil is never too far. At least, that is what the stories go for the great masses. Sympathizers has seen him as a hero. But ever since the reveal of Selena’s’s involvement, the image of good and bad in the Offender has shattered. Is the person real? Are his actions all dictated by a former goddess? Is there even a Hooded Offender anymore?

“Neither. Like I said before, I’m me.”

You stare at the insane janitor until finally, he backs off.

“Good enough, I guess,” Grey rubs his head irritably as he breaks from the huddle, “so fine. I’ll follow you. For now.”

“Good enough?” you question with a brow raised.

He just scowls. 

“I know what it’s like to be beyond one’s own control.” Saying that, he briefly glances at Erised, who just scowls back. “I don’t care if you don’t want to reveal too much about what is going on with Nightmare Moon, I’d like to keep my nose clean and stay ignorant on that front, but as long as you say you are your own person, then that’s good enough of something for me to follow. I at least can respect that much.”

You nod, appreciating it.

“If you need me to clean a mess, all you have to do is ask,” he says as he leans on his mop.

Alright, so the crazy maintenance stallion is onboard…

The rest of them then break their own huddle after this declaration, and two of the changelings step forward. It’s Kersey’s runner and the Bone Changeling.

“We’ll help too, you seem like the best chance,” Candy says.

“Yeah, I personally don’t care about the whole Nightmare Moon thing, just so long as you’re here to save us and this town,” Silver agrees.

You nod then look to the others.

“Alright, that’s three down. What about the rest of you?”



BrownDog’s Comment



The wyvern from Applewood hums in thought, showcasing his lawyerly ways.

“Aside from surviving, what else can you offer us?” asks Rutherford.

Your face becomes blank at that question.

Really? They’re trying to bargain now of all times?

“What, not being changeling food isn’t good enough?” Mia asks incredulously.

“Well, we know you are tough and stuff, but we’re all technically fugitives. Sure we’ve helped out somewhat, but if we follow you and you somehow turn this tide, what do we get out of it? Because I sure as Tartarus doubt that Celestia will just forgive us, even now so that you’re directly involved.”

Some of the others nod at this, and you sigh.

“Look, I’m the last person who could possibly grant you a pardon or freedom. But from me personally I can offer…leniency…” you say vaguely causing some of them to raise their eyebrows.

“What’s that even mean?” asks the Timberwolf.

“It means maybe I won’t send you to jail after this is all over…but at the same time, I’m not just gonna let you all go scott free…but there is middle ground options.”

“What kind of middle ground options?” asks Rutherford.

“The kind where shadows and mystery replace a cold iron jail cell big guy,” Jack speaks up. “The kind of options where you can disappear for good, but you have to work for them. I’m sure we can work something out for those interested.”

They consider this. At this moment, even if it is an empty promise, it seems like a lifeline.

The Wyvern finally speaks up.

“I’d be interested in hearing this proposal…provided that there is actual paperwork later to look over. But if what you’re offering is true, then you can count on me.”

“I don’t care about the paperwork, if you can offer a way out of this crazy pony land, I’ll take it,” Solarkness agrees.

“Well, as long as there’s love to feed me, I’ll consider it,” Kichi bargains.

“Oh don’t worry little guy, I could give you all the love you’d ever need,” Jack flirts with lidded eyes causing Kichi to chuckle nervously and step back.



Kichi’s Comment




“Actually, I prefer the Pink Clone love we’ve been getting…but if you want a hug…” Kichi then transforms into a large stallion with bulging muscles that reminds you of Bulk Bicep’s physique.

"I wouldn’t mind…” Kichi says in his own “seductive” voice. 

Captain Jack’s eyes widen before he then enthusiastically starts walking towards Kichi.

“Oh, don’t mind if I do. But I can give you so much more than a hug…”

This causes Kichi’s eyes to widen in surprise.

“Wait, What?!”

“Oh the possibilities with your transformation powers,” he says as he puts a hoof on Kichi’s chest. “I think we could-“

You yank Jack away from the Changeling with a Telekenetic pull.

“NO! BAD JACK!!!” you yell.

“Oh you’re no fun,” he grumbles as Kichi shifts back into his normal body.

“Dude, the heck was up with that?” chuckles Snap Drake.

“I thought it would scare him off. You know, like fighting fire with fire?” mumbles Kichi.

“Trust me, that’s a battle you can’t win with Jack,” you say shaking your head.

“Well, just so long as it’s just Kichi, don’t want to turn Erised’s and Grey’s love triangle into a square,” Brown Dog jokes.

“Oh just bucking stop it!” Grey growls.

“Never! Oh and I’m in too. Your way sounds the easiest. How about you Snap?”

“Totally! This way we can get back to partying!”

“Well…glad to see your priorities are in order,” you say unsuredly at the two alcoholics.

“How about it Spartan?” asks Brown Dog to the scowling book guy.

Oh and then there’s the revenge fetishist…guess he changed his mind if he’s all chummy with them.

“I’m on which side you two are on. Fighting the common enemy, but it doesn’t mean I answer to him,” he spouts causing you, and many of the other Knights to roll their eyes.

“Yeah yeah, you’re the cool loner and you aren't afraid afraid of nothing,” you mock causing him to clench his jaw.

“I of course will join you Offender,” Erised the Ink Moth speaks up. “And finally, we can show these morons how justice is really carried out.”

You shiver at hearing his voice and seeing his pale skinny body.

Well…at least he survived.

Perhaps not the best thing considering his power. Though it could come in handy.

Yeah…But out of the rest of them, he’s the most evilest.

“And what do you mean by that old bug?” asks Grey.



BrownDog’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment



“Well isn’t it obvious? At last, we’ll finally be able to fight this thing right. No more holding back, no more weakness, and no more mercy. With the Offender, we can kill all of those damned insects and bathe the streets in their filthy blood and-”

“Uh, yeah no,” you say shutting off his rant.

He turns to you startled.

“No? What do you mean no?”

“I mean no,” you say in frustration. “No killing…I’m actually kind of glad most of you were following that rule already, but yeah, we’re doing this so that NOONE has to die, and that includes those changelings.”

“B-But…you Killed Flag Burner. You killed King Sombra, and those bugs are much worse than they,” he counters.

Guilt hits you, but you use it to your advantage.

“No, I’M worse than they are. I didn’t “Do What’s Necessary” I lost control. Me and me alone. If the mare in my head had had a choice, she would have stopped me.”

You know she nods at this assessment.

“So no Ink Moth, I’m not going to let you all run wild killing. That’s not what I want, so if you’re going to join me, you better get in line.”

Erised looks as though his whole worldview has been shattered. His jaw is dropped in shock and twitching as if trying to form words he can’t grasp.

“I…I…I…”

"Well look at this, someone finally able to shut his damn mouth,” Grey chuckles before looking to you. “Alright, so no killing huh? What about crippling them?" 

"What?"

"Yeah, you said no killing, but technically ripping off the limbs, horns, and wings of those roaches won't kill them. Plus it'll keep them in jail longer than just knocking them out."

You, Mia and Jack all curl your lips in disgust.

"We are in a war." Changer adds. “Every little injury counts.”

They want to tear off wings and horns? That’s bucked up. That’s like tearing off a freaking arm it…

You think on your own wings. Crippled, never able to fly. On how Vicky’s wings are as functionally useless thanks to you leaving her to the dragons.

You clench your jaw.

Sure they may be the enemy…but I don’t want to put anyling through that…

“No permanent crippling or maiming!” you declare. “If you gotta break some bones or limbs I don’t mind, but no turning anyling into a quadrepeligic or severing any limbs,” you growl.

“Ugh, so many rules,” Grey groans.

“What if like, we bit a horn off, but then glued it back on immediately?” asks Solarkness.

You let out a sigh and facehoof.

“No. If you’re having trouble, follow this guideline. What would Batmane Do?”

“Uh…which Batmane?” asks Snap Drake.

“Yeah, do you mean we should kill every criminal in sight and try to kill an obvious hero for no reason?” asks Brown Dog.

“NO! Not that BVS Bullspit! Animated Version rules!”

“Oooohhh,” many of them say in understanding.

“But…but you’re the one…You know when to do what’s necessary and…” Erised continues to blabber.

“Oh give it a rest you old monster. Your spiel gets boring the second time you hear it,” comes a frustrated voice from behind you.

Most of the Knights tense up as a certain blue Unicorn steps through.

“Well hello dumbasses. Did you all miss me?” she asks cockily.

“YOU!” Erised croaks coming out of his funk.

“The Blood Bending Witch!” Rutherford yells.

“WHAT THE BUCK IS SHE DOING HERE?!” growls Solarkness.

“You got water all over my floors!” Grey shouts.

“Didn’t I drug you and tie you up?” asks Kichi.

“Oh hey hot waterbender babe,” Snap Drake waves.

She just rolls her eyes at this, and before anyone can do anything, you speak up.

“Quiet down morons, Aqua here is my friend, and she’s going to help us get through this whole ordeal. So shut your pieholes!”

“B-But why are you hanging with her?” asks Erised extremely confused. “She’s one half of the reason we were put away. Her and that damnable Bounty Hunter that thought he knew better than you.”

You look at Aqua then back at him and chuckle.

“Heh, well here’s the thing…That Bounty Hunter knew exactly how I thought,” you reply cryptically.



APonyReadingFanFics’ Comment




SnapDrakeGames’ Comment



“And what does that mean?” asks Erised.

A look comes across Rutherford’s face  as he suddenly sniffs heavily.

*Sniff Sniff* the Wyvern looks surprised before he looks to his timberwolf friend. 

"Do you smell what I smell?" The wooden wolf intakes his own breath.

*Sniff Sniff.* "I... I think I do. but how does- that doesn't make sense!"

"Or maybe it does…" Rutherford turns towards you. "We’ve smelled you before haven’t we?"

"Yeah, you have. Just as disconcerting then as it is now,” you respond back.

“What? When did you meet him? None of us have till now,” Kichi says.

"No, we have," Rutherford growls. "His scent. It matches that of the Crimson Vengeance."

The Knights collectively gasp. 

"Hold up," Silver interrupts. "Are you saying that CV, the bounty hunter who put us all in jail- was the Hooded Offender this whole time? That doesn't make sense!"

You chuckle at that. 

"Oh No, Dragonborn over there is right. I AM the Crimson Vengeance."

Many of their eyes widen and mouths fall open once more. Brown Dog and Snap Drake start looking around them.

“What are you doing?” you ask.

“Seeing if Shamalamadingdong is gonna pop out,” Brown Dog answers.

“Yeah, because that was a heck of a twist,” Snap Drake finishes.

“I’m pretty sure he’s still in jail with Beigh where they belo-OOF!” you are suddenly cut off as fur Pink masses latch onto.

“MR. MASK MAN!!!” the Pinkie clones shout as they squeeze the life out of you.

“Yes girls, it’s me. Please stop stealing my air…” you gasp. They ease up and the Zapped Pinkie smiles at you with tears in her eyes. 

“We did what you said. We came here and it was peaceful…” but then she shifts to sad. “But now there are mean bugs around and they captured Braeburn and all our other friends…”

“Hey, we’ll get them back Zappy, I promise,” you say touching her arm and making her gasp.

“How did you know that’s my new name?”

“I’m a friend of Braeburn’s too,” you admit causing her to smile more.

“But right now, I need to talk to my followers, so if you could? Please?”

“Right! Sisters, to our Changeling marks!” they say before latching back onto the Changeling’s in the room.

“Well…that happened. See, told you CV was pretty chill,” Snap Drake says to Silver.

Silver Strange looks rapidly between you and the rest of the Knights. 

"R-Really? He put us in jail. Why?"

Scoffing you say incredulously.

"Really? Why? Because you guys were terrorists and criminals who operated in my name even after Flag Burner…After he was gone! Of course I was going to hunt you down. It's just the sensible thing to do. I didn’t want others to be hurt in my name!”

They have differing emotions at this, Erised seems even more confused, Changer and Kichi seem upset, and Brown Dog and Snap Drake burst into laughter. You look over at them. 

"What are you laughing about?"

"Nothing, really," Brown Dog manages between spurts of giggles. "It's just- bffhahaha!"

"Every time that the government was all 'thank Celestia, the Crimson Vengeance is here to save us from the evil knights of the Hooded Offender," Snap chuckles, "they were actually thanking the Hooded Offender all along!"

"Ponies are so stupid!" Brown Dog sputters.

“That we are buddy, that we are,” Snap agrees.

“Oh come off it!” Kichi interrupts, even though they still giggle. “That’s your excuse for putting us all away?”

“Yes, each and every one of you.”



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Changer grits his teeth. 

"Hey! I didn't do anything wrong or illegal! ...” the rest of the Knights give him unbelieving looks. “…Well before my supposed "death".

“The Manehattan Police would say otherwise,” Snap Drake jeers.

“Right…But even so, I had a bounty on my head just by becoming a 'leader' in the knights."

"Why did you even join a terrorist group then?!" You ask.

“Hey, it was a hard life for me without a home. These guys…they let anyone in no matter what species they were. I was…I was just looking for a place to belong…” he responds almost wistfully, before pointing out, “And Not all of us knew we were joining this kind of thing, we got bumped up to leaders after that nutjob and his troops got taken down. And apparently, that was just a ruse as well.”

“Yeah it was. But if you guys didn’t even know it at the time, I sure as heck didn’t. Even still, when the majority of you were patsy’s, you still did some crap in my name.”



Kichi’s Comment



“Well yeah, but Terrorism is such an angry word for us. And really, did you think you were the moral high ground?” Kichi snaps back. “Hello Kettle, Yes I’m black too!”

You growl at him, “I know I’m no saint, but here’s the thing, all I saw was a bunch of criminals that were carrying on Flag Burner’s plans, and they only existed because of me. I wanted it to end.”

“Hey, we weren’t all as bad as Erised and Grey!” he snaps causing them to give dirty looks. “I just wanted an enterprise, but you burned down my pizzeria, and you returned those foals who are probably out on the streets at this moment.”

“Um actually, all those kids you KIDNAPPED AND BRAINWASHED, are safe and in loving foster homes now you Pedo,” Aqua snaps causing Kichi to wince and several knights to snicker.

“Yeah, You should know when to quit on trying to justify yourself on that one. It never ends well,” Changer chastises.

“Whatever,” Kichi rolls his eyes. “All I’m saying is that he put us in jail, even though he’s committed crimes. He destroyed half of Applewood and Vanhoover during his battles.”

“Get your facts straight dummy, it was Beigh and Shamalamadingdong that destroyed most of Applewood, and that was those two idiots faults',” he points to Snap and Brown who just nod enthusiastically. “And Vanhoover was that fat flank,” he says pointing to the sleeping Kersey, “An idiotic guard, And revenge fetishist’s ego’s fault.” Changer scowls.

“But yes, as you said, I did commit crimes. But here’s the thing, unlike a lot of you, I didn’t have an agenda besides survival for me and mine. I’ve done horrible things, and one day I will pay for them. But when it’s all said and done, I was seeking to end your organization, whose existence only came about because of me. I…I just wanted to help erase my own mistakes…”

You then look at each and every one of them.

“You lot are a part of my mistakes. The only reason any of you random eccentric weirdoes are even a part of this is because of me. My very existence seems to throw the whole world into disarray…but I strive to be better. I strive to atone and make a difference, to try and help. I may not be a hero by a long shot, but try to reach for that goal when it’s necessary.”

You then take your hood off so that they can see your face, just as each of them has their’s off.

“Each of you is like a reflection of different parts of me as weird as that sounds. And I’ve been fighting myself for a long time. We can argue from here to the end of time about the paths our lives have taken, but that won’t help anyling. None of us are paragons of hope and justice, but right now, we’re all that stands in the way of an innocent town falling.” 

Sounds from outside catches your attention and you see many changeling’s gathering around the bubble

“So I ask you this. Even now after everything I’ve told you. Will you still help me save this town?”

The Knights are silent as the buzzing of Changeling wings fill the air.

“You know what, we’ve had twists and turns in the last forty minutes to last me a lifetime, so why the heck not add a few more. I’m still in,” Brown Dog says nonchalantly.

“Yeah, I mean, who cares how we got here, what matters is what we do now,” Snap Drake says.

Solarkness growls, 

“You still owe me for the movie…but I will still fight.”

“I was doomed either way no matter the path, so count me in still,” Candy says.

“Yeah alright, I guess I wasn’t really blameless on my end. And I’ll go wherever my friends go,” Silver nods.

Changer, Kichi, and Erised still seem on the fence, while Rutherford looks you up and down before looking to Aqua. 



TheRutherford’s Comment



"I will agree to fight alongside her on one condition."

"And that is?" you aks.

"She keeps the bloodbending away from my friends. I cannot stand such an un-honorable action to be used…However in a fight for survival I understand using the necessity,” He nods towards Erised, “I want her word she will not use it against us."

"I promise that I will not use my waterbending to control you or the other Crimson Knights, just so long as none of you give me a reason to. You have my word,” she responds with an eyeroll.

“Very well then,” the Wyvern responds.

"You better keep that promise girl. His clan takes oaths like that very seriously,” comes an aged voice from behind you as Grandbuggy makes his entrance. When he does, you see shock cross the faces of Rutherford, Kichi and Changer.

“By the way Wyvern, hows your old man? I have not seen him in about 50 years or so. He still hosting poker on Saturday nights with the Dragon Lord?"

"Um...yes? Wait, haven’t I met you before?” he asks.

"Yep, I see you've gotten bigger. You used to stand no higher than my hip,” Grandbuggy responds.

“Wait a minute, you’re…” Rutherford starts.



BrownDog’s Comment




ThePonySpartan’s Comment




AllenNoir's Comment



“Specialist 117!” Changer interrupts looking extremely shocked.

“Ayuh? That’s me, and who are…oh hey, I remember you too little guy. Been awhile huh. Staying clear of manticores I hope?”

“I…Uh…” Changer mumbles.

“THE Specialist 117? Former right hoof of the Queen and all around badass?” asks Kichi in amazement.

“The very same.”

“Wait, really? The same one that went nuts when he got older?” asks Silver.

“I was always nuts kid.”

“But that can’t be right. They said you died in exile years ago,” Candy says confused.

“Well I ain’t dead yet missy, something I'd like to prove to you later,” he winks at her and she scoffs.

"Well he's just as perverted as the stories go."

You look back to Grandbuggy with your eyebrows raised.

“Granbuggy, how many of these Knights do you know already?”

“Only like two personally. The rest just seem to be fans,” he smirks. “So, which ones giving you trouble and not jumping on board?”

“Wait, Grandbuggy? Specialist 117 is the Hooded Offender’s Grandfather?” Kichi sputters in disbelief.

“What, you doubt my almighty genes?” Grandbuggy boasts.

“No Sir!” Kichi salutes.

“Oh yeah, I remember something about that,” Silver speaks up. “He had a grandchild, but he was in a separate regiment than mine.”

“I think I remember something about that. He was a senior when I was a freshman in High School, and something happened at a dance or something,” Candy muses.

You grit your teeth at that, and you can hear Selena gnash her teeth as well.

“Oi! Quit bringing up the past around my boyo,” he declares before turning back to you. “Now, which ones need more convincing?”
You then point to ones still on the fence. 

“Ego trip, The Pedo, and the Vampire.”

“I’m not a damn…Nevermind, If the legendary 117 is on your side, then I’ll fall in line. This guy is beyond my pyramid of respect.”

“That’s nice,” Grandbuggy says as he walks up to Changer.

“How about you…uh…” he seems to forget his name.

“Spartan,” Brown Dog says.

“Changer! For the love of the gods!” he snaps.

“Ah right, the little Changer-Ling,” he chuckles. “Although it looks like you’ve finally put some muscle on them scrawny bones. Now them Manticores would have a reason to eat ya.”

Changer stares back. 

"Right…but I still have SOME secrets I keep,” he emphasizes.

"What really?” Grandbuggy asks. “Well ain’t no shame in it kid, but I'll leave it to you to let it out when ya need to."

"...Thanks."

“And listen kid, I’ve read your report, if you wanna do right by anything, you follow my Grandson, and you give up your quest of revenge. He can tell you himself it don’t work out so good.”

“You know why I can’t 117. After what the former Queen did. I have to find answers, I have to…”

“I know where they are kid. The both of them…” he whispers causing Changer to gape.

“Y-You do?” He nods.

“How?”

“Your kind of family is one I have a soft spot for. The last Queen was a nasty piece of work, so I gave a hoof when I could.”

“Wh-Where are…”

“After this is all over, I’ll let you know.”

He then pats his shoulder then walks to Erised.

“Sooo…?” you draw out, causing him to look up at you.

“I’m still in…just don’t order me around much,” Changer grunts.

“No promises Book Guy,” you smirk causing him to groan.

You then look back to Grandbuggy as he walks towards Erised.

“Oh, this gonna be good,” Grey chuckles gleefully.

“And hello to you Ink Moth, you still a genocidal nutjob like you used to be?”

Erised sneers, 

“Do I know you?”

“Probably not by name. I was still a lieutenant when you had your little breakdown.”

“It wasn’t a breakdown! I saw the truth! The hive-“

“'Must die, because the rest of the world is too innocent and blah blah blah',” Grandbuggy then steels his eyes.

“Listen here and listen well old bug. There’s good and evil in every race on this planet. You cling to this notion that all Ponies are good at heart, and that all Changeling’s are rotten, and it’s pure bullspit!”

“Damn Right!” Solarkness agrees.

“Oh really? I’ll have you know that I have seen-” Erised tries to interject.

“Oh get off of “Seeing” I’ve been around the cosmos, I’ve seen the best and worst of every race you know, and many you don’t. And I can say one thing’s for certain, not everyone is the same.”

“But the hive, for so long has been a poison. From generation to generation, all they do is,”

“Yeah, we leech off of the other races, and we enjoy it. But do you know why? Because it’s all the Hive has known. They never had a chance to see another side. The Hive Mind becomes a thing of comfort that is horrifying to be without, and they have been conditioned to feel that way. But if all Changeling’s are the same, then how do you explain Us? How do you explain my Grandson, and these other three?”

“Genetic defects. Freaks that aren’t apart of their machine to-”

“No. They saw another way because they were already outcasts. But they LEARNED. Every one of those Changelings outside, they’re dangerous yes, but that’s because they know no other way. I won’t condemn them for an ignorance that’s been spread for generations.”

He then gets in his face.

“So drop the delusions of extinction. The dead can’t learn a new way. Beating those changeling’s asses will do a lot more to helping them learn than your little purge plans Ink Moth.”

He then starts to walk off.

“So kick some flank, and let your insane delusions go. If you can do that then I won’t kick your scrawny flank from here to Dodge Junction.”
After that everyone in the tavern looks to the old changeling as he contemplates Grandbuggy’s words.

Finally he lets out a snort and says nothing.

“Alright, he’s in,” Grey Rebl announces.

“How can you tell?” you ask.

“Because that’s how he always answers when he’s sulky,” Grey says.

You then smile and say,

“Well alright then. And what about the unconscious guy?” you ask pointing to Kersey.

“He’s in whether he wants to be or not,” Brown Dog declares. “But enough about him, are we still doing the decoy plan or are we doing a new one?”

Slamming sounds come from outside and you see the changeling troops starting to slam into the barrier, causing Mia to concentrate more.

“Because we’d rather have a plan sooner rather than later…”

“Alright you nutjobs, here’s the plan…”

You then go over the plan you and the TARDIS crew came up with. Of saving all of the hostages to cut off the love supply, to then erecting a barrier to keep the changeling’s in, and defeating the officers.

“Um, the Officers might be a problem. Two of them at least are filled with concentrated plasmid power,” Grey Rebl points out.

“No, all five of them are…and probably much more since they’ve been chosen by Chrysalis,” you explain causing the Knights to grimace.

“Well that’s just peachy,” Solarkness snarks.

“It is what it is. I don’t know if Sin has arrived yet or not, but she’s bound to be the most powerful. She’s been linked with Chrysalis.”
The Changeling’s of the group gasp at this.

“Of course she has,” Erised just shakes his head in frustration.

“Yeah, but right now, we do know that we face these four. Magical defenses won’t hold long with them, and I’m guessing the only reason they haven’t captured you yet is because they don’t want to kill the ponies inside.” 

“Alright, so are you going to handle them while we take on the grunts?” asks Rutherford.

“Uh…yeah no,” you admit causing them to falter.

“What? Why not?” asks Solarkness.

“Yeah, why don’t you just go all Saddle Rager on them like you normally do?” asks Snap Drake.

“Because I’m incapacitated at the moment,” you gesture to your chest disk. “So you guys are going to have to do some heavy lifting here…”

“Really? We get the Hooded Offender as back up and he’s handicapped for the fight? What a gip,” gripes Grey Rebl.

“I’ll rectify this. Only Sin can take this off, so I’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“Well that blows,” groans Brown Dog.

“I know. And that’s why we have to make sure they are separated. We’ll have more of a chance of defeating them if they aren’t all together. But even still, it’s gonna be tough. We need the distraction groups to lead as many forces away so that Jack and Mia can rescue as many town folks as they can, otherwise the Hive will keep restoring their health.”

“Well that’s all and good, but how exactly are these two,” Kichi points to Mia and Jack, “going to rescue all those ponies?”

“Oh I’m glad you asked that you devilish charmer,” Jack responds. “You see-“

“Well it’s kind of obvious isn’t it?” interrupts Snap Drake causing everyone to look at him.



SnapDrakeGame’s Comment



"I mean, that’s The actual TARDIS right?"

"The one and only," you confirm.

Snap grins wildly. 

"Oh my god that's so cool."

“Of course it is, but what’s the point?” you ask.

“Sorry, I’m just still fanning out over it actually being real. But anyway, the TARDIS is the solution obviously.”

“Yeah, not only is it a guaranteed escape route, but we could fit a whole town’s worth of ponies in there,” Brown Dog agrees.

"Exactly!" Snap says. "It'll be impossible for them to follow us. We should get everyone in the basement in their now while your friend's shield bubble is still holding."

Jack smirks and says, 

“Took the words right out of my mouth.”

"Heh. What can I say? I'm very good at running away from my problems," Snap blushes.

Jack smirks and says, 

“He’s right, We’ll put all non essential personnel into the TARDIS where they’ll be watched over by our resident overseer.”

“Darn tootin!” comes Nightshade’s echoey voice from inside the machine.

“Was that a child’s voice?” asks Silver.

“Don’t worry about that, it doesn’t pertain to you,” you wave off.

“And once the plan goes off, we will be moving the TARDIS from area to area, rescuing as many as we can. “

“Alright, and what about the dome?”

“The TARDIS will need to be in a centralized area, preferably after the ponies have been rescued. And then the Good Doctor will trap them in.”

“Oh yeah, that should have been the first thing we asked but, WHERE IS THE DOCTOR?! I wanna meet him so badly,” Brown Dog squees.

“He’s outside the dome, waiting for his signal,” Grandbuggy declares.

“Really? Because this seems like something he should be in the middle of,” asks Solarkness.

“Well he’s still in time out from me,” Grandbuggy chuckles. “And besides if all goes well, we might have more forces to help."

“More forces?” asks Erised. “Who?”

Meanwhile, Outside the Dome



GreyRebl’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment



In the outskirts of Appaloosa, distant from the bubble that holds the denizens inside, troop of battle-hardened buffalo lines up at the edge of a short cliff. In the middle of them are three figures. The Chief and his daughter, Little Strongheart, stare resolutely at the bubble. The third...is a brown stallion with an hourglass as a cutiemark.

“So it’s true,” Strongheart breathes, “They’re in danger and we didn’t even notice. A lot of our tribe was in there for a birthday party…”

The Doctor shakes his head. 

“No surprise. The incident just started over 40 minutes ago.”

“Even still, there are so many of them, and so few of us,” Strong Heart bemoans.

“True, but we are braves, and we will make our actions count,” the Chief encourages in his booming voice, thrumming with wisdom, 

“We thank you for warning us, friend,” he says to the Doctor. “It would shame us with regret if we stood by when our own neighbors were under attack. We will never forget this debt.”

“Think nothing of it. By all accounts, I should be in there helping, but my rogue friend is punishing me thinking he knows best…” The Doctor then looks down in sadness.

I did help him Quick Fix, but you were just too stubborn to see. I didn’t even get a chance to catch up with Bugze before you booted me out of my Ship for the second time in 8 minutes! And now because of you everypony thinks the worst. Ditzy she…Ditzy.

A sense of loss hits him.

Oh Ditzy, how am I going to make this up to you? Because of Quick Fix, I can’t go back before any point before today to get you. I haven’t abandoned you, not you. Not Ever. But how am I going to be able to convince you of that? 

Noticing his down expression, the Chief speaks.

“Do not let sadness take you my friend. It will do our friends no good at this point.”

Coming out of his thoughts, the Doctor shakes his head and says,

“Yes yes of course. Forgive me. Right lads, here’s what we have to do. Around the perimeter of this city, there will be several relays keeping that dome up. Each one is bound to have a guard,” he says drawing a figure in the dirt. “Our goal is to capture these relays so that I can reverse the polarity of the neutron flow and be able to link it with my ship. Then we can enter the town proper.” 

The Buffalo Chief nods before looking back to his tribe.

“For our friends!”

The buffalo then split into four groups as they go towards their destination.

Back With The Group

“So yeah,” Mia speaks, her eyes shut in concentration. “The Doctor will worry about the dome, we just have to make sure we’re in position when he’s ready.”

“Did somepony say Doctor?” asks a heavily accented voice.



Kersey’s Comment



You, Grey Rebl, Erised, and Jack all facehoof as Quacksalver wakes up and stumbles over to your group.

“Why won’t you stay down?” growls Erised.

"Wait, you know this quack?" you ask Jack.

"It's Doctor Quacksalver. I didn't spend 10 minutes at the Canterlot Royal Medical Institution for nothing." Quacksalver corrects.

"I've had quite a few resets at the hooves of that moron." Jack responds, ignoring Quacksalver.

"Want me to knock him out again?" Grey Rebl offers.

"Unfortunately we need all the help we can get." Jack counters.

*ding* 

"Hey Doc, you see all those change- I mean patients outside?"

Quacksalver looks out the window then gasps, 

"It's a mass outbreak of grumpus-violentus! I need to perform Oldboy-ectomies, stat! Original-us and Remake-us!"

He then pulls out a "Burknomic Scapel" (i.e. a hammer) and a frying pan out of his lab coat.

“I need to amputate their infected wings immediately!” he declares.

“No amputations Doc. When the time is right we only need you to uh…knock them out for surgery.”

“Ah, I get it, that way we can do a mass amputation without having to track them all down, Killing two stones with one bird. Very good plan,” he mutters drunkenly.

“Alright awesome…So who wants them on their team?”

“Buck that, let him go by himself,” Grey proclaims.

“…Fair enough,” you agree. “But yeah, once we’re all out there we have to ensure our specialized groups fight the right boss.”

“We’ll need heavy hitters against the big guy, magic and elementals against the twins, and whoever’s left against this Vicky,” Changer surmises.

“That’s right,” you agree. “But the thing is, we have to ensure that they are separated from each other. My presence might make them angry enough, but then they’d all be after me.”

“…What about something large fat and hard to miss?” Changer speaks up.



BrownDog’s Comment



“What do you mean?” you ask.

“The fat flank,” he points over to Kersey’s sleeping form.

“Um, he’s kind of asleep,” you point out.

“Yeah I know, but if we can wake him up, he’s still got traces of the formula in his system.”

Your eyes widen, and Rutherford speaks up.

“Whoa whoa, you want to add a freaking Kaiju to this mess?” asks Rutherford.

“Yeah, how will that help. I remember him not exactly being a people person. He’d just rampage against anything,” you say.

“Not if he has a focal point,” Changer says.

After that, all of the Knights look at the Diamond Dog for some reason.

“What?” he asks.

“Well, he does hate you the most man,” Snap Drake explains.

“What? Nah…” Brown Dog denies.

“He would often rant about you and his desire to end you,” Solarkness adds.

“Oh come on,” Brown Dog holds his arms up. “That doesn’t mean I’m his most hated, he did that for everyone. I mean, just because I stole his cookies, threw up on his rug when I was drunk, put mustard in his bedsheets and called him a pig in a blanket and…”

His eyes widen in understanding.

“Huh…maybe he does hate me…”

“Exactly,” Snap Drake says.

“Alright, that’s all well and good, but he’s still knocked out and everything,” you reason.

You hear a sigh and you all look to the Ink Moth. 

“Let me guess, you wish for me to give him a jump-start so to speak?”

“Well, I was really hoping that you’d be able to control him,” Changer admits.

“Not as weak as I am now, and besides, I take it I’m going to be stowing away on this ship with the rest of the citizens. I can send my thralls into the field, but if I’m constantly shifting between places, it will put a strain on me. I won’t be able to control him if he grows.”

“Well, it’s an option. Can you start jump-starting him now as a precaution?” Solarkness asks.

“Just a moment,” he says as he pricks his hoof on some glass, walks over to Kersey, opens up his mouth and drips some drops into his mouth.

“Um, is that sanitary?” you ask.

“Tartarus no,” Erised says as his eyes glow.

Suddenly Kersey’s breathing starts becoming more erratic until…

“ZZZZZZZZ” he snores very very loudly.

Erised sweats as he sits down.

“That’s the best I can do for now…”

The others nod then try to get Kersey up, but he just seems to mumble in his sleep.

“What are we…some sort of suicide squad?...ZZZZ”

“Oh gods, just put him back under,” Grey gags.

You raise an eyebrow.

“Really? He quotes that movie in his sleep?”

“He tends to like stuff like that. He unironically loves Beigh,” Snap Drake explains causing you to shudder.

“Unclean…” you hiss before shaking your head before looking to Mia.

“How you holding up?”

“I’m consistent, these dang Changelings are relentless though. Oh, can you ask if that male and female changeling over there are together?” she says pointing to Candy and Silver. “I’d really like to know if-“

“Concentrate Mia, you can ship later,” Aqua commands.

“Right, right, sorry,” she chuckles.

“Alright, let’s get the civvies into the TARDIS.”

The civilians are then each put into the TARDIS, along with the two remaining guards, 6 Pinkies, and one buffalo.

“Can’t we come to help?” Zappy asks.

“We need you safe, besides, with the six of you, this buffalo and those two guards, you can help Mia and Jack with freeing the hostages,” you explain causing her to nod.

You then look to said guards who still look weary about you.

“For the time being, the filly inside is your boss. Don’t try to contradict her or you’ll be sorry,” you warn causing them to nod in understanding.

Once everyone is inside, Jack and Mia stand in the doorway, waiting for orders.

You pull your hood up and say, 

“Alrighty then. Get in your groups.”



GreyRebl’s Comment



The knights then form groups, 

“Powerhouses: Changer, Grey, Brown Dog, Silver Strange, Kersey (still unconscious),” you command causing said beings to stand before you.

“When you’re out there, your task is to hopefully keep Mongo and his guys busy.”

“And how are we going to carry him?” Grey points to Kersey.

“We could just roll him again,” Snap and Brown Dog say aloud.

“Or, we could have Quack carry him,” Grey points out and they turn to see Quacksalver trying to punch Kersey awake.

“Wake up! Your suffering fatitis!”

Ignoring this, you say to the others.

“Elementals: Aqua, Solarkness, Rutherford, and myself.”

“Wait, you’re in our group?” asks Solarkness.

“Yeah, this stupid disk is kind of hindering me. But they’re not the only ones who have plasmids,” you explain. “Our job is to take on Biff and Tannen. They’re thick as thieves as twins usually are, so if we can separate them, things will go simpler.”

“Runners: Candy, Erised, Kichi, and Snap Drake.”

“Why am I a runner?” asks Kichi.

“Because you “ran” a crime syndicate. I’m trying to make a theme here. Anyway, you’ll have to distract and take on Vicky. I assume she’s the weakest due to telekenisis, but don’t take her lightly.”

“And what about specialist 117?” asks Changer.

Grandbuggy chuckles and says, 

“Well, as much as I’d like to help my Grandson, or kick the tartarus out of the behemoth, or see how Vicky’s filled in…I gotta drive the ship, because I know for a fact the Doc ain’t gonna give me another chance after today. So I’ll be with team,

“Infiltration…” you finish, “Grandbuggy, Mia, Jack, and whoever inside you want to assist you.”

“Now, does everyone understand what we have to do? Fight and scatter the enemy, and save any civvies if you can. If you all can take out the officers, great, but remember, they still have troops and we only need to last until our own dome can be deployed. If you're still kicking after the new dome comes up, make for the center of town where the TARDIS will be. Try not to get yourselves captured.”

You then smirk and say,

“Are you all with me?!” you shout, pumping them up.

They all cheer and shout as they put their hoods on for combat.



Kersey’s Comment



“Heck ya man, this is gonna be sweet! We’re fighting with the Hooded Offender, who has the Doctor’s TARDIS!” Snap Drake whoops.

“If that doesn’t ensure good things, nothing wi-“ 

His happy chant is cut off as a large chunk of ice energy blows out a chunk in the side of the tavern. Mia winces as the shot cut through her magic.

You all look outside and see Biff and Tannen standing with a floating Vicky and a roided up Mongo who looks like he’s Six Bulk Biceps lumped together.

They each have looks of confusion on their faces.

“How did they get reinforcements in?” asks Vicky.

“We don’t know, the box just appeared,” the twins say in unison.

Vicky and Mongo then look to each other.

“Is Sin coming?” asks Tannen.

“She’s on her way, but we need to get this handled,” Vicky declares.

“Right. Everyone, take a side of the building.”

They then each fan out to their own side of the building, with Mongo staying in the area where the ice blast came from.

"YOU JUST HAD TO BUCKING SAY IT!!!" Everyone yells at Snap Drake for his jinx.

"Oh... my ba- *smack*" Snap Drake apologizes before Kersey's comatose hoof reflexively slaps him on the back of the head. "Fine, I'll never be positive again!"

You then look to them and say, 

“Never mind that S#!%, Here Comes Mongo!!!”

As you say that the behemoth rushes at the barrier and starts striking at it hard, causing cracks and Mia to take a sharp intake of breath.

“Go Go Go!” you yell to her and Jack and Grandbuggy who enter the TARDIS. Grandbuggy gives one look back to you and says.

“Give’em Tartarus boy,” before closing the door.

The TARDIS then starts groaning as it begins to fade.

You then command the Knights.

“When that barrier drops, scatter. We have to get them by themselves or we don’t stand a chance.”

They all nod as they pump themselves up in silence. The fading TARDIS and the cracking barrier the only sounds.

As the TARDIS nearly finishes disappearing, Mia’s fading bubble is finally popped by Mongo.

“RUN!!!” you yell.

The Powerhouses Run front, past Mongo,(with Quacksalver somehow carrying Kersey on his back), The Elementals flee to the north past the Twins, with Rutherford picking up Aqua and flying through the roof.

“What are you doi-AAAAHHHH!!!” she yells as the dragon lifts off with her.

And the Runners do what they were told as they sprint past Vicky.

 “AFTER THEM!!!” the three changeling officers yell as Mongo grunts.

You then hear many, many buzzing wings chasing after you.

At the end of every year we find ourselves in dire straits, Selena comments.

I know! Isn’t it lovely?! You think madly as you run for your life.

There are now Four Groups: Powerhouses, Elementals, Runners, and Infiltrators.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outtro:

> Episode 84: The Four Fronts (Season Finale Part 5)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intro:

The Changelings




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment





As you and the the Knights scatter off in every direction, the changeling commanders send their respective troops after the group.

“Capture them!” Vicky yells.

“Why would they run brother?” asks Biff.

“There’s nowhere to escape,” Tannen adds.

“Unless…” they say at the same time, before Biff calls out to Vicky.

“Vicky! The knights and the newcomers may be attempting to free the prisoners!”

“We need them if we are to succeed in saving our Hive!” Tannen adds.

Vicky’s eyes widen and Mongo snarls.

“Capture them immediately before Sin arrives, lest the Queen think us incompetent! Keep them away from the prisoners!”

“Can do! Don’t have too much fun while I’m rounding up lunch,” Vicky boasts and gives a smile to Mongo who just nods.

They then break off with their troops, with Mongo going after the Powerhouses, Vicky going after the runners, and Biff and Tannen going after the Elementals.



THE ELEMENTALS

As you run laughing madly with your little group, you briefly hear the exchange between the twins and Vicky.

Good, let them chase us and let Grandbuggy and Jack slip by.

Blasts of magic hit around you from the group of changelings chasing your little group. Solarkness dodges nimbly as he is much faster than you, but he seems to be the only one in your group.

“Where’s Aqua and the Dragon?” you shout.

“He’s got wings, so he’s using them! And he’s got your little water tart in tow!” the timberwolf growls as he hops over a fallen cart and dodges down an alleyway.

Chancing a look up you see the wyvern with the blue unicorn in his arms dodging and weaving in the air while blasts of water and ice leave the both of them.

“Oh sure, show off why don’t ya?!” you yell up at them.





PuzzlingFrost’s Comment





TheRutherford’s Comment





LordSegal’s Comment





With Aqua and Rutherford

“Hey! Watch the claw placement chump!” Aqua shouts as she blocks a changeling blast with a shield of water.

“I’ll have you know I already have a mate thank you very much,” Rutherford says mater of factly as he adjusts his grip on the unicorn and dodges another blast.

“Uh huh, like I haven’t heard that a million times before,” she snarks as she strikes a changeling with an ice blast.

“If you like, I could just drop you,” Rutherford rolls his eyes as he does an aerial maneuver and sends out a blast of water that strikes three of them, sending them plummeting to a roof top.

“You could, but you’d regret it punk. Why’d you pick me up to fly anyway?”

“I thought it would be advantageous being on air and ground, and with two water types together. I’m actually running a bit low,” he says with a cough as his water jet sputters.

“Oh sure, show off why don’t ya?” comes your voice causing them both to lose focus, and two changelings to blast Rutherford in his left wing.

“AAGH!” he cries out as Aqua blasts one away.

Glaring at your form on the ground below, Rutherford says to Aqua.

“And also I’m running low on energy as it is.”

“And you thought FLYING would help that out?” she shouts as a Changeling lands on top of Rutherford and attempts to bite him.

He does a roll and smacks him off.

“I thought it’d be easier with you here!” he responds grumpily.

"It would, except my water is falling to the earth below, and now I'm starting to run low!

"Blast! If we weren't in a damned desert, I could keep going a bit longer!” Rutherford growls as he weaves through four Changelings, trying to follow the course of Solarkness and The Offender.

Aqua then sends out a burst of fog, making a smoke screen, as Rutherford then flies into the City Hall bell and catches his breath.

As the flying changelings search for them, many of them break off to chase after You and Solarkness.

“Alright, let’s go before they overwhelm our buddies,” Aqua urges the panting wyvern.

“Just give me a second, I have to…Wait, is that what I think it is?" he asks as a glint metal catches his eye.
Aqua looks and she too becomes enlightened.

"Yup, that’s a water tower."

And as luck would have it, You and Solarkness are leading the group of changelings right towards it.

Rutherford flies over to the large water tower and lands as quietly as he can on top of it (which is actually not quiet at all, but due to the chaos all over the town, no one seems to hear it)

“Thank the gods! You can resupply and I can get most of my power back, and we’ll have enough for recharges.”

“Or one massive attack,” Aqua points out the group chasing You and the timberwolf.

“Right,” Rutherford nods in acknowledgement. “But let’s recharge first.”

Rutherford then rips open a hole in the top of the water tower (next to some graffiti saying "Bugze Was Here" which causes Aqua to smirk) and uses his water bending to bring the water to him like a large straw and drinks a few gallons. Aqua does much the same, bending the water into some containers she had. Rutherford then burps and turns to face the changelings below him.


"Ah. Much better. Now let's see what we can do about you. How good are you at manipulating large amounts of water?" he asks Aqua.

“I broke Arkhay Asylum buddy, I can dump this thing in my sleep.”

“Very well. Good thing this tower seems to be more of a reserve in case of emergencies rather than the main supply.”

“Run Run Run as fast as you can! You can’t catch me I’m the Hooded Offender!” comes your shout.

“That didn’t even rhyme!” Solarkness growls as he dodges a blast of magic.

“Well we ARE in an emergency, guess this town will be out of luck for awhile,” Aqua resigns.

“I’ll give a generous donation if I can ever get back to my gem holdings,” Rutherford adds.
He then tears the hole wider as he flies into the air with Aqua and they both bend the water with so much force, the tower cracks and loudly.

You and Solarkness notice this and gallop even faster just as the water strikes the ground behind you and the massive wave goes towards the changelings.

“Sweet Luna! Your buddy nearly drowned us!” you yell to Solarkness.

“Yours helped too!” he points out looking up at the pair of benders.

As many of the changelings try to get away from the wave, a majority of them are caught up in it. Aqua then turns the wave into a sort of wall, with the many changelings trapped inside.

"Alright everyone. Chill!" the Wyvern quips as he starts firing a beam of ice at the wall.

You, Aqua, and Solarkness all facehoof/claw at this as you yell,

“Your pun was bad and you should feel bad! Would You Kindly Chill Out?!” you yell giving your own ice beam, making the wall freeze faster.

“That’s not much better CV!” Aqua yells as she starts adding her own freezing.

“I’m the pun master around here, no one else ya hear?!”

With your combined efforts, the wall of changelings freezes.

“Well that takes care of that,” Rutherford says as he does a super hero landing next to you and Solarkness, letting Aqua off next to you.

“Seriously Ford, don’t try to make puns again,” Solarkness says with a disappointed look.

“Oh come off it, it still worked” he rolls his eyes.

“And hey look, we got the twin generals” Aqua says as she points out Biff and Tannen frozen in the ice.

“Uh Oh, that’s not good, they’ve got fire and ice,” you say in worry.

“So? He’s not a bender, so it’s not like using MORE ice is going to help him, and fire guy is frozen” Solarkness interjects.


As if to prove that wrong, cracking is suddenly heard as Biff’s visage becomes more clouded, and the ice starts to bubble outward. On top of that, Tannen’s body seems to wreathe and flame and steams starts escaping him.

“Aw crap,” Aqua responds just as the unfrozen changelings land on top of ice wall and hiss at you.

“Back to running!” you say as you lead the charge away. The rest then soon follow you, with Aqua deciding to stay earth bound this time.

Behind you hear both Biff and Tannen break out of the ice.

“Commanders! What do we do?” asks a grunt.

Tannen grunts and sends out a flame that melts the rest of the ice.

“Get the others back into condition,” Biff orders.

“Then meet us ahead,” Tannen adds.

“We will apprehend them,” they say together. They then both fly towards your retreating forms as the few unfrozen changelings help out their shivering, wet compatriots.
As you all run, Rutherford flies up next to you,

“Alright Offender, what do we do now?”

“Firstly, put up more distance between us.”

“Well of course, but how are we going to take those twins out? Didn’t you say we had to separate them? If that’s the case, which group of two fights who? Because I doubt Sol wants to fight a fire user.”

“Damn right I don’t,” the Timberwolf barks. “So the real question is, who is going to join me when I fight with the Ice user?”

“How about we split into teams we know work. You and your buddy, and me and Aqua,” you say as you run past the outskirts of town.

“That sounds like a plan. Good to have a water user on both sides,” Aqua agrees.

“Exactly, just so long as theirs no more puns from anyone but me!” you declare.





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment





Fireheart1945’s Comment





You, Aqua, Solar, and Rutherford slow your running/flying to a stop and turn to face your opponents, confident that you've put enough distance between yourselves and the rest of the fighting going on. You're on the outskirts of the town proper now, mostly surrounded by barns and an area used for rodeos and other town sporting events, so hopefully your fight with Biff and Tannen won't interrupt the rescue teams.

As if on cue, the twins round a barn, and noticing that you’ve stopped running, they start walking slowly and menacingly towards you.

“We offered you a way out peacefully,” Biff says as he cricks his neck.

“But you have all elected the way of pain,” Tannen says cracking his hooves. They both then start radiating Cold and Heat auras as they glare you down.

“OH Bullspit you guys did! As if you would keep that bargain” Aqua yells at them causing them to tilt their head in confusion.

“You, newcomer, are not one of the Knights,” they both say in unison, which creeps you out. “No, you are…you are the bounty hunter who…”

Deciding to try and end this quickly, since you are severely limited in power, you yell out,

“Would You Kindly Follow the Leader?!” and you use the Insect Swarm Plasmid.

Their eyes widen briefly for a moment, and they stiffen, before green flame flashes in their eyes and they scowl.

“You Fool!” they shout.

“You seek to use that cursed power against us?” Biff growls

“You seek to control us and make us out of control with anger as HE did?!” Tannen snarls.

“The Hooded Offender used that against us once, but we will not be slaves to it again!”

"Eh, can't blame me for trying." you shrug.

“Well hah! Jokes on you, this guy is the-“ Solarkness tries to taunt, but you interrupt with a yell of





SnapDrakeGames’ Comment





"Would you kindly eat lightning, you wet blanket!" as you fire off a scorching Electro Bolt in Biff's direction. The changeling uses his ice plasmid to conjure a pillar of ice, blocking the attack, and you give a cry of disappointment as he disappears into the resulting mist cloud as Aqua and Rutherford start shooting that spot with their own ice.

You then turn and glare at Solarkness while saying,

“Ixnay on that little secret. I may have to use it later as a distraction.”

"By the way!" Aqua calls from where she's fighting Tannen, "I find your use of offensive slurs like 'Wet Blanket,' to be incredibly tasteless, and I really think an apology is in order."

“Oh blow it out your flank with that PC garbage Aqua!” you chuckle as you rush forth to help her with Tannen.

"Less waving, more tsunamis, pony!" Rutherford cries as he bodyslams Biff. His brother then sends out a jet of fire towards Rutherford. The wyvern flies above the attack, while Aqua takes the opportunity to wrap the fire twin in a wave of water as you freeze it with your plasmid.

"Did that do it?" In response, the iceberg shatters in an explosion of heat, and Aqua and You both take cover from Tannen's sizzling flames.

“Enough with the freezing already,” Tannen says grouchily.

A few yards away, Biff is able to blast Rutherford off of him and starts skidding along the ground on an icy trail towards the downed Wyvern, until, until Solarkness slams into him from the side, tackling him to the ground. As Solark tries to bite him, Biff brings and ice covered leg up and slams it between his wooden teeth. With his buddy blocked, Rutherford tries to send out his own blast of ice, but he is struck by a wall of flame courtesy of Tannen.

“Hey! You’re fighting us, not them! Would You Kindly Shock Off?!” you yell as you send a bolt of Electricity into the fire user’s stomach, causing him to lurch. This allows Aqua to trip him up with one of her whips, causing him to fall to the ground, but he vaporizes the water and flips to his feet.

Dang, Biff and Tannen are tougher now. It’s not just plasmids they have on their side.

One of the Changeling Knights said something about being Chosen, does that mean anything?

Yeah, they have the Queen’s blessing…which means she gave that to them when they found her.

Your internal thoughts are interrupted as you are blasted from the side and Biff collides into you with Solarkness and Rutherford now being attacked by Tannen.

Crud! So much for the separation plan!

"Would you kindly get set on fire!" you yell, letting loose a burst of glorious fire in Biff's direction. The changeling responds with ice- lots of ice, more than your fire can deal with. In a few seconds your attack has been overwhelmed and you're caught in the frigid path of Biff's Winter Blast, but thankfully you are pulled out of the way by Aqua, who starts melting the ice to add to her arsenal and throwing it back at Biff.

"New strategy, new strategy," you sputter through chattering teeth as you see Rutherford in a beam battle with Tannen, while Solarkness rolls on the ground putting out the flames on his back.

"Would you kindly buck off!?" You activate the Bucking Bronco Plasmid, and Tannen flies up, suspended in the air. Solarkness, his back a bit charred, jumps at the fire user, tearing at the changeling with his wooden teeth and claws.

“Agh!” the changeling cries out as some of the sharp wood pierces his chitin.

Suddenly, Aqua is thrown into the wooden wolf from a blast of Ice, knocking the wolf off of Tannen, who sends out an area of effect move and scorches Rutherford who starts blasting water over himself, but it is frozen by Tannen, making the Wyvern a sitting duck.

You attempt to help out, but Biff releases his own AOE and your hooves get caught in ice on the ground.

“Buck!” you yell as you then notice both Twins charging at you.

“Double Buck!”

You are then struck back by both of their blasts, freeing you from the ice, and slam into Rutherford, your momentum landing you both on Solarkness and Aqua.

The twins then smirk and start walking towards you as their troops finally catch up to them.

“Oh this doesn’t bode well,” you mutter as the four of you stand up and prepare to fight, when suddenly…

“GGGRRRAAAAGGGHHH!!!”

The loud, guttural noise fills the air, causing both your group and the changelings to mutter,

“What the Buck Was That?” you all then look towards the source of the noise as all of your jaws drop.

“Bucking Seriously?!” you groan at what you see.



REWIND

THE RUNNERS





Kichi’s Comment





SnapDrakeGames’ Comment





"Weakest of the group' my flank!" shouts one of Erised’s Thralls as the group sprints from alley to alley, avoiding a hail of telekinetically thrown debris from the enraged commander Vicky. They bob and weave past cover and enemy changelings.

“She IS the weakest dummy,” Candy chides as it dodges a thrown wheel. “Besides, you’re tucked up nicely in that Blue Box!”

“Telekinesis, they said! Simple, they said! Easy!" Snap Drake turns and fires a bolt of magic in Vicky's direction, which she easily blocks with the door to the post office. "They bucking lied!"

“Yeah, what the drunkard said,” Kichi responds as he flies above the group, disguised as the Element of Loyalty.

“And why in the buck are you disguised like that?! That isn’t going to fool anyling!” Candy shouts.

“For annoyance’s sake!” Kichi responds as he looks back at the commander. “OI Drama Queen, aren’t you afraid you’re going to break your hoof polish throwing that hissy fit! What would Number 7630 say if he could see you?” he snarks in Rainbow Dash’s annoying taunting voice.

“Drop that stupid look! And I haven’t been with him in years!” she yells hurling a whole carriage at the group.

“And why is that? Did you trade him in for 8325 or 3922?” he taunts dodging around the cart.

She just growls again and launches a lamp post which almost hits Snap.

“Dude, cut it out!”

“Yeah, just because she turned you down doesn’t mean we want to die faster!” Candy chides.

“Oh please, she’s not my type!” Kichi responds.

“Yeah we know, not nearly loli enough huh?” Snap snarks causing “Rainbow Dash” to snarl and yell back at the Telekentic general.

“And how’d you get into the army? Did you do some back room deals with the recruiters?!”

“Buck You!” she cries out and several windows in passing shops implode.

“Oh right, and I bet Mongo thinks he’s the only one huh?!”

She just screams and even the dirt begins levitating, the changelings follow her immediately hit the brakes as she starts tearing apart the road, and they are smart to do so.

“Seriously! Cut it out you moron!” both of Erised’s thralls shout.

It's like a hurricane, debris flying everywhere. Snap and Kichi run one direction, Candy and Erised in the other, both trying frantically to avoid the vortex of broken carts, tree limbs, and chunks of brick that Vicky is throwing everywhere. Kichi flies up to a roof, and Snap follows up the fire escape, dodging a mailbox and a few AC units.

"Get down, you idiot, we need to stay in cover," Kichi yells, pulling Snap down.

"How am I the idiot? You’re the one dressed as Rainbow Dash. And Cover? I thought we were supposed to run. We're runners."

"Well, trying to run away from Mob Psycho 100 down there, isn’t exactly working," Kichi shoots back. Snap opens his mouth to reply, but he's cut off as a washing machine slams into the roof like a wrecking ball and the building begins to collapse. "I take it back," Kichi screams as he leaps towards the nearest building. "Running's good, running's good!"

"That Hooded Offender is an idiot," Erised’s thrall growls from where Candy and him have stopped to catch their breath. "Putting all the least combat-capable fighters in one group? Sure, we can keep the little grub out there distracted, but not for much longer, and given how powerful the other opponents are, I doubt they'll be able to help us finish this one off."

"So are you saying you'd rather be fighting the Juggernaut or the Shining Twins across town?" Candy asks.

"No, but-"

"Well shut up already! All your complaining isn't being productive," Candy hisses. She glances towards the debris lying around. Vicky managed to rip open the Barber Shop and there's all sorts of stuff lying around. She grabs a case of hair dye and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. She opens the bottle, then dumps the hair dye in, shakes it up, and flings it in Vicky's direction.

"What was that?" Erised asks.

"Hair dye like that contains metal salts," Candy answers. "When that stuff comes in contact with hydrogen peroxide, it causes a chemical reaction that releases a lot of heat and energy. If it's all trapped in that bottle, then it'll explode."

"How do you know that?"

"I impersonated a Chemistry Major once."

There's a burst of smoke as the makeshift bomb goes off, and Vicky gives out a cry of surprise. Snap, seeing an opportunity, grabs a frying pan and leaps towards the Changeling, who's frantically backing away from the fumes. "Time for breakfast you little-" A wagon wheel catches him in the stomach and sends him flying away.

"Hey," Vicky shouts, "maybe next time don't start taunting until you're absolutely positive that-" The molotov cocktail that Snap had dropped before he'd been hit explodes, and Vicky screams as she just barely avoids the burst of flame.

"You were saying something?" Snap asks, lobbing another molotov in her direction. She growls, snags the molotov in her telekinesis, and sends it hurtling back at him like a bullet.

"Oh buck!" Snap raises the pan, and the bottle shatters against it, the liquid inside bursting into flame. "Ow! Hot, hot hot!" Snap tosses the pan away, and turns towards Vicky, only to find himself floating into the air, then sailing through the window of a bakery.





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment





“Oh Enough of this!” Shouts Erised as his thrall steps forward and his eyes glare.

“Suffer Me Now!” Erised shouts.

Vicky chuckles to herself, relaxing her stance and casually twirling the end of her mane around her hoof. "Oh and what are you going to do? You’re the weakest member of your little fan-club Ink Moth, did you think I was the weakest of mine?"

While she monologues, Erised decided to capitalize. His other thralls springs forth at blinding speeds, behind her but just as it is about to sink its teeth into Vicky's juicy backside, some kind of force brings it to a screeching halt and keeps it immobilized mid air.

"What?!" Erised says aloud within the TARDIS, his eyes closed as several Pinkies and other ponies look to him in worry.

"Poor little Ink-moth." Vicky gives a mock pout as she turns to face Erised through his thrall. "I used to hear scary bedtime stories about you, you know? They said you were a revenant, an exile back from the dead seeking vengeance on every changeling alive. Imagine my surprise when I find out the truth: you're nothing but a lowly murderer with a chip on your flank. All you have going for you are fear tactics and cheap tricks."

Erised's thrall spits a gob of ink-blood right at her face, but that too is stopped and suspended in the air by her telekinesis.

"None of them will work on me, I'm afraid."


Hmm, she's skilled, Erised thinks to himself, I'll have to think of something special if I'm going to beat her.

"And another thing," Vicky said, her face suddenly twisting into a snarl as the pressure on Erised's thrall increases, "GIVE US BACK OUR CHANGELINGS!"

Erised begins to feel his grip on the midair changeling's mind begin to unravel, causing him to strain trying to maintain his hold on the one on the ground

“How? How are you doing this?” he groans as his physical body in the TARDIS seizes up.

It’s like she is somehow hacking her way inside the mind of her possessed comrade, diverting the flow of my ink-blood and pushing me out!

Eventually, Erised gives out as he backs the other thrall away from her as quickly as she can, and the former thrall groans holding his head in pain.

"And the others laughed at me when I chose those engineering tonics. Hah! Shows what they know!" Vicky exclaims happily, as she sets her freed soldier behind her, as more start to show up.

“Now then Ink Moth, go run on home to your body,” she says ensnaring the other Thrall.

While Erised fumbles in shock, a hoof collides with Vicky’s nose, causing her to drop the Thrall.

“Back off Beyatch!” Candy declares as she grabs the thrall and runs off.

“Oh why you stupid little- *SPLAT*”

Vicky is interrupted as a pie sails right into her face.





SnapDrakeGames’ Comment





"Hah! Tasty?" Snap jeers, emerging from the bakery with two more pies in hoof and four in his telekinesis.

“I usually say females look better without makeup, but oh man do you need more,” taunts “Rainbow Dash”

"Aaaaaaauuuuugggh!!!!" Vicky screams. Every porch step and lawn ornament in her telekinesis suddenly stops, before darting towards Snap and Kichi. For their part, the unicorn and changeling turn and run like a fleeing ostriches.

"Buck buck buck buck buck!!!" Snap sprints frantically, trying to avoid Vicky's wrath. He leaps over a spinning road sign, ducks below a bowling ball, blocks a hissing cat with a pie, slides behind a trash can in time to avoid a picnic table, and finally lunges into an alley, evading the piano that crashes into the building next to him. He looks up. "Hey! I'm still alive!" A lawn chair smacks him upside the head and he goes down.

"Bucking Tartarus, there! Now are you finally going to shut up?" Vicky screeches. Kichi dropkicks her in the head, slamming her face into the pavement. "Hey, ow-" Candy swats her with a golf club, sending her sprawling away. "Hey, what the-" Erised drops a box of hoofball trophies on her head.

"Buck all of you!" Vicky roars, slamming them all back with a wave of telekinetic force.

“This was supposed to be quick and simple, but no, you guys had to go and throw a wrench into our plans. The longer we waste on you idiots, is time wasted we could be saving our Hive Mates!” she roars as the Runners are pressed up against the side of a building, not able to move their limbs.





LordSegal’s Comment





"Well the show's over, pests. Shut up and give up and I won't have to pancake you between these two buildi- huh?" She is interrupted as a watch lands in front of her on the ground. Before she can ask any questions, it explodes with a bright flash of light.

“AAAHHH!!!” Vicky screams as the light blinds her, dropping the telekinetic hold on the runners.

“Oh Mother Buck, Buck! BBUUUCCKK!!!” she screams as she flails wildly.

The knights look to where the watch came from and see a Changeling waving them over, they follow him as Vicky’s troops finally have the courage to come around.




GreyRebl’s Comment





“Commander!” one of the changelings, a bit out of breath huffs as he lands next to Vicky.

“Stupid, Mother!!! Go get them!!!” she strains as she rubs the tears out of her eyes, and several changelings follow her orders. “What is it?!” she snaps.

“Ma’am, we have a serious problem,” he says worriedly.

“I can see that! I can…” she blinks as her vision returns and she sees the panic on her subordinates face.

“What is it, soldier?”

“Our charge stations! They’ve been compromised!”
Her jaw drops in shock at this.

“Compromised? How?! Did Mongo or the Twins fail to keep their Knights away?!”

“N-No ma’am. Reports say they’re still engaged with their charges. It’s someling else ma’am.”

“Wh-Who? Just spit it out!”

The grunt gulps and forces himself to answer, and what he says strikes a chord of fear into her heart.

“Specialist 117. He’s back.”





LordSegal’s Comment





While Vicky has a small conniption fit, the Runners round a corner, as the changeling who threw the watch flashbang says,

“Come on Knights, you gotta put a little more heart into the battle if you want to escape.”

They all give him a confused look, while Candy asks,

“Um, who the heck are you, and why’d you throw that watch?”

“Oh, you all probably met me under a bunch of different names. We’ve all been spying on you for a year after all, and I got real close a lot of the times. Remember this weird face?” he says as he briefly morphs into an odd, wedge-faced creature.

Erised raises an eyebrow.

“I remember you, one of the mental patients at Arkhay! Broken Watch.”

“Eyup, just an alias. I’m sure your Wyvern and Timberwolf buddy would recognize me if they were here. Heck, I even “Operated” a trinket shop in Vanhoover watching over the fat flank.”

“Well if you were one of the ones spying on us, why did you just help us?” asks Snap Drake.

“Because I’m rooting for you guys, at least for you to escape. I’ll be honest, watching you guys for the past year has been really fun, and I kind of want you to triumph,” the changeling says enthusiastically as he takes you into a hardware store.

“So what, just like that you’re deciding to join our team?” asks a skeptical Kichi.

“Oh heck no. You guys have already lost, this town is ours and we’re going to free my family and friends from that prison. It’d be suicide to join you now,” he says matter of factly.

“Huh? Then what was that flash bang for then?”

“That’s not joining you, that’s just a “Slip of the hoof.” Besides, the fun of you guys running around would have been cut off if Vicky had kept going.”

The Runners all look at each other and back at the changeling.

“So wait, you just want to see us keep running, and hoping for us to escape, but you’re not actively going to help us?” Candy asks in bemusement.

“Sounds about right. I’m not going to betray my Hive Mates, but more “Hoof Slips” aren’t exactly betrayal,” he says with a smirk and a wink. He then grabs a screwdriver off of the wall and starts fiddling with another watch.

“Oookaaay,” Kichi says unsurely. “You’re clearly insane Mr…?”

“Not-Important,” he responds with a smile.

“The heck it isn’t,” Kichi growls back.

“No, seriously, that’s my alias name. Not Important. Ponies are so weird.”

“Yes we are, yes we are,” Snap Drake agrees.

“Anyway, good luck to you guys, just know that I’ll be rooting for you,” he then dives out the window and flies off.

“Hey Guys! They’re over here by the hardware store!”

The four knights just stare slack jawed in surprise before Erised cries out.

“Well that’s just asinine!”

The Runners then begin running once more, some of them taking some hardware equipment.

“I should have just Thralled that idiot!” Erised growls.

“Oh what, just to have Ms. Prissy hack it away?” Kichi taunts.

“I’m weak! I’m sure that if I were stronger…”

“Make excuses later Grandpa!” Candy chides as a Changeling tries to block their exit out of the store.

“Fine! Rend the weak!” his thrall says as it bites onto the blocking changeling who screams out before ink blood comes makes it’s way into the wound, and makes him another thrall.

“Uuuggghh,” Erised’s thrall groans.

“You alright there Bendy?” asks Snap.

“I’m fine cretin!” he growls.





ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment





On The TARDIS

Despite his protest, Erised suddenly feels lightheaded and weak, as his vision returns to his own body face down on the floor of the time machine.

"Damn it... only two thralls and I'm already overexerting myself. That little witch got to me."

"Mister changeling?" comes a small, timid voice to his right. One of the foals rescued from the saloon stands next to him. "Please get up! We need y'all and the others to protect our town. My Ma and Pa are still out there…”

Erised’s first thought is to swat the kid away with a biting remark, but before he can, the other civilians gather around as well, lifting him too his hooves and keeping him steady. With his changeling senses, he can feel their emotions, their fear and worry for themselves and their loved ones, but also... for him.

“I…I just need some more love. Pink clones, I need more,” he says wheezing.

“We’re doing the best we can,” says Nines as she snuggles one of his arms more rapidly. “But most of the others are helping release the pod ponies.

Erised looks past the group into the other room where green pods are being levitated in, and the Charismatic Guard and several others are prying them open.

"If ya need love, feed on me," one mare in the crowed tells him firmly. "Just please, don’t give up now Mr. Those other three still need the time to save our family and friends."

As others in the group also offer to let him feed, Erised sees something in their eyes, and feels something he hasn't felt in a very long time: a want to protect them. Not for logical reasons like strategic value, but to simply to keep them from getting hurt.

For so long he'd been bitter, wanting so badly to smite his own kind and drive them to extinction for the pain they inflict just to feed themselves, wanting to bring judgment on criminals so much that he became one himself. But after all this time...

Damn you Offender. Damn you for making me want to protect again…

With several of the ponies latching on along with the Pinkies, Erised closes his eyes and slips back into his two thralls, still sluggishly, but the love helps.

"I will Save them."

Back with the Runners

“That’s good to hear ya weirdo,” Candy drawls, “Now let’s get going before Not Important “Helps Us” any mo-EEEP!” she stops as Vicky plops down right in front of them, with the grunts blocking off the back.

“Alright you morons, spill! Who brought the Specialist Here!” she shouts.

Before any of them can say a word though, a loud noise catches both the Runners and the changeling’s attention.

“GGGRRRAAAAGGGHHH!!!”

“What the buck was that?!” everyone present says at the same time and looks towards the source. Several looks of confusion and surprise come across the two groups’ faces.

“Oh you bucking idiots!” Erised growls.



REWIND

The Infiltrators.





GreyRebl’s Comment





In one of the buildings, filled to the brim with captured victims encased in green goo and pods, an artwork of unconscious changelings lay piled on the center of a room. Like a suave and mysterious stranger, an old changeling trots over them with the same regard as grass.

“Can buzz but can’t dance.” Tutting, Grand Buggy shakes his head in disappointment before he casually takes off his bowler hat, showing a bit of manners in the wild western ways. “You always, ALWAYS prepare for a sneak attack, no matter how improbable.” He then flips his hat back onto his head and smiles. “Now then let’s cut off this supply line and rescue the Body Snatched, I wanna see my grandson in action.”

Captain Jack steps in, a pair of changelings on his back before dumping them into the pile with a lackadaisical smile.

“Well we’ve already cleared five buildings, and this one has the most in it. It’s been smooth so far, but I doubt that’ll last.”

“Hmm,” Grandbuggy stares at the great number of cocoons around him. “We may have to set up an ambush here. I doubt they’ll risk their own love to get us.”

Captain Jack raises a brow at that, waving a hoof towards the unconscious pile of changelings.

“Is there time?”

Grandbuggy smiles cheekily.

“There’s always time Jacky Boy, and not just because we have a Time Machine. We got me!”
The audible flap of wings interrupts as Mia, a complicated expression on her face, interrupts the conversation.

“A squad is coming here. I’ll start evacuating as many as I can, but we can’t let the prisoners get caught in the crossfire.”

“Go ahead Mia,” Jack nods before placing a hoof under his chin in thought. “Well, well, They really want us. Must’ve shook them up quite a bit if they’re willing to send that many for one building.”

“Means someling on their side isn’t so blind, but that just means this is one of their primary buildings,” Grand Buggy says. “Easier to defend if their love is all in one place. In other words: Jackpot.”

“What’s the plan?” Mia asks as she starts levitating pods of ponies into the TARDIS door, where the others start freeing them.

“An ambush courteous of me,” Grandbuggy answers simply.

A deep frown crosses her muzzle, a major jump from her loving and cheerful self previously and a testament to how dedicated she is with her job.

“An ambush? We need to be fast, there’s still others to save."

“Exactly, which is why I’m gonna ambush them so loudly, they won’t know what hit em,” he chuckles.

“Well where are we supposed to hide? In these pods? That’s gross,” Mia points out. “I’d have to have Aqua help bathe me to get this slime out of my coat.

Grandbuggy’s eyebrows nearly fly off his head at that.

“Aqua Bathing You? With hot soapy water and caressing hooves?” he asks with twinkling eyes and a nosebleed.

Mia scoffs at this and almost drops a pod pony.

“You old pervert! That isn’t even remotely what I meant!” she blushes while Jack chuckles. “Now get your mind out of the gutter, a squad is still incoming.”

“Oh don’t get your tail in a knot,” Grandbuggy chides as he wipes his nose. “And no you won’t be having to get into the slime pods, you can still bathe later with that bender if you want…but no, you guys just keep loading, I’m gonna go ambush that squad.”

Jack just raises an eyebrow at that.

“Fix, you do know what Ambush really means right?”

“Don’t give me no guff boy, I all but invented the ambush,” he says as he trots over to the building door and kicks it open, causing Jack and Mia to drop their jaws.

On the other side of the door, the changeling squad stop in confusion as an aged Changeling with a bowler hat on walks towards them.

“Who are you? Where’s the rest of the guard for this building? And what were the sounds of screaming we heard earlier?” asks one of the squad.





Kersey’s Comment





Grandbuggy just quirks his eyebrow and says.

“I’m going to answer your questions out of order just because of your tone young lad. The screaming you heard earlier was the sound of the guard getting the crap kicked out of them in the dark. That last answer also answers where your buddies are.” The Changelings all seem shocked at this before they start snarling.

“You are not one of us! You will pay for your crimes against-“

“And to answer your first question, I’m Specialist MotherBucking 117!” he shouts causing many of the changelings to become fearful or shocked.

“Savvy?” Grandbuggy snarks as he takes his hat off.

With a flick of his hoof he causes the hat to fold out revealing a Gatling-style multi-barrel weapon.

"Magnum Laser Cannon..." Grandbuggy says causing the barrels to start spinning and glowing before he flies into the air and roars,

"WARCRRRRRRRRRRRY!!!" as his gatling-bowler unleashes a barrage of stun-lasers, striking each and every one of the Squad in the chest.

"Wait, how does he have that technology!?" Mia exclaims from inside the building.

"Quick Fix made some modifications behind the Doc's back." Jack explains.

“Are they even friends?” asks Mia in confusion.

“The Best of the Best,” Jack smiles as he helps put more pod ponies inside.

As each of the changeling’s fall, Grandbuggy deactivates his gattling hat and smirks.

“See, what’d I tell ya? Ambush For the Win.”

While he gloats, a very, VERY terrified changeling under an apple cart, who just watched his squad get taken down almost instantaneously, decides maybe it’s a good idea to run and tell one of his commanders. He makes a bee line towards the angry female screaming and floating debris in the distance.


A Little While Later

“Alright Doc, we’ve gotten what we think is their main storage all piled in. We’re going to do a quick run through the town to save straggler pod folks, but we’ll give you the signal when we’re ready,” Grandbuggy says over a comlink to the Doctor.

“Do hurry Quick Fix! The Buffalo have captured the relay points, and are getting anxious to help their friends. We can see the chaos even from out here.”

“Hold your horses Doc. We’ll be ready in due time. And just so you know, you’re gonna have a heck of a clean up to do on your floors,” Grandbuggy chuckles looking at all the slime on the floor.

“You will be paying the bill Fix!” the Doc harrumphs and signs off while Grandbuggy laughs.

Mia looks to Jack again, who smiles and repeats,

“The Best of Friends.”

“Don’t worry about it Grandbuggy, the bill might just end up being nonexistent just so he can keep you in line,” Nightshade insinuates causing the Doctor to sigh.

“Nightshade dear, can we please not bring that up now of all times?”

“Okay, just so you know I’m going to be eating all of your jelly fillies. OI! Braeburn!” she suddenly shouts as she leaps off the counter and runs up to the recently freed stallion, hugging him around the waste.

“Umm...Hi little filly?” he says not quite recognizing the unicorn version of her.

“Oh right. Well...good to see you,” Nightshade chuckles nervously as she trots past him to go help open another pod.

“Well what in tarnation is going on sheriff?” the stallion asks to the equally confused sheriff.

“We’re being rescued by the Hooded Offender and his friends Braeburn, so I’m guessing we’re owing our lives to Nightmare Moon,” the Sheriff responds.

Before Grandbuggy can say anything to this, the building suddenly shakes from a loud, belching,



“GGGRRRAAAAGGGHHH!!!”

Grandbuggy, Mia, Jack and the rest of the ponies all raise an eyebrow at that.

“What the Buck was that?” they ask.

Grandbuggy pulls down a monitor from the center console and flips it on. What it shows makes many of them gasp, except for Grandbuggy who just starts laughing.

“Well now, things sure got interesting.”



REWIND

The Power-Houses





ThePonySpartan’s Comment





The Strongest of the Knights (Along with Quacksalver and the Unconscious Kersey) Run for their lives as a large group of Changelings chase them.

After running for some time, they come to one of the outskirts of the town, near the Super Market.

Changer blasts a trio of divebombing changelings away with fierce winds, sending them through a building, and as he turns to engage more he spots the Massive Mongo land on one of the nearby roof tops.

“Uh, guys!” he warns with a quick point behind him, causing the others to take a backward glance.

"There's the Meat Officer," Grey says with a glare towards the large changeling.

As if that’s the cue, all of the changeling’s stop chasing them and space out, creating a barrier around the Knights as th huge changeling jumps down to ground level, his body weight making a small crater and shaking the ground like an earthquake. He smiles viciously at the group who all go back to back.

“Huh, guess we’re getting to the boss fight sooner than expected,” Brown Dog guesses.

"Fine with me. Let's get this over with! The sooner the better in my book." Silver says in bravado.

"For sure. I like running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off about as much as anybody, but this is dragging on more than Southland Tales."

Mongo just smirks.

"Don't be hasty. Remember, he's an officer,” Changer warns. “And thanks to Grey and Erised, he's more powerful than us."

"Wasn't my fault! They deceived all of us," Grey defends.

"Speak for yourself," Changer counters. "If I was still a Knight Leader with how I am right now, I would have saved all of our behinds."

"Oh, shut it, you're full of yourself!"

“At least I didn’t give the enemy more firep-“

"Alright, enough arguing!" Brown Dog yells, cutting off Grey and Changer. "We need to take this guy down. Sure, he used god mode cheats, but... um... I’ll have to ask Kichi how the buck you beat god mode but whatever, you get the point. You two are some of the smartest ponies I know but anger makes you dumb, so please! Quit sucking your own d!$#%"

“That is medically impossible! I know, I’ve tried,” responds Quacksalver.

Changer and Grey sigh with frustration.

"Fine!" Changer gives in. "Our main target is Mongo, but those changelings will be a problem. Every unfair boss fight has assists."

"So then we'll have Brown Dog lock horns with him while we support. If anything gets bad we'll retreat and come up with something else,” adds Grey.

“Whoa, wait a minute, I know I’m strong but that dude looks like a dang tank,” Brown Dog points out.

"Agreed, we need to wait and see what we're up against. His body is so large I don't even know if we can damage him properly,” Silver points out.

"Then, sadly, we'll have to get a little dirty before our onslaught upon them to see what we’re dealing with,” Changer groans

"Remember what the Offender said, no big injuries or killing." Silver responds.

"Yeah, yeah..." Grey smirks and begins doing what you never do in a fight against someone stronger than you: taunt.

“So buddy, how’s the family jewels? Pathetically small or nonexistent thanks to your roid addiction?”

Mongo snorts as his face burns red he charges along with the changelings all around the powerhouses.

"Bring it!" Changer taunts.

“You’re all gonna have a Bad Time!” Silver jeers.

"WITNESS!!!" Brown Dog cheers with a raised arm.





BrownDog’s Comment





With that raised arm, he grabs a changeling out of the air.

“I’m gonna beat a motherbucker with another motherbucker!” he yells goofily as he starts whacking Mongo in the head with one of his troops. This causes the behemoth to slow down as he tries not to hit his own team member.

“I’m sorry sir! It’s not my fault!” the bludgeoning Changeling cries out as he struck against his commander’s nose.

“This isn’t assault! It’s insubordination!!!” Brown Dog laughs madly.

While he’s distracted, Changer uses Wind Magic on the general, who isn’t even fazed, but Brown Dog’s clubling is blown out of his paws. He looks from his empty paws to Mongo and chuckles.

“Um…It was just a prank?”

Mongo only responds by throwing a right hook at Brown Dog, who attempts to block, but the force still hits him like a train and sends him crashing into the SuperMarket.

“Ugh, like getting hit by a freaking mountain,” Brown Dog winces as he holds his side watching as the other Powerhouses fight and run into the sizable hole he made.

He sees Changer dodging and flinging magic at Mongo, as Grey, Silver and Quack all scatter into the store.

Looking around Brown Dog finds himself in the food aisle.

“Well, better arm myself then…”

He then starts pelting Changelings with boxes of cereal and other food items as he runs through the store, grabbing several items that he keeps.

“We Gotta Keep Moving Guys!!!” he yells as Changer and Grey are knocked into the store as well.

“Yeah no crap!” growls Grey.

“How you holding up Spartan?” he asks as he climbs up onto a food rack.

“How do you think?!” Changer growls further in the store.

“Like sunshine and rainbows no doubt!” Grey yells even further into the store as he and Quacksalver run into a group of 10 changelings.





Kersey’s Comment





"This pony has a seriously bad case of Fatitis," Quacksalver says referring to the still sleeping Kersey on his back, "I need to get the adipose tissue away from his awake-agens via manual circular centrifuge!"

"What are you even babling abou- WOAH!" Grey Rebl yelps and ducks Quacksalver grabs one of Kersey's limbs with both hooves and starts swinging him around in a circle, using Kersey's massive size to accidentally knock away changelings.

“How are you even doing that?” he asks.

“Silly Pony, when you’re drunk enough, you can do ANYTHING!!!”

He then lets go of Kersey’s body which lands on a shopping cart and rolls down an aisle right between Mongo and Changer, which allows the Unicorn to dodge an attack.





ThePonySpartan’s Comment





Changer dodges another punch from Mongo and sends another fire blast from his book. Not charged enough for a dragon, but enough for fireballs, it sends out a flame that strikes Mongo in his chest, which only serves to make a smoke screen.

Well he’s not a smart fighter with all that strength. He's punching where I am instead of where I'm going to be, but still, he’s fast! Changer analyzes as a lawn chair is thrown out of the smoke striking him in the horn.

“AGH!” he cries out from the sensation as Mongo rushes out, no worse for wear.

Brown’s right. He IS a tank! I can’t let him hit me.

As Changer dives under one of the punches, a changeling subordinate strikes him with a magic blast which hurts, but it has the added benefit of throwing Changer away from one of Mongo’s hits.

Grr, I’m going to have to get more violent if we stand a chance, he thinks as he sees Grey across the store dual wielding mops and striking Changeling’s in the throat.

He pulls out his ice book and sends out an ice beam, which Mongo blocks with one of his hooves encasing it…for about three seconds as he smashes it on the ground with ease.

“Well, I guess Rutherford wouldn’t have fared so well in this fight,” Changer mutters as he puts the book away and strikes a grunt in the face.

He then teleports further away from the charging officer.

“Distance, distance is key,” he mutters. To prove this point, Mongo picks up a barrel of peanuts and throws it at him like a missile.

“Clean up on aisle 4!” Silver cackles as he slams a wall of bones into some changelings attempting to attack Changer from behind.

“Really?” Changer groans at the pun.

“You come up with better!” he says as he sends out a bone projectile at Mongo who just punches it out of the air.

“Blunt objects don’t seem to work…cover me!” he orders Changer who sends out a volley of bones, keeping Mongo’s attention.

Changer, keeping his body low to the ground, takes out his wind book and makes a wind sword with a yellow handle.

Then, with great precision, the unicorn slices the sword at Mongo's back leg, which draws blood, and causes the behemoth to wince in pain, long enough for a volley of bones to strike him in the face.

Without giving him time to steady himself, Changer takes out his other two books before aiming all three at Mongo and firing flames, ice, and sharp winds respectively.

"Elemental Force!"

Mongo is encased within the light of the three books and growls in annoyance. As Silver sends out another volley of bones, Mongo grabs one and side swings it, striking Changer in the chest and tossing him into the bakery shelves.

The books fall to the ground, as Mongo crushes the magic bone.

“That…that shouldn’t be possible!” Changer groans. “You can’t CATCH a magic construct!”

Mongo just smirks as he raises his hooves above Changer, but stops and yells as a bottle of hot sauce hits the cut on his leg.

“Spice to meetcha!” Brown Dog laughs as he rolls past Mongo on a shopping cart, picking up Changer along the way.

"You okay buddy?" Brown Dog asks with concern in his voice as he hands Changer back his books.

"Better now with some backup. Those plasmids are bullspit!" Changer growls.

"They sure are bud,” Brown Dog agrees as he crashes into three changelings with the cart. “But still, no one can handle hot sauce on a cut."

"Precisely. We won't be able to damage him without reaching his vital points and internal parts. But even still, his hide is thick. My wind sword should have been able to sever his leg, not just cut it!"

“So cutting big boy is tough but viable?” asks Brown as he grabs a punch of pies and shoves them into the cart.

“Yes. If worse comes to worse, I could use my specialty to cut him, but that would leave me drained,” he explains.

“You mean the bone arms?” asks Brown Dog.

“Yes.”

“I actually have an idea about that *CRASH* they are interrupted as a free sample table is thrown at them. “But I’ll tell you later,” he panics as he takes another aisle away from Mongo, which just so happens to have fireworks.

Smiling, Brown Dog grabs a fireworks launcher, just as Mongo bursts THROUGH one of the shelves.

“Get your sword now!” he orders Changer as they crash the cart into Mongo.





Kersey’s Comment





As the cart crumbles, BrownDog grabs two of the apple pies in his cart and throws one in Mongo's face. Before Mongo can even react, Changer uses his Wind Sword to cut at his pie-covered face as he is thrown forward from the impact of the crash. With two cut cheeks, Mongo grunts just as another pie hits, and a heavy fist hits one of his cheek wounds. Brown Dog then then shoves the firework launcher in Mongo's face saying "Wakey-wakey" before pulling the trigger causing an explosion that blasts the Diamond Dog back.

"Explosives are NOT a close-quarters weapon you idiot!" Changer yells as he gets up off the ground behind Mongo.

"And brownies are NOT meant to make you see rainbows, what’s your point?" Brown Dog asks getting back up, "Now hopefully that will give us some time to…"

The smoke clears, and aside from some comical soot on his face, and two tiny scratches on his cheeks, he isn’t even fazed.

“Or we’ll have less time to break the land speed record,” he then throws another pie in Mongo’s face. “Run!” the diamond dog yells, as he and the unicorn sprint for dear life.

They run into the home and kitchen section, and find Grey and Silver mopping up (pun intended) a majority of the Changeling grunts.

“Dang, they’ve been more productive than us,” Brown Dog comments, as Mongo’s roar sounds behind them.





GreyRebl’s Comment





“Hey, Grey.” Brown Dog asks, “Still have plenty of detergent?”

The janitor growls back, suplexing a changeling,

“Of course. Why?”

“We are gonna give this bozo a bath,” he responds pointing to the pool section.

“A Bath?” asks Changer and Silver.

“Yeah, if he’s covered in suds, his punches won’t hurt as bad, they’ll slide right off.”

“That’s…actually not bad reasoning,” Changer relents.

“...I’ll throw in bug repellent,” Grey says with a smile.

“Hah! Got some humor in you after all!” Silver jeers.

“But he’s right behind us,” points out Changer.

“Hmm…”





Kersey’s Comment





“Hey Doc, go make yourself useful and hurt the big guy trying to kill us,” orders Silver.

"But I'm a Doctor! I made an oath to do no harm!" Quacksalver says while bonking a changeling over the head with a mallet.

"He’s got face injuries, you should go treat them,” urges Changer.

"Oooooh. That works."

With a yell, the insane drunk doctor rushes around the corner just as Mongo rounds it and jumps on his face, causing the changeling to shake around like a cat with a paper bag on it’s head.

“Be still! Your injuries require lots of antiseptic!” he yells as he dumps alcohol into Mongo’s eyes, causing him to roar.

With this distraction, the others run to the Pool section.

“You are so angry and beefy! Perhaps you are suffering from-“

*WHAM*

Doctor Quacksalver is cocked in an uppercut that sends him sailing across the store and into one of the display Jacuzzis.

“Hiiii, everypony…” he mutters as he dazes out.

As Mongo leaps over the many aisles, landing in front of Quacksalver, he suddenly slips as his hooves hit the soapy floor and he goes face first into the hot tub.

Growling, he takes his head out and shakes it like a dog, just as yet another pie strikes the side of his face, causing him to growl again.





GreyRebl’s Comment





SnapDrakeGames’ Comment





BrownDog’s Comment





Kersey’s Comment





“A very good improvement to your mug I’d say,” Silver taunts as the giant changeling wipes the pie off his face. Mongo clenches his teeth and leaps at the much smaller changeling, but Silver is able to dodge by propelling himself backwards with his bones.

Growling, the he continues to chase the Sanssational Knight, deeper into the pool aisle.

“Say, did I ever mention that you stink?!” Silver taunts. Before Mongo can grunt any anger, Silver launches himself straight up onto the ceiling while yelling,

“Have fun showering DO IT NOW GUYS!!!”

Mongo looks up from the ceiling to the other three Knights to the sides of him who each tip over a pool of water onto him.

“Eat Tide, you filthy sack of insect flesh!” Grey Rebl shouts!

Mongo roars as the acidic waters of Tide detergent and bug repellent burns his eyes. All the while he stumbles and sputters, the Powerhouses finally engage.

“Get Him!” Brown Dog shouts, “To heck with this one-at-a-time nonsense!”

Changer launches overcharged spells, Silver grasps the pools in his magic and batters him with them, Brown Dog clobbers the underside of his jaw with a bottle of beer in one paw, and Grey in particular dances around the soapy water, at home with the cleanliness of motherbucking Tide like the slippery janitor he is.

The janitor laughs ecstatically. “NINES IS RIGHT! THIS IS TOTALLY A SWEET DEAL!”

He charges Mongo, his mop whirling like a staff. He hits fast and hard- a swipe to the changeling's head, a smack upside the chin, a jab in the stomach, another whack in the face, a jab at the- Mongo catches the broom, completely unfazed.

Spitting out soap bubbles, Mongo lifts the mop, with Grey in tow and slams him into Brown Dog, before tossing the him away.

“He just beat a motherbucker with another motherbu-*WHAM* ” Brown Dog is punted right in the face, cracking one of his lenses and cutting his eye, and sending him flying after his friend.

“Son of a Bitch! Those were my best pair you roided out bucker!” he yells in pain.

“You can get new ones,” Grey says while he hypocritically cradles his scuffed mop.

Silver Strange and Changer leap forwards, one on each side of Mongo, and they light him up, Changer with a sweltering vortex of flame from his red book and Silver with the blazing beam of a Gaster Blaster. Mongo completely disappears within the blinding light of the attacks.

“Don’t let up! Keep the magic fluid so he can’t grab any-AGH!” Changer yells as Mongo’s hoof comes out of the flames, grabs him by the horn.

“What did you just s-AGH!” Silver is cut off as well when Mongo’s other hoof grabs his horn. He then slams the two against each other with a loud smack several times, before then tossing both of them away.

With a war cry, Brown Dog leaps onto Mongo's back. He slaps his two fists together on Mongo's head, trying to disorient him. Mongo is undaunted. He jumps up and flips over, crushing Brown Dog under him. He jumps up again and lands on Brown a second time, this time hooves first. Crunch!

“HOOO…there goes a rib…” he writhers in pain.

Changer gets back up to help his friend a book in either hoof. With a green wind tome and a blue ice one, he performs a combination spell, creating a frigid wind that tears at Mongo, ice creeping up his sides.

“Try to cut him for the gods’ sakes!” he yells.

Silver appears behind Changer, and with a few hoof gestures sends a barrage of sharpened bones slamming into Mongo's sides, causing him to finally yell out in pain.

“And there go some of his ribs…hopefully,” Silver taunts.

As Mongo groans, Changer whips out his air sword, and rushes forth, piercing a bit into one of his already pierced sides.

Brown Dog from below takes the opportunity to latch his jaws around Mongo’s gut and start gnashing.

As the big changeling rears his head up to roar, Grey leaps forth and shoves the mop handle down Mongo’s throat, cutting him off as he starts gagging.

“Keep at it, we’ll have him clean in no time!” Grey chuckles.

Pierced all over, Mongo snaps his jaw shut, breaking off a bit of the mop.

“NOOO!!!” Grey screams in sorrow as the massive changeling grunts, then shoves his hoof into the ground, ripping out a huge chunk of the floor and arc swinging it into Grey and Silver, who get knocked for a loop and sprawl to the floor. Changer teleports out of the way of the swing right next to Mongo with a lightning spell ready to go, but Mongo gives him an almost casual looking backhand and sends him sprawling away again.

He then jumps and slams himself against the floor, crushing Brown Dog again who promptly stops his biting.

“Ooooowwww…” he groans as the changeling picks him up by the neck. Thankfully, Grey vaults over Mongo and jams a bucket onto his head. Mongo gives a start, his head darting back and forth, but he gives it a few whacks with his half eaten mop, disorientating him.

But instead of him dropping Brown Dog, he delivers a crushing headbutt to the diamond dog’s face, a hit so hard that it shatters the bucket and leaves Brown even more bloody and bruised.

“What a great bucking rescue!” he moans.

Mongo just grunts before looking at Grey who gives a nervous yelp.

"Hey, now come on, we can work this out peacefully-" Mongo golf swings him with the diamond dog, and he goes spinning. He then bowls the dog into Changer and Silver as they attempt to get up, right into a line of shopping carts.

“This is bucking impossible,” winces Silver as he holds a cut on his head.

"He's the juggernaut bitch..." comes the unconscious ramblings of Kersey who is in one of the carts.

“Oh great, he’s still alive. Just what I wanted in life,” Silver growls his face swelling.

“And we’re not even gonna die clean,” Grey bemoans, his coat covered in dirt, blood, and food, and several of his teeth broken.

“I AM going to die sober, just like the gyspy pony said,” Brown Dog cries.

“No you’re not!” Changer reassures holding his previously broken leg, which seems to be injured again . “We still have options. We can still-“

“Oh right, duh!” Brown Dog facepaws, and winces since he hits one of his cuts.

Mongo sneers at them and menacingly walks towards them.

“Buy me some time, and Guys, whatever happens next, you all were my best friends,” Brown Dogs says fearfully.

“What are you going to do?” Grey asks as Changer and Silver rush at Mongo who keeps walking despite their magic.

“Quite possibly the dumbest thing in my entire life.” The Diamond Dog then hauls himself into Kersey’s cart and sits on him as he whispers into the fat flank’s ear

"Kersey, you're a fat, pathetic, fat, paranoid, fat, control freak with stupid ideas and even stupider explanations that we all ignore. And did I mention that you were fat?”

“Aaaagghh, *Snort* BWAH!” the big pony sits up, finally waking up at the insult to his image.

“May the forgotten gods have mercy on us all,” Grey mutters as he rushes off to distract Mongo.

“What?! Who’s insulting me? What’s going on?! Where the buck am I? Where are my glasses? Wh…BROWN DOG?!!!” he yells as his eyes finally focus on the diamond dog sitting on his chest.

“Hey good buddy, long time no see,” Brown Dog jokes.

“Why the buck are you sitting on me?!” he roars.

“You took up the whole cart, where else was I supposed to sit?”

“Why am I in a shopping cart?!” he is interrupted as Grey is thrown over the top of them. “What the buck was that?! I can’t see a damned thing!”

“Hurry up Brown Dog!” Changer yells as he teleports out of the way of one of Mongo’s strikes.

“Was that that Spartan idiot?! I bucking hate that guy! Why is he here?!”

“That’s good, get mad buddy, get really mad!”

“You can’t tell me what to do you no good mangey mutt! Why I ought ta-“

Kersey then starts cursing and swearing and ranting, but nothing else happens.

“Just do it already!” Silver yells. Sighing, Brown Dog decides to bring out the big guns.

“And your kind should be rounded up and-“

“KERSEY! Guess what?! I’m the leader of the Crimson Knights now!”

Kersey stops his rant with a choke.

“WWWHHHAAATTT???!!!”

“Eyup. Who could’ve seen that coming huh? I mean, I’ve always been better than yo-*WHACK* Oh Come On!”

Brown Dog is knocked off of Kersey by Mongo, the others scattered and groaning, but Kersey doesn’t see the massive changeling. He’s blind not only from lack of glasses, but from anger. His inferiority complex has finally kicked into overdrive as he gives a blood curdling roar,


"BROWN DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG!!!"

Suddenly a giant green mass explodes outwards in size knocking Mongo back into the Diamond Dog.

"Holy Crap!" Grey Rebl exclaims

“GGGRRRAAAAGGGHHH!!!”

Kersey roars as he grows, catching every ear in the town, his head going through the supermarket ceiling…and he stops there, the size of a building.

Mongo’s changeling grunts that decided to wait out his rampage look at the giant pony aghast.

“I thought you said he was like five stories tall back in Vanhoover!” Brown Dog shouts.

“He was! But the Ink Moth said there was only so much left remember?!” calls back Changer.

Mongo gets up off of Brown Dog and looks at the giant with a quirked eyebrow.

Taking the opportunity, Brown Dog climbs onto his back and yells.

“Yoohoo! Hey Buck Face! Come and Get Me!”

Blind without his glasses, the giant pony looks down at the brown shape where the diamond dog’s voice came from.

“GGGRAAAAGGGHHH!!!” he yells as he kicks at the shape, at the last minute Brown Dog dives out of the way and Mongo is kicked out of the building and into the streets.

Looking from Changer to Silver and Grey, Brown Dog says.

“Welp, I’m gonna go run for my life and make a nuisance for Changelings. You’re all welcome to join me. If not, see ya back at the TARDIS...maybe... WOO HOO WOO HOO WOO HOO!!!”

He then begins wheeling a shopping cart out into the streets past Mongo who gets to his hooves.


"GET BACK HERE! I'M NOWHERE NEAR DONE WITH YOU!!!" Kersey roars as he charges after Brown Dog in a blind rage barreling into Mongo and the Changelings as he chases him.

With every head turned toward the building sized pony shambling through town, Mongo does the logical thing and chases after him with the rest of his troops.

The Powerhouses look from each other and back.

“Well…that’s a thing we did,” Silver mutters.



POV CHANGE: Bugze (You)

You stare at the Kaiju Kersey who has already been unleashed.

“I thought I told those idiots weapon of last resort! Last Resort!”



What Do You All Do?

 
Outro:

> Episode 85: A Giant Wrench In The Plan (Season Finale Part 6)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





Fireheart1945’s Comment 




TheRutherford’s Comment 



As you watch the giant tear himself out of a convenience store and take off through the town, Rutherford quips, 

“And here I thought he couldn’t get any uglier.” 

“Who do you think woke him up already?” asks Solarkness. 

“Oh who do you think? If it wasn’t one drunk, it was the other,” he snarks.  

Odd, wasn’t he taller back in Vanhoover, you think as you see a large group of changelings starting to follow the giant. 

Indeed he was. Still, even at that size he’s bound to be destructive. 

I’m not sure that’s such a good thing, there’s a reason I told them to use him as weapon of last- 

You are suddenly blasted by intense flames which hurl you into a pig enclosure. 

“You shouldn’t ignore us! We are still your primary concern!” Tannen gloats. 

“AAAHHH!!!” you yell as your cloak starts to smoke. “Fire! I’m on fire again! Why have you betrayed me pure and beautiful flames?!” 

“CV!” Aqua yells as she puts you out with a splash. 

“Thanks Aqua,” you call out as you sit back up. 

You see Rutherford and Solarkness attempting to double team Tannen as Biff turns to the gathered troops. 

“Assist in bringing down that  giant! My brother and I will deal with these lot!” 

And with that, the troops fly off towards the giant pony screaming and running through town. 

“Would You Kindly Get Shocked?!” you yell as you sucker punch Biff just like his brother just did to you. 

“Don’t forget, that I’m YOUR primary concern!” you yell as you rush forth with Aqua. 

I’ll worry about tubby later. Right now he’s being the distraction he’s meant to be. I gotta use my plasmids for all I’m worth to take these guys down. 

With that thought, you and the other four battle the two brothers once more, while in the rest of the town… 



PuzzlingFrost’s Comment 



Biff and Tannen’s changelings group up with some others in town. As they do, a Diamond Dog with a shopping cart rounds a corner. 

“Stop right there scum! We’ve got you cornered!” one of the Changeling’s yells. 

“Sorry Bud, Ain’t happening! Run along Carty, You’re free now!” he breathlessly pants as he shoves the cart at them, knocking a few down, before jumping up into the air and using their heads as a walkway. 

“Scuse me (ow!), pardon me (hey!) , oopsie daisy (watch it!) ,hey don't I know you? (Doh!)” 

“As he jumps off the last changeling he runs off down another corner out of their sight. 

“Get him you idiots!” yells the same changeling as before.

But before they could give chase they hear a roar,  

“BROWN DOG!!!!!!” , and turn around to see kaiju Kersey barreling toward them. One changeling gives a flat look and says, 

“I don't get enough love for this.” Kersey then charges through them like bowling pins not even noticing them. The lead changeling now knocked through the air yells,  

“I hate Mondays!”  

“Ahahahaha! Oh what a day! What a lovely day!” the drunken idiot spouts as he laughs at the Changeling’s misfortune. 

“I’m gonna crush you you little-Whoah!” Kersey cries out as the cart from earlier makes his hoof slide forward and he takes a little tumble. 

“London Bridge is Falling Down!” Brown Dog cackles. 

“Get back here you dumb mutt!” Kersey roars as he gets back up, oblivious to Mongo and the rest of his troops chasing after him. 

“Mutt and proud of it! At least momma Brown Dog didn’t raise a sentient fat sack!” 

“I’m Not Fat I’m Big Boned!” he yells as he throws the shopping cart at Brown Dog who barely dodges. 

Pursuing the pursuing changelings are the rest of the injured Powerhouses. 

“What exactly are we supposed to be doing?” asks Silver. 

“Making sure that stupid dog doesn’t die!” Changer spits back, favoring his uninjured leg. 

“Shouldn’t we be trying to regroup with the others?” asks Grey Rebl. 

“I think that’s what this is all about…” Changer murmurs as he sees flying debris in the direction they’re all heading. 



ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment 




Kichi’s Comment 




ThePonySpartan’s Comment 



Over with the Runners, Vicky is having a conniption fit as she sees Kersey’s head snaking it’s way down the roadways towards her group. 

She lifts about a half a building’s worth of debris in a telekentic sphere as she and her group stands ready. 

“Oh great, it’s the return of Ponyzilla” Kichi grumbles aloud. 

“You stupid idiotic Knights! What were you morons thinking unleashing something like that?!” she chides as she slams Kichi, Snap Drake and Candy up against the wall. 

“How do we know it wasn’t you guys that unleashed him?” shoots back Kichi confusing Vicky. “I wouldn’t put it past stupid crazy Chrysalis to pull a stunk like this.” 

“What?!” she spouts out flabbergasted. 

“Yeah, she’s crazy, maybe she just wanted to squish us all like bugs…there is way too many jokes I could make about that,” Kichi snarks. 

“AGH!” she yells as she turns back around and sees a small shop start to fall over. 

“You guys are going to ruin everything if this keeps up!” 

She then starts to trot away with her soldiers. 

“We need to link back up with Captain Mongo. Together we all should-“ 

While her guard is down, Erised’s thrall jumps upon her back. 

“AH! Get off!” she shouts. 

"You're Mine Now!" he yells as he opens his mouth to bite her… 

 “Erised! That’s sexual harassment! Shame on you!” Brown Dog yells as he runs past startling Knight and Changeling alike. 

“What the?” both Erised and Vicky say, each temporarily forgetting about the other. 

“Move it or lose it guys!” he yells to the others who aren’t subdued anymore. "Tubby just learned that the latest Transformares got cancelled!” 

“THOSE MOVIES ARE GREAT AND UNDER-RATED!” Kersy's outraged roar is the only warning they get before the giant pony comes skidding 'round the corner and trampling his way through twenty changelings, including Erised's last remaining thrall. Vicky is able to dodge up and out of the way in time though. 

 “Oh Buck You they are!” comes the response back from Brown Dog. 

As those two round a corner, Mongo and his group come charging down the road. 

“Mongo!” Vicky calls out as she flies to join him. 

 “Sometimes I wonder why I even joined this club,” Kichi bemoans as he Candy and Snap Drake hide from the pursuing Changelings. 

As they pass, they see Grey, Changer and Silver running. 

“Silver!” calls out Candy as the two groups meet up. 

“You guys alright?” asks Snap. 

“We’ve been better,” grunts Grey. 

Silver nods and says, “Yeah, and we’ll only get more better unless we follow that crowd.” 

“Wait, you want us to FOLLOW Kersey? Why? Just let the Hive take care of him,” says Kichi. 

“We still need to stop them, and there focus is on him. This is our best shot!” Changer growls. 

“Fine, go on you idiots. I’ll catch up in some other way!” Erised’s thrall says from the ground. 

“You’re not coming old guy?” teases Grey. 

“This thrall is too banged up and his limbs are busted. I don’t have enough energy to deal with him. Go on now!” 

They all nod and chase after the changelings. 

With Kersey’s screaming still ringing in Erised's ears he relinquishes control of his thrall. The pale changeling huffs in frustration from inside the TARDIS. 

"Hey, time squad! Is the evacuation nearly complete?" he asks Mia as she and Nightshade load more pods of ponies inside. By the sheer number piling up, there can't be that many more to go. 

"First of all, we're Torchwood." Mia corrects him, "And we're moving as fast as we can. ...There's just so many." 

"Well figure something out." Erised spits, "The situation is going sideways out there; our teams are getting their flanks served to them, Kersey is on the rampage again, and my last thrall just got squashed." 

"You know, this might go faster if you decided to help out a bit." Mia offers, motioning to the pods she's levitating in, obviously straining with the effort of that and maintaining her shield. 

"Fine." 

Mia smiles as Erised makes his way to the entrance of the TARDIS, but then frowns again as he walks right past her and outside, completely ignoring the captured ponies.  

"I'm going out," he tells her, "Don't wait up for me." 

Outside, Erised climbs up to a vantage point. It takes a frustratingly long time due to his weakened body. But from the schoolhouse's bellower he's able to see the battle taking place in town. Dozens of black specs still dart around like flies, the changelings his fellow knights refused to put down for good. Blasts of fire and torrents of water can be seen, indicating the elementalists dueling it out. But the most striking feature is Kersey, stomping through the town like a runaway lard train, kicking up dust behind him knocking into changelings and buildings, and the large group of drones chasing him. 

Erised grits his teeth. 

I guess it's my job to reign him in before he causes more damage then. Oh joy. 

Concentrating, Erised activates the blood he injected into Kersey while he was still under, and attempts to assert his control.  

Kersey, check yourself before you wreck yourself, fool. 

Kersey slows his run as he hears Erised's voice in his head, looking around to try and see where the annoyance is coming from.  

"Huh? Who’s talking in my head? Is that you Ink Moth?!" 

That's right. We're fighting for our lives out here, ponies are in danger, and it's all going to be for nothing if you destroy everything with your fat flank. So forget about Brown Dog for one bucking second and-

"Screw you!" Kersey roars, to the confusion of everyone around him, "I don't have to take orders from some anorexic emo roach who doesn't even participate half the time! That brown mutt has had this coming for too long." 

  
Not around- I have my own life, you know?! 

"Whatever! I'm gonna roast Brown Dog and eat him with a side of chips now, and after that, I'm gonna squash you like the bug you are." 

“I guarantee I won’t taste good!” Brown Dog yells back as Kersey doubles his barreling. 

 Kersey? Kersey! Erised tries to get in his head again, but it's no use. He isn't listening at all.  

"Damn it. That self-righteous-! *sigh* Alright then... need to try something else."

Hey idiots, are you listening? and this time, each of the other knights hear him in their heads. 
I don't have much time for this so- 

"Erised? How are you talking to us?" Kichi asks. 

 I added my blood to the food you guys ate back at the saloon. It's not important. Now- 

"Not important?!" Snap yells, "I beg to differ! You don't drug a bro's food, bro. Not cool." 

Will you all shut up?! Listen up, Kersey isn't going to stop any time soon. But much as I hate to say it, it does give us an opportunity. These commanders outclass most of us in a straight-up fight. So I suggest we switch dance partners while they're distracted. 

"What do you mean?" Rutherford asks as he blocks a blast of fire that rolls over his scales. 

I mean no one wins rock-paper-scissors by choosing the same thing as their opponents. So when it all comes to a head, switch up the opponents, especially when they’re all focused on lardo. Our elementalists are evenly matched against Biff and Tannen, but overpowering Vicky should be an easy feat for them. Similarly, our heavies seemed to have been stomped by Mongo, 

"Thanks for giving them god hacks!" Changer yells in response 

"I keep telling you it wasn't our fault!" Grey yells back at him. 

Erised ignores them and goes on. 

But I doubt the fire and ice twins would be a problem if you can find some way to get in close and keep the pressure on.

"So where does that leave you runners?" Brown Dog asks, "With Mongo?" 

No. It leaves Mongo with Kersey. We runners can still assist against the remaining drones though. But if we don’t do something, this whole thing is going to get a lot worse.

 
“Kersey’s kind of focused on my good buddy Erised,” Snap Drake responds. “How are we gonna get him to change foes?” 

I can help with that, but I need time to mentally prepare. In the meantime, Brown Dog, take two lefts, then a right and head to towards the Apple Trees. The Offender is out there.

“Oh good, I’ve been looking for him!” Brown Dog responds happily as he follows his directions. 

The rest of you best be ready, it’s all going to come to a head…  



TheRutherford’s Comment 




DWC’s Comment 



Back With You 

You, Aqua, Rutherford, and Solarkness have been able to fight the twins tooth and nail, neither side having the advantage. The plan to separate them didn’t pan out, and they work well together. 

If only I was able to unleash the cloak, then we’d be winning! You think in frustration. 

“Heads up Offender, Kersey’s coming our way soon,” Solarkness growls to you as you dodge a blast from Biff. 

“He is? How do you know?” 

“Ink Moth told us,” Rutherford says as he lands next to you and stops a fire ball. 

“Wait, if we know he’s coming…” Aqua starts. 

“HERE I COME TO WRECK THE DAY!!!” Brown Dog’s voice reaches them. 

“I’ll wreck you! I’ll wreck you so hard!” Kersey pants. 

Biff and Tannent get distracted by the oncoming Kersey still chasing the diamond dog when the four of you all say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfqqpvPXGHo]“Light bulb” 

With the twins distracted, you rush up to both of them and stick the Boom Stick in between the holes on their legs, connecting and trapping them. They look at you in shock before you say, 

“You know I have no Idea what’ll happen if I activate this nifty staff while it’s like this. You’ll both probably blow up, so since you both don’t wanna end up as bug spatter how about you stand down and surrender?” 

With their focus on you, Rutherford sprays a large amount of water a few paces in front of Kersey, making a large puddle. A soon as Brown Dog runs through it, he yells, 

“Slip’N’Slide!” 

Aqua starts causing the puddle to become frozen solid. As Kersey steps on it, he begins to slip.  

“Agh!” he yells as he slides. 

Solarkness, causes some vines to shoot out of the ground and helps trip the large pony, who flips into the air and starts to fall towards you and the twins. You then activate the Boom Stick which launches both of them together into the oncoming path of Kersey…but also… 

“Oof!” Brown Dog grunts as the twins slam into him, causing both to pile into the ground. 

He then looks up into the oncoming fat. 

“Oh Son of a B-*WHUMP*" and he and the twins get buried under the giants fat rolls. 

Solarkness and Rutherford look aghast at that before looking back to you holding your Boom Stick sheepishly. 

“…Whoops?” 

As you say that, the giant starts to stand back up. 

  “What the buck was that? Now my butt is cold and…huh?” he looks down at his landing spot as where two groggy changelings are, and one still Brown Diamond Dog. 

“I…I did it. I DID IT!!!” Kersey screams in triumph looking at the still form in his crater. “I KILLED BROWN DOG!!! OMG I never thought this day would actually come!” he cheers in absolute happiness to the rest of your disgust. 

“Whelp, might as well get him skinned and grilled before he stars rotting,” he says reaching down towards the Knight. “Today is the best day of my- *Blast* AGH!”  

Kersey yells clutching his ear as a large group of Changelings come barely towards him, all of them unleashing spells at him. 

“Why the ear?! Who does that?! And who’s shooting at me?!” he yells as he squints at the oncoming black horde. 

As Rutherford grabs Brown Dog’s unconscious body, the rest of you all sneak into hiding positions as the rest of the Changelings swarm towards Kersey. 



Kersey’s Comment 



Without Brown Dog to focus his anger, the giant accountant actually has a chance to think on his situation as he’s pelted with firepower. 

 "Wait a minute, Where am I? Am I still exist? Am I still- There's a hundreds- There's hundreds of blobs, we've gone on too- Who am I controlli- THATS IT YOU MOTHERBUCKERS!" Kersey snaps as he starts wildly swinging his hooves in every direction at anybody nearby as he roars.

"NOW YOU GOTTA FIGHT ME!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!" 

And he charges head first, swinging wildly into the oncoming storm. In his rampage, Kersey knocks aside groups of changelings at once. Many try to stand on him, bite him, etc, but he keeps swatting at him as if he’s covered in bees. 

Seeing the many changeling grunts coming, you declare, 

“Now’s our chance! Start taking pot shots at the drones and let Kersey beat them down before Mongo and Vicky show up!” 

“Already on it chief!” Solarkness points out blasts coming in from all sides as the rest of the groups have converged. 

“Oh…gotcha. You try to get this idiot woken up while I deal with these other idiots,” you tell the timberwolf as you launch into the midst of it. 

You, Aqua, Rutherford, Changer, Kichi, Silver, and Candy then start blasting at changeling drones. 

“Mongo! They’re attacking on all sides!” you hear Vicky yell as she protects some of her drones from Kersey’s hoof with a bubble. “Take him out before we lose anymore!”  

Mongo grunts in acknowledgement and charges right at him, but Kersey smashes him into the ground with a hoof before picking him up and putting him close to his near-sighted face for a better look. 

"Oh, you're a big roach aren't ya?" Kersey says sadistically before throwing him through a building. 

“MONGO!!!” Vicky cries out and flies off after him. Kersey then yells. 

With all of their commanders incapacitated, many of the changelings become disorganized and are taken down easily. Those who feel the shift get out of range of the giant and fly after their commanders. 


“I don’t know where the buck you bugs all came from, but it’s squishing time!” he yells as he starts attempting to stomp on injured changelings on the ground. 

“Would You Kindly Bucking Bronco!” you yell keeping his hoof from slamming into an injured changeling. Fat is one thing, but a hoof is pure brunt bone. 

“Oh What the Buck?!” he yells as he loses his balance, causing one of Changers attacks to strike him in the gut. 

“Oof! Was that book guy?! Are these YOUR changelings?!” he accuses to the blurry blobs around him. 

"I said no crippling or killing!!!" you growl, angry at what Kersey tried to do. 

"Lard-flank was out during that talk, remember?" Aqua points out as he tries to stomp on Rutherford. 

"Buck! Well he’s helped decimate their numbers, but I can’t let him kill anyling!” you declare as you rush forth and cry out.



Kersey’s Comment 



"Psycho Crush-" *flump* "Eww! NOT AGAIN!" you exclaim in disgust as your attack just causes you to get absorbed into Kersey's fat folds. You Falcon Punch your way out without getting noticed by Kersey and yell, 

"Aqua, waterbend me! Quick!" 

"I don't think a wash is a priority-" 

"JUST DO IT! UNCLEAN! UNCLE-*splash*" you panic before Aqua knocks you into a changeling with a waterbending attack. 

"Thanks!" you say causing Aqua to roll her eyes. 

We're going to have to get his attention another way. Selena comments. 

“Offender! Are we attacking lardo now?” asks Silver, causing Kersey to stiffen. 

"The Hooded Offender? He’s here?" he starts squinting looking around. 

Well that’s convenient. 

"Yeah, here I am squinty!” you yell as you back away from all of the downed changelings. “It is I, The glorious inspiration for your clu-*Wham*" you manage to get out before Kersey smashes you into a barn with a massive hoof. 

"THAT WAS FOR FLAG BURNER!!!" he roars as he lumbers in your direction, away from the downed changelings as the other Knights mop up the remaining drones. 

"Cheap Shot!” you say poking your head out of the rubble. “And really? ‘That was for Flag Burner?’ Really? That nutjob doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment!” 

"I may have not known him personally, but I joined up because of him!" he yells taking a swing at you. 

"He was a psycho terrorist!" you yell as you dodge his hoof. 

"Yeah he scared the buck out of me, but I respected his cunning, his leadership, and most of all his homicidal desires." he yells as he keeps attacking you, "I was going to handle his finances when I climbed the ranks, maybe he would have let me pick his targets. He should have killed you but no, you had to go and kill him first.” 

 “The only reason you even climbed the ranks was because everyone else got arrested, just like the rest of us!” calls out Rutherford. 

“Yeah man, you were stuck in the same loser corner with us when everything went down,” Kichi calls out. 

“I’m not like you idiots! He would have seen my genius! I was going to get promoted I know I was!” he growls in denial as he tries to swat Kichi. 

“The dude was nuttier than squirrel crap, so of course you’d think that!” Changer yells sending out a blast of wind at Kersey. 

“Sure he had his faults, but he was the best. He could have killed the Offender, but nooooo, he wanted to go the 'making you watch the city burn as a demonstration of my power' cliche. That's an elementary Evil Overlord List mistake and look how that bucking turned out! But even still, after he was gone I SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN CHARGE!!!" 

Luna, what a chatterbox. you think dodging more attacks as you steer him away from the others with a blast of magic. 

It's keeping him focused on us. Keep going. 

"I ain't easy to kill!" you taunt. “As if you could have done any better lardo!” 

"Pfft. If I were in charge I wouldn’t have left you in some supervillain deathtrap. No, I would have shot you through the skull with a crossbow, cut off your head with an Orichalcum axe, slice your body into at least four pieces with said axe, tear out your heart, submerge your body pieces in separate blocks of concrete, sink the blocks on various locations in separate coasts of Equestria, jam a pair of sharpened dynamite sticks into your dead eyes, throw the head into an active volcano, encrust the before-mentioned heart in gems, and then keep it as a trophy!" 

"WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!" the Knights acclaim at that overkill idea. 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega! And I will purge all of you idiots with- *WHAM*” 

He is cut off as a large bubble of debris strikes him in the side of the face. 

 You look over and see Vicky and Mongo, and the dazed looking Biff and Tannen all staring at you with scowls. 

“Shut up fatty!” Vicky calls before turning her attention to you. 

“You! He keeps calling you the Offender…Is this true?! Are you him?!” 

You lower your hood, exposing your orange hair and they are all shocked. 

“9-9001?” gasps Vicky. “N-No…Sin said you’d been dealt with…” 

Mongo gives you a scowl that could shatter mountains with how strong it is. 

Biff and Tannen both get angry glints in their eyes. 

“You beat us and left us in that cave,” Biff starts. 

“You beat us and left us to those dragons,” Tannen adds. 

“You Left Us To Die You Monster!” 

Monster. You’ve been hearing that word a lot for the last three years. And you have done monstrous things but… 

“Yes. I am a monster. You all cried for help and I left you to those dragons. I know it doesn’t mean much at this stage, but I am sorry. But like I told Sin, even though I feel guilt for you, I can’t let you subjugate this town.” 

“We are the only hope for the Hive!” Vicky yells. “Without us, our entire species will die!” 

“It doesn’t have to be like this though!” you counter. “There has to be another way!” 

“You know there isn’t!” the twins growl. 

“Yes there is! I can still save you all! Just let me-“ 

“GGGRRRRAAA!!!” Mongo roars as he charges straight at you, his anger overwhelming him. 

Well, so much for diplomacy 

As you brace for impact, suddenly a giant hoof comes from the side right on top of Mongo, pinning him. 



DWC’s Comment 




ErisedtheInkMoth’s Comment 


  
“How are you still alive and moving you stupid brown mutt?!”  

“Huh?” you, the Knights and the changelings gasp out as Kersey keeps stomping on Mongo who grunts. 

“Die! Die! Why won’t you die?!” 

“What the tartarus has gotten into him?” Grey asks aloud. 

  One last trick… Erised’s strained words come to the knights. I told you we’d leave Mongo to him. 

“Why are you so durable!” Kersey shouts as he keeps stomping the changeling captain. From his perspective, he sees Mongo as a Brown blur with an annoying voice taunting him. 

"Hey fatty!" the brown illusion over Mongo chants as it bends over in the crater and shakes it’s rear end. 

 "Look at my butt! WOOOOOO-OO-OOO!" 

“STOP TALKING!!!”  

With this distraction, the rest of the Knights pounce upon the remaining changelings as they start defending themselves. 

Meanwhile, the real Brown Dog finally wakes up and looks flabbergasted at Kersey stomping the living daylights out of Mongo, "Get your stupid butt out of my face!" 

“Okay, I’m confused, what did I miss?” he asks Solarkness. 

“Idiocy, the same as usual. Now let’s finish this!” he growls as he pounces into battle. 



PuzzlingFrost’s Comment 



After a couple more stomps, Mongo growls and punches Kersey’s hoof. 

“AGH! That hurt you son of a-“ 

The changeling then dodges and weaves between his legs and grabs Keresy's tail and with some struggle judo throws the kaiju pony onto a nearby building.  

He then turns his attention back to you with hatred in his eyes. He then rushes forth and takes a swing at you, but you bust out Second Law and fire, only for the recoil of the air to send you flying back. 

HOLY CRAP! I knew he was stronger, but geeze. How the buck am I supposed to beat him? 

We have to take this stupid stone off and then we’ll stand a chance! Selena answers with anger and conviction. Thankfully, the giant Kersey inadvertently saves your bacon once again. 

"I'M GONNA HEADBUTT YA!!" he yells as he smashes his head against the changeling, who braces himself and is pushed backward, creating a line in the dirt as he gets pushed back. 

M-Maybe I won’t have to if these guys prevail…but only Sin can take this off, it’s bound to my chitin. 

You then see Biff blasting Snap Drake and Changer, while Rutherford is thrown into Silver by Vicky’s telekenisis and Tannen is bitten by Solarkness. You lend your support by creating an ice ball and shooting it into the fray. 

Kersey and Mongo are still tussling as Mongo jumps up and uppercuts Kersey in the jaw making him stumble. 

“NYAGH! I’m going to tear your head off!” he shouts. 

Damnit! I can’t make him fight any better! Erised growls in frustration, keeping the illusion. 

“Just insult some piece of crap blockbuster movie and he’ll go off the wagon, because chances are he’ll love it” Snap Drake suggests. 

Hmm… 

From Kersey’s point of view, the Brown Mongo says, 

“Suicide Squad was the worst bucking movie I’ve ever seen!” 

“It’s underrated and fun! AAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!” the pony with no taste yells as he doubles his efforts, and is able to grab ahold of Mongo and slam him over and over again against the ground.

While that battle wages, you and the other knights start actually making progress, the number of grunts no longer in the hundreds. Still, the dome around the city has not changed. 

“Come on Grandbuggy, what’s taking so long?” you groan as you are thrown by Vicky into Aqua. 

In The TARDIS 

“Come On Doctor! What’s taking so long?!” Grandbuggy calls out over the monitor, but the Doctor isn’t answering. 

The TARDIS now sits in the middle of the town square, and every captured and injured civilian is inside, waiting to set off the new barrier signal. The only problem is, the Doctor isn’t responding. 

“Do you think something happened Grandbuggy?” Nightshade asks in concern. 

Instead of answering her, Grandbuggy tries again. 

“Doctor! Get your keister into gear, we have all the civilians…” he then looks to Mia and Jack. “We have all the Civilians right?” 

“Yes, there’s no other Non-Changeling life scans besides the Knights and Aqua out there,” Jack responds. 

“And ever since that giant showed up and Erised walked out the door, we were able to make sure without getting attacked,” Mia adds. 

Grandbuggy just grits his teeth. 

 “Doctor! Please respond!” 

“Q-Quick Fix…” 

“Doctor?” Grandbuggy says startled hearing the whispered, frantic speech. 

“Doctor, what’s going on? Where’s the barrier at?” 

“You’re going to have to give me time, I’m going to have to circle to each and every relay point now,” he responds. 

“What? What happened to the Buffalo support?” Nightshade asks. 

“The Buffalo, she beat them all herself. Little Strongheart and I managed to hide, but not before she entered. She’s in there with you all and she’s heading right towards Bugze!” 

“Who’s She?” asks Nightshade hearing the strain in the Doctor’s voice. 

Grandbuggy meanwhile has a grim expression on his face. 

“So she is chosen…” he then looks to Jack and Mia and Nightshade. 

“Jacky Boy, You’re with me! Mia, Nightshade Protect the civilians! My grandson needs help!” he yells as the two rush out the door. 

“Grandbuggy Wait!” Nightshade calls out before looking to Mia. 

“What’s going on? Why’s Grandbuggy spooked? Who’s she?” 

“If I had to guess, their linked Shell Commander has arrived, and she’s more powerful than we suspected,” Mia surmises. 

“Shouldn’t we help them?” asks Nightshade. 

“We have to make sure the barrier goes up Nightshade, and we still have to protect everyone here in case something goes wrong.” 

“D-Do you think her arrival will change anything all that much?” Nightshade tempts. 

Back with You 

With Mongo Distracted, and the Knights all grouped together, the fight with the twins and Vicky has proven to much easier. Kersey’s rampage, and the opportunities taken by the knights has knocked their grunt force down to fifty. 
 
Vicky, Biff and Tannen are all bruised and battered and sweating, the strain of the fight catching up with them. Their troops surround them and each of the changeling’s has but up a barrier around themselves, aside from Mongo who is still sparring with Kersey. 

You and the Knights stand surrounding the barrier, panting and bruised and battered as you walk up and annonce. 

  
“All of you, Give Up! Your army is gone, your food source is gone, you’ve lost!” you yell at them in conviction. 

Panting, they look at their remaining troops and back to you. 

“How could this have happened?!” Vicky wails in anguish.  

“We were supposed to save our Queen,” Biff mutters. 

“We were supposed to save our Hive,” Tannen laments. 

“We were supposed to save our entire species…” 

“How…how could a bunch of weirdos beat us?” Vicky sniffles. “Why have you done this to us again?!” she accuses you. 

“Guys…I’m sorry for what I did back in the cave. You bullied the tartarus out of me when we were kids, but you didn’t deserve to die, and you still don’t. Please, just give up, give up this whole stupid plan. Work with me and we can find a better way of saving the Hive...” you plead with them. 

“W-We…” Vicky starts as she looks pleadingly to Biff and Tannen who both seem conflicted on what to do. 

Suddenly the three of them are encased in a green glow as their eyes start to glow brightly as well. And suddenly, the fear and confliction leave their faces. 

“What the?” you gasp as you look above them and see… 

“Sin?!” you yell out in alarm. 

Her whole body is glowing green, even her eyes are glowing pure green…and tears are trickling out of her eyes. 

  
Suddenly she turns her head towards the battling Giants, and speaks with Chrysalis’s voice. 



Kersey’s Comment 


  

“Captain Mongo! Stop Screwing around and take him out!” 

Mongo’s form then becomes shaded in green as well, and if possible, it seems he bulks up even more. The glowing changeling braces himself then charges full-force at Kersey. 

“Since when did you get so tough you worthless mutt?! Then again it’s typical for someone so stupid to throw themselves at -*CRAAAACK* BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-" 

Mongo effortlessly charges right through Kersey's right foreleg shattering the bone and knocking the giant pony into a building, collapsing the structure as Kersey clutches his broken front limb and howls in pain. 

“Holy Balls!” Brown Dog yells. 

“We gotta fat buck down, we gotta fat buck down!” Grey yells in alarm. 

“What?! Where did that come from?!” you ask in alarm as you see Mongo stand up and look victorious over at Sin/Chrysallis before leaping into their barrier, landing next to Vicky. 

“Wait, was that the stupid Queen’s voice?” asks Kichi. 

The Queen! I feel her presence! Erised groans in shock. 

“Guess that answers that Question!” Changer growls looking at the new foe. 

"Kersey! Buddy, are you Okay?” asks Brown Dog in alarm as he runs off to check on the fallen giant. 

“No I’m not!” Kersey pants, with tears in his eyes. “You’re still talking!” he groans as he slams his unbroken leg down on the Diamond Dog, pinning him to the ground. 

“Oh for-REALLY?!” Brown Dog groans from under the hoof. 

“Yes! If I'm gonna die, I'm taking you with me you bitch!" 

“I’m a Dude you freaking moron!”  

 

Fireheart1945’s Comment 



While those idiots tussle, you look up at Sin/Chrysallis who lands in front of her troops and asks you in a hurt voice. 

“Why?...Why have you forsaken us?” 

You can’t tell which one of them is speaking. It might be both. 

“I haven’t forsaken you! I told you from the beginning that I would help, BUT NOT LIKE THIS!” you declare. 


“W-We just wanted to save our kind. Our friends, our family…” her eyes then glow even fiercer “Our Queen! But you’ve ruined all of that!!!” she shouts. 

She looks around at the measly number of troops left, the surrounding empty town, and the bruised and panting Knights. 

“No numbers, no love, no power…there’s no chance now…” 

“Sin, Chrysalis! Both of you! Just calm down! Let’s all just calm down, you can take this evil trinket off of me, and we can find another way. I can still help…” 

 “Don’t bother boyo, she’s already given up hope,” Grandbuggy says as he walks up behind you, Jack in tow. 

“YOU?!!! But…You…” 

Grandbuggy sighs, “Chrysalis…please don’t do what you’re thinking. I beg of you…” 

“YOU’VE DOOMED US ALL!!! We just wanted our freedom! Our lives! All we needed was this town's love and you took that from us!” she shrieks in Chrysallis’s voice. 

“Why? Why do you hate us so much?” 

 “For the love of Luna, just think. Take this disk off, and give me my powers! You never needed to do any of-“ 

  “But if we are to die, then we will make your victory a hollow one!” She then looks to the remaining troops. 

“Soldiers! Give to your commanders and we will avenge this day! Your Queen demands it!” 

The remaining grunts all salute before they start pouring their magic directly into the five leaders, making them grow brighter and brighter. 

“NO! WAIT! STOP!” you yell, but they don’t listen. 

“By the gods,” Silver mutters and Candy shivers. 

“That’s not good,” Kichi adds. 

 “What? What’s happening?” asks Rutherford. 

“They’re overloading them with magic!” Grandbuggy exclaims. 

“Meaning?” asks Solarkness. 

Meaning that if you thought they were tough before, they just went god tier! exclaims Erised. 

“If they had this kind of power before, then why would they need CV?” asks Aqua. 

“Because this kind of link, it’s an overload of the Hive and power of the chosen. Even with Plasmids, their bodies will only last so long with that power. It’s suicide!” you declare in anguish. 

“We Give Our Lives For Hive and Queen!” the four of the five Officers say in Legion Unison as the rest of their troops collapse after spending their mana. 

“Sin! Vicky! Mongo! Biff! Tannen! You don’t have to do this!” 

“You’ve already killed us twice 9001,” they say as all of their eyes glow green. 

“You have ensured the death of the Changelings, and for that you must suffer!” 

 Then from each of their mouths, even Mongo’s, comes Chrysallis’s voice. 

  #$%@&...I will share my suffering with you... she says in a creepy, stalkerish manner. 

Then from Vicky’s hoof a massive bubble of telekenisis knocks all of you backward. 

“KNIGHTS! TO ME!” you command as you reach into your inventory. 

“Boy, we gotta go, the Doc is working on the barrier as we speak, we gotta go!” 

“NO! If we go, those five will die for sure. They’re so brainwashed that they don’t care that the power will kill them. They all think they’re doomed.” 

As the Knights (Sans Giant and Diamond Dog) rally to you, you say. 

 “We have to go all out now. If we don’t stop them, they’ll die, and more than likely we will too.” 

 “Wait, you want us to kick their flanks full out now to…save them?” asks Changer in confusion. 

"Yes! NO ONE IS DYING TODAY!” you say as you bring out the Jet Stream Sword. 

“How are we going to do that? They’re way OP now!” asks Aqua. 

 “Yeah, well now I’m about to get serious,” you say as you buzz your wings, making the sword vibrate. “I’ll take Mongo, the rest of you try like Tartarus to bring the others down!” 

“That sword will not save you @#$%" Chrysalis says as the five of them calmly walk towards your group. 

“No, but this will!” you declare as you bring the sharp edge of the blade to your chest. 

"AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" you scream in anguish as you slice through your chitin underneath the disk, causing it and a lump of your flesh to fall off. 

BUGZE! What were you thinking! Selena cries out in alarm as the others all give you weirded out looks, and the five changelings scowl. 

I was thinking I’d do what was necessary, you think as you hold your gaping midnight blue blood splattered chest. You can scold me later, but first let’s do this! 

…As you wish. 

As the cloak starts to form around you Grandbuggy gives you a worried look. 

“Boy! That was stupid. There’s a reason we didn’t just cut that off ya. That wound won’t be able to heal right and…” 

“It’s Okay Gramps,” you say as you place a hoof on your Grandbuggy’s shoulder. “I’ll be fine, I’ll suffer later. Right now…” 

Your cloak then reaches Stage 2. 

“I have to save them…” 

You then rush forth towards Mongo and lift him with your tails as you launch the two of you away from the others. 

“Hmmph! You heard him ya idjits! ATTACK!” Grandbuggy orders. 

You Are Fighting Mongo, the strongest of the group, who is even stronger than you at this moment, and you are wounded. The rest of the Knights have been left with the other Four Boosted Officers. 

 THIS WILL NOT BE EASY. 

WHAT DO YOU DO?  


> Episode 86: A Hopeless Endeavor (Season Finale Part 7)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





Fireheart1945’s Comment




Falx_of_Lume’s Comment



In spite of the pain of your new wound you engage Mongo as you both land some distance away from the rest.
He headbutts you off of him, and that really cleans your clock.

“Wh-Whoah…” you groan dizzily as he gets up.

“Mongo, I’ve never liked you but I won’t let you die here!” you say shaking your head and regaining your composure.
To this the big changeling grits his teeth as his eyes blaze with anger as he points at his throat, which has a jagged scar running across it.

“I…” you sputter before gaining your resolve. “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m gonna make up for them. It may sound strange, but I’m going to beat your flank down to save you!” you yell.

'Despite their new power, I now have to beat all of them faster than ever. You think to yourself. I can’t hold back!

You use the boost from the Cloak to power jump and cover the distance between you and Mongo. He takes a swing at you with his right hoof and you bring up one tail to block.

But his punch has much more force behind it than you thought and it sends you crashing into a building off to the side.

'Ghah... that was a lot stronger than I thought.

"Bugze!!!" Selena warns in alarm.

You open your eyes and see Mongo descending on you with green fire engulfing his right foreleg and a black, chitin-like heavy lance forming from the flames.

You push yourself up and move out of the way of the lance slamming down into the ground, causing an explosion of dirt. Mongo continues the assault and repeatedly stabs and swings at you while you evade and block with the tails, but only just barely.

While your enemy is stronger, there is more to battle than strength alone.

You dodge one of his swings and slam your Boom Stick right into his lance, causing him to falter.

You then merge your four tails into a concentrated mass and slam downward onto Mongo, who blocks the massive impact and counters with another thrust. You block and back flip away from a follow-up swing, four tails uppercutting at the same time, takes them to the chin with a snarl. You follow up with rapid, single tail strikes from a distance but Mongo's defense with his lance deflects the blows.

Mongo moves in and slashes at you. You push back off the ground away from him with your tails, but his strike manages to not only cut through your cloak, but also cut into your already inured chest, causing a quick spurt of your blue blood.

“GYAGH!” You grunt in pain but continue fighting. Deciding to return the favor, your two tails swing from the right which he blocks, two more from the left, which he also blocks, but you manage to stab all four downwards on him from above, and you manage to cut past his chitin, causing him to falter a moment in pain. You’ve hit nothing vital, but still, that should have taken him down to the ground. You lift your tails up and Mongo takes a moment to take a breath before glaring at you in anger.

"HAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" He roars a battle cry as he charges with his lance aimed right for you.

"RAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!" You roar right back as all four tails lash straight out towards him.

Lance and tails meet between you both, with the tips of your tails wrapping around the lance's tip. You both struggle to overpower the other, Mongo with his lance, and you with the combined might of your four tails. But it soon becomes apparent who has more strength.

Whipping you around, he forcefully slams you into the ground, flat on your back.

“Oomph!” you groan before he then tries to slam the lance downward, causing you to block it with your tails. He doesn’t relent, and the tip of it comes dangerously close to your body.

“WOULD YOU KINDLY FREEZE?!!!” you shout, as you freeze the lance and shatter it with your tails, causing Mongo to shout in pain and annoyance.

In retaliation, he grabs you by your tails and throws you into an Apple Tree which splinters.

Wincing from the pain, you stand back up as you pant from the quick but intense bout, blood leaking from your wounds, but not enough to be too worried at this point. Mongo glares at you as he cracks his hooves together and his eyes glow brighter.

'Damn it! He's just drawing more power, and I haven’t even put a dent into him!

"Bugze, please, you won’t be able to do this alone! You're hurt and I don't like how this is going. He managed to cut through the cloak!"

NO! Selena, I can't. I can't let anyone else die. I have to finish this before it's too late.

But... *sigh* a-alright.

Mongo snarls and steps forward.

Here he comes!

I see it.

Mongo takes a flying leap towards you and you do the same, both of you crying out as you wind up your punches, meeting each other in the middle.

But he is still stronger as his tackle knocks you back and to the ground. Using his momentum, he flips over you and throws you down the road, and your face grinds into the dirt.

“I didn’t see it…” you groan as you look up from the dirt and see the Grandbuggy, Aqua, Jack and the other Knights engaging with Sin, the Twins, and Vicky. Or rather desperately dodging and taking pot shots at them.

You look to where the blasts are disrupting everything, and you see somelings that have been overlooked.



PuzzlingFrost’s Comment



"Knights, if you aren’t actively fighting, get those grunts to safety before they get caught in the crossfire!” you order as you stand up.

"Are you CRAZY?!" Grey yells as he ducks under a blast of fire, "We just beat these idiots into submission and now you want us to save them?"

"As much as I hate to say it CV these guys are a liability!” Aqua shouts as she shoots a blast of ice at Vicky, who catches it in her telekenisis . If they wake up they will just attack everyone!" ,cried Aqua

"I AM NOT LETTING ANYLING DIE TODAY NO MATTER WHOSE SIDE THEIR ON!"  you shout as your eyes glow for good measure, "Just get them out of the line of fire befo-HRK!” you gasp as an arm wraps around your chest from behind. With you in a tight embrace, Mongo then delivers a Germane Suplex to you, burying your head into the dirt once more.

"Right! Yo runners, we’re weak, let’s do it before we get suplexed!” Snap Drake announces.

And with that, Candy, Snap Drake and Kichi go about moving the unconscious enemy from harm’s way.

As you get punted by Mongo and your fight resumes, Grandbuggy just shakes his head and says.

“Gotta keep yer eyes open at all time boy!” as he goes help the runners move the drones.

“Why are you helping us 117? Aren’t you supposed to be the greatest specialist ever?” asks Candy.

“Yeah, and while I got a few tricks up my sleeve I’m also old and fat, so I’ll help where I can.” His statement is punctuated as Jack is struck by lightning and Solarkness is momentarily set on fire, causing Aqua to put him out.

“Because I sure as heck ain’t suicidal chosen!” he declares as he uses his magic to pick up a large number of drones and toss them off into the apple orchard.

While Snap Drake and Candy follow suit, Kichi grumbles.



BrownDog’s Comment




Kichi’s Comment



“*Sigh* I always said the queen was crazy and noling believed me. What I didn’t realize was that there were others just as nuts as she,” he exposits as he watches Changer deflect a fire attack, only to be hit with an ice blast.

“She’s not even in here and she’s deciding everyling’s dead and that they all need to be sacrificed, and they agree with her!”

He then looks from the fight to Grandbuggy and the runners and back.

“Maybe I’ll just slink off and hide, those five will be dead soon from that power up anyway.”

They aren’t just gonna let you hide idiot! Erised’s voice chimes in his head. The Queen’s lost her damn mind, and noling’s gonna escape this unless they fight.

“Oh please, it’s not like saving these drones is gonna matter, the Offender doesn’t get tha-HRK!” Kichi is suddenly lifted by his throat by Vicky who has decided to attack the Runners.

“Going somewhere unbound?!” she seethes.

“I, uh…” he chokes until.

*SLAP*

“HGH!” Vicky gasps out in surprise, anger, and embarrassment, letting Kichi fall to the ground.

She quickly whips around and glares at Grandbuggy who has just slapped her flanks.

“Nah, the question is are YOU going somewhere sweetheart? I could take you somewhere where you can learn from a mature gent,” he says wiggling his eyebrows.

“YOU OLD PERVERT!!!” Vicky yells as she blasts Grandbuggy in the stomach, sending him off flying as she chases after him.

“Wh-What just happened?” asks Kichi.

“The old fart saved your life, not quit putsing around loli-con!” Candy chides, helping Kichi to his hooves.

“I’m not a-GGGRRRR!!!!” he growls.

While Kichi is dragged kicking and screaming to help the others, Erised surveys the battle with weary eyes.

“They’re working too much in sync, and the Offender is barely holding his own. We gotta step up our game…” he mutters, which is heard by the rest of the Knights.



GreyRebl’s Comment



“Erised,” Grey calls as a bell sound effect chimes in his head.

Hearing this, Erised echoes in irritation,

What is it?

“If you can see what we see, can it also go the other way around?”

Yes…in theory, Erised confirms cautiously. But what is your plan?

Grey sighs as Rutherford is struck on both sides by Lightning and Ice.

“Let’s...give this ‘trust’ a shot.”

Trust? The word leaves a sense of distaste in Erised’s mouth, even though he doesn’t physically say it. You know this isn’t how we operate.

“Not like we have a choice anymore. Besides, it works for Nightmare Moon and the Hooded Offender,” Grey points out as he tosses a container of Orange Cleaner into Tannen’s flames, causing the noxious chemical to spill over him.

Hmmph. Fine. But whatever mess you make, you’ll clean it up, janitor, Erised actually snarks.

The grey-brown pony just grins sadistically.

“Naturally.” He brings up a box of detergent, the biggest one yet, and calls out to Rutherford,

“Hey, water lizard! You and the blue chick need to make a mist with this special ingredient! We’re gonna make this filthy bugs blind.”

"What?” Rutherford frowns as he catches the box. “But how can we see?”

“Erised’s got us covered,” he answers with a smirk.



BrownDog’s Comment



Away from the battle, while the Janitor and Wyvern begin to put their plan in motion, the giant Kersey still won’t let Brown Dog up.

“Kersey for the love of Dogs, get off me, we got a lot more important crap to deal with, and my ribs are shot enough as it is.”

“No! This is better! We’ll all go out together, Don’t you just love a happy ending?!” Kersey pants stubborn in his own ways.

“Do you really hate me that much? Dude, they were pranks! It was all in good fun! I mean, I know you had an ant problem after putting mustard in your sheets but,”

“It’s not about that!” Kersey interrupts, grinding his hoof a little more. “How?! How could you be named the leader?! I was always meant to lead. I followed the ideals of Flag Burner, I handled the budget, but no, they put all of you on my level who couldn’t be forced to stay on track. And YOU. You somehow became their leader?!”

“Oh for Cripes Sakes man!” Brown Dog laments slamming is fists to the ground. “This whole thing is just spur of the moment, I just stood up and everyone followed suit, I didn’t plan it. And get your head out of your flanks dude, none of us were actually leaders!”

“OH Bullspit!” the giant growls. “Just because you ran around drinking with that stupid horn head doesn’t mean that I wasn’t a true leader in-”

“OH SHUT THE BUCK UP!!!” Brown Dog yells as he bites the soft frog of Kersey’s hoof, causing him to yelp and bring it off him.

“Oh Motherbucker!” Kersey shakes his hoof. “You filthy disgusting mongrel! I’ll turn you into a real Crimson Knight by splattering the earth with your blood and then burning the rem-“

“There are no Crimson Knights you idiot!” Brown Dog calls out as he scrambles out of the way of the hoof. “We were all set up! All of us, even your fat ass, were put in charge by the Changelings!”

“What?!” Kersey roars in surprise, before shaking his head. “That’s not true you lying sack of crap. Just accept your death already so that I can-“

“We were the lowest of the low, none of us had any business being leaders, and that’s why put us in charge!” Brown Dog growls as he throws a brick into Kersey’s eye, causing him to cry out and bring his hoof to it. “We were their front while they gathered power. They played us all like a two bit fiddle! We’re in this mess because they planned it so!”

“I’m Not Lowest of the Low! I am the smartest in this organization of-“

“WE’RE NOT AN ORGANIZATION! We never were!” he shouts. “We were just a bunch of idiots stuck together by fate.” He then starts walking towards the rest of the Knights who are engaged with the Officers. “Listen, you may be the biggest jackass I’ve ever had the displeasure of knowing. You’re an annoying, hateful, speciestic, sad excuse of a living being…But like it or not, we’re all in this together. If we just stand together, we might make it out of this. So help if you want, but if not, then SHUT YER BUCKING PIE HOLE!”

He then jogs off to the rest of the knights, leaving behind the growling Kersey.

“You can’t talk to me like that you stupid drunk! You can’t!!!”

“Brown Dog!” Snap Drake, who secures one of the drones, calls out as he sees the beaten up dog come his way. “Are you up for another fight good buddy?”

“I’ll be honest Snap, I’ve been better. Never thought the day would come where I had to get serious and tell that jerk off,” he says holding his ribs lamenting the remains of his awesome shades.  Looking at the officers and You in the distance fighting Mongo he asks his buddy “Let me guess, last stand type situation?”

“Eyup. We’re trying everything now, but now that we’ve gotten the drones out of the way the runners can help somewhat. Luckily, I brought the party favors,” Snap smiles and brings out his molotovs.

“Oh sweet!” Brown Dog calls out, takes the rag out of one and starts gulping the alcohol.

“Dude!” Snap calls in alarm.

“I’m injured, I need medicine!” the diamond dog exposits. “Plus, I drunk better when I'm fight!”

“Ehhh, good point,” Snap relents and starts drinking his own supply.

Cut it out you drunks and get ready! Erised chides.

“How do we know when we’re ready?” asks Snap Drake.


Watch the Bloodbender!

The two of them then watch as Aqua engages with Sin.



GreyRebl’s Comment



“So, you know Bugze too huh?.” Aqua approaches Sin from the side. Battered and matted with tufts of tangled fur, the water bender has seen better days. However, nothing has yet to dim the brimming resolve in her eyes. “Honestly, my partner seems to have it with all the ladies.”

Sin narrows her eyes in recognition.

“You’re that mercenary during Crimson Hearth's Warming.”

“Oh, so you do know me. Not my best moment, but yeah…” Aqua briefly chuckles before turning serious, her horn glowing slightly. Sin widens her stance in turn. “But enough of the chit chat. My friend is hurt, leaking blood, and I’m pissed. Sorry sweetie, but I won’t be holding back anymore.”

“I don’t intend to either. But no worries.” Sin’s eyes go cold. No anger and hesitation: A drone soldier to the end. “It’ll be quick.”

A spark of Sin’s jagged horn is the only warning Aqua gets before she erects a water barrier as electricity rushes to meet her.

Sin closes her eyes.

“It’s no good.”

Booom!

The electricity enters the barrier and pierces right through, leaving an explosion of hot sparks in its wake!

“Oh, I forgot to mention: I’m the worst match up for you.”

Sin’s eyes snap open in shock. Surrounded by water sparking from the left over electricity, Aqua is still fine, untouched with a smug grin on her face. And a demolished building continues to collapse behind her, the wood burnt from the immense impact of Sin's attack. But that’s not where Sin aimed.

Chrysalis’s Chosen tenses.

“How?”

“All I have to do is conduct the electricity into going towards the easiest path. Water just happens to be the best path to go.” The waterbender’s sudden glare takes Sin aback. “I don’t know much about your history with Bugze, but if you’re going to find redemption, you’ll have to pay in pain. Just like how I did.”

“Redemption?” Sin’s eyes break her cold visage and cast down, conflicted, before returning to the proud soldier she is. “No. I’ve gone too far to stop now.”

"So you acknowledge you're doing something wrong but refuse to make amends." Aqua shrugs and says, “Your choice,” before sighing sadly. “If only you weren't so loyal. We might've been on the same side. Well, let’s do this.”

“Yes. Let’s.”

And so, an aura of their respective elements emerges, Sin with her coat of lightning and Aqua with her swirling rose of water. They both dive forward.

“NOW!!!” Aqua yells as a jet of soapy water slams between the two courtesy of Rutherford.

She bends the water into a wall, and with her momentum already in overdrive, Sin reflexively lashes out with her lightning, creating a thick, noxious mist which overtakes The Twins who are engaged with Changer and Silver, and Vicky who has been trying like tartarus to pound Grandbuggy into the ground.

“What the-*CRACK*" Sin is sucker punched by Aqua and goes flying.

“Shell Marshall! What’s going- *WHACK* *ZAP*” Biff and Tannen are struck by Silver and Changer.

“What is going on here?!” Vicky yells. “I-“

“HEYAA!!!” Grandbuggy dropkicks her in the face, sending her to the ground.

“Ouch, you son of a-“ she looks up only to be blinded by the smoke.

“Don’t hate me for our bad romance sweetheart,” comes his trolling tones.

As Sin sits up, her blazing eyes blind, a blast of water comes from above, striking her to the ground.

“I told you you’d pay in pain lady,” Aqua’s voice comes from the mist.

“V-Vicky! Biff, Tannen! Try to link up!”

“We are trying-*CRASH*!” calls out Biff before he is struck by a bottle.

“We are tr-*CRASH*!” calls out Tannen before he suffers the same fate.

“WOOHOO!” cry out two inebriated voices.

“We can’t see, but they can!”

“How?! How can they?” asks Sin, before Candy uppercuts and Solarkness slashes her to the ground, before both dart back into the mist.

“Third Person Viewing Rocks!” shouts out Brown Dog.

“It’s more nauseating than anything!” comes Kichi’s voice.

“The Ink Moth!” Vicky screams, before she is struck by Jack and tail whipped by Rutherford.

“He’s giving them his sight!” she declares as she sees that they are not covered from above.

“Then Fix that!” Sin calls out.

Vicky then uses her Telekenisis to spread the mist so that it blankets everything.

Rebl! Your stupid plan just got it’s flank kicked. I can’t see them anymore! Comes Erised’s voice in the knight’s heads.

“Well that was over quite quick-*BZZT*” Candy is cut off as she is struck by Electricity.

“Crap, now none of us can see!” Grey Rebl grinds his teeth, before he is suddenly hit by ice.

“No, but we can still hear Knight!” Biff taunts.

And the clusterbuck in the mist continues, with Knights and Officers trading blind blows without rhyme or reason.



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Eventually, Silver, Candy, and Kichi run across Sin in the mist and are all chain lightninged together, causing them each to spasm and fall.

“Oh…I hate my bucking life,” Kichi groans.

Sin then stands over them in the detergent mist as her eyes flash.

"I shall give you one last chance you three. Give to the Hive, and avenge us our deaths,” comes the voice of Chrysallis.

Changer hears this exchange through the mist and grits his teeth. Erised who is still linked picks up on this.

Her words are striking close to home, aren’t they Spartan?

Changer doesn’t answer as he dives through the mist, only to be struck by lightning himself.

Groaning, he falls to the floor, still out of sight from the others.

She can still take from you, even if you’re only a halfbreed dummy!

“What?!” Changer growls in shock, his eyes flashing an all too familiar green quickly.

Our blood is linked, I can see your secret. And we share in the same hatred, but play smart!

Ahead of them, Kichi squares up and declares,

“How about NO? You Crazy Sack of Crazy!”

“Yeah!” Silver agrees, “We aren’t gonna be apart of your suicide pact!”

“You screwed up with the invasion and YOU brought this upon us, but we’re not going to die for you!” Candy snarls.

Chrysalis growls. " Very well. Enough of your nonsense! Traitors and murderer’s of your own kind, you will be-“

She is cut off as Changer sends a blast of wind at her which knocks her into the mist, right into Rutherford who gets a nasty zap.

The others turn to him and he says,

"She is not fit to be a leader…at all..."

“Been saying that for years!” Kichi throws his arms in the air in exasperation.

“I think it’s time we got out of this smoke,” Silver declares as the group runs out, leaving the rest inside duking it out.



GreyRebl’s Comment



Having flown away after his shocking encounter, Rutherford flies through the mist, looking for the rest and sees Biff and Tannen outpouring a chaotic amount of fire and ice, which starts to eat away at the smoke.

And in their immense outpour, one of the knights gets caught.

“Aaargh!” A direct hit of ice leaves Solarkness immobile, his joints freezing in place and turning him into a sitting duck.

“Solar! Noooo!” Rutherford yells at the sight of his vulnerable best friend.

“H-hehe!” the timberwolf grins morbidly as the Twins approach with killing intent. “N-no prob. Not as cold as a windigo…!”

The twins fires as one, Fire and ice, supercharged by the link given by the Queen. Their magical energy has been been condensed in union into this killing blow. Little is capable of stopping their magic before, and now, boosted, nothing can stop it. Nothing can block it. Nothing can stop the timberwolf’s untimely fate. Without a doubt, Solarkness is going to die---

But someone else takes the blow in his stead.

The flame and ice disperses.

And then silence.


The Twins, Rutherford and Solarkness stare at the sight before them.

In front of Solarkness the smoking body of Captain Jack falls to the ground.

“Holy Crap,” Solarkness says in sympathy for the fallen pony who saved his life.

Before the Twins can recuperate, Rutherford dives down, shatters the ice, and then flies his friend to safety.

“I-I can’t believe it. I didn’t even know the guy and he sacrificed himself for me,” Solarkness says in wonder.

“Well don’t let it go to waste. Go towards Vicky, she won’t be able to-“

“GGGGUUUUHHHH!!!” comes the loud gasp of Jack as his body spasms and he sits up, causing those around him to stare slackjawed.

“What in the actual buck?” asks Rutherford.

“Now boys, I’m all for being double teamed by twins, but at least take me to dinner first,” the resurrected stallion smirks at Biff and Tannen.

“W-Wasn’t he just dead brother?” asks Biff

“I thought he was brother,” answers Tannen.

“That isn’t possible…”

“Bring it on, freaks! Let’s get dangerous!” Jack declares as he dives onto Biff who starts struggling.

Jack gets killed a few times, but since he can’t die he keeps getting back up, much to the confusion of everyone.

“That’aboy Jacky! Get mad at them bugs!” Grandbuggy cat calls.

Rutherford looks to the still confused Solarkness.

“Well…”

“Yeah…”

They then enter the fray with the other knights and fight to the best of their dwindling abilities.

In the distance, they all hear the roar as the Hooded Offender growls to the heavens in pain, and they more often than not follow suit.



BrownDog’s Comment




With things not looking too hot, Brown Dog looks to Changer. “Buddy, do you still have that spooky scary last option ready?”

Changer looks to him and says,

“Yes, but at this point it will only slow them do-“

“Good enough!”

 “What are you doing?” Changer flails as the Diamond Dog picks him up in one arm and picks up Snap Drake in the other. Aqua, Grandbuggy, Jack and the changelings are just as confused by what they are doing.

“Everyone bring it in for a group hug! Now!

Looking at eachother and shrugging all of the knights heed his words, everyone out of ideas as they all group together.

“So how exactly are we gonna beat them? The power of kumbaya?” snarks Kichi.

“Nope, the power of stupidity and videogames, our calling cards,” Brown Dog answers before yelling.

 “Erised, give us your eyes. Bone Guys! Make us real bucking Nito!”

Having played videogames together, they know exactly what this means.

And while Changer activates his ultimate move, and the shadowy skeleton arms fade in, Silver builds a body of bone armor around all of them, with Candy, Kichi, and Snap Drake adding to the magic.

Like some strange boney voltron, the Knights transform. One arm has a dragon head at the end, the other has a wolf’s. Spikes shaped like changeling horns jut out the back, Even Grey Rebl’s mop become’s encased in bone magic, making a third limb.


When it’s all said and done, they become a terrifying looking abomination.


Deciding that they’ve seen enough, the Five rush forth, just in time for all of the nights to declare in unison.

“SKELETON WARRIORS!!!”

And start to fight the four as one.

The Changeling’s elemental powers aren’t as effective when everyone shares the same hide. They strike and lash out at the Five who start taking the fight seriously as they dodge and attempt to coordinate their attacks. With Erised’s third person vision, they know where the Five stand.

Striking out with skeletal hands and bone projections, they are able to strike Sin into the twins and grab Vicky out of the air and slam her into the ground.

While this happens, Grandbuggy, Jack, and Aqua all stare in amazement.

“OK…I’ve seen some pretty incredible things in my short life…but this is bucking ridiculous,” Aqua deadpans.

Eventually, the fun comes to an end though, when Vicky levitates Kersey’s flailing body,


“OI! Let me go you little-“

And tosses him like a bowling ball into the Skeleton Warrior, scattering all the knights.


“DAMNIT KERSEY!!!” all the Knights yell.

“Oh Buck Off!” he groans as his head wobbles…and he begins to shrink as smoke comes off his body. "Noooo, my fledgling power!" he flails on his back.

“Oh great, now we’re all gonna get our butts handed to us!” Solarkness grunts.

At The TARDIS

POV Change: Nightshade

You watch the battle unfold on the monitor with bated breath.

Daddy…Mommy…Even with the cloak you’re not winning. Please don’t lose yourself

You then see all the other knights attempting to hold off the others, but they aren’t winning either.

“Oh…Mia! Mia can’t you do something? I can stay behind and put up the barrier while you can-“

“N-NO!” Mia stammers, causing you to look to her. Her eyes are frightened as she shakes slightly as she watches your dad battling the big guy.

“Mia?” you ask.

“S-Sorry. I just…I just don’t want to go out there,” she admits looking away from the screen.

You look from her to the monitor and back.

Oh right…the Nightmare… You remember what Daddy told you. She may not have any memory of the other world, but fear is universal.

“I do want to help Nightshade but…I’d heard of your father’s powers before, but even just seeing them on screen they…they frighten me. They frighten me so much, and I can’t explain why,” she shakes as she goes pale.

You walk over to her and place a hoof on her leg in comfort.

“It’s Okay. I’m afraid of his cloak too,” you admit as you see your dad go into Phase 3.

“I’ve seen it at its absolute worst…I hope that he and mom can keep it in control,” you admit, dreading an appearance by Phase 4.

“Please don’t come to that…”

Then over the intercom comes the Doctor’s panting voice.

“Quick Fix! I’ve almost finished! I only have one more to go! Hold on for just a bit longer!”




Master of Shadows’ Comment




GreyRebl’s Comment



POV Change: Bugze (You)


Phase 3 whips around you, your tusks jut as do your claws. You’ve been giving it your all, but Mongo is a juggernaut. For every blow you give, he gives back twice as much. And as he does so, you see the glow around him growing more and more. Pushing him closer and closer to his demise.

Gritting your teeth you yell,

 “Determined, the winds of change in my left!” Your bare hoof bursts into immense, cycling winds. It is airbending, reaching new heights by your sixth tail. “And would you kindly, fires of destruction in my right?!” Your Power Glove lights up as hot as the desert sun. Your blood curdles with life, brimming with warmth.

You slam both together, and a roar of unrelenting flame emerge as it gluttonously eats the air fed to it. The unnatural heat can be felt by even the Knights and others in the distance. To change is to burn down the old you to reforge a new one, tempered and guided by the flow of the wind. And this...

“This is my answer!” you roar, and a catalyst of air tunnels between your hooves and a flame thrower erupts out, massive and undaunting.

The Crimson Knights and the other Changeling Chosen shy away as it spans a great portion of the wide Appaloosan street. Mongo, however, doesn’t run. He charges straightforward, the flames themselves not at all flinching him and instead splitting from his bulk and leaving a wide open space untouched by flame behind him. Swiftly, his entire mass reaches the hose of the attack and stomps where you are.

But you’re already gone.

Mongo only feels a shadow hovering over him before you slam all six tails over his head.

He grunts as his legs buckle, but he pushes off the tails as though it's no big deal. With little remorse, he lunges to your airborne self.

“Tch!” You hold fast with your tails, and swing around to avoid it with a fit of airbending.

When you hop to keep away, suddenly, a tug is felt by the tails as Mongo jerks them and you back to the ground. As Mongo lifts an enormous hoof to squash you for the bug you are, you instantly whip out your Power Glove. And point it at the ground beneath him.

“Would you kindly burn?!” A pillar of flame erupts out, throwing Mongo off balance and his hoof lands right beside you, and sinks into the ground before exploding in dust. You follow it up by lifting with a flaming hoof of your own. “Falcon!” And throwing it. “Punch!” At this moment, Mongo flinches and his face tilts under the force. Without hesitation you plow right on through! “Flaming Psycho Crusher!”

“Graaah!” Finally, you hear a cry of pain from his voiceless mouth. If you don’t finish him, he’ll be voiceless forever.

You bounce out of your Psycho Crusher right before you get bear-hugged out of rage, only to leap back in with a sling launch of your tails once you hit ground, wrapping your hooves in them. Mongo gladly meets your charge. You swing left, he swings right. Contact.

A shock waves so immense that dust flies in all directions!

“GGGRRRAAAGGGHHH!!!” you cry out in immense pain, as blood gushes forth from your chest. Mongo knew exactly where to punch. Even upon your cloak, the wound is visible, not too far from the red jagged scar that stands against the blackness of the cloak.

Stay with me Bugze, don’t black out! Selena cries out as your vision swims.

You land with a thud between the other four officers and the Knights.



TheRutherford’s Comment



“Bugze! “ Aqua calls out as she wraps a whip around you and pulls you towards her and the Knights.

Seeing you on your back, Grandbuggy, Jack, and the rest of them all gather around you in a defensive manner.

"Well. This could be going better. How are you holding up?" you ask everyone.

"Not too good. We kind of failed on the whole, ‘Bringing Down The Other Four’ plan,” Snap Drake points out. “How about you?”

“Ugh,” you groan, “Even with the cloak, I'm not sure how long I can keep going. That said, I doubt the Chosen are going to last much longer either. *Grunts* The piece I cut out of me isn't really helping matters either."

"Alright don't move,” Rutherford says as he leans over your chest.

What?"

The wyvern then takes a deep breath before covering you in a purple flame. Where you were expecting intense heat, you realize it feels warm and a bit relaxing. When the flames die down, you feel revitalized, like you are full of energy. Your chest, while tender, is no longer bleeding and shows a slight scar.

“Whoah seriously? Since when could you do that?” you ask.

“Since always,” the Wyvern pants.

“What the buck dude! I got broken ribs here!” Brown Dog growls.

“It’s not as easy as it looks! *huff huff* Man. You were seriously hurt weren't you? *huff huff* he pants looking like he’s about to pass out.

"Are you going to be ok?" you ask in alarm.

"I'll be fine. I just need a few minutes to *huff* catch my breath. By the way,” he says looking to the others, “I don't think I'll be able to do another heal and recharge like that any time soon.”

“Well that’s just freaking inconvenient!” Kichi grumbles.

“Agreed, because here they come!” Changer points.

Mongo and the rest have grouped back up and the five of them advance together in a line towards your group.

Grunting, you get up and stand in front of your group, your tails spread out.

“This isn’t going to last much longer, so just give up already!” you command them as your eyes flash a fierce orange.

To this, each one of them stops as their voices come in unison.



Puzzling Frost’s Comment



"YOU CANNOT STOP US TRAITOR. WE ARE THE STRONGEST. WE ARE THE SMARTEST. WE ARE THE QUEEN'S CHOSEN. WE ARE-"

"A pain in our rumps!!!",yells Brown Dog with a huff.

“A bunch of nutjobs!” Kichi cat calls.

“A gaggle of dumbasses,” Solarkness adds.

“A bunch of OP hacks!” Changer growls.

To these cat calls, the glow around their bodies grows much brighter.

 You then plead with them,

"Yes, Yes, you're the chosen" ,this gets The Five to tilt their heads in confusion, "The QUEEN's chosen not the hive’s. You follow her orders even if it goes against the Hive!”

"THE QUEEN KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR THE HIVE!!! They roar, only for you too rebuttal in the RCV with greater force,

"NO SHE DOESN'T!! IF SHE DID NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE EVER HAPPENED!!!” you rant as you get some long overdue grievances off your chest,

“The Wedding was a disaster! She tried to replace an ALICORN! An Alicorn! Plus she acted nothing like the pony she replaced and got found out! Even when she had all of Canterlot in her grasp, she allowed the PRINCESS OF LOVE to get close to her husband and recharge him with enough love magic to blast us all away! AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!!! WE WERE ALL SCATTERED ACROSS EQUESTRIA MOST NOT EVEN ABLE TO CONTACT ONE ANOTHER IN INJURED STATES!!!”

Tears come to your eyes, the anger and hurt overwhelming as you yell at them.

“And even when the majority of the force regrouped, WHAT DID SHE DO??!! HUH?! SHE MADE AN EVEN LESS WELL THOUGHT OUT PLAN TO JUST GET REVENGE ON THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY! When she should have been looking for the remaining stragglers and give them time to heal our wounds! BUT NOPE she couldn't let it go could she! COULD SHE?!!”

Kichi, Silver, and Candy all give you approving looks for your assessment, while the Five continue to grit their teeth.

“And now, she’s asking you to die for nothing. NOTHING!!! All BECAUSE SHE COULDN’T ADMIT THAT WE NEEDED HELP!!! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME CHRYSALIS! IS YOUR BUCKING PRIDE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEIR LIVES?!!!

The look of doubt crosses their faces again.

“I’ve made mistakes, we’ve all made mistakes, but we can do better! We can stop this senseless fighting and think of a better way to free you! Please don't let this be the end,” you cry out tears falling down your face, not noticing the surprised looks on the knights’ faces.

You wait for an answer. You wait...and wait...and wait. You're about to snap again when you hear laughing. Not a funny haha laugh, not child laughing, nor a fake laugh, but the sound of someling who has lost their mind. The kind of laugh that sends shivers down even the most evil of monsters and strongest of heroes. The laugh of someone who didn't care who died nor who got in their way. The laugh of a mad mare,

"Heheheheh...HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA HA HA!!!!" You look up to see only Sin laughing. Even her other cohorts are looking at her in terror. From her mouth comes Chrysallis’s voice again.

"You think I don't care? Heheh... THEN YOU TRULY KNOW NOTHING OF THE CHANGELINGS OR OF WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THEIR QUEEN!!!” she roars.

“Ponies and other creatures alike have hated our kind for centuries!! They have locked us away in this prison to die! Deep down inside, this is what they’ve always wanted. Ponies care for one thing, and one thing only. THEMSELVES! There is no love, not anymore. You made sure of that! You are no better you HYBRID!!! Now each and every one you cherish shall suffer as we do!”

You grit your teeth as she won’t listen to reason. You look back at the knights. Each and every one of them looks like they’ve been through Tartarus and back. Each one of them has fought for their lives against insurmountable odds. And they are all at their last limits.

And then something glorious happens. There is a shimmer within the air and all across the town, the dome turns a shade of blue.

“Wh-What is this?” asks Chrysallis in surprise.

“It’s about Dang Time!” you yell, before turning to the rest and ordering,



BrownDog’s Comment




DWC’s Comment



“All of you get out of here, there’s nothing more you can do. GO! Get to the TARDIS!!!”

“What about you?!” asks Grandbuggy.

“I’ll buy you some time, just go!” you yell as the Five charge forth.

“Would You Kindly Bucking Bronco?!” you yell, levitating them as the others decide to run, with Rutherford flying up to pick up Erised, and Brown Dog, still going back and carrying off Kersey.

"Come on Bugze. Come with u-"

"No. Leave now!" you interrupt Aqua.

"B-Bugze?"

"If I can't save these guys, then I'm sure as Tartarus saving you all. Go, I'll keep them distracted,” you declare as you bring out your Boomstick and Second Law.

"No, dammit!” Grandbuggy interjects.  “I just got you back boy, I'm not going to let you kill yourself just to-“



"Grandbuggy…please…” you plead causing your Grandfather and Aqua to take pause. Jack then places a hoof on both their shoulders.

“I love you old bug… if I don’t come back, take care of Nightshade for me…"

You then look to the knights running for their lives.

"Tell those chucklebucks...tell them change is always an option, even for them."

“You better come back to us boyo!” Grandbuggy says reluctantly as he and the other two start following the Knights as Vicky releases herself and the others from the Bucking Bronco.

You then say to the air, where you know the TARDIS can hear you.

“Nightshade…” you say, and inside the TARDIS, she jumps. “Your mommy and daddy are proud of you. You’re the greatest little ball of joy we’ve ever had. Don’t make the same mistakes we did. We love you honey…

"Bugze...please,” Aqua tries one last time to get you to go.

"Go...and see ya on the other side Aqua," you smile as you rush forth striking your weapons against your former Hive Mates, trying desperately to knock them out. Aqua stiffens, before shaking her head and running with the rest.

Bugze? Asks Selena in concern.

Even if I fail, at least those lot will survive…But I can’t give up on these guys!

“Vicky! Mongo! Biff! Tannen! Sin! Please, you have to cut the connection to the Hive! You’ll die if you don’t!” you plead as you shove the Air Shotgun into Vicky’s face and pull the trigger.

“We will die anyway, thanks to you,” the twins accuse as both of your weapons are made too cold or too hot to hold.

“Don’t pretend like you care otherwise,” Vicky accuses as she encases you in a bubble and launches you at Mongo who strikes you in the chest again. “This is what you wanted!” Vicky roars.

“All of us dead…all of us broken…” Sin says sadly as she shocks you in the chest.

“NO! I’m sorry! Please! I don’t want you to die! I know you can never forgive me for leaving you in that cave, but please believe me!” you cry out as you sweep your tails across them, tripping them up.

“How can we?! We know you hate us!” Vicky growls.

“After all we did to you, your vengeance has come,” Sin punctuates.

“I…I FORGIVE YOU!!!” you yell as you slam yourself to your knees making them take a step back. Even your tails have gone limp to the ground.

“I forgive the bullying, the teasing, even the fights. I forgive you all,” you shout. “I forgive you…please, please forgive me and live!”

As you look upon them, you see their resolve weaken again.

“Y-You forgive us?” asks Sin.

“How?” asks Vicky as Mongo tilts his head.

“Why?” asks the twins.

Their looks of confliction suddenly become immobile as Sin stands up straighter.

“Please…Chrysalis. Please let them go…” you beg before the five.

“It’s too late for that #$%@&. You’ve sealed all of our fates. The least we changelings can do is die together as a species!” she growls.

“Why?! Why do they have to die?! You never wanted deaths!” you yell. “You went out of your way to change things from the way your mother did them! You told me when you were little that no one would have to die!”

“AND I WAS A FOOL TO THINK SO!” she yells as Sin shoots out an arc of lightening directly into your injured chest.
“Mother was right. This is a cruel cruel world, and weaker emotions make you soft. My mercy upon you has killed the hive. Our last hope for freedom has been exterminated. We will starve to death thanks to the hypocritical ponies. As Queen, I will at least avenge our race before I perish!”



ThePonySpartan’s Comment



Looking down, you come to a horrifying realization.

“We have no choice then…”

Selena, release everything…Go to Phase 4…

Bugze, you cannot! Even with me here, the strain to your body-

Will be just like the strain they’re suffering. It’s the only way I can be strong enough.

But without control you might… she trails off.

Yeah…but if I do nothing, they’re dead anyway. Please, Selena…

…Don’t lose who you are…

*EXPLOSION*

In the last place you were seen, all the debris and rocks around you are knocked far away from an explosion the color of midnight, which knocks even the changelings back. And in the middle of it, you levitate.

“GGGRRRRRAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!!!” you roar as you and the mare in your head fight to stay in control.

You feel your fangs grow as they jut out into massive tusks.

Your body contorts and you increase in mass and height.

Your claws become sharper and deadlier.

The bat wings breaking through the chitin on your back unfurl, ready for flight.

You feel the horns forming on the top of your head painfully, as the Five begin to bombard you mid-transformation.

BBBBUUUUGGGZZZEEE!!! Selena cries out in strain, and you hear her from a great distance. Control was never an option you realize.

Phase 4 Has Returned…

AT THE TARDIS

“NOOOOOO!!!!” you scream as you see Daddy transforming into the monster from the Crystal Empire.

As Grandbuggy and the rest all make it into the TARDIS, all you can do is stare in horror at what Daddy is becoming.

“No, NO! This can’t be happening! It can’t!”

“There’s nothing we can do Nightshade,” Mia tries to console you.

“He can’t become that again! He’ll never forgive himself!” you plead.

“It’s all he can do. Even two souls like your parents aren’t enough to bring such power under control…” Jack laments.

 “But…but there’s got to be someone…anyone…” you look around to all the beat up Knights, the frightened towns folk, and everyone in between.

“There’s no one left Nightshade…” the Doctor’s voice comes over the intercom.

They’ve all given up…Mommy…Daddy…
But then Grandbuggy places both hooves on your shoulder and declares.

“You and I both know that ain’t true kid. There is someone left. Someone only you can get through to,” he says with forcefulness.

For a moment you have no clue what he means, but then…

“Mia!” you turn to the Alicorn. “KNOCK ME OUT!”

“Wh-What?!” she asks in alarm.

“JUST DO IT!!!” you yell. She looks to Grandbuggy who nods and she reluctantly lights her horn up, causing all to go to black.

IN THE DREAMSCAPE

You open your spectral eyes in darkest of dark places. A distance roar of strained voices vibrates your surroundings. You ignore it as you light up your horn, and illuminate the one person who can help your parents.

“Sombra! Sombra Wake Up!” you yell to the fallen king as he sits within his jail cell, shackled.

“Sombra! Please Wake Up!”

“I am awake, I have not slept for some time…” comes his melancholic voice.
You rush up to the bars.

“OK, good. Sombra, Mom and Dad are about to lose control!”

“I can hear that. Even the dead could hear that,” he says as he looks to the shaking mindscape around him.

“You’ve got to help them!” you declare in desperation. To that, the dictator smirks, yet he still doesn’t look at you.

“And why would I do that?”

“Because if you don’t, more people will die!”

“And what do I care if he takes more lives? I care nothing for him or that shadow.”

“But, they…”

“They will do as they do, it matters not to me. It won’t change the outcome of all our oblivion,” he says in a defeated manner.

Gritting your teeth you call out, 

“Sombra, Look At Me!”

When he doesn’t meet your gaze, you shout more forcefully.

“LOOK AT ME!!!”

Finally, he looks up with dead, half hearted eyes. In the distance, you hear Daddy roar out that terrible inenquine scream.

“I know that you don’t like Mommy and Daddy. I know that you hate what you’ve been put through, and I know that you’re not a good guy by a long shot!” you declare with tears in your eyes to which he just stares.

“And…And I know that somewhere in that black icy heart of yours, you care about Me!”

He seems taken aback by your response.

“Child, I don’t-“

“Don’t Bullspit me! After Trixie, you holed yourself up in here and you pouted. You stayed quiet and didn’t bother my parents for a long time. And it was because you felt guilty! Not for your motives, but because how they turned out. You felt guilty that you hurt me!”

“I…” he tries to start, but you don’t let him.

“You can make up excuses all you want, but you even admitted it to me! I know how you truly feel!” you yell as you use your magic to pry open the cage bars and walk inside.

“I know that there’s good deep inside you. It didn’t die with Hope Sombra, you’re not completely gone!” you declare as you break the chains surrounding him, but still he will not get out of the chair.

His mouth is agape at what you’ve said and done, as if he can’t truly understand you.

“How?...How could you trust me with something like this after what I did to you?”

“BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO! THEY FORGIVE EACH OTHER!!!” you yell in his face as the tears flow down your cheeks. He blinks in awe at your words as the ground around you shakes and cracks. He looks from your face up to the crumbling room, and back to you. Apprehension upon his face.

“If there’s any part of you that called me friend, then you will help them…please…”

Your Dad’s roar echoes across the room and you can feel your Dad and Mom’s control crumbling.

He looks up once more, before a stoic look comes across his face as he stands up he looks into your eyes.

“Run along Nightshade. It’s time to wake up…” and with that smoke billows around his body and shoots up into the air as an intense look comes to his eyes.

“Thank you…” you say with a smile as you will yourself back into the world of sleep.

In The TARDIS

As you sit up, you see Grandbuggy’s expectant face, and a few worried looks.

“Well? How’d it go?”

“Holy Mother of…” Mia says in awe and exasperation as she and the rest of the civilians and knights look to the monitor with slack jaws.

You and Grandbuggy turn to look yourselves, and when you do, you smile at what you see.


POV Change: Bugze (You)



PuzzlingFrost’s Comment



Phase 4 Has Come…But it hasn’t…

Bugze! Bugze can you hear me?! Selena calls out.

I…I can. We’re lucid?

Yes! I don't know how, but we are. Control just easily came back to us she says in relief.

You look upon the Five in front of you, each one giving you confused and weary looks. You look down at yourself.

Huh? You and Selena think in unison.

Your Nightmare Cloak is no longer Midnight Black, but a Dark Grey. The claws upon your hooves are coated in Red Crystal, as are the horns upon your head and the ends of your tails. And the wings upon your back are no longer bat wings, they are now metallic and segmented looking, with a crystalline sheen of Red, Black, Green, and Dark Blue. Along your chest scars, smooth blue crystals cover them.

Your eyes are different looking as well. The Scarred one is still Red, and the other is still orange, but you now have serpentine pupils, one of light blue, and the other of Midnight blue, and purple smoke wisps around the edges.

Interesting, comes a dark voice as you take in the changes. To think that you would change so much…

Sombra?! You ask.

What are you doing? Selena accuses.

I give you my power of my own volition rather than have you steal it, he relays.

But… Why are you-?

I’m not doing this for you! Now vanquish thy foes before I rescind my gift! He growls.

You look to The Five and their looks of apprehension.

We are lucid, and we are in control, I suppose we can worry about him later, Selena theorizes.

You nod as you float to the ground with a heavy thud.


As you flex your new form, Mongo breaks from his stupor and rushes you, throwing a punch, which your 6 tails catch easily. He looks from his caught hoof to you in confusion as you thrust your hoof up into his chin, knocking him back into the twins. As he gets up and shakes his head, you see green blood leaking from his nose.

Hurt them…I can finally hurt them…

The twins then blast you with a concentrated blast of Fire and Ice.

"RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

You roar to the heavens as your tails take the blasts before batting them away as chanting and music comes out of nowhere. As Vicky throws a large chunk of debris at you, you rush forth and punch through it easily. You then look to the Five and give dark chuckle.

“Control…I finally have control…” You set hoof on the ground and begin to slowly walk toward the Five. Each step causing cracks in the ground.

Sin sends out her electricity, and you block it with one of your new wings which seems to absorb it.

“Now…Now I can save you. I will beat you all down to save your lives!” you declare as you bring up your clawed hooves and crack them as your tails whip about freely.

In the prison, in her physical body, Chrysallis can only stare in horror at what stands before her through the eyes of Sin.

"What has happened to you my bug? How far have you come in power as this demon? How are you this strong! I can feel your power from here! What are you!?" She screams aloud.

“I…I Am…Awakened.”

WHAT DO YOU DO?  


> Episode 87: Break The Mind (Season Finale END)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






ThePonySpartan’s Comment





BrownDog’s Comment




In the TARDIS


POV: Nightshade


You stare at the monitor with wide sparkling eyes.


Sombra did it! You think in happiness as you stare at dad’s new cloak. And it is badass.


“Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh! Look at those wings! Look at those tails, those claws! His eyes!” you fan out as Grandbuggy places a hoof on your head, ruffling your mane and chuckles.


“You did good kiddo. You did good.”


You smile widely at the praise the old bug gives you and happily accept the head pat.


“Quick Fix, what is it? What’s happened?” The Doctor’s voice comes from a speaker.


“My boy’s gone beyond. You could say he’s reached his final form.”


“…Fix…this wasn’t supposed to happen this early. We don’t know how this will effe-“


“I don’t give a damn if it was early or not Doc, the boy needed all the help he could get.” He then looks over the occupants in the TARDIS. The injured Knights sit together with the towns folks. All of them watch the monitors in awe.


“But…*Sigh*" The Doctor relents, "I suppose you’re right, but at the same time-“


“Grandbuggy’s right Doctor,” you interrupt, “So find a spot and watch the show because Daddy’s going to do what he does best. Bring the Pain.”


POV CHANGE: Bugze (You)





Sin, Mongo, Vicky, Biff and Tannen all wearily study your new form, and each and every one of them gets into a battle stance.


"Now then..." You crack your neck a couple of times by tilting it side to side. "Shall we get started?"


No one answers your question, but Mongo rushes you and tries to punch your face.


*Swosh!*


It goes right by you as you simply tilt your head to the left to dodge.


Mongo flies past you while Biff and Tannen try to hit you with their respective elements. But as you did with Mongo, you lean your head back to dodge as Ice and Fire miss you.


Damn! We're so much faster now! You think giddily.


Our power is more fluid, more attainable, Selena observes.


That is because I don’t resist lending my powers you worthless whorse Sombra chides.


Oi! Cut it with the name calling! If you’re helping, you’ll treat her with respect.


Just because I lend you my aid, doesn’t mean I respect either of you, you filthy insect. If I did, I wouldn’t have overwhelmed your psyche last week.


You miserable little- Selena begins to growl, as you dodge yet another punch aimed by Mongo.


Yes, I know. And we’ll all talk about this later. But this is my body, and MY Rules. You will be Civil to Selena, you order


Whatever, finish these cretins so that my little overlord won’t cry anymore…


She isn’t yours snake. And thank you Bugze. On Your Left!


Vicky tries to catch you off guard and throws more debris at you, but you duck and dodge easily.


And about what you sputtered about earlier, you're not any faster. In fact, you may be slower than before to compensate the massive amount of magic. But, you're able to evade easier thanks to your senses being elevated!


Then Sin tries to shoot lightning at you. You know you can't move faster than light, but with your heightened vision, you predict her shot and jump to your left to evade it and it strikes Mongo.


“Mongo!” Vicky cries out as she grits her teeth and throws more debris at you, which you dodge like Keanhoof Reeves.


Our senses have increased in strength! I can't believe I'm saying this, but this feels amazing! Sombra laughs in enjoyment. Even more so when I... took the crystal heart.


What was that? You ask, not paying much attention to him.


Nothing! Don't worry about it.


“What are all you doing? Just hit him already!” Chrysallis’s voice rages out of Sin’s mouth.


You chuckle out loud.


"Come on! Weren't we going out together Chrysalis?" You taunt before making your dark aura expand threateningly, before turning you're smirking smile into an angry glare. "I swear to Luna Chrysalis, the next time we meet, it won't be pretty. For what you did to me!" You get into a fighting stance making Sin, or rather Chrysalis, take a step back. "And what you did to them! Hah!" You jump out towards Mongo, your claws extending a tad with a screeching sound.


The big boosted Changeling tries to kick you, but you quickly dodge and lash out with a crystal tail.


"This is going to be fun!"


You declare as you whip him back towards his comrades. But before they have a chance to recover, you…




Puzzling Frost’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment




Begin to grab debris with your tails and fling them towards the Hive Five. They dodge and blast their way through your onslaught. Mongo grabbing your attention tries to charge through you only to be swatted away by a tail. Biff and Tannen begin blasting you with balls of fire and ice from both sides only for you to block them with your metallic wings.


Wow, these things are awesome!


And durable, Selena adds.


Sin blasts a bolt of lightning at you only for you to catch it in your Power Glove claw and redirect back towards her, with a cry of


“Would You Kindly Shock Rebound?!”


She is blasted back through another building. Vicky uses this to her advantage as she lifts the debris you were standing on to fling you high into the air towards the blue barrier.


“Looks Like I’m blasting off again…” you cry out mockingly before catching yourself on the dome with your tails. “NOT!!!”


You then use your tails as a spring to bounce you back towards them.


They then start taking pot shots at you as you speed towards them.


“I’m gonna superhero land all of you into the-HRK!!!”


Mongo then appears below you and sucker punches you in the stomach causing the wind to be knocked out of you.


OK, that one hurt.


We may be tougher, but we are not invincible Bugze. Don’t get cocky.


Or do, that was humorous.


As you gasp air back into your lungs, you see that you are sprawled across the big changeling, seeing as how he was under you when he punched. Using your increased size to pin him down you then begin to slap him with your claw.


"STOP BEING EVIL! *smack* QUIT TRYING TO KILL ME! *slap* YOU'VE ALREADY LOST! *bonk* I HATE MONDAYS! * smash* I SMELL TACOS! WHERE ARE THE TACOS! *smack numero cinco* I LIKE CAKE! DO YOU HAVE CAKE?! THE CAKE IS NOT A LIE! *slap times 3* THIS IS BECAUSE I HATE YOU! *boink* THIS IS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! *bang* STOP MOCKING ME! *sla..oh you get it at this point* WHY AREN'T YOU TALKIN... oh righ"*blast* You’re knocked off Mongo (who is seeing stars at the moment) by an angry Vicky.


"GET OFF HIM!"


After landing a good 50 ft away, you shake off the sensation of being sucker punched by someling’s mind.


What did I just say? Selena chides.


Sorry, Sorry. I’ll get serious, you apologize as the dark king chuckles.


As Mongo shakes the stars from his eyes you see the twins dart forth.


"PHANTOM FOG!!!" Biff and Tannen shout as they combine an ice and fire blast to create a smokescreen for them.


“Grr where'd they go!?" you yell in annoyance.


I don't know this fog was created with plasmids. It's blocking my senses Selena clarifies.


Really? Huh, guess they can be used for more than attacks, You mutter as you look for them.


There you Fools, around the miniature prison, Sombra barks and you see movement around the jailhouse.


That’s called a jail, you snark.


Move! Selena and Sombra order. You then run towards the jail house and jumped over it. Only to see Vicky, Biff, Tannen, and Sin powering up a combined blast.


Oh Buck Me!


ELEMENTAL PULSE!!! yell all four them at once, as a ball of fire, ice, and lighting is telekineticly launched towards you.


“CRYSTAL WAVE!!!” You shout as you shove your crystal claw into the ground and send forth a wave of sharp crystals through the ground, that take the blast and continue towards the five.


“Watch Out! It’s coming towar-“ Biff and Tannen’s warning comes too late as the crystals shoot out from underneath them, launching them skyward.


“Don’t Worry Guys! I’ve got you!” Vicky declares as she stops them all midair with her powers.


With them all floating, Sin declares.


“Everlying, stay in the air! He can’t fly!” They all nod at this, as Vicky lets everyone besides herself out of her hold, and they begin hovering high above you.


They then start reigning down Elemental attacks from above, and though you jump to strike at them, they avoid you and hit you as you fall back to the ground.


After the third time of being struck by lightening as you miss your attack, you land and place your metal wings in front of your face.


Dang it! I can’t reach them! What good is having all this power and not being able to take out flyers?! You groan as you start throwing debris with your tails into the air, which they avoid.


You need something less concentrated, more scattered and encompassing.


My crystals are at your disposal, but you’d need to launch many at once.


Alright, that sounds good but how…Hmmm… you trail off as you study the crystalline wings protecting your face.


Just as Sin sends another bolt of lightning into them, you spin with the hit, and expand them out with a shout of,


"EMERALD STORM BARRAGE!"


“Incoming!!!” Sin warns.


Your wings unleash a barrage of green crystal feathers that they can’t all dodge. The feathers shatter on impact with the super-changelings releasing small bursts of midnight smoke that obstruct their vision and send them into coughing fits.


Awesome! I didn’t even think that would work.


Your arsenal is woefully lacking in anti-air techniques, but my crystals help even the odds.


I don't think I'll ever get used to your aid, Selena exposits.


And nor should you. I'm only doing this for the sake of the young overlord.


Yeah, yeah. It’s not like you actually want to help or anything, bakka and all that, you mock with a roll of your eyes as you send out another barrages of feathers.


“Vicky! Shields!” Sin orders. Following orders, she puts all of them behind a bubble which blocks your attack.


Gah! If only I could bucking fly! you think in exasperation.


But these wings are too dense, Selena points out in equal frustration.


Actually I have an idea; Spread your wings out.


Okay, but what is that supposed to- WHOA!


Suddenly dark smoke forcibly bursts out of your hoof claws, shakily hovering you into the air.


Bugze! You're flying! Selena exclaims.


"BUCK YEA- WHOA!" you declare only to accidentally veer to the side and hit the side of a building.


Note to self; Limit SMOKE THRUSTERS to short bursts until the fool learns better control.


I’ve got it, I’ve got it! You declare as you coordinate your hooves, look up at the changelings, and burst the smoke out, using your wings to steer you.


You slam into Vicky’s barrier, and she winces, which gives you the chance to snake your tails around each of them.
You smirk at the befuddled looks on their faces as close your wings, and shoot your jets off to one side, spinning you and them around and around.


"SHADOW SLAM!" You then let each of them go, tossing them down to the ground at very fast speeds. The resulting blow smashes them into the ground.


You superhero land right in front of them just as they all shakily get back up.


“Rush him all at once!" Sin declares as the intensity of her glow shudders.  The rest adhere to their commander, and group up tightly.


A nice night for a game of [/i]Skittles. Sombra smirks.


Not a good time for a candy break.


I believe he's referring to the predecessor of what ponies these days call "bowling".


"OOOOOOHH..." you smirk in realization as you spread your wings out while all 5 super-changelings rush at you. Suddenly smoke bursts out of your rear hooves as you jet forward and clothesline all 5 of them with your wings.


"STRIKE!"


Turning around you watch as Mongo dazedly gets up and comes at you, you ready a Shadow Shoryuken by crouching and delivering a disorienting blow to Mongo's gut with one hoof but as your right hoof rears back your right wing suddenly folds itself around your hoof and a nightmare tail wraps it in place. Time seems to slow down as you think,


What the-


It seems you can crystal-bend your wings into various shapes, such as a gauntlet in this case.


Focus! The attack is about to land.


Yeah, but I can't call this "Shadow Shoryuken" now! It needs a new name! Uh- Um-


"BARGAIN DAY AT THE SUPERMARKET!!!" you roar as your crystal-wing-covered hoof violently smashes into Mongo's jaw in a vicious rising uppercut with enough force to cause a shockwave followed by midnight-colored afterimages that launches the changeling into the sky at high speed, striking the top of the dome in the process, before falling back down to the ground on top of the others.


...Really? Bargain Day? Selena asks in bemusement.


What? It worked for One Punch Mare!


And we met the real one. I don’t recall her saying such a silly thing.


I bet Maude would if she thought about it.


Stifle your banter, the enemy is rising, Sombra interrupts.


Seriously? You groan and look to the Chosen Five.




Falx_of_Lume’s Comment




Groaning, they try to stand back up, leaning against one another for support.


“Stay Down! It’s For Your Own Good!” you order as the glow around them intensifies.


You pant from all the exertions of fighting all five of the changeling generals by yourself, but you're in much better shape than they are.


Then you realize something.


Wait a tic... we're actually winning?! You think in surprise.


Are you truly that surprised?


Well I mean, I knew we're stronger now that we've got control of phase 4, I just didn't expect this fight to be this.... easy from just that. I'm barely winded and they look like they're almost down for the count. You comment, pointing out the roughed-up and bedraggled changelings across from you.


He's right, this is too easy. Usually by now Lady Luck would have reared her ugly hea-


“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”


And there it is, Selena harrumphs.




DWC’s Comment




The laugh coming from Sin’s mouth is not her own, and there is something off about it.


“Hahahahahahahaha….Ahahahahaha!!!” Chrysalli’s laugh sounds a few fries short of a happy meal, and your hair stands up in unease.


"Oh this power...this power is WONDERFUL!" Sin’s mouth cheers as she turns to look at you.


You’re slightly taken aback by her random shout, but she continues.


"With your power #%#@, we could rule this entire puny world together!"


Your eyes widen at this as you think,


She isn't....


"You want me to relinquish these puppets? Fine! But only if you led me your power, your body, and fully accept to do my bidding at my side. Just like you always wanted"


I do believe she is...


Sin stands back up and her eyes blaze.


"Just think of the possibilities! You and me, side by side, ruling with an iron hoof! All the love we could ever imagine, with thousands a of slaves contributing to our supply for years!"


All sense of sanity vanishes from the mad queens eyes as she exclaims,


"Join me #%@#! Join me and we can rule this world as lo-*Smash*"


The mad queen’s rant is ended with a flamed encased hoof slamming into Sin, and your tails grabbing and throwing the others causing them to roll and tumble back to the ground.


"What is with you crazies asking me to join your side? Seriously this is like the fifth time it's happened!"


Maybe you just have the aura of a bad guy?


Maybe, but I honestly preferred when she was trying to kill me


“Heh, heh. You play hard to get don’t you?” she chuckles.


“I’m not going to join you Chryalis. You lost that right a long time ago. Especially after what you’ve done to them! The only way to save them is to keep them from YOU!” you point to the others.


“I will take you back. I’ll rescind all my old orders. We’ll be together again, just like we were when we were young!”


“Then let them go now, if you mean what you say!” you order.


“No. Not now, I need them to ensure you’ll come.”


“They won’t last that long!!!” you yell as you attempt to clothesline them again, only for Mongo to stand up, grip one of your wings, and use your momentum to throw you down the road.


“You’ll come to me, oh yes, you’ll still come. Take him!” Chrysallis madly orders as they grow brighter and rush forth, despite any injuries.


“If I can’t have you, Then NOLING CAN!!!”


Great, she’s completely lost it. Why won’t they stay down?!




Erised the Ink-Moth’s Comment




Bugze!  Selena calls out urgently while you fend off another round of blows and prepare to counterattack.


Little busy here Selly! you yell before punching into the ground, causing massive onyx spikes to erupt in a giant AoE.


"Geode Graveyard!"


Each of the Chosen get slammed in the gut by the blunt edges of the onyx columns and sent flying. But they recover just as quickly, and begin zigzaging through the newly formed pillars to reach you.


I can see that, but I don't think simply pummeling them senseless will be enough to break that strumpet queen's hold on them, especially now that she’s lost it. If I may, I'd like to try something. Get me close to the blonde one!


Um, alright! But I’m gonna be exposed if I single one out for too long.


Trust in the crystals, they are more than for offense.


You spot Vicky about to reach you first, hovering over the network of columns in her telekinetic sphere.


“Come here!" you yell as four of your tails stretch out to grab her. You drag her close to you as liquid gemstones start dripping from your chest wound and begin to coat her.


“Let Me Go! Mongo!” she shouts for help.


"Crystal Crypt!"


Now that the telemancer is encased in solid Crystal up to her muzzle, you tell Selena,


Okay, whatever you're going to do, do it fast. Meanwhile you erect a barrier to keep the other four out for a few moments.


Time for a classic. Selena chirps, Assuming Direct Control!


Wait, What? No don’t do that you’ll- You try to warn until.


GUAAAAAAHHHH!!!


"Selena!" you yell aloud in concern.


I…I can't get in. Selena gasps, and your vision gets fuzzy for a moment. That whorse’s hold on them is too tight, and the link is far too deep. It felt like I was going to drown in there.


Feh, never take a yandere so lightly, Sombra mutters.


No, it’s not that. Selena, you just tried to wrestle the entire Hive Mind. That’s thousands of Changelings willingly giving her this power, not just the ones here, you shudder at all that power.


I…I did not know. Forgive me my failure.


It’s alright, I’m just glad you’re safe. But give a heads up exactly what you’re planning next time.[/color


Just then Vicky breaks free from your prison with a giant telekinetic pulse that showers you with your own crystals, before releasing another, even bigger one that ruptures your defensive bubble and sends you flying, just as the rest of the Chosen descend.


Back to punching then. This has got to end!


On the TARDIS


POV CHANGE: Nightshade


You sit with all the rest watching as daddy pummels the changelings, but they keep getting up.


Come on daddy, you can do it, you think with bated breath.


You then hear a crunching chewing noise, and you look over and see one of the Knight Changelings eating some popcorn.


“Oi! Where’d you get that?” you ask.




Kichi’s Comment




Kersey’s Comment




GreyRebl’s Comment




“One of the pink ponies is handing it out,” Kichi answers. He then holds the bucket out and you wince at his smile.


“Want some little filly?”


“Don’t go near him kid, he’s not allowed within 300 feet of a school,” warns the timberwolf.


“Oh go buck yourself!” the changeling mutters and continues offering.


“Um, yeah no thanks,” you deny causing him to roll his eyes.


“Oh Buck Yeah! Dish you sees dat?!” shouts the Diamond Dog enthusiastically.


“Suplex them! Suplex them!” his pony buddy cheers.


“It’s not much getting so hyped over,” Kichi mutters. “We all know he’s going to win.”


“Yes, but it’s how he wins. If they die though, he won’t consider it a victory,” Rutherford points out.


“Oh come on. We all had those same dreams that you made that movie off of. That monster was crazier than him and destroyed the world. Compared to that, this should be a cake walk for him.”


You look to them in confusion.


“Wait, dreams? That movie was based on dreams you all had?”


“Yeah. And we would have made lots of money from them too,” Solarkness groans.


“But that isn’t being released in the foreseeable future. Stupid Beigh and Shamalamadingdong,” Rutherford grumbles.


While they eat popcorn and watch as your Dad beats one of the twins with another, you hear one of the unicorn guards from the train mutter as he takes a sip from a flask.


"Celestia, this has been one crazy day.”


"You're telling me," the pegasus guard replies taking a sip out of a bottle.


"I mean this was supposed to be some easy transport assignment; Just babysit the prisoners till we get to the prison, but suddenly we have town-sized forcefields, Changelings attacking us out of the blue, Blue Booths that are bigger on the inside, and the fate of the town resting on a bunch of terrorists being led by the most wanted fugitive in Equestria. And I only brought vodka instead of whiskey, none of this makes any dang sense!" he rants before taking a long pull out of his flask.


“Well it ain’t gonna become clearer with booze,” you snark at them and point to Brown Dog and Snap Drake. “Just look at those idiots.”


“Ohhhhh!!!” they cry out as your dad uppercuts Mongo into the air and juggles him with his tails.


They look down at their bottles and to the drunks, then to you.


“Well, they seem happy. And if we can’t beat’em, join’em,” the guard then downs his flask, the other following suit.


Rolling your eyes, you turn back towards the screen.


“Ain’t nothing wrong with a little fire water kiddo,” Grandbuggy instructs from next to you. “Just don’t overdue it till your 14.”


“But I thought the drinking age was 18?”


“Well it is if you want to be a neighzi about it,” Grandbuggy harrumphs.


Before you can question this line of logic, the pale changeling Knight hums in thought.




Grey Rebl’s Comment




“Again...” Erised mutters with a scowl as he watches Sin’s body glow fluxuating. “It’s happening again.”


Grey frowns in kind, nodding.


“I see it. This time, it’s up to eleven.”


“What are you two talking about?” Changer asks. “What’s happening again?”


The grey-brown pony tightens his grip on a broom, treated as a walking stick, glaring at the epic battle occurring before him.


“The same fight we were beaten in. Puppet versus puppet…”


“Master versus master,” Erised finishes grimly. “It seems the Queens have taken a page out of my book…”


Processing this, Changer blinks in understanding.


“Nightmare Moon and the Hooded Offender, and Chrysalis and her Chosen…”


“Talk about a fitting scenario,” Silver adds.


“A match made in Heaven, or in Tartarus,” Candy nods.


“I still doubt they’ll be saved though. It’s just too unlikely,” The blooded changeling sneers. “Save them by beating them to submission? Even that’s farfetched.”


“I don’t shnow about thash~” A voice interjects across them.


Grey gives a sidelong glance in a poor practice of acknowledgement before looking back at the fight.


“Brown Dog.” Even Erised frowns at the new company.


Unfortunately for the two, the drunken moron pulls the two together in a tight group hug, of which the sociopaths wince from their aggravated injuries. The accursed dog is too drunk to care. The alcohol and blood loss is getting to him.


“Y’knowsh~ If it weren’t him beaaating sha puppiesh out of ya, we’d all be bug foo foosh~! But whash are we noows!?”


“Wesh are a big happfshy Shamaly!” Snap Drake bellows, and everyone winces.


“Shut up, you two! You’re not making any sense anymore,” Solarkness growls, of which Brown Dog responds with a playful squeeze of his captives.


“Urf! And I’m wounded!” Grey snarls at him, but too weak to resist.


Erised scoffs.


“We’re wounded.”


“Bish Sappy Famine Leaves!” he squeezes them.


“AAaaargh!” Erised yells.


“Lesh Hasa seat on thish cushy couch.”


“Get off me you idiot! I have a broken leg!” Kersey shouts as Brown Dog sits the Ink Moth and the janitor on top of the flabby pony.


You look from the struggling Knights, to the guards getting drunk and back to Grandbuggy.


“I’m starting to get the impression that every single enemy we have in the world is a dumbass.”


“They usually are,” Grandbuggy nods before a smirk comes across his face. “Oh, now he’s got that determined look.”


You look back to the monitors and see as your dad is going harder and faster.


“It’s nearing the end…”


POV CHANGE: Bugze (You)




Kersey’s Comment




Biff and Tannen continue pelting you with fire and ice attacks only for you to block them with your wings.


They're weaker when they're apart! Selena points out.


Then let's make some distance then.


With a teleport you quickly appear in front of Tannen and hit him in the throat with your wing to disorient him. As he coughs for breath, you whip out a trio of Nightmare Tails at Biff. He tries to dodge them, but eventually he gets caught.


"GET OVER HERE!" you roar as you yank Biff towards you and catch his throat in your hoof.


Sombra! Flight!


You presume to command m- Sombra indignantly scoffs before being interrupted.


JUST DO IT PEST!


With that you fly forward and roughly drag Biff's head along the ground creating a tiny trench in your wake.After a few moments of flight you get hit in the wing with a ball of fire causing you to drop Biff as you veer off course and crash into another building,


At this rate, Appleloosa will have to be rebuilt from scratch. you think as you stumble out of the building and see Biff and Tannen flying back to each other.


"OH NO YOU DON'T!" you declare as you teleport between the two brothers and declare,


"EMERALD STORM BARRAGE!" as you flail your wings out pelting both brothers in a barrage of green crystal feathers that shatter on impact engulfing them in clouds of midnight smoke.


You teleport into the smoke cloud where Biff is and strike him across the face before teleporting into Biff's cloud and sweeping him in the gut with your wing. You continue this pattern of teleporting between the two brothers, keeping them apart as you spam physical blows between the two until it culminates in you teleporting behind Tannen and lining him up with Biff then declaring 


"PSYCHO BREAK CRUSHER" causing you to launch yourself spinning forward while in a large streak of midnight flames.


Biff instinctively conjures of a wall of solid dense ice, but you effortlessly smash Tannen through it without slowing down as you continue spinning forward now taking Biff along for the ride as well, smashing through buildings until your attack stops and you throw the twins ahead of you to the edge of town.


As the two twins groggily struggle to get up, you rear back, and smash your Nightmare Tails firmly into the ground as you rear a hoof back and fold your wing around it, wrap it in a pair of nightmare tails before you activate Smoke Thrusters to rocket smoke out of your 3 non-punching hooves as the nightmare tails anchor you in place.


Tannen notices you charging up your attack, and tries to drag Biff away, only to his horror realize that both of their hooves are anchored to the ground by orange crystals.


When you have built up enough force, you un-anchor your Nightmare Tails from the ground and rocket towards the twins at high speed.


"Oh Buck!” they exclaim as they form barriers of flame and ice.


"FALCON ROCKET!" you declare sending your flaming, crystal-wing-covered hoof smashing into Biff and Tannen's barriers with enough force to generate a sonic boom and send both twins dragging and bouncing along the ground across the town until they crash into a barn which falls apart.


Before you can pursue them, you suddenly find yourself suspended in mid air.


“You Hybrid Monster!!!” Vicky growls. While you flail, you anchor yourself to the ground using your nightmare tails and slam a hoof into the ground causing a crystal rock to just out of the ground and smash into Vicky's groin causing her to fall back in pain.


Wait, how did that even work? She doesn't have nards…or does sh-


Idiot, Groin attacks can still hurt mares. It just needs more force.


They can?! I wish I’d known that a long time ago! With that thought, you teleport in front of Vicky.


"Alright, you like to send things flying? Then let's go for a ride."


You swing your wing upwards and hit Vicky with it sending her into the air.


You quickly raise your nightmare tails in the air before smashing them to the ground with earth-shaking force launching yourself high into the air with your head hitting Vicky in the stomach and taking her along for the ride.


As you reach the height of your ascent, you grab Vicky's mane, and throw her downwards as she flails in the air trying to reorient herself.


You fold your wings in front of you and cast a midnight forcefield around yourself as you launch yourself at the changeling, tackling her at high speeds as you both descend to the ground crying out,


"METEOR IMPACT!!!"


Before both of you smash into a shack in an explosive shockwave that blows out windows and knocks down the structure. When the dust clears, you find yourself in a crater in the floor standing over her gasping form.


You bring your hoof up to finally send her into unconsciousness, when you are tackled hard by what feels like a train.


“GGGRRAAAAGGGHHHH!!!” Mongo roars as he stands protectively in front of Vicky.


Holding your side, you stand up.


“For those that are on a suicide mission, you seem very concerned about each other!” you point out. A look of confusion crosses Mongo’s face momentarily, and in that instant you slam your claw to the ground, and a crystal launches him into the air. You teleport to him midair and give him a frenzied barrage of hits from every direction using your tails, claws, and wings, you then use 4 tails to hold Mongo in place before raising the 5th and 6th tails and slamming them into his face to launch yourself away from him. When the 4 tails are at maximum stretch, you wrap the remaining two around your rear limbs and slingshots into Mongo declaring,


“LUNATIC FRENZY!!!


You smash into Mongo's back with a massively powerful double-stomp that causes blood to spurt out of his mouth as the Jugger-changeling is sent smashing down into the ground.


Having been on the receiving end of that attack, I almost pity him... Not really.


And yet still, even after that, Mongo gets to his hooves.


This isn’t right. I’ve injured them badly. I know I have. But the Hive Mind is keeping them going despite their injuries.


They’re being used as puppets, just like in the asylum…


A bolt of lightning nearly hits you, but you deflect it with your wing as you see Sin charging at you, followed by the others.


They just won’t stay down…


To emphasize this, Mongo attempts to uppercut you, but you jump backwards.


I’ve got to cut their strings…




GreyRebl’s Comment




Chrysallis’s strings need to be cut, and you have to be the one to cut them.


A sense of Déjà vu comes to you. After numerous battles to reach up to this point, there is a serenity to this dance, as though you’ve done it before. Even as the Chosen surround you, even as they glow with magic, even as they shoot you with a torrent of elements...you smile, and your body blurs to the sky.


The streets erupt in a salad of ash, lightning, and ice. It bubbles, twists, and expands right before your eyes as you seemingly float along its explosive wind, wings and tails outward like an archangel enchanted by the sun.


“Raaaaaaugh!” A chilling roar, and the tip of the bubble pops as Mongo catapults towards you aglow by Vicky’s telekinesis as his wings roar like a chainsaw.


Air bends around you, tails stroke forward and then behind, and your floating turns into a piledrive! Mongo collapses as you impact his belly.


“Would you kindly buuuuuuurn?!” The rushing wind feeds the grey aura around you as you glow hot, tails grabbing Mongo by all four hooves. You both have nowhere to go but down as you plummet into your ascended Meteor Impact. 

“High Noon Meteorite!”


Chitin meets sand, which turns to ash, and a tidal wave of flame swarms out in a fiery earthquake. The buildings tremble, the sky screams, and the Chosen fly trying to avoid the flames.


The groan in the pool of ash is all the warning you have before Mongo bursts out from it with a head butt across your chest!


Ash flies everywhere, but you latch on fast with you wings and swing out...and then back in with a buck to the giant’s face and let go at the last minute! The shock wave scatters the ash even further, and Mongo flies, joining his comrades in the burning remains of the nearby buildings.


A brief buzz licks your ears, and instinct has you flipping backwards, just in time for a glowing bolt of ice to phase by. It finishes off a broken house with a rupture of ice of the same size. You whip a crystal-enforced tail to catch a fire bolt to the side. They get lucky. A mound of ash collapses beneath your hooves, and you miss.


“Aaargh!”


The intense heat bombs your side, and you find yourself careening about, bouncing, but then hopping, and then skipping until you stride into a run as your tails foxily flutter behind. You arc around where the magic came from, and screech.

A horrific sound resonates across the charred landscape as a wave of eldritch darkness shoots towards the twins.


They’re forced to erect walls of ice and fire, which crumbles and flickers upon contact.  They scatter just before their defense collapses, and buzz into the air as your Nightmare Screech chases after. They respond with shots of their own as they fly over you. But then they stop, and glow in the fading daylight, like early stars.

Your eyes widen. A scene flickers in your mind: You and a shadow. A Nightmare. A Ship in Space. A rain of fire.


Familiar.


You immediately erect a crystal barrier around yourself as you wrap yourself in tails and your crystal wings. Despite all the defensive preparation though, the heat and cold bite your chitin as everything around you is completely and utterly annihilated.


There is a flash of light. And, like the drilling of a ceramic jar, your crystal barrier gives way to an immense force.


Bugze!


Impossible!


“Aaaarrgg—haaa!” Beyond the agonizing torrent of pain and the smell of burning flesh, there’s an inane chirping of birds in sync with both.


“Hak—grr….!”


For the split second when you peer past your tail, cold steel meets burning iron. Sin’s eyes of a loyal soldier and a dying queen, and yours of two darknesses seething with resolve. Her battered hoof supports the other, which is bright with light, chirping with electrical energy intensely and insanely confined into a single point—a Chidori.


And with it, before crystal bending stops her short, she barely scratches your chest. At the exact place where you cut off the piece of the Changeling Throne, over your heart.


The very heart that Chrysalis saved you with, at the Canterlot Wedding over three years ago.


Healing and burning, healing and burning, healing and burning, you clap your tails forward, but Sin wretches her Chidori out, and your tails falter as she leaps out, electricity trailing her hooves as she shoots out a roaring cannon of yellow.  Heaving a breath, you retaliate...


By pointing your Nightmare Power Glove to the ground!


“Would you kindly freeze?!”


A massive rose of pure ice curls up and ruthlessly spikes just in time for Mongo to crash into it like a bellowing hornet. You grapple him, and the electric cannon ball hits your new meat shield.


Throwing him away, your tail whips out the Second Law and Staff and you jump up before an entire house is thrown your way courtesy of Vicky. Landing, you hop yet again to the sound of great balls of fire and ice from above.


Sin doesn’t play, though. She strikes like lightning itself. Coated in a thick miasma of electricity, as if in one step, actually multiple in an instant, she appears right above your head, her Chidori poised high to slice through your neck.


Your purple misted eyes shine, and shadow crystals explosively expand from beneath your hooves and springs you toward her. Your crystal wings slam into her belly, interrupting her deadly blow. A whack of your darkness infused staff sends her rocketing to the ground, digging an ashy trench. The shockwave cracks the crystal beneath your hooves.


From your crystal tower. You point Second Law towards her struggling form. Shadows seep from the tail, along the barrel, and then into the tip. When the gun is fully encased in darkness, you pull the trigger. A sickly ball of pressurized force shoots out. Your aim isn’t true. It doesn't need to. Instead, it pulses and then explodes, decimating the landscape.


Mongo flies at you, before he falls withering towards the ground. Vicky is next, and she barely pulls up an amazingly thick barrier or broken wood before violently tumbling back from the shock. At the Twins you stop.


In one of their hooves, a ball of swirling ice lights up like a dim star, making a mad dive towards you. You can sense the immense energy welled up inside, using similar principles as Sin’s Chidori. Without a doubt, it’s an ice variant of a Rasengan. Shooting and interrupting isn’t a good idea if it’ll kill them.


I’ve got no choice.


You leap off your makeshift platform, but your distraction costs you as a shot of lightning unexpectedly strikes you from below. The sudden force has you flailing about uselessly in the air, which is enough for the ice Twin to meet you dead on.


The air goes absolute zero and your entire body stops moving suddenly.


Cold, bitter, hollow, and lonesome is the most eloquent way you can describe it after feeling a sense of weightlessness and then a thud. You hit the ground, frozen solid. You wreath and struggle, your hooves, wings and tails jerking to and fro as their immense strength causes fissures along the glacier art you’ve become.


The Chosen are having none of it. The fire twin casts fire along the cracks, melting the ice only for the water to refreeze itself from its own coldness and heal the cracks as the other twin continues to reinforce the glacier’s shell with more ice. The ice glows. You understand why the moment you feel an unbearable pressure against your entire body as Vicky makes the ball thinner yet immensely denser.


Sin steps up, yet, she’s not herself at the same time.


“You should’ve taken account Sin’s speed.” The Changeling Queen’s voice somehow reaches you through the ice as she speaks through Sin’s body. “While the other Chosen are well bred for their abilities, Sin was a special project of mine. Out of them all, she’s the fastest and bears the greatest instakill potential. Sudden like lightning, a true changeling assassin! She is perfect.”


“Then why are you sacrificing her? Huh? Why are you wasting that perfection?!” you roar through the ice.


“Because, though she is perfect, you are beyond. And if I can’t have you in life, then in death, we can all be together…”


The most you can do is wiggle around the ice, with a few more seconds, you can easily break free!


Unfortunately, you don’t have seconds.


She brings something out.


In Sin’s hoof, is a bright metal piece that you can’t help but feel the chills from. That familiar killing intent...the scar in your chest itches. You can sense it: there’s Orichalcum tempered inside the alloy.


“I never thought I needed to use my trump card on you,” Chrysalis says mournfully. “Be honored, for you are the first to test a power that is said can kill an alicorn!”

For a moment, you can see Sin’s eyes flicker in hesitation. But that’s all you see as Chrysalis assumes absolute control, replacing them with maniacal determination. That, too, is familiar. Nightmare Bugze shared those same eyes.


Daintily, she lines up the metal piece to her eye. She crackles with energy for a moment, a second, a third...and surges.


“Goodbye.”


A flash and a crack of thunder occur almost simultaneously. Like a shooting star across a hazy evening, the bullet parts away the ash and closes the distance instantly, piercing through the ice as if it is paper. The inside of the glacier blurs from the sudden intake of heat. And all falls silent.


“It’s…it’s done my queen,” Sin says breathlessly.


“Well done Shell Marshal. Now in death, the changelings become one. Your service is-“


“GOD RA MU!!!” a borrowed Shout from a frightful past, and possible future erupts and the chosen go blind from immense light as a thunderbolt cracks across the skies!


Booooom!


The bulge of hyper-condensed ice pops like a bubble. The Chosen cover their eyes with their hooves from the resulting explosion of water vapor.


The ice cracks along your hide as you stand up, twirling vapors escape your beastly maw as you exhale…and something drops out and lands in your hooves. The fierce glow of your eyes affixes the changelings with a glare… and you can taste their emotions.


They look upon you in fear. It’s not your eyes, it’s not the chest symbol glowing along with your scars, and it’s not your undamaged form.


No, they are afraid of what you hold in your clawed hooves. Snorting, you let it fall to the ground.


Sin’s trump card pathetically hits the ash.


“I-impossible...Impossible!” Chrysalis’s voice pierces through the battlefield. “He actually bit the bullet?!”


It’s only when she says those words that they know they don’t stand a chance.


“No more,” you say. “I’m through running away. You’re done here.”


“...Done? Me? Don’t make me laugh!” Chrysalis snarls. “Don’t you dare make decisions when you just betray yourself and your own kind!”


“Yeah? Well I’m done being the subservient puppet. And so are they.” You nod your head at the Chosen, worn and battered, yet their eyes are glazed all over as though they’re not standing of their own free will. “Don’t you get it? It’s just you throwing the punches now. You’re the only one who’s willing to fight anymore. Get off your high horse. It’s over.”


As one, the Chosen sneer, a reflection of Chrysalis’s feelings.


“You’re right. It is. Here at the end, you stand alone before oblivion.”


You sigh and shake your head.


“You’re wrong. I’m not alone.” Suddenly, you disappear by a flash of your horn. Chrysalis can only gasp as you teleport right in front of her.  You rear back a hoof, and you swear, in the reflection of Sin’s eyes, there’s a King and a Goddess right behind you.




ThePonySpartan’s Comment




"I think it's time to finally end this." Your left eye glows red as dark flames appear on your hoof. You launch yourself upwards with your tails and go high in the sky. You reel your hoof back...And then let it fly.


"Fearful Nightmare Punch!"


A light, both bright and dark erupts from the point of impact and the wind whips your cloak sporadically in the wind.


ACROSS EQUESTRIA


In Canterlot


A fork drops upon a dinner table as two Alicorns sit in silence.

Celestia looks down at her fork. Some of the cake she was about to put in her mouth is still on it.


"What was that?" She asks aloud.


Luna felt the same thing her sister did, but for her, it was almost tripled. She shivers.


They don’t know exactly what, but they feel that something big has happened.


They look at each other with confused looks.


"Did you feel something?" Luna asks and her sister nods.


Celestia gets up from her chair and peers at the soon to be setting sun, the sporadic weather and general unrest in Ponyville appears to be at an end.


“It must be because it’s nearly time…” Celestia says in anxiousness.


"That must be it then,” Luna nods. “Do you really think she's ready? I'm not one to doubt her skills but... it is a hard role to play."


"Then it will be another challenge she will overcome. There's no need to worry my dear sister. I have faith that this change in the world will be beneficial to us all…" Celestia replies.


In The Everfree


Zecora steps out of her hut. She looks up to the skies and wonders to herself.


“Something is different, I can feel it even now. Something has changed, and this feeling it’s…wow…”


At Sweet Apple Acres


Sweetie Belle practicing with her magic in front of the CMC clubhouse, while the other two members of the CMC relax after the craziness in town.


Suddenly Sweetie Belle's horn sparks with magic and she drops a rock she was levitating.


“Yowch! Did you guys feel that?” she asks.


“Yeah, something…different right?” Scootaloo answers as her wings fidget.


“Not bad right? Just different yeah. Though anything’s gotta be better than Pinkie Pie trying to run the farm,” Applebloom points out.


“Or Rarity taking care of the weather,” Sweetie nods.


“Or Rainbow making dresses,” Scootaloo gags.


Across the field in the Farm House, Granny Smith and Big Mac look around them.


"I feel like somepony I know did something great," Granny mutters.


"Eyup," Big Mac agrees.


At Ponyville Spa


Aloe stares intently at the water in one of the mineral baths.


“Sister? Is everything alright?” asks Lotus.


"I... don't know. Doesn't the water seem off to you? Like something’s different?"


At Vinyl and Octavia's Studio 


The two music mares, along with Bon Bon and Lyra and Crackle all feel as though something empowering has occurred for their cause.


“Today is a turning point for the Horde, I can feel it,” Octavia says with conviction.


“It’d better after Jack told me to stay put and watch the Elements,” Bon Bon grumbles.


“Huh? What was that Bonny?” asks Lyra.


“Nothing. Just grumbling about the Elements of Harmony shenanigans.”


“Oh, so that wasn’t a drunken hallucination?” asks Vinyl.


“Honk Honk!” Crackle barks.


At Ponyville Elementary


Cheerilee is grading papers when she looks up in thought, before a dour expression graces her face.


“Why do I feel so annoyed right now?”


In Griffonstone. 


Gretta has a sudden feeling of happiness as she puts her Samus suit at the bottom of a chest.


In Dodge City 


In the Jail House, King Longhorn and his Bulls all get a feeling of dread and unease and huddle together in a corner.


In the Crystal Empire 


Shining and Cadence stared wide-eyed at the Crystal Hear which spins rapidly and shines brightly.


"What does this mean?" Shining asks Cadence.


“I don’t know Shining…but something makes me feel hopeful, even in these dark times.


Beside them, Flash Sentry feels an unplaced sense of pride…and dread for the future.


That’s an odd combo, he thinks to himself.


In Manehattan


In a deep dark alley a creature with four legs and two red arms in a cloak stirs from his rest.


He looks up to the sky and smiles deviously Unlike the ponies, he can actually taste the sensation within the air. With this sense, he knows his powers are slowly returning, and that soon it would be time to enact his plans.


On the other side of town, Coco Pommel jitters and drops the coffee she was bringing for her new boss. Ever since the incident, she has tried to be less forceful, and independent as penance for her sins, even with such a horrible boss like Suri Polomare. But the feeling that made her drop the coffee…


“You know what, she can drink the cheap stuff in the kitchen, because I am not going out again.”


At Rainbow Falls


In at the base of the falls, Garble the Dragon hides under his bed like a foal hiding from the boogeymare, and he didn’t even know why.


In Fillydelphia


Sapphire Shores drops her quill onto the unfinished song in front of her. No matter what, she can’t bring herself to write another line. Something just... stops her from doing so.


"Maybe I should stop writing revenge songs against The Offender so late into the night. Yeah, the lack of sleep is killing me," she says groggily as she rubs her eyes.


On A Rock Farm.


Maude Pie, with her short still regrowing mane looks up.


"Did you feel that boulder? A mighty punch. Takes me back to the good old days," she remembers wistfully with a small smile.


In a Hospital in Canterlot 


A blue Unicorn lies unconscious upon her bed. Alone and unheard, she whispers a single word in her sleep. 


"...Hoody.” A tear falls down her cheek and onto the bed.


In Ponyville


Six Happy Mares, and one young dragon sing song their way down the street towards Golden Oaks Library, when they all come to a stop as they feel what many across Equestria and the world felt.


“What in the world was that?” asks Rarity.


“I felt that in my bones, but my bones are right here,” Pinkie says while wiggling he arm.


“For some reason I feel excited, hopeful, and angry at the same time,” Fluttershy says in confusion.


“You too sugarcube?” Applejack asks.


“Oh, glad I wasn’t the only one,” Rainbow says with a blush.


“I don’t know about you guys, but I feel…vindicated? Is that the right word?” asks Spike.


“Strange, I feel conflicted…” Twilight trails off before shaking her head. “I guess we’re all still so caught up after the Cutie Mark situation. To the Library girls. Let’s finish this.”


And so the group gallops off to complete their destiny, as the world keeps turning for everyone on it.




Erised the Ink-Moth’s Comment




BrownDog’s Comment




With You


You stand over the Five Changelings sprawled out on the ash covered street. You’ve beaten them, but it’s not over yet. Though their eyes are shut, their bodies still emit a glow.


"Enough... is... enough." you pant. You don't have much time.


Now that they're unconscious, you can see how much pain they're in. Their breathing in coarse, glowing green cracks are spreading throughout their chitin, and even knocked out their bodies are wracked with pain filled convulsions.


"Selena, Sombra. I need your help to wrestle control of these five away from Chrysalis."


Bugze, are you certain this will work? Selena asks hesitantly. I nearly drowned earlier. Even if their bodies are weakened, their fanatic devotion is still intact, and with it, all of the Hive.


I used to be a part of the Hive Mind for most of my life. I know the way back, and with all of us working towards it, I know I can find them. We have to try. We have to.


It’s your funeral you suicidal fool, Sombra mutters.


Very well then. Don’t you dare lose your way...please... She orders you protectively.


“I won’t” you say with a smile as you snake five of your tails around their horns. You then close your eyes and give her the go ahead.


Assuming Direct Control!


As soon as she says this, you lose feeling of your physical body as you enter the unconscious minds of the Chosen.


In the Mindscape


Opening your eyes, you find yourself in a network of caves, not unlike the cave systems you grew up in at the Hive. But this is definitely the dream realm, but it is also the Hive Mind, you can feel it. You’ve never felt the Link on this level before, but it is familiar enough to walk back into it, even if you feel no compulsion to become one with it again.


You're no longer in your Nightmare form. You aren't even in your Nobody cloak. You're just Bugze. And you’re alone.


"Selena?! Hello? Sombra? Anyling?!" you call out as you start galloping down the tunnels. You pass silhouettes of changelings, thousands of changelings faded and blurry, yet still standing at attention along the corridors.


“The Rest of the Hive…” you shiver as you pass by them, even though you can feel them watching you.


Soon enough you spill out into a nearly shot for shot remake of the Queen's chamber from your old Hive, only now it's a giant floating platform suspended above a yawning void of pure darkness, accessible only by a narrow walkway of floating stones. Leading up to it, are a the three hundred from Appleloosa, not as faded as the rest, but not solid either. At the center of the chamber you spot the figures of the 5 Chosen, each adorned in full ceremonial battle gear, kneeling before the throne. And the Queen...


Chrysalis sits above them on her throne, casually slouched over, eyeing them each like a child would look over their favorite set of toys. A mad glint in her eyes.


Bugze! you hear Selena call out to you, though she seems far away. The conviction of these Chosen is too strong, I can’t enter with you and neither can the dictator. We can't even get close! Try to push through on your side; we will keep trying on ours!


Normally you'd stutter, trying to think of what to do. But Sin and the others don't have much time left. You need to do something, and fast.


With determination, you ascend the steps and stand before the throne.


"Who dares to approach the Queen?!" Sin shouts as you march towards the throne, she and the other chosen taking combat stances.


"At ease." Chrysalis says, waving her hoof slowly before turning to you. "Well well, @#$%&... have you finally decided to stop playing traitor and join me, as you always should have? As I always wanted?"


"No." you say blankly, "I'm not here to follow you and I never will. And neither should any of you!" you turn to your former hivemates. "Sin, Biff, Tannen, Vicky, Mongo, you don't have to follow her! I've tried beating this fact into your heads every which way I can think of. For Buck's sake, why do you still listen to her?! After everything she's done?! You are literally dying right now because of her!"


"Because they understand they are a part of something greater than themselves," Chrysalis says as she gives you a hungry look, "and because of this they are loyal to me."


"You are not greater than them," you snarl.


"The Queen does all in her power to ensure the survival of our race," Sin says like she's reading it off a well-learned script. "The Queen is our only salvation; there is nothing else."


"Stop it!" you yell, grabbing Sin by the straps of her armor. "If that were true then she would have tried diplomacy over invasion at Canterlot. If that were true she wouldn't have risked everything to get revenge on Twilight and her friends! If that were true she wouldn't be sacrificing you to get revenge or whatever this is on me! She doesn't care about you- She doesn't even care about the Hive! We're just tools and toys to her. Buck me, I feel like a broken record right now. I've said this over and over and some part of you must realize it's true!"


For a moment you see Sin's expression falter.


"I..."


Bugze... Selena's voice reaches you. I'm starting to see some cracks in their link, keep doing whatever it is you're doing!


You see Chrysallis snarl as she looks up, no doubt sensing Selena, but you ignore her as you turn to the twins.


“Biff, Tannen. I was an only child. I have no idea what it means to have a brother. But I do know this. Family is everything. Your bonds are much closer than some, and because of that, that need for protection and unity is even higher. After what I did, you both hated what I had done to the other. I know you two don’t want to condemn the other to die. They say brothers are to the end, but this doesn’t have to be your end.”


“Don’t want…” Biff shakes.


“My brother to…” Tannen sputters.


Another Crack! Selena shouts.


You turn to Vicky.


“Vicky. We all know that looks aren’t everything, it’s what inside that counts. You’ve been told you were rotten to the core for so long, that you’ve believed it yourself. But I know you care about Mongo and the rest more than you let on. All of your anger you’ve directed, it’s been about how much I’ve hurt them, and your own pain…your own handicaps are secondary,” you say as you look at her scarred back.  “You aren’t rotten to the core Vicky, there’s still love and care inside you, and you don’t want that to die. Let your true beauty shine.”


“I…I don’t want them to go…” she sputters.


You don’t even wait for Selena’s confirmation, you move on to your next target.


“Mongo…” you stand before your former bully. He still towers over with anger in his eye, and now you must save him.


“You’ve used your size for so long, you don’t know any other way. You are strong, so you’ve used that strength in the only way you knew how. But strength doesn’t just mean putting down those weaker than you or how hard you can punch something. True strength comes from knowing when to call it quits, when to run, and when to call for help. I know that thanks to me you can no longer speak, but your actions speak louder than words ever could. I know you’re scared, I know that you want to survive, so that you can protect what you care for,” you point to Vicky and the rest and he turns his head towards them.


“Show true strength Mongo, and live.”


He looks back to you with determination.


“…Yeah…that sounds good…” he speaks, for the Mindscape is not as limited as the physical world. Chrysallis frowns at this but you give a smile.


You then go towards the final Chosen Officer. The one who came to you for help over a year ago. Her stoic face is already cracked from what you’ve said to the others.


“Sin. You were always the lackey, always the one trying to prove herself with Chrysalis, even before she became queen. You wore the mask for so long, you became the mask. When it was all taken away, you sought out anything or anyling that could bring you comfort. You found me. You shadowed me, and yet you never came out, because you were afraid. Because you knew you had done wrong in the past. You felt your sins crawling on your back, and you faced them, despite what everyling else said. You still want to make amends Sin. To cast aside the stabbing heat of the cinnamon, and be the sweet sugar in your name. You don’t have to end it here Sin. We know your true face, and you don’t have to prove anything. So please, let the mask go…”


Tears start to flow out of her eyes.


“B…Bugze…” she whimpers. You then look to them all as a group.


“All of you, listen to my words. The past was terrible for me. I was alone, and you all never let me forget that. It wasn’t just you, it was others,” you declare looking to the shadows around the throne room. “The pain and torment I faced, I can never forget… but I can forgive it. Hatred breeds more hatred. One event, begets the next. I know this better than anyling.”


Their eyes are no longer monotonous, they show pensiveness. You see the will to live.


"All of you, maybe you can't imagine a life without Chrysalis leading you. But all I'm asking is that you try! It has to be better than what she's asking of you now! Anything has to be better than dying in vain!" you shout, emotion gripping you like you're holding onto each of them now.


“And not just for yourselves, but for them!” you point to the thousands of blurred changelings. “For all of our species that didn’t know any other way, who won’t be given a choice. But you can make that choice all of you! You wanted to save the Changeling race! So please, JUST CHOOSE!!!”


The 300 all turn their heads towards you and their colors become more solidified, thoughtful expressions upon their faces. The five see this, then they all look to each other and nod in silent agreement, before turning towards their Queen.


“Yes, that’s it…” you murmur hopefully.


“My Queen…Chrysallis,” Sin hesitates, “He’s right…we don’t have to die. Please, stop this.”


Chryallis looks down upon Sin and the rest, confusion and shock all over her face.


Suddenly a wave of sickly green magic washes over them, filling their eyes with its glow and causing cracks to form on their mental selves.


"NO!" you cry as they struggle in her gasp.


“Bugze!!!” Selena’s shout echoes as the entire area glows hot with green.


"Stop?! STOP?!!! It’s too late to stop Cinnamon! The ponies have killed us! We’re all dead! We’ll all reach Valhalla soon! And it’s all HIS fault!” Chrysallis snarls.


“LET THEM GO!!!” you shout as your eyes glow, and she meets your gaze.


“What could be better than dying to serve your Queen? That’s what Mother said. She was right all along!" Chrysalis declares, syrupy venom dripping from every word.


"Let. Them. Go." you seethe back as she approaches.


Chrysalis just smiles wider, apparently not having heard you.


"I always admired you @#$%&. I could see that you weren't like the other nymphs... you were special. I wanted you more than anything," she stands up and begins walking toward you. "You were so timid around me when I first approached you, but now, after all that I've done to reclaim you, why will you not come back to me... to serve your Queen, @#$%&? To be with your lover?"


You feel your shell crawl at that word. Years ago, you dreamt about being just that with her. Your childhood friend…your only friend. The most beautiful female in the Hive. But that’s all changed now. The insane mare in front of you is not the Hive Princess you used to love. She hasn’t been for a long time. Why won’t you go back to her?


"Because I'm not that changeling anymore. You killed him in Canterlot because he showed mercy to a poor captive mare who'd just had everything taken from her on her wedding day," you reply as you stare into her twitching eyes.


"I brought you back to life." Chrysalis grits her teeth.

"No. You brought ME to life,” you emphasize. “The changeling drone that saw any kind of goodness in you is gone forever, and you only have yourself to blame!" You jab a hoof into Chrysalis' chest, feeling the whole dreamscape ripple as you do. "You're evil, manipulative, cruel, petty, ruthless, selfish, and a terrible ruler! You have become your mother…"


That last declaration hits her most of all as she gasps and shuffles away from you.


"But most of all... I feel sorry for you."


Chrysalis stops shaking in rage and just stares for a moment.


"Excuse you?"


"I feel sorry for you," you repeat, "Because when you look at someling else, all you see is something to exploit for your own gain. Someling to step upon to reach the top.


She becomes more and more confused the longer you speak.


"I hate you for everything you've done. And yet... I feel sorry for you, because you'll never know love, or friendship. But as bad as I feel for you. I feel worse for anyling that has to be your slave.”


You look at the Chosen Five as they continue to glow, even the shadow changelings, still connected, still bound, glow and fade.

You then raise your hoof into the air, and the Power Glove adorns it.


“And that’s why I’m giving them the choice…”




Iamjustarandompony’s Comment




“Choice? What choice? There is no choice. We are Hive Mind! We are one consciousness in unison!” Chryallis snaps at you.


“Yeah, when it’s forced on them,” you counter. “But I know different. I also know that I can break it.”


“WHAT?!” she declares.


You look to the Chosen Five, all of them looking to you for help.


“Back at that cave, I had beaten you all up, and yet you all spouted out your hateful words as if you hadn’t a care in the world. Now I know why,” you say with a glance to your glove.


“I had just taken over your link in that very same fight and made you docile. When I remembered about you all, my hatred infected you as well. I did that to you. Because of my anger, I led you to this river of hatred.”


You then look to Chryallis.


“But someling’s gotta stop the flow…”


“You have no true power here! That filthy mare in your head isn’t here!” Chrysallis snarls.


“You’re wrong there Chrysallis. She’s always in my head. And unlike you, I’m still conscious in the real world. I’m still connected to my body, and all it’s modifications which she's giving me access to.”


And with that, a blue ball of light appears radiating out of your hooves as tendrils snake out of it and into the the Hive Mind. They attach to all the thousands of shadows, the three hundred, the five and Chrysallis herself.


“Wh-What is this?!!!” She shouts.


“Insect Swarm,” you answer plainly.


“WHAT?!!” she screeches.

“They’re called Plasmids Sweetheart. They let you take the fight to the Magically Overpowered.”


You tilt your head back and roar,


“WOULD YOU KINDLY BREAK THE HIVE MIND?!!!”


The midnight blue energy courses out to each and every one of the Changelings as they all fade out, and the surroundings start to crumble.


“AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” Chrysallis hisses as all the connections are lost and everything goes white.


IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD


Your glove is still outstretched to the sky, just like it was in the Mindscape. There is no blue energy, but your glove is smoking like it just did a massive attack.


You lower it and blow away the smoke.


The Five are still below you, they no longer glow. In their slumber, they actually look peaceful and content.


Bugze You Did It! Selena cheers in excitement that could rival Pinkie Pie’s.


You…You actually won. No one died, just like you wanted…Sombra observes in shock.


No. WE won…Together. You then look upon the countless destroyed buildings in the town you love so much as your Awakened form flutters in the breeze. The Awakened cloak begins to burn off of you, as if it was smoke. The claws, wings and tusks retract with no pain.


Unlike the Otherworld, you’ve actually made a difference.


“Why…?” comes a whimper from below you. Looking down, you see Sin with her eyes slightly open, the barest hint of a green glow in them.




DarkInfinity666’s Comment




Oh No…

Seriously?

Don’t worry. She has no power now.


And she doesn't, the Hive Mind is broken. Whatever little fragments she's holding onto won't be there for long.


“Why? Why did you take them from me?” Chryallis asks in complete sorrow.


Sighing you crouch down closer to her face.

“They never belonged to you Chryallis. They’re free now. Individuals. Unique. And it’s time for you to let go.”


Tears come out of Sin’s eyes, but they aren't hers.

“%$@#...why do you hate me so much? Why? I tried to make up for you. I brought you to life...but you still hate me...”


You look upon the fading green light in Sin’s eyes with pity.

“Chrysallis. I forgive you.”


“Wh-What? You...forgive me?”


You nod with all sincerity. You hate what she's done, you hate what she's turned into. But you choose to forgive her. And because of that choice, the confusion and sorrow doubles on Sin’s face.


“How? After…I don’t understand. I just don’t understand…” she sobs as the light finally winks out, and Sin’s controlled rhythmic breathing returns.


“And that’s why you fail…” you whisper as you stand back up and look to the sky past the dome.


The sun is setting, and a peaceful night is coming to welcome the land.




Roker12’s Comment




Letting out a sigh, you look to the sound of movement. The townsfolk and your allies walk towards you. Nightshade and Grandbuggy in the lead.


Sombra sighs in what you know to be relief.


She is satisfied then… you then feel his presence start to lessen.


And where are you going? Selena asks.


Back to my cell, seeing as I’m not needed anymore.


Wait Sombra, you call out and he stops over you using his proper name. I uh. Well, I just wanted to say thanks for your help. If it weren’t for you-


Do not thank me, he says matter of factly. It is not by my will that you achieved victory. The two of you owe your thanks to your daughter.


Even so, you gave aid to us. My bug is right. We owe you-


No. You don’t. Thank Nightshade…


And with that he enters back into the subconscious.


Jeeze. Tsundere much? You mutter.


Indeed. Whether he admits it or not, he did take a huge step…It seems your plan with Nightshade did have merit after all.


Yeah. Though he still has a ways to go…You then look upon the damaged town and wince. We all got a long ways to go.

But we will not do it alone Bugze. I can promise you that. Besides, you are quite the handyman, Selena says in comfort with a smile.


You chuckle softly as the group gets closer.


You see Nightshade's beaming smile, the wonder in her eyes and you feel better than you have in weeks.


I'm...I'm her hero again...


You never stopped being her hero Bugze. She and I will never give up on you. Never. Don't forget that.


...Thanks Selly…


You look at the changelings at your hooves. They and the three hundred, and every single one of the ones in the prison are freed. You have to figure out what to do with them. 


The destroyed town will need to be rebuilt, and the townsfolk and guards need to be spoken to. 


The Knights are injured and still technically prisoners…but you did promise them for their help.


Nightshade, Grandbuggy, Aqua, Mia, Jack, your family and allies, smile within the crowd. You still have quite a few things to sort out this night.


Over the hills and through the woods to the North, you momentarily witness a bright flash of white and purple light as something shifts in the world. But you ignore it for now. You have enough things to worry about right at this moment.


Letting out a sigh, you stand up straighter and face the crowd.


“Well, let’s get to it then.”


TO BE CONCLUDED IN THE EPILOGUE  


> The Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 3 Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

POV: Nightshade


You stand in the semi-broken town with all of the townsfolk and the other assorted weirdoes in your group. Grandbuggy stands next to you, pride burning deep into his eyes.


You want more than anything to rush up and hug Daddy, to praise him and gush on and on about his new cloak and powers, but he holds up his hoof to you all, and you pause.


He silently looks to you all, a look of intense concentration upon his stoic face as the five passed out changelings lay below him.


With his hood down, all of the citizens see his mop of orange hair, and more than a few of them gasp.



“B-Bugze?” you hear Braeburn gasp not too far away.


Some of the guards from the train, even in their buzzed state are unsure of how to proceed.


“What do we do sir?” asks one of them to his superior.


“Well, we wait to see what Nightmare Moon has to say. I think we owe her that.”


As if hearing their conversation, your dad clears his throat, quieting everyone down.


“Citizens of Appleloosa! Royal Guards of Canterlot! And everyone else in between. The changeling threat is over!”


Normally in movies, ponies would start cheering and hooting and hollering, but right now, all the ponies do is look around at the burnt and battered buildings, and the three hundred scattered and passed out changelings that invaded.


“I will be taking each and every one of them under my custody, so do not try to stop me,” he says with a pointed look at the guards.


“And do not judge them so harshly despite everything. This was all on Queen Chrysalis who used these desperate starving three hundred. Their attack was not one of maliciousness, but rather desperation. And in the end, they chose to change their paths. Each and every one of them.”


Silence again only greets your dad’s words.


“Now that that’s addressed, I’ll get to what all of you are thinking. The claims you’ve heard against me are true. I AM The Host of Nightmare Moon.”


Murmuring and whispers abound at that as each and every one of them takes that information in.


“It was not by Celestia, nor Luna’s hooves that saved your town. It was by mine and hers. Nightmare Moon and her Hooded Offender.”


The whispers keep going. Some wondering aloud if this means they have to serve Nightmare Moon now, others asking if Eternal Night is now coming.


“But hear this Appleloosa, there is nothing that we wish in compensation for this charity.”


That shuts up all of their mutterings.


“No compensation, no recourse, nothing. All that we desire is to impart on you  one simple truth.”


“A-and what’s that?” Braeburn asks aloud for everyone and Daddy looks to him with a smile.


“She no longer is the Nightmare Moon of legend. She goes by a new name now. From this day forth you will know her as Princess Selena of the Night. I the Hooded Offender am not just her host, but her friend. We chose to save this town, and we will help you rebuild. All that we ask is that you not make us your enemy. We don’t want to fight.”


His voice echoes across the town as they all stare at his sincere face, when finally Braeburn walks forth.


“You said you were gonna help fix up the town?”


Your dad smirks at the cowpony.


“I’m a great handyman.”


Braeburn grins from ear to ear.


“Well you did save us, and you’re gonna help fix up around here. I think that sounds like a fine deal. How about you Sheriff?”


The sheriff adjusts his hat and vest as he gives his own nod.


“Yeah, I reckon that sounds like a fine plan indeed.”


At this declaration there is further talking amongst the ponies, but this time, it is more energetic and excited.


Good job Braeburn. You’re my second favorite Apple after Applebloom.


Daddy then waves his hooves out to calm down the speaking.


“Very well then. Towns Ponies, I need you to set up a medical station for those that have been injured. The still capable of you, I want you to help me gather all of the Changelings and bring them to that Blue Box in the center of town. Knights, Guards and everyling else head to that Blue Box immediately. We have things to discuss...”


And they all obey him. Without a word of protest, they follow your dad’s instructions to the tee.


It’s about Gorramned Time we got some respect around here, you smile in vindication as Aqua chuckles and gives you a hoofbump.


With everyone moving, you finally bound your way to your Daddy and hug him tightly.


“I love you so much Mom and Dad,” you declare and they hug you back with gusto.


“Thank you my precious,” you mom says before your dad’s voice adds. “Thanks for always meaning it too.”


You giggle at that as daddy’s hoof rubs your head.


Before you can start gushing about the new cloak though, he adds.


“By the way. Sombra says Thanks too.”


You smile at that and stare deeply past your dad’s eyes, almost willing yourself to see your friend.


“Tell him I said No Problem.”


For a brief moment, there is a wisp of green and it fades, causing you to smile even harder.


Tsundere much?


POV: Grandbuggy


It’s been an hour since the end of the fight, and everyling’s done just what your boy has ordered.


If life had been different, if things had been happier and luckier for your family, he probably would have made a great leader somewhere.


The knights all sit within the hospital room, being aided by Mia, Aqua and Jack, while you stand looking over the three hundred, plus their five officers.


You sigh in sympathy for every one of them.


You dang younguns. Going and trying to die for nothing. At least my boy got you all to pull your heads out of your arses before you crossed that final finish line.


And you know he succeeded, because as a changeling, you can smell and taste the emotions that come off of them. One of hope, love, and acceptance. It’s a sickeningly sweet smell that you haven’t tasted since you were far in the future.


Ah heck, you’re all just primed to go fruity colors…that might actually screw up history… you think in trepidation before shaking it off.


Ah to Tartarus with history. I’m sure the Doc’s got a plan so that shaking little twig in the North still becomes the Changeling savior.


Just as you think that, in through the door walks the stallion who is both your dearest friend, and your worst enemy.


He looks over all the intruders in his precious little machine and just sighs and shakes his head.


“Quick Fix-“


“Don’t even start Doc. I don’t even want to hear about it. All I care about is that noling had to die, and my boy ain’t lost in his own head anymore.”


The Doctor just lets out another sigh and stands beside you looking them over.


“How the buffalo doing?” you ask.


“They are fine, many of them just with minor burns. It doesn’t matter how tough you are, a lightning sneak attack can best even the mightiest of warriors.”


“Hmmph. I bet their horns were chaffed that they missed out on the final battle.”


“Just a tad, though if it weren’t for their help, I wouldn’t have been able to reverse the relay points so easily. Right now they’re all just glad their pony neighbors aren’t hurt, and are giving their own aid to help restore the town.”


You both sit there staring at the unconscious drones as you hear your Great Granddaughter in another room chatting excitedly with Aqua.


“This is going to have consequences. You must know that Fix,” The Doctor breaks the silence.


“Yeah, I know. There’s really no way to sweep something like this under the rug. But you can skirt the truth enough.”


“That’s all you can hope for in a situation like this. What of the twenty actual guards from the train?” he asks.


“My boyo’s having a talk with them now. They serve the Princesses, but right now they’re willing to twist how things went down. It helps that the revered Aqua Bounty Hunter is giving support. The guards all over the country love her.”


It doesn’t hurt that she’s got a great, tight little body, you think with a chuckle. The Doctor has known you long enough to know your lewd thoughts and just rolls his eyes.


“So what’s the story they’re going with?”


“The truth in a sense. The Changelings were the real Knights, and they all escaped to serve their mistress. There’ll probably be another Changeling hunt, but they ain’t gonna find anyling aside from Chryssy and her cronies in that jail.”


He raises an eyebrow at that.


“So, no mention of The Offender?”


“They owe him this much, and those group of dumbasses in there. They’ll more than likely be called upon to hunt him again down the road, but at least at this moment they can settle the debt in a way that they don’t lose their jobs. The folks in this town sure as Tartarus ain’t gonna rat him out.”


“And with the Ascension and Coronation, occurring, they more than likely won’t take precedence,” the Doctor nods at the cleverness of your plan.


“Exactly. Them guards will take their train to the prison they were supposed to go to. If anyling investigates, all they’ll see is a bunch of townsfolk rebuilding their town after they drove away some escaping weak changelings.”


“I hope so,” The Doctor sighs. “But there’s always her machinations that we can’t always plan for Fix. We never know when she’ll rear her head.”


You wince at that, but don’t say anything because you know he’s right.


“Her curse still affects the families of your bloodline, and that includes Selena and Nightshade now.”


“I know Doc. I know. And now that I’m back, she might just turn her eye more forcefully toward them. But even if that’s the case, I ain’t going to be missing any more. I’m not going to let my own struggle alone. Family is everything Doc, and I think it’s about time I become a part of mine again.”


“Fix,” he tries to dissuade you, but you shake him off.


“No. That jealous strumpet has taken too much for me. I’m not gonna let her have them.”


The Doc gives another one of his sighs and you know you’ve won.


“If that’s your decision. Does Bugze even know?”


You close your eyes and shake your head.


“In some way I suppose so, but not really. He curses against Lady Luck, but he has no clue how literal that is for us. I think I might have to tell him eventually, but I’d rather he not have that knowledge on his soldiers right now.”


He looks to your face and nods solemnly.


Wanting to get away from the topic that’s plagued you and your family’s lives for three generations, you ask.


“So, what’s the plan for them?”


He looks back to the three hundred.


“This many changelings aren’t supposed to reach this level of enlightenment for another three years. Quite literally, they shouldn’t even exist until King Thorax ascends.”


“I thought as much,” you agree. “So where does that leave them?”


“Like I said, they shouldn’t exist for another three years.”


Understanding comes over you and you smirk shaking your head.


“Boy is that antlered bug going to have a field day.”


“Quite so…and I think that after that, the TARDIS will be parked for awhile.”


You look at him in surprise.


“Parked for awhile?”


He nods and pulls out a certain pocket watch you haven’t seen in a long time.


“Whoa, Whoa now, what’s the meaning of this? You retiring?”


“Yes, for this incarnation at least. I’ll be telling Bugze when this is all over as well. You’re not the only one who has to get back to his family.”


You raise your eyebrows even further at that declaration.


“Since when do you got a family?”


He blushes at that and looks away.


“Well, you’ve met Ditzy right?” you nod remembering the cross eyed cutie. “Well, it turns out during an um…well we were overjoyed and celebrated a successful trip and well…we sort of…” he stammers.


“You gonna have an aneurism Doctor?” you tease.


“It’s difficult to explain. Ditzy has a young daughter, and has since I met her. Wonderful adorable little filly named Dinky. Well turns out through wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff, that she is…That I’m her…”


You smile trollishly at that.


“Oh you old dog. I never thought you had it in ya. What with running out on your marriage to Princess Platinum way back when,” you laugh and clap his back.


“And that’s the last time I drank around you,” he huffs before glaring at you. “But yes, I’d only found out recently, and would have told Ditzy after retrieving you, but you stranded me for months away from her and Dinky. To say she might be upset is an understatement.”


You wince as a bit of guilt hits you.


“Ah dang, I didn’t mean for that to happen. Well feel free to throw me under the bus if it helps you get her back.”


“I’d already planned on it…Fix, I’m going to try and be mortal for this life, and I’m not going to let the TARDIS fall into yours or anyone else’s hooves in that time so don’t go looking for it.”


You nod in agreement at his declaration.


“Not like I need it anymore. Do with your toy what you like. If you’re gonna be living in Ponyville I’ll say hello if I’m in town.”


“I may not remember you,” The Doctor warns.


“No, but I’ll remember you, and that’s the only thing that matters.”


You both then stop talking as your Grandson enters the room and walks to you two as the twenty guards walk out of the TARDIS.


“Bugze, how’d it go?”


“They agreed to the plan. Should help me rebuild the town in peace. The knights are still recovering in the medical room so I haven’t told them the “good news” yet.”


“Many of them are still dangerous Bugze, even if they were puppeted by the Changelings,” the Doctor points out.


“Yeah, but when it counted, they saved the day. I’m not gonna let them off scott free, but that’s where Jack comes in.”


“He’s just going to love that,” you chuckle.


“But before we discuss that, there’s something else we need to take care of right now,” he says looking to the Changelings on the ground.


Your grandson then tells the both of you his plan. You and the Doctor look at each other quizzically as you chuckle and say,


“Well, it looks like antlers is gonna have his hooves even more fuller than we thought.”


POV: Chrysalis


You barely have the power to stand on your four hooves, and your subjects, awoken by the Broken Hive Mind, laze around you. None of you have power, but you stand anyway because against all logic, He has appeared in the middle of the prison with a large Blue Box.


Logic doesn’t even register right now anyway. So much has happened, and you can’t understand how you feel about the Male Changeling in front of you.


“You…You came back for me?” you ask. You don’t know whether it’s in fear or hope. He does not answer you. He just gives you a look that could either be pity or disgust. Or both.


He was your larvaehood playmate. You used to protect him, and you grew very fond of his company. But as you aged, Mother took more control and he had to be let go. Even now, you regret that. But even with Mother dead, you can’t quite comprehend him.


He said he forgives me…but how? Why is he so confusing. I don’t understand!


Your mind rumbles. You want to take him for your own, you want to strike him dead for all that he’s done, you want him to hold you and tell you everything will be ok, and you want him kill you all so that it will all end.


He then looks to the other changelings within the prison and shakes his head in sorrow. Before he raises his hoof the one with that infernal glove upon it.


In the light of each of your changeling’s eyes, you suddenly see an awareness and you feel.


“You are all free from her control. I have given you the ability to choose. Right at this moment, I have the 300. To their family and friends, I say this, I am going to give them a better life. A life where you aren’t starving and weak. A life away from her, and you can join them!” he sends a snarl at you and you wince.


So, he is going to kill me and claim the throne. How utterly devious. I will have your head on a pike! Oh…just take me now…you drool at how strong and forceful he’s gotten.


The drones have varying degrees of emotions upon their faces.


Blind obedience is what should be enforced Chrysalis! Your mother’s voice echoes in your mind and you growl.


Shut up you old bat you’re dead!


“I will give you the choice on how you wish to live, just like I gave every one of them the choice. For those who wish freedom, come with me now. For those who wish to stay, I will allow it. So choose.”


Hah! As if they will choose. They know who their real leader is. They know…don’t they?


There is then a shift in the prison. Those that come towards you, and those that walk towards @#$% and into his blue box.


“Traitors! All of you!” you shout, but you take no action. You are too weak, and he is too strong.


When it’s all said and done, you still have the majority of the hive on your side, and they have done so willingly, but you’ve lost over a thousand to him.


“Right. Is this everyling?” he asks. All is silent as your loyal subjects stand beside you.


He solemnly nods.


“The choice is yours then…” he then looks you dead in the eye and your heart nearly stops.


“These changelings chose you Chrysalis. Don’t forget that. You have all the love and support with them that you could want. Goodbye.”


He then turns back around and starts to enter the box.


“No Wait! $@%!” you call as you stumble after him. “Please don’t go. Stay with me! Let me understand and love you! Quit fogging my mind!”


When he whirls around, you are stopped dead in place by the sight of his orange and red glazing eyes.


“Don’t you dare come near him you B!@ch!” a dark female voice escapes his lips, causing you to sneer. “My Bugze may all be for forgiving you, but I won’t allow you to hurt him again.”


“He was mine before he was yours you shadow of a false goddess!” you snarl at the whorse who has given him his power…and who has given him a daughter.


It Should Have Been Me!!! 


“Maybe so, but he’s MINE now. You ensured that when you killed him and gave him my jewel. If you ever try anything to hurt him or any us again, I will pay you back a hundredfold for your sins. Understand?”


I’m the most beautiful changeling in the hive! My body is perfection and she doesn’t even have one! She can’t be greater than Me! She Can’t!


When you don’t answer the eyes glow more fiercely as she utters one last warning.


“Stay Away…”


And like that the eyes fade back to changeling blue.


“Oh I won’t be swayed that easily whorse. Just you wait, I’ll-“


“Chrysalis,” he says with his voice, causing you to stop. “Be happy…”


And with that, he enters the mysterious box and it fades out of existence.


“Happy? He wants me to…What?” you sputter. “What does that even mean. I’m still trapped in here. We’ll still die, even if it is with my loyal subjects. The only way I can be happy is…”


I have to survive.


You look at your subjects who willingly chose you. The blind obedience in their eyes is just what mother said it should be.


We have to survive. Because the only way I can be happy is…


“If I kill that b!$ch in your head, and take you for my own…”


You smile vindictively at that.


Oh yes. I’ll survive. I’ll get out of here, and I’ll make them all pay. And then, only then with you $#%@, will I truly be happy!


It’s so simple really, it’s funny. So you laugh. You laugh and laugh till your lungs hurt and even the guards outside notice.


You laugh because you have a purpose again. You laugh because you have a fute.


You Laugh, because you’re going to make your dreams come true.


POV: Aqua


You stand next to your partner Mia after even more Changelings have been brought on board, none of them are hostile as they stand watch over the three hundred, but you two remain vigilant.


“So…any idea where the Doctor is gonna dump these lot?” you ask.


Mia shakes her head in the negative.


“No, I’d asked Jack, but all he said was that The Doctor would take care of it. Personally I’m thankful. We won’t have to deal with them. If we did, chances are I’d be the one feeding them daily.”


“Ah right, you do deal in love magic. Is that what you swept through the prison as CV was talking?” you ask.


“Of course. Even a blind pony could tell how decrepit and starving they were. I sent out a wave to at least keep them healthy,” she responds.


“Yeah, but who knows if that will come back to bite somepony in the flank,” you point out.


“Well I didn’t give them that much. Just enough so that every one of them wouldn’t feel the pangs of hunger,” she defends. “It gave these lot the power to move and enter the TARDIS on their own.”


“Yeah, I know, I just don’t like the idea of Chrysalis and her goons having any power…but I guess we couldn’t just let them starve after everything CV went through.”


Mia nods again before shuddering a bit.


“You know, before his cloak shifted into that grey, crystallized form, I felt paralyzed at his site.”


“Yeah I know the feeling, and I only ever faced off against a much weaker form,” you agree as you rub your arm of its phantom pain.


“Yes…I can’t help but feel immensely relieved that that version is gone. This new one makes me feel…at ease is the best way to describe it, and I really don’t know why,” Mia reminisces.


You nod as well and you let out a small smile.


“Me too Mia. It’s about time my buddy got to be the hero and have it mean something.”


Mia smirks at that and gives you a conspiratorial look.


“Oh, is that the type of stallion you’re into? The overly heroic type? I guess that makes sense why you jumped in the sack with Jack, but I’m sure we can find a stable guy for you to-“


“Oh for Pete’s Sake Mia!” you groan as you facehoof and she giggles. “Can you NOT ship for five minutes?”


“I’ve tried, but look at all those reuniting loved ones over there,” she points at the changelings kneeling over the passed out ones.


“And plus, it looks like we’ll have plenty of single guys joining the team soon. There’s plenty of options.”


“I helped put those guys in jail in the first place!” you groan at CV’s, Jack’s, and The Doctor’s decision. “If those friggen weirdoes join, then they better keep a safe distance from me.”


POV: Jack


You stand in the closed off medical section where the injured Crimson Knights sit. They more than define the term, “A Ragtag Bunch of Misfits.” Morality wise, they range from Grey, to Black, but then again you’ve never had trouble getting your hooves dirty, unlike the Doctor.


Look wise, they range from “Nope, Tartarus No,” with Kersey and Erised, to “Oh in a heartbeat,” with Candy and Changer. Everyone else you’d put in the middle for consideration.


But on a serious note, you know that they all have potential.


You and the Doctor both stand to the side of Bugze in his Hooded Offender cloak, and Quick Fix stands behind you near the door.


And here comes the no doubt “inspirational speech.” Quick Fix gave too many of those. But I suppose that’s why Smithy chose him. You smile at the memory of golden times spent traveling the stars with your friends, but only for a moment. Now’s the time for business.


“All of you,” Bugze starts. “First off I just want to say, thank you for your help today.”


“No Problem Boss!” Brown Dog calls out.


“It’s not as if we had a choice,” Kichi points out.


“Yeah, if we didn’t, we’d have all been Changeling food,” Rutherford points out.


“Well be that as it may I still had to say it,” he interrupts quieting them down. “Because I mean it. Before I even arrived, you stood your ground and you guys put your lives on the line to help others in need.”


“Well yeah, like we were just gonna abandon them, we’re not monsters,” Snap Drake speaks up.


“Tactically you should have killed them so that the changelings wouldn’t have a chance to feed on them. It would have saved up supplies. I would have told you this if you had woken me up earlier!” Kersey grumbles from his bedside.


Changer gives a pointed look, “Most of us at least aren’t monsters.”


“I got that,” Bugze sighs and rubs his head before composing himself. “But yeah, what I’m trying to say is, even if this was all fake, even if the Crimson Knights were puppets of the Hive, even after all the bad stuff you’d done on your own, you acted like heroes in the end.”


“Heroes? Nah. We were Warriors! Skeleton Warriors” Silver pronounces.


“Not everything is about bones you simplistic moron,” Erised chides.


“I’m…I’m trying to compliment you here,” Bugze says in frustration.


“There’s no need for praise,” Solarkness speaks up. “We looked out for one another as a pack should. To a lesser extent, our protection included those around us.”


“Well I appreciate the sentiment,” Candy says humbly. “It’s much more than I got working for that turd,” she points at Kersey.


“Wait, you’re that stupid errand bug aren’t you! I knew there was something more about you that I was disgusted by. More than usual anyway.”


“I don’t think you’re in any position to be disgusted. When’s the last time you took a bath?” Grey Rebl insults.


And like that, each of them begin talking amongst themselves and you see Bugze slump his shoulders.


Wow. No wonder those guards were so willing to let them go…But I’ll accept this challenge, you think in resolve. Now dangle the carrot Bugze before you go more crazy.


“Alright, Alright, listen up you lot,” he barks and they quiet down. “With all that said, I believe there was a promise I made for you all.”


They look expectantly at that.


“First of all, none of you will be going to that prison, but like I said before, I can’t just set you free either. And so, I’ve come up with a compromise with my allies.”


“A compromise?” asks Rutherford.


He motions for you and you walk forward.


“That’s right you wonderful twits. That compromise is me. I run a little organization you might have heard of. Torchwood.”


Some of their eyes alight at that, and you smirk.


“A lot of the serial films like to embellish, but for the most part, we do protect the world from Extraterrestrial threats. Today was a bit different, but I owed a friend,” you glance at Grandbuggy. “Though if there ever is a chance to help, we’ll be there.”


 “Ookkkaayy…And what does that mean for us?” asks Brown Dog.


“Well Gentlemen, I think it’s very simple. You join Torchwood.”


They all look around at that.


“You want us to be secret agents?” asks Grey Rebl.


“That’s right.”


“And work for the government that locked us up in the first place?” Kichi adds.


You shake your head, “Torchwood doesn’t operate under any one nation’s authority. We protect the whole world. I have an understanding with the Princesses, and they dare not meddle with my affairs.”


“Even if you employed some so called “Wanted Fugutives?”” asks Changer.


“Well in actuality, you’re all labeled as Changelings now, and your identities cast into doubt. The Royals will soon learn exactly how The Hive was the true Crimson Knights all along and busted out of the transport train.”


“But, why can’t you just let us go then?” asks Rutherford.


“Because like the Offender said, you did still commit crimes, even if you were being manipulated. And I know many of you enjoyed them,” you give a look to Erised, Kichi, and Kersey especially. “But thankfully, none of you ever crossed the line so far, and in response to your actions today, I’m offering you a chance of redemption. Make up for your past ways, and start anew. As an added bonus, those of you with families will be reunited,” you look to Rutherford and Changer.


Everyone looks to each other before Erised asks,


“And if we refuse?”


“Well then, I said you weren’t be going to that prison…but we do have means of holding enemies.”


They all become silent at that, deep in thought. At this, Bugze speaks up again


“The choice is entirely up to you. You’ve heard your options, but I hope that you all choose the right one…” he then says wistfully, “Because today you guys acted like how true members of The Horde would have, before it got twisted by Flag Burner and the Changelings. You have my gratitude for that. Make your decisions…and goodbye.”


He then turns and walks past his grandfather out the door.


Yup, just like Quick Fix and his flair for the theatrical, you smirk as you look to the misfits.


“You heard him boys. So what’s your answers?”


After looking back and forward at each other for a bit, one of them raises his paw into the air.


“Yes?” you ask the diamond dog.


“Do we get to wear awesome spy clothes?”


You smile and nod.


“Well I’m in. Chicks love guy’s in uniform. I will require a new pair of shades though, got sensitive eyes.”


“That can be arranged.”


“Heck yeah! I’m coming too Brown. We can be like Haymes Bond and have cool gadgets and stuff!” Snap Drake cheers.


“And we’ll be able to afford the top shelf booze!”


They both fist bump and laugh uproariously.


That’s two.


Silver Strange then speaks up.


“You’ll take us in, now that the Offender kind of, you know, broke what was left of the Hive?”


“We accept all species. And we have ways of keeping a Changeling full,” you offer.


Silver looks to Candy and back to him.


“I’ll join then. Wherever Brown Dog and Snap Drake go, I go.”


“Count me in as well. I feel safe with you guys,” she says gripping Silver’s shoulder. “And I don’t want to lose that.”


You nod at their determination.


That’s four.


“Hmmm,” you look over to see Grey Rebl looking at his broom, a poor replacement to his signature mop, which snapped in two during the fight. With a grim face, he asks,


"Will I get an indestructible mop? It'll be bucking cool if it's made of that Weeping Angel stuff."


You shudder at the mention of the Angels.


“All it would be is a stone mop, but there are plenty of other materials available.”


“Well, as long as I get a mop, I’ll join ya.”


In other words, he'd rather clean and be the janitor he was meant to be than be imprisoned. You chuckle, shaking your head ruefully. Typical. That’s five.


"I guess I really have no choice then,” you look over to see Changer speaking with his eyes closed. “I'll work with you, but I still don't see what I did wrong. Yes, I did try to get revenge, but before that I was an innocent fool. I joined the Knights thinking it would give me a home, always wondering if it was the right step forward. I was picked as a Knight leader because they needed it to be an even number. Only really 2 of the 10 other leaders truly cared about me."


“Don’t sell yourself short buddy,” Brown Dog encourages.


“We all kind of broke up after you died after all,” Snap adds.


"Well at the very least I only really care for you two. But there are others I care for. My parents are still alive, and I don't want them to see what I've become, but it's inevitable. Instead of lying to them, I'll show them I'm not the bad guy,” he says in determination looking to Grandbuggy.


That’s Six.


"Even if you have a grouchy attitude now." Kichi replies.


“Grouchy’s better than pedophilia.”


"I’m not a- You know what forget it,” the changeling huffs. He then looks at your expectant face.


“We’re not really being given many options. Either go to prison again or work as slaves. I thought slavery was forbidden in Equestria.”


“Says the guy who enslaved children,” Rutherford cat calls.


“Oh Come On! All I’m saying is, that’s kind of a bad deal.”


“When did I ever say slaves?” you point out. “Agents of Torchwood have lives and loved ones outside of work. True we won’t just let you run around all willy nilly again, there are some rules to follow. And two big ones are no kidnapping children, and no criminal syndicates.”


“Ugh. And what about the Offender? He’s still wanted for crimes and he’s out there all free. Does the strongest guy make the rules no matter what?”


“What he has isn’t freedom, and he’s earned enough from me for him to walk his own path. It’s more beneficial that way.”


“Oh alright fine,” he crosses his arms. “I’ll join as long as I get to play videogames…and I can sign a contract and have my lawyer look over it,” he says looking to Rutherford who nods.


“Quite true,” the Wyvern speaks up. “The whole reason we got into this mess was because we didn’t follow proper procedural techniques. I would personally like to oversee any contract you would make out for us.”


“That can be arranged, I like a formal type,” you smile at him.


“I’ve already got a mate pal. And you say that we will be reunited with our families? How are living conditions going to factor?”


“Torchwood operates all over the world my good sir. We have agents everywhere.”


“And I can feel free to be with my family, and have access to my wealth without the Equestrians interfering?”


“Since you all never gave up personal information, they wouldn’t know to look for that angle. And don’t worry about us trying to use your fortune. Our funds are near limitless compared to what you have.”


“Very well. I may not like the Equestrian Government, but if you can keep them away from my personal life, then I’ll fight for you.”


“We’ll get to those contracts soon then.”


That’s Eight.


The Wyvern then looks to the Timberwolf on the next bed over.


“Sol? What say you?”


Solarkness breaths in visibly, before opening his eyes and looking into yours.

"I never was a Horde Member, no matter what the Offender claims. Even if I hadn't just been a puppet, my loyalty never laid with the Horde. All the time I thought I was a leader, it was always the Crimson Knights I thought I was leading, not the Horde. I'm a Knight through and through."


He looks away to the side, staring at Brown Dog,


"And I didn't put my life on the line to help others in need. I put my life on the line for the real Crimson Knights. Against those attacking from the inside, manipulating us," His gaze wanders from Brown Dog to Rutherford, "And against those attacking from the outside."


Looking back to you he declares,


“They are my pack now. I will defend anyone who would attack it, even if it was the Offender himself. And since you saved my life, and since my new Alpha has decided, I will be joining you.”


You raise a new eyebrow at that?


“New Alpha?” you ask.


“Yes. The true leader of The Crimson Knights,” he says while looking to Brown Dog.


“Wait, HE’S your alpha now?” asks Rutherford in surprise as many of the others are shocked as well.


“That’s so bucking stupid you miserable pile of wood,” Kersey growls. “You inferior life-forms should not flock to other inferi-*BONK*”


“Quiet Down Fatso,” Candy chides after having bonked him.


“I mean, I’m flattered and everything Sol, but I don’t think I’m-“ Brown Dog tries to wave off, but is interrupted.


“No, it matters not if you are a lazy drunk, when the chips were down, you took leadership and kept us alive. That’s what counts.”


“I…well alright then. Glad to have you along then,” Brown Dog smiles.


Nodding, he looks back to you.


“To you, The Doctor, and most especially The Offender, Thank you for trusting the Knights, and thank you for making it possible for us to continue."


That’s Nine.


While the overweight pony still reels from being struck over the head, you look to the pale changeling giving you an intense look.


“Well Ink Moth? What’s your decision?” This guy is one of the ones you were iffy on, not only for his past, but for his outlook on life. So it comes to no surprise when he answers confrontationally.


"So let me get this straight. We can either get locked in time jail, by you... or become part of your group, with all the red tape that comes with it? I’m with the pedophile, how is that any kind of choice?"


"Well we can't simply turn you all loose to do as you please," you repeat, "You especially are still considered a dangerous criminal. Your choices today don’t change facts, but they do give you a choice. So yes... this is the choice you get."


"It's not a bad deal,” Grandbuggy tones in, "Torchwood does a lot of good."


Erised simply sneers.


"Your definition of 'good' is far different than mine. Take what happened today for instance, your intervention saved everyone. ...everyone. Those changelings would have turned this town into a lifeless husk! ...Yet they're still alive and in the next room," Erised says with a scowl, "You know what I'd have done differently."


"Ink-moth, enough,” Grandbuggy scolds. “This senseless hatred of your own kind has to stop. They're not all evil." Grandbuggy scolds him.


"No?" he asks with narrowed eyes, "Those ones outside were."


“Oh really?” you say in skepticism at his anger. “Being scared and desperate? Wanting to free their families? Being flooded full of pure unfiltered will to the point of self destruction? That sure sounds pure evil to me.”


"How convenient." Erised sneers, "How convenient that those who chose to follow Chrysalis can now use her as a tidy scapegoat for their actions. How sickening that those who chose cruelty aren't properly punished for their crimes.”


“Like you?” Grandbuggy asks simply and he sneers. “And you’re wrong you old bug. Not everyone gets to make a choice. Some never had the opportunity like you or I.”


“Well it doesn’t matter! If this is a taste of what I can expect from Torchwood, then I want no part of it! Forgiveness is a weakness that cannot be tolerated.”


“Oh Come On Erised, don’t be like that after all we’ve been through,” Brown Dog implores.


He sighs at this, “You are all fools, even if we were allies. At the end of the day, I cannot accept these ideals. I will not forgive the Hive…” He then looks to Grey Rebl giving him a disappointed look. “And neither should you forgive me.”


The pale changeling breathes in slowly, and looks to you. 


"That's my answer.”


The Doctor sighs, breaking the silence he’d held since the beginning.


"I had hoped for more…but I expected as much."


Erised nods solemnly and stands up. He glances at all of the faces of his fellow Knights, before closing his eyes and shaking his head. He looks back to the Doctor.


“Do what you must you ignorant fools,” he declares as he limps away from them, and past you towards the door, no speed or haste to his movements.


The Doctor then pulls out a bronze pocket watch and flicks it open. Almost instantaneously, Erised no longer stands there. Looking to the Doctor’s watch you see on the inside an ink drawing of Erised, frozen mid-step, eternally walking away.


"Perhaps he can be brought back sometime, if he's needed." The Doctor says, flicking the watch closed. "Until then, I’ll leave him in your care Jack.”


You nod and accept the watch.


Before looking to the Knights, the majority of them have disappointed looks on their face.


“It was his decision,” you declare before looking to the last one. The other problematic one.


“So big boy, you’re the last one left what is y-“


“Screw you guys! If I have to choose between working with bucking BROWN DOG as the bucking leader, I’ll choose whatever prison you got!”


“You are so bucking petty,” Brown Dog groans and pacepaws.


“And you’re a worthless waste of air! Go on! Lead them all to their deaths. I’ll be happy wherever you stick me.”


Well, at least we have nine you think positively.


You then look to the Doctor.


“Does he deserve the watch treatment like Ink Moth?”


“No, Erised was dangerous, this one is just an annoyance.”


“And wherever I go, I demand entertainment and good food!” Kersey snorts. “I deserve it for all that I-*BONK*” This time, Candy’s strike knocks him out.


"Hmm, I think I got something in mind…” The Doctor smirks.


Some Time Later


You all watch on a screen as Kersey awakes.


“Oooohhh…” he groans as he looks around. “Stupid Changeling B!$#%. Huh? What’s this?”


He picks up the note on his chest.


“'Dear Kersey. We’re sad that you didn’t join us. But as thanks for helping in battle, here’s your reward. All the food you can ever eat, and countless movies to watch. Enjoy,'” he reads off before looking around.


“Well alright then. This is what I’m talking about,” he cheers as he looks to the Recliner Chair and the big projector screen on the other side of the room.


“Oh I could live with this. No more Brown Dog, no more inferior life forms. No more anyone! Just me, and my movies and my food,” he says wistfully as he walks to the kitchen behind the chair.


Upon opening the fridge though he pales.


“No….” he then starts pulling food out and throwing it on the ground.


"No, No, NO!!! Spinach?! Brussel Sprouts?! Daisies?! There's NOTHING to bucking eat!" Kersey bellows in panic, as there are no sweets or junk food in site.


"Oh you bucking jackasses! Surely there’s a store or-NO!” he bellows again as he looks out the window and sees that there is nothing but open plains as far as the eye can see.


“Oh gods. This can’t be happening! I’ll just…I need a high body-count blockbuster to keep my mind off my starvation! Yes, that’s it…"


Kersey then lumbers over to the room labeled “Film Library” and opens it, only to immediately slam into the shelves in his hunger-induced panic causing the film reels to spill on him. He starts looking through the pile of movies only for his eyes to widen in growing realization and horror,


"I Am Not Your Zebra? The Invisible Conflict? Koyaanisqatsi? These aren't actual movies! They're documentaries! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”


You sigh and shake your head at the obese pony making his own Tartarus.


“On second thought, maybe it would have been kinder to put him in the watch,” Brown Dog winces in sympathy.


“He’ll be fine. He’s got his food and his movies on his very own planet. He’s not going anywher-”


"WHY DOESN'T THIS WORK!"


You all turn to the screen and see Kersey futilely trying to cut his wrists with a daisy.


"...On second thought I better knock him out and remove all sharp objects and strong string from his house." 


You then turn to the nine who accepted your invitation.


“Well, with that taken care of. Let me be the first to welcome you all to Torchwood.”


POV: Trixie


“Trixie…Trixie please wake up.”


You hear his voice from a distance, as if he’s calling you down a long tunnel. There is care in his voice, and yet there is hurt.


But how can I hear him?


A bright flash of light goes off in the distance. It’s colorful, and it smells of smoke. You tepidly trot towards the bursting flashes of light.


How did I get here?


You are standing upon your old stage. The curtain is open, and a poster declares your act.


‘Now Returning to the Stage, The Great and Powerful Trixie’, it reads as your fireworks burst overhead.


“What? But how? The show’s been dead for years…just like I should have been…” you bemoan. You should be dead, you should be gone. It was the only way to make him and the world happy, and yet the times you awoke, the ponies in white would not let you go.


“I only bring suffering to this world…”


“That’s not true Trixie.”


Your ears perk up and your eyes widen as you turn back towards the curtain. It opens to reveal him. The only friend you ever had.


“Hoody…”


He doesn’t wear his cloak. He stands bear, the orange haired changeling who you found on the side of the road all those years ago. The Changeling you betrayed and set upon the world. The Changeling whose life you ruined.


He looks at you in sympathy, and guilt.


“No…You were supposed to be happy,” you gasp out.


“Trixie-“ he begins.


“No! It wasn’t my fault. They didn’t let me go. I tried Hoody. I tried so hard to rid you of my miserable existence. I tried to make it right but I-“


“Trixie!” he barks and you feel your throat choke on your words.


He’s angry again. I failed and betrayed him yet again. Why? Why must I only bring anguish to-


“Trixie please. I forgive you,” he says as his eyes start to water. You really don’t know how to respond to this.


“Y-You forgive me?” you ask hesitantly, before shaking your head. “No, that’s impossible. Not after what I did. You told me it was hopeless. That you could never forgive what had been done to you. For the three years that I-“


“Trixie I was an idiot!” he declares cutting you off again as he walks towards you. “I let my anger and my hatred overwhelm me. I dumped it all onto you.” You back away from his approaching form.


“As you should have. I’m the cause of everything that’s ever hap-“


“NO. YOU’RE. NOT.” He says forcefully as he places his forelegs upon your shoulders, locking you in place. “Trixie…I’ve been putting blame onto others for a long time, and I didn’t accept the things that I did on my own. I chose to ignore my faults, and just hate everyling else. I chose to push you to this point Trixie, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”


“F-Forgive you? But you have nothing to be sorry for I-“ You can’t bring yourself to face him as he says this words, so he takes your chin in his hoof and forces you to look at him. His blue eyes hold a sadness so deep it’s unfathomable, but there’s also determination.


“I’m sorry Trixie,” he says once more before he embraces you. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry,” he sobs as he hugs you tight.


You stand rigid, unsure of how to proceed.


“B-B-But I…”


“I don’t want you out of this world Trixie. I want you alive and well. I want you to be happy and to put on your shows again. I want you to live.”


“Live? But what good could I do in this world? I only bring ruin,” you resign yourself.


“That’s the despair talking. The despair I pushed you into. You can’t give up Hope Trixie.”


“But I have no Hope anymore,” you admit as the tears gush down your own cheeks. “The only hope I had left was to make you happy again, no matter what. And I failed!"


He holds you tighter after this.


“The only thing that can make me happy, is if my friend fully recovers and goes up on stage again.”


Your breath is taken away.


“F-Friend?”


“Yes Trixie. Friend.”


“B-B-B-B-“


“Friends forgive each other. It’s what they do. It’s why you looked for me for three years. You wanted to own up to your mistakes and apologize. I was just too stubborn and angry to accept it. Forgiveness is a hard thing to accept, but in the end it’s better than holding onto the rage.”


He then pulls back and looks you right in the eye.


“And it’s better than giving up Hope.”


He…He…


“Aaaawwwwaaahhhaaaaa!!!” you cry out as the emotional dam bursts and you embrace him back and shove your face into his chest.


You cry, you cry and cry and cry as the fireworks still continue to burst overhead. You don’t know how much time passes.


After being held by your friend for so long it finally, reluctantly comes time to separate. You hiccup as you try to get your breathing back under control and he gives you a smile.


“Trixie. All of this, on both yours and my side came down to choice. We each made plenty of wrong choices, but we have to try and make the right ones now. This next part is up to you Trixie, but I hope that you choose the right path.”


“Path? What do you mean?”


He lets you go and looks up into the sky.


“When you wake up Trixie, I want you to have hope again, and not to let it go. There’s still some problems that me alone talking to you can’t fix. The doctors looking over you Trixie, please cooperate with them. Let them help you in body and mind. Please choose this path Trixie. I don’t want the world to lose you.”


“When I wake up?” you ask and suddenly a realization hits you. Why are you in your stage and outside after what’s happened to you. You look down at your own hooves as the area around you sort of ripples.


“This…this isn’t real. This is just a dream,” you say aloud as some of your spirits drop, but he places a hoof back on your shoulder.


“Yes. This is a dream Trixie. But you and I aren’t. Remember that when you wake up. Remember that The Hooded Offender forgives you and wants you to live. Remember that your friend cares for you. Choose to believe that.”


You look to him again. Your mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The despair isn’t gone, but it has receded. You do have hope again, but it will be a struggle to claim your life again.


“I’ll…I’ll try Hoody,” you say as you give him a sad smile. “Do you think that we’ll ever see each other again? Be friends in the real world?”


He gives his own sad smile as the world ripples even more.


“That’s for you to decide Trixie. Take back your life Trixie, and if you choose so, then I’ll be out there.”


He then looks up as the world begins to fade again.


“It’s time to wake up Trixie. I forgive you.”


The Hope burns just a bit brighter every time he says that. But as always, your goal was to make him happy too. As the dream burns out, and you hear the heart rate monitor come more into focus, you tell him one last thing.


“I forgive you too.”


POV Change: Dinky Hooves


You awaken as you hear the grinding fading noise. The otherworldly whine of alien machinery you haven’t heard for so long. You aren’t the only one to hear it. You hear your Mommy’s bedroom door open, and the clop of her hooves upon the stairs.


He’s back…You think as you toss the covers to the side, open your door and look down the stairs. In the living room is the big blue box of The Doctor. The stallion that your mother is in love with. The only father figure you’ve ever known.


The stallion himself stands in front of the Box, silent and wracked with guilt as your mom shakes and cries in front of him.


Both of your hearts beat in anticipation. She slaps him once. She slaps him twice. She slaps him a third time, and yet he doesn’t respond.


She goes to slap him a fourth time, and all he does is catch her hoof, and that’s when it all falls apart. Your mommy begins to all out bawl as she embraces the stallion and he pats her back.


“I’m Back Ditzy. I’m back and I’m not leaving again…” he comforts her.


“Y-Y-You better not, y-y-you Jerk!” she sobs as she digs her face into his chest. “I-I-I thought I’d lost you *Sob*”


“I know. I know. I have a million things to tell you, but right now, all I can assure you is that you won’t lose me again…”


Adults are so weird with their emotions. Being sad, angry and happy all at the same time. You know how to simplify things as you bound down the stairs to join in on the hug.


The Doctor is Back, and this time, you know it’s for good.


POV: ??? Location: Arctic

You materialize into the physical land after 1000 years. The blizzard around you strikes your unprotected coat, and wind stings your eyes. It felt like it was only yesterday that you entered the black crystal spire. Only yesterday that his kind offered you a way to find him again.


“By Amore, has it really been one thousand years?” you shiver as you try to find your bearings. In the distance, you can feel the pulse of the Crystal Heart.


You push yourself through the snow drifts, till you crest a hill and view your home. The home he usurped and cursed out of time so long ago, and yet it still feels like it only happened months ago for you. The day he broke your heart…and you broke his.


“If the Crystal Heart is glowing, then you’ve been defeated, but the Umbrum felt you. You are alive. I will find you and save you Sombra. I have to…”


Of course you have to help him. No matter what happened he’s your best friend. Your only friend. Your cutie mark is the symbol of healing, and so that’s what you’ll do. You’ll heal the damage between the two of you, and you’ll save the imprisoned Umbrum. You’ll stand by his side, just like you always should have. You just have to find him first.


As you trudge through the snow back to the Crystal Empire, you say in determination.


“Don’t worry Sombra. I’ll fix this. I’ll fix everything. Hope is back.”


A Few Days Later


POV: Bugze (You) 


It’s been a few days since the battle of Appleloosa, and in that time, you’ve helped repair several structures. With all of the townsfolk and buffalo helping, the speed in which you progress is astounding.


The townsfolk have welcomed you back, even if some are somewhat weary about the newly revealed Princess Selena residing in your head, but for the most part, things have gone smoothly. The original townsfolk remembered you as the Stetson wearing changeling handyman Bugze, and even with your identity as the Hooded Offender revealed, they have not forsaken you. Even with the government supplies and soldiers sent to help the town, you walk amongst them without them noticing in your El Hunko suit.


Hammering the last nail into the roof of the tavern where the Knights made their stand you rub the newest forming scar on your chest. Thankfully since it wasn’t done with Orichalcum, it will heal normally, but the flesh you took was a big chunk, so it will always be noticeable, but it won’t hurt forever.


Sighing, You look out across the town at the countless others building. The town you will forever and always consider home.


I…I love this town so much, you think in happiness. Why can’t more places be like this?


Because then nowhere would be special now would there? Selena points out.


You chuckle and nod.


Good point. Still, I wish that other places would be more accepting of me, of you, of us, you glance towards Grandbuggy and Nightshade who are helping out Braeburn and Little Strongheart.


As do I Bugze. As do I. But for now, even if it’s only temporary, and even if it’s in one place, your heart beats in happiness and your smile is as wide as ever.


 You prove her point as you grin.


Well, I can’t help but feel happy. For once we actually saved the day and got credit and praise for it. Noling died, and I saved everyling. Wherever the Doctor took them, I know that Sin, Biff, Tannen, Vicky and Mongo and all the rest are safe. And to add the cherry on top, Grandbuggy is back.


Ah yes. Do you perhaps feel we should add some ground rules for him? I’d rather not have him corrupt Nightshade with all of his mannerisms.


Oh he’s not so bad. He raised me right?


Exactly, but he is you with more years and less of a filter if that’s possible.


You both look to your Grandfather and daughter.


“So, have you two done the inter-species tango yet?” Grandbuggy nonchalantly asks Braeburn and Little Strong Heart.


“Say what now?” Braeburn mutters as she gasps in shock and Nightshade facehooves.


“If not, you better get to it cowboy, Buffalo gals eventually get a little too big for someone of your size to properly- *BONK* Yowch!”


“Don’t be rude Grandbuggy! They’re friends!” Nightshade scolds the old bug after hitting him upside the head.


“Alright, Alright. Yeesh.” He then looks to a couple of the bouncing Pinkie clones.


“Now what about them? It’s a once in awhile opportunity where you can get with identical mares at the same time, and never with these num-*BONK*”


“How many times I gotta teach you this lesson old man?”


You know, I think she’ll do just fine around him, you chuckle.


If you say so, she comments before giggling herself.


I do so. If she can handle that tsundere king, then she can handle Grandbuggy…Speaking of, any word from him?


Not especially. He still resides within his cell, though I believe he keeps his silence just to torment us since now we do wish to offer our thanks. 


Well we’ll let him stew then. Things don’t just get resolved after one day for us, but I’m sure he’ll come around. Maybe he’ll be more appreciative since we’ve stopped with the drugs.


Time will only tell, as the old adage goes.


Yeah…time will only tell…


You look at the steadily rebuilt town as dusk approaches. One year ago, you stood watching this town, and you turned away to protect it. In the end, your homecoming was destructive, but you didn’t become the Nightmare. You became something else. Something better, and noling had to die. After your mental visit to Trixie a few days ago, things have been seeming a lot brighter, but you know it won’t last. You’re all still wanted and will have to move on. There is no rest for the wicked.


You close your eyes, and in an instant, you find yourself projected in your dreamscape, next to the mare in the moon. You give her a smile.


“Selena?”


“Yes my bug?”


“You think we’re going to be Okay?”


She shrugs at that. “In the long run, I can’t say for certain. But here today I can say at least that everything is fine.”


“Thanks. We’ll be moving on eventually. Even if I’m accepted, I still can’t let my luck endanger this town.”


“I thought as much,” she sighs.


“Yeah…soon we’ll have a path though. Jack is looking into ways for you to become physical again. He said there were individuals and items that could help us. He was going to get a list to me as soon as he’s done whipping the Knights into shape.”


She smiles at that.


“Yes I know, I read the same letter as you. The excitement I feel is nigh unbearable.”


“Heh, just don’t go past Pinkie levels of excitement. But yeah, on that topic, I have a question for you.”


She raises and eyebrow and waves her hoof for you to proceed.


“It’s just…when I get you your own body, where do you want to live?”


She seems taken aback by this.


“I mean, where will you be most happiest? I love Appleloosa, and I know Nightshade does too, even if she loves Ponyville just as much, but what about you?”


To this, the alicorn before you smirks and walks over to you, wrapping you in an embrace.


“Home for me is wherever You and Nightshade are. It matters not the physical location,” she says into your ear.


“Well that’s a relief. I’d hate for you to run off,” you smile and chuckle.


“But of course, where else would I go?” she chuckles as she leans back and looks you in the eye.


“I don’t know. I just figured you’d want a castle all to yourself or something.”


“Well if you could build one for me I wouldn’t object. But anywhere will be fine so long as I can hold my daughter in my arms…” she then places a hoof over your heart and gives you a lidded stare, “And you as well…”


“I…uh…” you fumble at the smirking goddess as a blush comes to your entire face.


“Hey Dad! Dad Wake Up!” Nightshade’s voice echoes across the dreamscape, interrupting the moment. Selena looks up to the source of noise before back to you and lowers her hoof.


“Well, until that day comes I suppose,” she replies nonchalantly with a teasing smirk.


“Y-Yeah…” you breathe out and nod nervously before you cough into your hoof. “Um, I’m gonna, you know...?”


“Of course,” she giggles and waves you away.


Nodding spastically again, you open your eyes in the real world, and there on the roof with you are Nightshade with Mangle on her back and Grandbuggy.


“You shouldn’t nap on the job dad, everyone’s looking up to you as a role model,” she teases.


“I wasn’t napping,” you roll your eyes.


“No, but by the looks of it he was daydreaming about something good. Were you imagining a Ancient Romane party with them Pinkie gals like I was?” Grandbuggy trolls as he points out the blush on your face.


“What? No, quite being pervy Grandbuggy,” you wave him off. “Now what do you guys want? I’m sure it’s not just to tease me.”


“Oh right, well little miss whack’a’noggin here got a letter from her coltfriend-“


“He’s not my coltfriend Grandbuggy!” Nightshade shrieks, blushing herself as she holds a scroll in her hooves.


“Oh sorry, right, your Drake-Friend.”


She just groans at this as you give her a look.


“Spike’s sending you letters?” you accuse.


“Don’t you start Daddy,” she warns and holds the scroll tighter. “And yes, but his letter isn’t why we came up here.”


You narrow your eyes.


“We’ll talk about this later missy,” you warn as she rolls her eyes and you look to Grandbuggy. “So what is the issue?”


“This showed up in a white light just after the dragon fire scroll showed up,” he says holding an envelope. On it is written,”


“My Friend!” you yelp as you snatch the envelope at of his hooves and open it up.


“Right, Nightshade says you don’t know who this guy is,”


“I don’t, but he’s always giving me heads up and info.”


He raises his eyebrow and looks to Nightshade.


“I told him it was dumb too,” she shrugs as she opens her own letter.


You ignore their back and forth as you read.



Dear Bugze,




I told you to get out of town as soon as possible, but I guess as soon as possible for you is a sloth riding a turtle to the snail convention. Seriously, now thanks to Trixie’s Seppeku moment and your freakout, now the whole world knows who’s in your head. You’re still a Wanted Changeling for sure, but only in passing. They want to save you from the big bad “clearly evil” boogeymare now. For a so called land of peace and prosperity, they sure are prejudiced aren’t they? But I guess thwarting an invasion and going Super Saiyan God Level is therapy enough for you. But despite everything you’ve accomplished, despite that sense of victory and righteousness you’re feeling, you can’t let it go to your head. You can’t be staying in one place for too long, even if you feel you need to rebuild. Now that Purple Smart has gained the Wings of Destiny, they’ve got more firepower to use against you. Watch Your Back, or it will be an All Out Alicorn Attack.
 



Signed,




A Friend.



You read the warning again and again.


“What does this even mean? Wings of Freedom for Purple Smart? Alicorn Attack?”


Grandbuggy grimaces at your words and you hear Selena mutter,


No…It can’t be.


What? What can’t be?


“Um, Daddy?” you look over at Nightshade who seems a bit unnerved holding her open scroll.


“What is it baby?”


“I think I know what you’re friend is talking about,” she says as she holds up an invitation that had been rolled up in Spike’s letter.


It reads.



Nightshade
,



You are Cordially Invited By Spike The Dragon to the Coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle.



And it shows a picture of the bookworm smiling in royal regalia, and pair of wings adorning her sides.


All color drains from your face.


Oh Sweet Heavens, She Did It. That Whorse actually went and did it! Selena curses.


“This is…this has got to be a joke right?”


“I don’t think so Daddy. Spike’s super excited. He’s talking nonstop about how he’d love to have me as his Plus One for the ceremony,” Nightshade answers.


“B-But...”


“Yeah sorry boy,” Grandbuggy says with sympathy as he pats your shoulder. “You had a lot going on, I didn’t want to add this to your plate until later…but I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”


You look from Grandbuggy back to the smiling picture of one of the most powerful ponies in the land, who has apparently gone even more God Tier in her power.


She still wants to hunt you with the other Elements and destroy Selena, and now she has the authority of a Princess to carry out that will.


You slump your shoulders as all your good feelings of the day go right out the window.


“Boy, it’s at times like these that we should yell our family motto to get rid of some of the stress,” Grandbuggy sagely advises.


“Yeah…that sounds like a plan,” you nod, as does Nightshade.


You, Selena, Nightshade, and Grandbuggy all take deep breaths before screaming to the heavens in unison.


“BUCK YOU LADY LUCK!!!”


POV: ??? Location: Unknown


“…’Watch Your Back, or it will be an All Out Alicorn Attack. Signed, A Friend’….Yeah, that sounds good. Sweet Lady Luck I can’t wait for that to happen,” a maniacally happy voice rings out in a darkly lit room, the words on the scroll reflected upon a pair of sunglasses.


“That battle with the changelings, OOH! That was delicious.” A brown hoof places the letter into an envelope, before the lines A Friend are written on top of it.


“But come on man, really? You let everyone go? You didn’t even usurp the throne or become the boss of those idiots? Lame,” the mess of dirty blonde mane beneath the grey fedora shakes in tune with the pony’s disappointment.


“And if I’m disappointed, then so too are the nerds who read the comic,” he groans as he looks over the unfinished panel drawings of the Awakened Cloak. “Looks like another ending I’m gonna have to tweak later, readers like violence and bloodshed after all. I’m thinking more cannibalism is the key.”


The stallion then stands up from his writing desk, adjusting his black suit and red tie.


“But don’t worry Bugze, your best of best friends is gonna make sure the shenanigans continue. You’ve been making too much positive progress lately…”


He then concentrates upon the envelope before it fades away in his hooves.


“Oh boy, that’s sure gonna raise his stupid orange hair,” the sharply dressed earth pony chuckles, before he puts a hoof to his chin in thought.


“Maybe I should have given him another weapon?...Nah, too helpful. The only reason you got that chainsaw, which you BROKE, was because you were near zombies. How could I NOT give you that?”


The stallion shakes his head at these thoughts.


“Nah, this will be good enough. Just a little “helpful reminder” that someone’s looking out for you. It’s much more satisfying when you know the threat is coming and still fail. That’s the essence of Bad Luck,” he smiles unkindly.


“But now that stupid Nightmare Moon went and spoiled the magic behind the curtain, she’ll just have to take on that Bad Luck as well. Same goes for the kid and the old bug. Just more Bad Luck shenanigans to enjoy,” he clops his hoof in glee reflecting the happy mask half of his cutie mark. The sullen frowning mask half comes into play when there is a knock at his door.


“Ugh. Now, time to put on my boring game face. By Lady Luck this is tedious,” he sighs. After adjusting his sunglasses, the stallion exits the door to his room into a large concrete hallway where a figure in a red robe stands, with a stack of papers in their hoof.


“Hey Lackey! Come on and give me a sit rep!” the pony in the suit orders.


“Sir!” the figure salutes. “What do you wish to know sir?”


“Everything,” he answers, as if he is completely clueless on what just went down.


“Well sir, it is as you predicted. The changeling infiltration came to light, and the Hooded Offender dealt with them. It is believed that Nightmare Moon has given him even more power because there is no trace of them.”


“Excellent. And those idiots the bugs put in charge?”


“Reports say they’re missing, most likely killed during the breakout, whether by the bugs or by the Offender we don’t know.”


Oh if only you knew.


“Excellent, that takes care of two of our problems. Those idiots are gone, and the Knights are truly Changeling free. As they should be. And now that the organization has been declared dead, we are free to act without suspicion.”


“Yes…but sir?” the cloaked pony asks trepidly.


“Yeah?”


“It’s just that, now that the changelings have been flushed out, and the false leaders are gone, we are significantly smaller. Shouldn’t we recruit?”


“Nah, you’d be surprised by what can be accomplished by a small number of the truly devout,” he chuckles as he leads the lackey through a metal door and into another low lit room where a breathing unit and a heart rate monitor can be heard.


“Besides, twenty is a nice round number. Especially with all the little gizmos we were able to pillage from Shining’s pet project. How’s our little copy and paste suit coming along?”


“We predict possibly more than half a year. Though we still don’t have a pilot.”


“Oh we will. Once HE wakes up and goes through some tender loving rehabilitation, He’ll be more than happy to jump into action,” he waves off pointing to the large cylindrical capsule in the middle of the room. “And boy is that gonna be a great fight.”


“Sir, do you really think it will be enough to defeat him?”


Oh heck no. It’s just more wonderful suffering for Bug Boy to go through to help hurt his image and psyche. The real plan is coming from that time displaced mare in the north…


“I think there’s a good chance,” he lies. “And it will make the true Crimson Knights fight harder with this guy leading the charge.” He then walks over to the capsule and wipes away the condensation upon the glass window.


“Now, quit being so formal all the time. In fact tell the others to quit being so uptight. We got plenty of time to just hang around and watch events unfold.”


“Very well S-“ the lackey starts before he catches himself as the other stallion raises an eyebrow.


“Very well, DWC.”


“Thataboy,” he smiles. “Now run along, someone’s got to start the rumor mill about Appleloosa.”


The robed figure nods and exits the room, leaving DWC alone with the capsule.


“Ugh. Always so militaristic and formal. I’d have actually preferred the idiots the Changelings put in charge. I guess that’s your fault,” he says to the unconscious figure in the window.


“But in the long run, the devout serious nutjobs are better for making things run smoothly, even if they are tiresome. I just know I’m gonna pop a blood vessel when you wake up, and that’s not just because of your face. Yeesh.”


He hits a switch, and a light comes on in the capsule, displaying the figure much more clearly.


A stallion breathes rhythmically with the machine. The fire burns are vicious upon his body even after a year and a half of receiving them. One half of his face is covered in bits of metal and technology, making up for what was irrevocably destroyed, though the red optic eye still has not come online.


“By the will of my Lady Luck, dear old Bugze must suffer. You’re just a small piece of that suffering, but when I wake you up, these nutjobs will have a Flag to rally behind…”


POV: Cinnamon “Sin” Sugar


Everything hurts. Your head, your legs, your whole body, and yet you lay upon a comfortable bed.


“Ugh…” you groan as you open your eyes. All that greets you is a black stoney roof with holes in it.


Wait…The Hive? We’re home?

You raise a hoof up to rub your temple, but you pause in confusion. For instead of your usual hole filled black foreleg, is instead a maroon solid one.


“Huh?” you gasp as you look down at the rest of your body. You are no longer changeling black, but a soft tone of red and brown.


“Oh good, you’re awake finally,” comes a boyish sounding voice. Looking to your left you see, something absolutely strange. He appears to be a cool colored Changeling and Deer hybrid as tall as the queen.


“Wh-What are you? Where am I? What happened to my body?” you ask a bit fearfully.


The Bug Deer gives you a warm smile and answers again in that innocent sounding voice.


“You’re in the Hive of course Shell Marshall Cinnamon Sugar. And I’m a changeling just like you. I am King Thorax.”


“King? There’s never been a King. And since when did Chrysalis marry?”


“Chrysalis…isn’t in this Hive anymore. She rejected our next step in evolution and exiled herself.”


“So she’s not here then?” you ask and he nods which you let out a sigh. “That’s a relief. And wait, did you say next step in evolution?” you ask quizzically and he nods.


“That’s right. Our bodies are the result of us accepting a different method than the old royalty. To being able to accept and give love ourselves to where we don’t have to feed on others anymore.”


Something about that does register with you. You don’t feel hungry at all. Just like what Bugze was talking about.


“We…we don’t?”


“Nope. Not anymore. It’s a new age for the Changelings. I am King Thorax, and let me just say, it’s good to have the three hundred and their family and friends back.”


Looking around you, you see hundreds of other beds lining the room, each filled with a changeling, and yet not. They’ve all…changed. There are no black changelings left, only varying degrees of bugs that are every bright color imaginable.


On the five closest beds to you are your fellow officers, all of them injured, and yet, all them still alive. Mongo, Vicky, Biff and Tannen have all gotten the same treatment as you. Vicky is hot pink. Biff is ice blue, Tannen is orange and red, and Mongo is a solid green.


When we agreed to accept Bugze’s way…


“What happened? Did…did you dunk us all in liquefied rainbows?” you ask in shock and he chuckles.


“Oh no, this change occurred when you were brought into my care. You all are still injured from the Appleloosan Invasion, but each and every one of you and your family members had accepted the new path in your hearts. In the presence of the new Hive, the change occurred in your sleep. That’s why I felt it best to be here for when everyling woke up.”


“What? But how can their already be a new Hive? How can you be king if it’s only been a few days?” you ask King Thorax in confusion.


He seems troubled by this.


“Oh dear…well you see, this is a bit strange for me too. You see, it’s actually been over three years since you and the three hundred invaded.”


“WHAT?!” you screech in surprise and he flinches a little. “How? How is that even possible, I don’t-“


“Please calm down, and I’ll explain as best I can,” he puts a reassuring hoof on your shoulder and you stop panting.


“You see, there is a legend of a Pony Stallion in a Magical Blue Box that can be found throughout the world’s history. Turns out he’s not a legend at all.”


“Blue Box…We…we saw that in the town,” you nod in remembrance.


“Well three years ago, that Box not only appeared in Appleloosa, but shortly afterwards inside the Changeling Prison where it took over a thousand drones. I didn’t witness it myself as I was in the Crystal Empire at the time, but my subjects have relayed the story time and time again. And just yesterday, that Blue Box returned.”


Your jaw drops in amazement at that.


“We traveled through time?”


“Apparently so. I got to say though, it’s weird for me being the same age as you now,” he chuckles softly.


You stir at that in memory as you look at the tall changeling king again.


“Wait a minute. Thorax? As in the shaking skinny underclassmen from High School Thorax?”


He smiles and nods at this. “The very same, though I’m not so skinny now eh?”


You can say that again, you nod and look from him to all the other changelings.


“We were missing for three whole years…”


“You didn’t miss anything good. Believe me; you’re in a time of peace and prosperity now. Ponies are no longer the enemy, but our friends. We don’t have to hide or starve anymore. If anything, you, the three hundred, and all of their family were the first to accept the new way, that’s why you belong here now.”


“No more fighting? No more running? No more being scared?” you gasp as the implications hit you.


You’d been a soldier for so long, it was expected of you in order to survive. Your blind obedience though nearly ended the Hive, but now…now…


“H-Hey now, there’s no need to cry. Everything’s going to be alright, I promise,” Thorax says as he pats your newly colored back. But you can’t help the tears. They flow in relief, and happiness. You’re finally free.


“I’m sorry *Sniff* I’m sorry, I just. I never thought anything like this would ever happen. Peace…”


He nods at this. “Well it didn’t come easy. For us it took a little dragon who believed we could change, and a very smart studious Mare to help them realize what I had learned.”


He smiles radiantly at that, and you can feel the power within him. It feels warm and comforting. And familiar.


“For us we…when we agreed to The Hooded Offender’s view…we accepted this new way.”


To this, King Thorax’s face takes on a strange, sympathetic look which you raise an eyebrow at.


“Ah yes. The Hooded Offender. Truly one of the greatest heroes in all of the world’s history…”


“Yeah. He kind of is…Speaking of which, is he around? I want to speak to him again and personally give my thanks. It may have been yesterday for us, but it’s been three years for him.”


He looks down and away from you, seeming nervous.


“What? Is…is he still living with the ponies? He always was kind of a loner,” you throw out with a desperate chuckle.


It fades though as he gives you a solemn look and he closes his eyes..


No…You think in anguish. The changeling who gave you and the others a second chance. The Changeling who forgave you, who gave you all peace. He can’t possibly be…


“I hate to say this Sin…but The Hooded Offender perished in battle two years ago.”


And like that, a thunderclap shatters the happiness that had overtaken you. There are no words that you can say that can express the sadness that sweeps over you as the new.


“N-No…No…” the tears come to your eyes. “He was just…we…NO…” you weep as the Changeling King wraps you in a hug which you return in gusto.


“He gave us all our lives back! Biff, Tannen, Vicky and Mongo and all the rest. We’re only here because of him!” you shout. Thorax says nothing as he pats your back.


“I-I-I Never had a chance to thank him for all he’d done. I never got to say…It can’t be true. It can’t!”


Your pleading doesn’t change the truth displayed in the King’s eyes.


“I’m sorry…He Died A Hero…”


TO BE CONTINUED